The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 series offers premium Android tablet experiences, but choosing between the standard S8 and the larger S8+ can be tricky. Both boast powerful performance and stunning displays, but key differences in size, battery, and features make one a better fit for certain users. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Tab S8+ offers a larger, more immersive display and longer battery life, making it ideal for media consumption and productivity. The Tab S8 remains a fantastic choice for those prioritizing portability and a slightly lower price point, delivering flagship performance in a more compact form.
| 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, March 22 | Available. Released 2022, April 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 253.8 x 165.3 x 6.3 mm (9.99 x 6.51 x 0.25 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 | 503 g (Wi-Fi), 507 g (5G) (1.11 lb) | 567 g (Wi-Fi), 572 g (5G) (1.25 lb) |
| | Stylus, 6.2ms latency (Bluetooth integration, accelerometer, gyro) | Stylus, 6.2ms latency (Bluetooth integration, accelerometer, gyro) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~274 ppi density) | 1752 x 2800 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 12.4 inches, 446.1 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 120Hz | 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 | 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/2.4, 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | Wireless Samsung DeX | Wireless Samsung DeX |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired, 100% in 80 min | 45W wired, 100% in 82 min |
| Type | Li-Po 8000 mAh | Li-Po 10090 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold | Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | SM-X700, SM-X706, SM-X706B, SM-X706U, SM-X706N | SM-X800, SM-X806, SM-X806B, SM-X806U, SM-X806N |
| Price | About 350 EUR | About 950 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.87 W/kg (body) | 0.68 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
- More portable
- Slightly more affordable
- Excellent performance
- Stunning display
- Smaller battery life
- Smaller screen size
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+
- Larger, more immersive display
- Longer battery life
- Excellent performance
- Great for multitasking
- Less portable
- More expensive
Display Comparison
The most significant difference lies in the display. The Tab S8 features an 11-inch LCD, while the S8+ boasts a larger 12.4-inch LCD. Both offer a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals and excellent color accuracy. The S8+'s larger size provides a more immersive viewing experience, especially for videos and games. Resolution is similar, but the extra real estate on the S8+ makes a noticeable difference.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is largely similar. Both feature a 13MP main rear camera and a 6MP ultrawide. The front-facing camera is a 12MP ultrawide on both, with auto-framing capabilities for video calls. Image quality is good for a tablet, but don't expect flagship-level photography.
Performance
Both tablets share the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and CPU configuration, ensuring identical performance. Expect blazing-fast speeds for demanding apps, smooth multitasking, and excellent gaming performance. Thermal management is generally good on both, though prolonged intensive tasks might lead to slight warming.
Battery Life
The S8+ has a larger 10,090mAh battery compared to the S8's 7,040mAh. This translates to significantly longer battery life on the S8+. While the S8 provides a full day of moderate use, the S8+ can easily last a day and a half or even two with lighter usage. Charging times are similar, both taking around 80-82 minutes to reach 100% with the included 45W charger.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8? Users who value portability, a more manageable size for one-handed use, and a slightly more affordable price. It's great for students, travelers, and those who primarily use their tablet for browsing and light gaming. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+? Users who prioritize a larger screen for watching videos, reading, and multitasking. It's perfect for creatives, gamers, and anyone who wants a more immersive tablet experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Galaxy Tab S8+ worth the extra money?
If you prioritize a larger screen and longer battery life, the S8+ is definitely worth the investment. However, if portability and a lower price are more important, the standard S8 remains an excellent choice.
❓ Can the Galaxy Tab S8 be used as a laptop replacement?
Both tablets can be used with a keyboard cover and S Pen for productivity tasks, but they are best suited as companion devices rather than full laptop replacements. The S8+'s larger screen makes it slightly more comfortable for extended typing sessions.
