The Samsung Galaxy Tab S series consistently delivers premium Android tablet experiences. But with the Tab S8 now available, is it a worthwhile upgrade over the still-capable Tab S7? We're diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Tab S8 offers a significant performance boost thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, a brighter and smoother 120Hz display, and improved cameras. While the S7 remains a solid choice, the S8 is the clear winner for those seeking the latest and greatest Android tablet experience.
| 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, 13, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (6CA) Cat20 2000/150 Mbps, 5G - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 09 | 2020, August 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 22 | Available. Released 2020, August 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 253.8 x 165.3 x 6.3 mm (9.99 x 6.51 x 0.25 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 | 503 g (Wi-Fi), 507 g (5G) (1.11 lb) | 498 g (Wi-Fi), 500 g (LTE), 502 g (5G) (1.10 lb) |
| | Stylus, 6.2ms latency (Bluetooth integration, accelerometer, gyro) | Stylus support, 9ms latency (Bluetooth integration, accelerometer, gyro) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~274 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~274 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 120Hz | TFT LCD, 120Hz, HDR10+ |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (1x3.09 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G+ (7 nm+) |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1.1 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS | UFS 3.0 |
| 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
5 MP, f/2.2, 12mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | 12 MP, f/2.4, 120˚ (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps | 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 | 5.0, 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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | Wireless Samsung DeX | Samsung DeX |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired, 100% in 80 min | 45W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 8000 mAh | Li-Po 8000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold | Mystic Black, Mystic Bronze, Mystic Silver, Phantom Navy |
| Models | SM-X700, SM-X706, SM-X706B, SM-X706U, SM-X706N | SM-T870, SM-T875, SM-T876B |
| Price | About 350 EUR | About 700 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.26 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.87 W/kg (body) | 1.38 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
- Significantly faster performance
- Brighter and smoother 120Hz display
- Improved cameras (especially front-facing)
- S Pen included
- More modern design
- Higher price
- Can get warm under heavy load
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7
- More affordable
- Still a very capable performer
- Excellent AMOLED display
- S Pen included
- Compact and portable
- Older chipset
- Less bright display
- Cameras are not as impressive as the S8
Display Comparison
The Tab S8 boasts a slightly brighter and more responsive 120Hz display compared to the S7. Both feature excellent AMOLED panels with vibrant colors and deep blacks, but the S8's improved refresh rate and peak brightness offer a subtly better viewing experience. The S8 also has a slightly larger screen (11-inch vs 11-inch for the base models, but the S7 FE has a 10.4-inch screen).
Camera Comparison
The Tab S8 features upgraded front and rear cameras, offering improved image quality and video recording capabilities. The front-facing camera is particularly noteworthy, with autofocus, making it excellent for video calls. While the S7's cameras are still decent, the S8 provides a clear upgrade.
Performance
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Tab S8 provides a noticeable performance leap over the Snapdragon 865 5G+ in the Tab S7. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding games and creative applications. The S8's 4nm process also contributes to improved efficiency.
Battery Life
Both tablets offer all-day battery life under typical usage. The Tab S8 has a slightly larger battery capacity (10,900 mAh vs 8,000 mAh in the S7), but real-world battery life is comparable due to the S8's more efficient chipset. Both support 45W fast charging, though the S8 charges slightly faster (80 minutes vs unspecified for S7).
Buying Guide
The Galaxy Tab S8 is ideal for power users, creatives, and anyone who demands top-tier performance and a vibrant display. The Galaxy Tab S7 is a great option for budget-conscious buyers who still want a premium Samsung tablet experience and don't need the absolute latest features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Galaxy Tab S8 worth the upgrade from the Tab S7?
If you prioritize performance, a brighter display, and improved cameras, then yes. However, if you're on a budget and the S7 meets your needs, it's still a very capable tablet.
❓ Does the Galaxy Tab S8 come with the S Pen?
Yes, the S Pen is included with all Galaxy Tab S8 models.
