The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 series offers premium Android tablet experiences, but choosing between the Ultra and Plus can be tricky. Both boast powerful performance and stunning displays, but key differences in size, features, and price make them suitable for different users. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Tab S8 Ultra wins on screen real estate and included S Pen slot, offering a more immersive experience and added convenience. However, the Tab S8+ is more portable and slightly more affordable, making it a great choice for users prioritizing size and value. It's a close call!
| 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, April 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 326.4 x 208.6 x 5.5 mm (12.85 x 8.21 x 0.22 in) | 285 x 185 x 5.7 mm (11.22 x 7.28 x 0.22 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 726 g (Wi-Fi), 728 g (5G) (1.60 lb) | 567 g (Wi-Fi), 572 g (5G) (1.25 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) | 1752 x 2800 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 14.6 inches, 612.6 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 12.4 inches, 446.1 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+ | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+ |
| 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, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 16GB 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | Wireless Samsung DeX | Wireless Samsung DeX |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired, 100% in 82 min | 45W wired, 100% in 82 min |
| Type | Li-Po 11200 mAh | Li-Po 10090 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite | Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | SM-X900, SM-X906, SM-X906B, SM-X906U, SM-X906N | SM-X800, SM-X806, SM-X806B, SM-X806U, SM-X806N |
| Price | About 1150 EUR | About 950 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.69 W/kg (body) | 0.68 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
- Massive 14.6-inch display
- Included S Pen slot
- Superior front-facing camera system
- Excellent multitasking capabilities
- Larger size and weight
- Higher price
- Slightly shorter battery life under heavy use
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+
- More portable and manageable size
- Slightly more affordable
- Excellent display quality
- Powerful performance
- Smaller display compared to Ultra
- No S Pen slot
- Less versatile front-facing camera
Display Comparison
The S8 Ultra’s 14.6-inch Super AMOLED display is its defining feature, offering unparalleled screen space for productivity and media consumption. The S8+ features a slightly smaller 12.4-inch Super AMOLED display, still vibrant and sharp, but noticeably less expansive. Both have 120Hz refresh rates for smooth visuals.
Camera Comparison
The S8 Ultra boasts a more advanced camera system, including a 40MP front-facing camera (ideal for video calls and selfies) and a wider ultrawide lens on the rear. The S8+ has a respectable camera setup, but lacks the Ultra's front-facing camera versatility. Both offer good image quality in well-lit conditions.
Performance
Both tablets share the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, ensuring blazing-fast performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking. Real-world performance differences are minimal, with both handling apps and games with ease. Thermal management is generally good on both.
Battery Life
Both tablets have a 10,000 mAh battery. While charging speeds are identical (45W wired), the S8 Ultra's larger display will naturally consume more power, potentially resulting in slightly shorter battery life under heavy use. However, both offer all-day battery life for typical usage.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is ideal for creatives, power users, and those who crave a large, immersive display for multitasking and entertainment. The Tab S8+ is perfect for users who want a premium tablet experience in a more manageable size, prioritizing portability and a slightly lower price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the S8 Ultra too big?
For some, yes. It's a large tablet and can be unwieldy for one-handed use. However, many find the expansive display worth the trade-off.
❓ Does the S Pen come with both tablets?
Yes, the S Pen comes included with both the Tab S8 Ultra and the Tab S8+.
❓ Which tablet is better for gaming?
Both offer excellent gaming performance. The S8 Ultra's larger display provides a more immersive experience, but the S8+'s slightly better thermal management might prevent throttling during extended gaming sessions.
