Samsung's Tab S8 series offers premium Android tablet experiences, but choosing between the Ultra and the standard S8 can be tricky. Both boast powerful performance and stunning displays, but significant differences exist. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which tablet best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Tab S8 Ultra wins on screen size, S Pen integration, and overall premium feel. However, the Tab S8 offers a more compact and portable design at a lower price point. For power users and creatives, the Ultra is the clear choice; for everyday use and portability, the S8 is a strong contender.
| 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 | LTE | LTE |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 09 | 2022, February 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 30 | Available. Released 2022, March 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 326.4 x 208.6 x 5.5 mm (12.85 x 8.21 x 0.22 in) | 253.8 x 165.3 x 6.3 mm (9.99 x 6.51 x 0.25 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 726 g (Wi-Fi), 728 g (5G) (1.60 lb) | 503 g (Wi-Fi), 507 g (5G) (1.11 lb) |
| | Stylus, 2.8ms latency (Bluetooth integration, accelerometer, gyro) | Stylus, 6.2ms latency (Bluetooth integration, accelerometer, gyro) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1848 x 2960 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~240 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~274 ppi density) |
| Size | 14.6 inches, 612.6 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+ | TFT LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 730 |
| OS | Android 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1.1 | Android 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS | UFS |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, AF
6 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, AF
6 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | 12 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide)
12 MP, f/2.4, 120˚ (ultrawide) | 12 MP, f/2.4, 120˚ (ultrawide) |
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| | Tuned by AKG | Tuned by AKG |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2, magnetic connector | USB Type-C 3.2, magnetic connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | Wireless Samsung DeX | Wireless Samsung DeX |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired, 100% in 82 min | 45W wired, 100% in 80 min |
| Type | Li-Po 11200 mAh | Li-Po 8000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite | Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | SM-X900, SM-X906, SM-X906B, SM-X906U, SM-X906N | SM-X700, SM-X706, SM-X706B, SM-X706U, SM-X706N |
| Price | About 1150 EUR | About 350 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.69 W/kg (body) | 0.87 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
- Massive 14.6-inch display
- Superior camera system
- Enhanced S Pen integration
- Premium build quality
- Excellent for multitasking
- Higher price
- Larger and less portable
- Slightly shorter battery life (under heavy use)
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
- More compact and portable
- Lower price
- Excellent performance
- Vibrant Super AMOLED display
- Good S Pen experience
- Smaller display
- Less versatile camera system
- Less premium feel compared to Ultra
Display Comparison
The Tab S8 Ultra features a massive 14.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering unparalleled immersion for media consumption and creative work. The Tab S8, on the other hand, has an 11-inch Super AMOLED display, also with a 120Hz refresh rate. While still excellent, it's noticeably smaller. The Ultra's larger screen is a significant advantage for multitasking and productivity.
Camera Comparison
The Tab S8 Ultra boasts a more versatile camera system, including a 13MP ultrawide and a 6MP depth camera on the front, alongside a 108MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide, and 5MP macro camera on the rear. The Tab S8 has a 13MP ultrawide and 6MP depth camera on the front, and an 8MP main camera and 5MP ultrawide on the rear. The Ultra's superior camera hardware translates to better image quality, especially in low light, and more creative options.
Performance
Both tablets share the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and CPU configuration, ensuring blazing-fast performance for demanding apps and games. Real-world performance differences are minimal, with both handling multitasking and graphically intensive tasks with ease. However, the Ultra's larger cooling system *might* allow for slightly sustained performance under heavy load, though this is difficult to definitively prove.
Battery Life
Both tablets have a 10,000 mAh battery. While charging speeds are identical (45W wired), the Tab S8 Ultra's larger screen size means it will likely have slightly shorter battery life under heavy use. The provided charging times (82 min for Ultra, 80 min for S8) are very close, indicating similar charging efficiency.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra? Creative professionals, power users needing a large display for multitasking, and those who prioritize the best possible S Pen experience. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8? Students, casual users, and those seeking a premium Android tablet experience in a more compact and affordable package.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the S Pen included with both tablets?
Yes, the S Pen is included with both the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8.
❓ Which tablet is better for gaming?
Both tablets offer excellent gaming performance. The Tab S8 Ultra's larger screen provides a more immersive experience, but the Tab S8's portability might be preferable for on-the-go gaming.
