Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE vs. A8 10.5 (2021): A Deep Dive Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Galaxy Tab S7 FE is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 778G (Wi-Fi model) or 750G (5G model) chipset delivers significantly faster processing speeds than the Tab A8’s Unisoc Tiger T618. However, the Tab A8 remains a compelling option for basic tasks and media consumption at a lower price point.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE | Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, May 25 | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 18 | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 284.8 x 185 x 6.3 mm (11.21 x 7.28 x 0.25 in) | 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 608 g (1.34 lb) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| Stylus support | - | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~243 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 12.4 inches, 445.8 cm2 (~84.6% 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 (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) - 5G modelOcta-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) - Wi-Fi model | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) - 5G modelQualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) - Wi-Fi model | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 - 5G modelAdreno 642L - Wi-Fi model | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Tuned by AKG | - | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE (Wi-Fi), 5.2, A2DP, LE (5G) | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2, magnetic connector | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (5G) | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass, gyro (5G model only) | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Samsung DeX | - | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 45W wired, 100% in 190 min | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 10090 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Mystic Black, Mystic Silver, Mystic Green, Mystic Pink | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | SM-T730, SM-T733, SM-T736B, SM-T735 | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | About 650 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR EU | 1.15 W/kg (body) | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Display | Contrast ratio: 1886:1 (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker | -27.2 LUFS (Good) | - |
| Performance | AnTuTu: 292530 (v8), 355430 (v9) GeekBench: 1904 (v5.1) GFXBench: 9.7fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE
- Significantly faster processor for demanding tasks
- Faster 45W charging
- Optional 5G connectivity (on some models)
- Superior display brightness and contrast
- Higher price point
- Longer charging time (190 minutes) despite faster wattage
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- More affordable price
- Lightweight and portable
- Adequate for basic tasks like browsing and streaming
- Decent build quality for the price
- Slower Unisoc Tiger T618 processor
- Slower 15W charging
- Less vibrant display
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Display Comparison
The Galaxy Tab S7 FE boasts a superior display experience. While both tablets feature a 10.5-inch screen, the S7 FE achieves a measured peak brightness of 522 nits, significantly outshining the A8 (brightness data unavailable, but expected to be lower based on market positioning). The S7 FE’s 1886:1 contrast ratio also contributes to a more vibrant and immersive viewing experience. While both are LCD panels, the S7 FE’s higher brightness and contrast make it better suited for outdoor use and HDR content. The A8’s display is adequate for everyday tasks, but lacks the visual punch of the S7 FE.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance isn’t a primary focus for either tablet, but the S7 FE likely holds an advantage due to its more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Snapdragon chipset. While specific camera specs are not provided, Samsung generally equips its higher-end tablets with better sensors and image processing algorithms. The A8’s Unisoc chipset lacks the same level of image processing capabilities. Users should expect acceptable results for casual snapshots with both devices, but the S7 FE will likely produce sharper, more detailed images, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
Performance
The performance gap between these tablets is substantial. The Galaxy Tab S7 FE utilizes either the Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) or the SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) depending on the model, offering a significant advantage over the Tab A8’s Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm). The Snapdragon 778G, found in the Wi-Fi version, features a more modern CPU architecture – Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) – compared to the A8’s Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55). This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The 6nm process node of the 778G also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended use. The 5G variant, while using the 750G, still offers a performance edge due to Qualcomm’s optimizations.
Battery Life
The Galaxy Tab S7 FE supports 45W wired charging, allowing for a full charge in approximately 190 minutes. The Tab A8 is limited to 15W charging, resulting in a significantly longer charging time. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the faster charging of the S7 FE mitigates any potential disadvantage from a smaller battery size. The more efficient Snapdragon chipset in the S7 FE also contributes to better battery life during demanding tasks, offsetting any capacity differences.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE if you need a tablet for multitasking, demanding apps, stylus support, and occasional gaming. The S7 FE’s more powerful processor and optional 5G connectivity make it a versatile device for work and play. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) if you prefer a budget-friendly tablet for casual browsing, video streaming, and light productivity tasks. It’s an excellent choice for families or users who don’t require high-end performance.