Choosing the right Android tablet can be tough, especially with so many options available. Today, we're pitting two popular Samsung tablets against each other: the premium Galaxy Tab S8 and the more budget-friendly Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021). Let's dive in and see which one comes out on top.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Tab S8 is the clear winner for performance and features, boasting a flagship processor, vibrant display, and S Pen support. However, the Tab A8 offers excellent value for casual users on a tighter budget. It's a trade-off between power and price.
| 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 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 09 | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 22 | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 253.8 x 165.3 x 6.3 mm (9.99 x 6.51 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 | 503 g (Wi-Fi), 507 g (5G) (1.11 lb) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| | Stylus, 6.2ms latency (Bluetooth integration, accelerometer, gyro) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~274 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 120Hz | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1.1 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | UFS | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, AF
6 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | 12 MP, f/2.4, 120˚ (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | - | 5 MP |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| | Tuned by AKG | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 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/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | Wireless Samsung DeX | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired, 100% in 80 min | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 8000 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | SM-X700, SM-X706, SM-X706B, SM-X706U, SM-X706N | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | About 350 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.87 W/kg (body) | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
- Flagship Performance
- Vibrant 120Hz Display
- S Pen Support
- Excellent Cameras
- Faster Charging (45W)
- Higher Price
- Can get warm under heavy load
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Affordable Price
- Decent Battery Life
- Good for Basic Tasks
- Lightweight and Portable
- Slow Performance
- Lower Quality Display
- Slow Charging (15W)
- No S Pen Support
Display Comparison
The Tab S8 features a stunning 11-inch LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The Tab A8 has a 10.5-inch LCD display, but lacks the high refresh rate, resulting in a less fluid experience. The Tab S8's display is noticeably brighter and sharper.
Camera Comparison
The Tab S8 has a more versatile camera system with a wider array of features and better image quality. The Tab A8's cameras are adequate for casual snapshots, but don't expect flagship-level performance. The S8's front-facing camera is also superior for video calls.
Performance
Here's where the Tab S8 truly shines. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset delivers significantly faster performance than the Tab A8's Unisoc Tiger T618. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the S8. The A8 can handle basic tasks, but struggles with demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both tablets offer decent battery life for everyday use. The Tab S8's larger battery and more efficient processor generally provide slightly longer usage times, especially under heavy load. The Tab A8's battery life is respectable, but charging is significantly slower.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is ideal for power users, creatives, and those who want a premium tablet experience with top-tier performance and features like the S Pen. The Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) is a great choice for students, families, or anyone looking for a reliable and affordable tablet for basic tasks like browsing, streaming, and light gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Galaxy Tab S8 worth the extra money?
If you prioritize performance, a premium display, and features like the S Pen, then yes, the Tab S8 is worth the investment. However, if you're on a budget and only need a tablet for basic tasks, the Tab A8 is a more sensible choice.
❓ Can the Galaxy Tab A8 play games?
The Tab A8 can handle casual games, but it will struggle with more demanding titles. Expect lower frame rates and potential lag. The Tab S8 is significantly better suited for gaming.
