Samsung's tablet lineup offers options for every user, but navigating the choices can be tricky. The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, while older, boasts an S Pen and a more powerful processor architecture. The newer Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) aims to deliver a modern experience at an even lower price point. This comparison dives deep into the specifications and real-world implications to determine which tablet is the better buy.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and creative tasks, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is the superior choice. Its Exynos 9611, built on a 10nm process, offers a noticeable advantage in CPU-intensive workloads. However, the Tab A8 provides a compelling experience for casual users seeking a larger display and modern design at a lower cost.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE-A | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, April 02 | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, May 16 | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 244.5 x 154.3 x 7 mm (9.63 x 6.07 x 0.28 in) | 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 467 g (1.03 lb) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| | Stylus support | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Exynos 9611 (10nm) | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | - | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| | Tuned by AKG | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, gyro | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | ANT+ | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7040 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Chiffon Pink, Angora Blue, Oxford Gray | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | SM-P610N, SM-P615, SM-P610 | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | About 380 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR | 1.45 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | - | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
- More powerful processor for smoother multitasking.
- Includes S Pen for note-taking and creative tasks.
- Potentially better power efficiency due to 10nm process.
- Older design.
- Display technology is less advanced than newer tablets.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Larger 10.5-inch display.
- More modern design aesthetic.
- Generally lower price point.
- Unisoc T618 chipset may struggle with demanding tasks.
- 12nm process may lead to more thermal throttling.
- Camera performance is likely basic.
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 10.4-inch and 10.5-inch displays respectively, but details beyond size are scarce. The Tab A8 benefits from a slightly larger screen real estate. While neither boasts high refresh rates or OLED technology, the Tab A8’s newer panel *may* offer improved viewing angles. However, without specific brightness or color gamut data, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. The S6 Lite’s display, while older, is known for acceptable color accuracy for its price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for most tablet buyers. Both tablets feature basic camera setups. Detailed sensor information is missing, but given the market segment, expectations should be tempered. The Tab A8’s camera setup is likely similar to other budget tablets, focusing on adequate performance for video calls and casual snapshots. The S6 Lite’s camera is similarly positioned, and neither device will challenge smartphone photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tab S6 Lite’s Exynos 9611 (10nm) utilizes a combination of Cortex-A73 and A53 cores, offering a strong foundation for multitasking. The Tab A8’s Unisoc Tiger T618 (12nm) employs Cortex-A75 and A55 cores. While the A75 cores are individually more powerful than the A73, the Exynos 9611’s overall architecture and 10nm fabrication process likely translate to better sustained performance. The 12nm process of the T618, while newer, generally indicates lower power efficiency and potentially more thermal throttling under load. This means the S6 Lite will likely handle demanding apps and games more smoothly for longer periods.
Battery Life
Both tablets feature 15W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds. Without knowing the battery capacity of the Tab A8, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. However, the Exynos 9611’s 10nm process *should* contribute to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting a smaller battery capacity (if present) in the S6 Lite. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the S6 Lite has a slight edge in potential longevity due to its more efficient chipset.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite if you need a tablet for note-taking, sketching, or light productivity tasks, and value the included S Pen. Its more powerful processor will also benefit users who enjoy mobile gaming or multitasking. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) if you prioritize a larger screen for media consumption, a more modern aesthetic, and a lower price point, and your usage is primarily focused on web browsing, video streaming, and light social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 9611 in the Tab S6 Lite overheat during extended gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 9611 isn't a flagship processor, its 10nm fabrication process and thermal design generally prevent significant overheating during typical gaming. You may experience some throttling after prolonged, demanding gameplay, but it shouldn't lead to complete performance degradation.
❓ Is the Unisoc Tiger T618 in the Tab A8 sufficient for everyday tasks like browsing and video streaming?
Yes, the Unisoc Tiger T618 is perfectly capable of handling everyday tasks such as web browsing, video streaming, and social media. However, it may struggle with more demanding applications or multitasking with numerous apps open simultaneously.
❓ Can the S Pen on the Tab S6 Lite be used for precise photo editing?
The S Pen offers a degree of precision suitable for basic photo editing tasks like cropping and adjusting brightness. However, for professional-level photo editing, a dedicated stylus and larger display are recommended.
❓ What kind of storage options are available for each tablet, and can they be expanded?
Both tablets typically come in various storage configurations (32GB, 64GB, etc.). Crucially, both support microSD card expansion, allowing you to increase storage capacity as needed. Check specific retailer listings for available options.
