Choosing the right Android tablet can be tough, especially with Samsung's impressive lineup. The Galaxy Tab S8+ and S7 are both excellent options, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which one is the perfect fit for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Tab S8+ offers a significant performance boost with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, a brighter and smoother 120Hz display, and faster charging. While the Tab S7 remains a capable device, the S8+ justifies its price with noticeable upgrades, making it the overall winner for those seeking the best 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, April 14 | Available. Released 2020, August 21 |
| 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) | 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 | 567 g (Wi-Fi), 572 g (5G) (1.25 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 | 1752 x 2800 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~274 ppi density) |
| Size | 12.4 inches, 446.1 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+ | 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, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 16GB 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | Wireless Samsung DeX | Samsung DeX |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired, 100% in 82 min | 45W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 10090 mAh | Li-Po 8000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold | Mystic Black, Mystic Bronze, Mystic Silver, Phantom Navy |
| Models | SM-X800, SM-X806, SM-X806B, SM-X806U, SM-X806N | SM-T870, SM-T875, SM-T876B |
| Price | About 950 EUR | About 700 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.26 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.68 W/kg (body) | 1.38 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+
- Significantly faster performance
- Brighter and more vibrant AMOLED display
- Improved camera system
- Faster charging
- S Pen included
- Higher price
- Can get warm under heavy load
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7
- More affordable
- Still a capable performer
- Good display quality
- S Pen included
- Slower performance compared to S8+
- Less vibrant display
- Slower charging
Display Comparison
The Tab S8+ boasts a brighter 12.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and incredibly smooth scrolling. The Tab S7 also has a 12.4-inch LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, but it's not as bright or color-rich as the S8+'s AMOLED panel. The S8+’s display is noticeably more immersive.
Camera Comparison
The Tab S8+ features an upgraded rear camera system with a 13MP ultrawide and a 6MP macro lens, offering improved image quality and versatility. The Tab S7 has a 13MP wide and a 5MP ultrawide. Both have 8MP front-facing cameras. The S8+ generally captures better photos and videos.
Performance
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Tab S8+ provides a substantial performance leap over the Tab S7's Snapdragon 865 5G+. Expect faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the S8+. The S8+ handles demanding tasks with ease, while the S7 can occasionally show signs of strain.
Battery Life
Both tablets have a 10,090 mAh battery. However, the Tab S8+'s more efficient chipset and faster charging (45W vs 45W) give it a slight edge in real-world battery life and charging speed. The S8+ can charge to 100% in approximately 82 minutes, while the S7 takes longer.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ is ideal for power users, creatives, and anyone who demands top-tier performance and a premium display. The Galaxy Tab S7 is a great choice for budget-conscious buyers who still want a high-quality Samsung tablet experience and don't need the absolute latest hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Galaxy Tab S8+ worth the upgrade from the Tab S7?
If you prioritize performance, a superior display, and a better camera, then yes. The S8+ offers a noticeable upgrade. However, if you're on a budget and the Tab S7 meets your needs, it's still a solid choice.
❓ Does the S Pen come included with both tablets?
Yes, both the Galaxy Tab S8+ and Tab S7 include the S Pen stylus.
