Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ vs Apple iPad Air (2022): The Ultimate Tablet Battle
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The iPad Air (2022) boasts the M1 chip, delivering exceptional performance and seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem. The Tab S8+ shines with its vibrant display, S Pen support, and Android versatility. For raw power and iOS users, the iPad wins; for creative users and Android fans, the Tab S8+ is a strong contender.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ | Apple iPad Air (2022) |
| 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, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - A2589 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A2589, A2591 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - A2591 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 09 | 2022, March 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 14 | Available. Released 2022, March 18 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 285 x 185 x 5.7 mm (11.22 x 7.28 x 0.22 in) | 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm (9.75 x 7.03 x 0.24 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 567 g (Wi-Fi), 572 g (5G) (1.25 lb) | 461 g (Wi-Fi) / 462 g (5G) (1.02 lb) |
| Stylus, 6.2ms latency (Bluetooth integration, accelerometer, gyro) | Stylus support (2nd gen) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 1752 x 2800 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 1640 x 2360 pixels (~264 ppi density) |
| Size | 12.4 inches, 446.1 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.9 inches, 359.2 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+ | Liquid Retina IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (4x3.2 GHz & 4xX.X GHz) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Apple M1 |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Apple GPU (8-core graphics) |
| OS | Android 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1.1 | iPadOS 15.4, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM | 64GB, 256GB 8GB 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 | HDR |
| Single | - | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 12 MP, f/2.4, 120˚ (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | - | 12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide) |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Tuned by AKG | - | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, EDR |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS (5G model only) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2, magnetic connector | USB Type-C 3.1 Gen2, DisplayPort, 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, hotspot |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (top-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer |
| Wireless Samsung DeX | - | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 45W wired, 100% in 82 min | - |
| Type | Li-Po 10090 mAh | Li-Ion 7600 mAh (28.6 Wh) |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold | Space Gray, Starlight, Pink, Purple, Blue |
| Models | SM-X800, SM-X806, SM-X806B, SM-X806U, SM-X806N | A2588, A2589, A2591, iPad13,16, iPad13,17 |
| Price | About 950 EUR | About 550 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.68 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+
- Vibrant AMOLED Display
- Included S Pen
- Versatile Camera System
- Fast Charging (45W)
- Android Flexibility
- Performance slightly behind iPad Air
- Android tablet ecosystem less mature than iPadOS
- Larger and heavier than iPad Air
Apple iPad Air (2022)
- Blazing-Fast M1 Chip
- Optimized iPadOS
- Excellent App Ecosystem
- Sleek and Portable Design
- Strong Resale Value
- No included stylus (Apple Pencil sold separately)
- 60Hz display refresh rate
- Slower charging (20W)
- Less versatile camera system
Display Comparison
The Galaxy Tab S8+ features a stunning 12.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth visuals. The iPad Air (2022) has an 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, also with a 60Hz refresh rate. While the iPad's display is excellent, the Tab S8+'s AMOLED technology provides a richer, more immersive viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
The Tab S8+ has a more versatile camera setup with a 13MP main camera and a 6MP ultrawide, plus a 12MP front camera. The iPad Air (2022) has a 12MP wide camera and a 12MP front camera. Image quality is generally good on both, but the Tab S8+'s ultrawide lens provides more flexibility.
Performance
Here's where the iPad Air (2022) truly shines. The Apple M1 chip is a powerhouse, easily handling demanding tasks like video editing and gaming. The Galaxy Tab S8+'s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is no slouch, but the M1 generally offers a noticeable performance edge, especially in graphically intensive applications. iPadOS is also highly optimized for the M1.
Battery Life
The Tab S8+ has a 10,090 mAh battery, offering excellent battery life, easily lasting a full day of moderate use. The iPad Air (2022) has a smaller battery (around 8607 mAh), but Apple's efficient chip management helps it achieve comparable battery life. The Tab S8+ charges at 45W, while the iPad Air (2022) charges at 20W.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+? Android users, creative professionals needing the S Pen, and those seeking a versatile tablet for entertainment and productivity. Who should buy the Apple iPad Air (2022)? iOS users, students, and anyone prioritizing raw performance and a streamlined user experience within the Apple ecosystem.