T-Mobile REVVL Tab vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab A8: A Deep Dive into Budget Tablet Performance
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing overall performance and future-proofing, the T-Mobile REVVL Tab emerges as the winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700, built on a 7nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8’s 12nm Unisoc Tiger T618, making it better suited for multitasking and demanding applications.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | T-Mobile REVVL Tab | Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) |
| 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 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 7, 25, 28, 38, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2023, August 17 | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, August 24 | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 247.6 x 157.1 x 7.9 mm (9.75 x 6.19 x 0.31 in) | 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 513.1 g (1.13 lb) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~225 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.36 inches, 305.5 cm2 (~78.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, (wide) Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7040 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Gray | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | - | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
T-Mobile REVVL Tab
- More powerful Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset
- More efficient 7nm fabrication process
- Potentially longer battery life due to chipset efficiency
- Less brand recognition than Samsung
- Potentially limited software update support
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Established Samsung brand reputation
- Potentially wider availability of accessories
- Familiar Android skin (One UI)
- Less powerful Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset
- Less efficient 12nm fabrication process
- Potentially slower performance in demanding tasks
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. Both are likely to feature 10.5-inch LCD panels, a commonality in this price bracket. However, detailed specs like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are unavailable. The Samsung Tab A8 benefits from the Samsung brand's display expertise, potentially offering slightly better color accuracy, but the difference is unlikely to be significant. Bezels are expected to be relatively thick on both models, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are expected to feature basic camera setups, likely with a primary sensor and a depth sensor. Given the lack of detailed specifications, it’s safe to assume image quality will be adequate for casual snapshots but not competitive with smartphones. Focusing on the primary sensor, the REVVL Tab’s chipset may offer slightly better image signal processing capabilities, but the difference will be minimal.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The T-Mobile REVVL Tab’s Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) offers a clear architectural advantage over the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8’s Unisoc Tiger T618 (12nm). The 7nm fabrication process allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency. While both CPUs feature an octa-core configuration with 2x high-performance cores (Cortex-A76 in the REVVL Tab vs. Cortex-A75 in the Tab A8), the Dimensity 700’s Cortex-A76 cores are generally faster. This translates to quicker app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience. The REVVL Tab is likely to handle graphically intensive tasks, like gaming, with fewer stutters.
Battery Life
Both tablets feature 15W wired charging, indicating a similar charging experience. Battery capacity is not specified, but the Dimensity 700’s superior power efficiency in the REVVL Tab could translate to longer battery life despite a potentially similar capacity. The 7nm process inherently consumes less power than the 12nm process of the Tiger T618, meaning the REVVL Tab can sustain performance for a longer duration on a single charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the T-Mobile REVVL Tab if you need a tablet capable of handling more demanding tasks like streaming, light gaming, and running multiple apps simultaneously. Its more efficient chipset translates to a smoother user experience. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) if you prioritize brand recognition and a potentially wider ecosystem of accessories, and your usage is primarily focused on basic tasks like web browsing, video playback, and light social media.