Choosing a tablet can be tough, especially with so many options available. Today, we're pitting two distinct contenders against each other: the rugged Ulefone Armor Pad and the reliable Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2018). This comparison will help you decide which tablet best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Ulefone Armor Pad wins on battery life and durability, boasting incredible endurance and a rugged design. However, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2018) offers a more polished software experience and potentially better overall usability for everyday tasks, despite its weaker chipset.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - Canada |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 19, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 29, 30, 66 - Canada |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 13 - Verizon |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 22 | 2018, September. Released 2018, September |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 22 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 213 x 128.8 x 14 mm (8.39 x 5.07 x 0.55 in) | 206.6 x 126.7 x 8.9 mm (8.13 x 4.99 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 560 g (1.23 lb) | 358 g (12.63 oz) |
| | IP68/IP69K dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.5m
MIL-STD-810H compliant
Accessory connector (ulefone endoscope, microscope) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 4 | - |
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~67.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~70.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio G25 (12 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 308 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 8.1 (Oreo) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, AF | 5 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 2 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio, RDS, recording | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG, magnetic connector | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer |
| | - | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W Wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 7650 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Models | - | SM-T387, SM-T387W, SM-T387V, SM-T387AA, SM-T387T |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.29 W/kg (body) |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 83:38h endurance, 1000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class F | - |
| Free fall | Class A (270 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class C | - |
Ulefone Armor Pad
- Exceptional battery life
- Rugged and durable design
- More powerful processor
- Large storage options (likely)
- Water and dust resistant
- Average display quality
- Potentially less polished software
- Camera performance is basic
- Design may be bulky
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2018)
- Reliable Samsung brand
- User-friendly Android experience
- Compact and portable
- Decent for basic tasks
- Good value for money
- Weaker processor
- Shorter battery life
- Average display quality
- Camera is underwhelming
- Less durable than the Ulefone
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2018) features an 8.0-inch TFT LCD screen with a resolution of 1280 x 800. While decent, it lacks the brightness and color accuracy of higher-end displays. The Ulefone Armor Pad likely has a similar resolution, but its display quality is generally considered average, prioritizing durability over visual fidelity. Expect a slightly less vibrant experience on both, but the Samsung might have a slight edge in color reproduction.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2018) has a front and rear camera, but image quality is unremarkable. The Ulefone Armor Pad's camera specs are likely similar or slightly worse, prioritizing durability over camera performance. Don't expect to take stunning photos with either device.
Performance
Here's where the Ulefone Armor Pad pulls ahead. Its Octa-core Mediatek Helio G25 chipset, while not a flagship, offers significantly more processing power than the Samsung's Quad-core Snapdragon 425. Expect smoother multitasking and better performance in games on the Ulefone. The Samsung will handle basic tasks adequately, but may struggle with demanding apps.
Battery Life
The Ulefone Armor Pad's battery is a standout feature, boasting an incredible 83:38h endurance and 1000 cycles. This is a massive advantage over the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2018), which offers a respectable but significantly shorter battery life. The Ulefone is the clear winner in this category.
Buying Guide
The Ulefone Armor Pad is ideal for those needing a tablet that can withstand harsh conditions – construction workers, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone prone to accidents. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2018) is a great choice for casual users, students, or families looking for a reliable and affordable tablet for media consumption and light productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Ulefone Armor Pad waterproof?
Yes, the Ulefone Armor Pad is designed to be waterproof and dustproof, typically with an IP68 or IP69 rating.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2018) handle gaming?
It can handle basic games, but more demanding titles may experience lag or performance issues.