The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 series brought a wave of premium Android tablets to the market. Choosing between the S8+ and the S8 Ultra can be tough, as they share many similarities. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which tablet best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Tab S8 Ultra offers a larger, brighter display and an extra front-facing camera for enhanced video calls. However, the Tab S8+ remains a fantastic choice, offering a more manageable size and a slightly lower price point. For most users, the S8+ provides excellent value.
| 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, April 14 | Available. Released 2022, April 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 285 x 185 x 5.7 mm (11.22 x 7.28 x 0.22 in) | 326.4 x 208.6 x 5.5 mm (12.85 x 8.21 x 0.22 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 567 g (Wi-Fi), 572 g (5G) (1.25 lb) | 726 g (Wi-Fi), 728 g (5G) (1.60 lb) |
| | Stylus, 6.2ms latency (Bluetooth integration, accelerometer, gyro) | Stylus, 2.8ms latency (Bluetooth integration, accelerometer, gyro) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1752 x 2800 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 1848 x 2960 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~240 ppi density) |
| Size | 12.4 inches, 446.1 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 14.6 inches, 612.6 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+ | 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, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 12GB 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/2.2, 26mm (wide)
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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | Wireless Samsung DeX | Wireless Samsung DeX |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired, 100% in 82 min | 45W wired, 100% in 82 min |
| Type | Li-Po 10090 mAh | Li-Po 11200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold | Graphite |
| Models | SM-X800, SM-X806, SM-X806B, SM-X806U, SM-X806N | SM-X900, SM-X906, SM-X906B, SM-X906U, SM-X906N |
| Price | About 950 EUR | About 1150 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.68 W/kg (body) | 0.69 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+
- More portable size
- Slightly lower price
- Excellent display quality
- Powerful performance
- Smaller display compared to Ultra
- Less advanced camera system
- No under-display camera
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
- Massive, immersive display
- Superior front-facing cameras
- S Pen included
- Premium design
- Higher price
- Larger size can be unwieldy
- Potential for more fingerprints on the screen
Display Comparison
The Tab S8 Ultra boasts a massive 14.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering unparalleled immersion. The Tab S8+ features a slightly smaller 12.4-inch Super AMOLED display, also with a 120Hz refresh rate. Both displays are vibrant and sharp, but the Ultra's sheer size is a significant advantage for media consumption and multitasking.
Camera Comparison
The Tab S8 Ultra features a more advanced camera system, including a 13MP ultrawide and a 6MP cover camera. The Tab S8+ has a 13MP main camera and an 8MP ultrawide. The Ultra's front-facing cameras are a significant upgrade for video calls and content creation.
Performance
Both tablets are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, ensuring blazing-fast performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. Real-world performance differences are minimal, as both devices handle multitasking and resource-intensive applications with ease. Cooling solutions are adequate, but prolonged heavy use may result in slight throttling.
Battery Life
Both tablets offer similar battery life, typically lasting a full day of moderate use. Charging speeds are identical at 45W wired, with both reaching 100% in approximately 82 minutes.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+? Users who prefer a more portable tablet, value a slightly lower price, and don't need the absolute largest screen. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra? Users prioritizing a massive, immersive display, enhanced video conferencing capabilities, and the absolute best in Samsung's tablet lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the S Pen included with both tablets?
Yes, the S Pen is included with both the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ and the Tab S8 Ultra.
❓ Which tablet is better for gaming?
Both tablets offer excellent gaming performance. The Tab S8 Ultra's larger screen provides a more immersive experience, but the Tab S8+'s slightly more manageable size might be preferred by some.
❓ What is the difference in storage options?
Both tablets offer similar storage options, typically ranging from 128GB to 512GB. Some models of the S8 Ultra may offer a 1TB option.
