Choosing a tablet can be tough, especially with so many options available. Today, we're pitting two very different contenders against each other: the rugged Ulefone Armor Pad and the more mainstream Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021). Let's see which one comes out on top.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 offers a smoother, more refined experience with a better display and generally faster performance. However, the Ulefone Armor Pad's incredible battery life and rugged design make it a clear winner for those needing extreme durability and longevity.
| 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, 17, 19, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 22 | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 22 | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 213 x 128.8 x 14 mm (8.39 x 5.07 x 0.55 in) | 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 560 g (1.23 lb) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| | 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) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~67.6% 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 (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio G25 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio, RDS, recording | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG, magnetic connector | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W Wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7650 mAh, removable | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | - | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.92 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
- Extremely rugged and durable
- Water and dust resistant
- Long lifespan (1000 cycles)
- Lower resolution display
- Less powerful processor
- Potentially bulky design
- Camera quality likely inferior
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Better display quality
- Faster performance
- More polished software experience
- Slimmer and lighter design
- Less durable
- Shorter battery life
- Standard charging speed
- Less appealing for rugged use cases
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 boasts a 10.5-inch LCD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200, offering vibrant colors and sharp details. The Ulefone Armor Pad likely has a lower resolution display, prioritizing durability over visual fidelity. Expect a noticeably better viewing experience on the Tab A8.
Camera Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 generally has better camera hardware and software. Expect improved image quality and features. The Ulefone Armor Pad's cameras are likely functional but not a primary selling point.
Performance
While both tablets feature octa-core processors, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8's Unisoc Tiger T618 with its Cortex-A75 cores provides a performance edge over the Ulefone Armor Pad's Helio G25. Expect smoother multitasking and faster app loading on the Tab A8. The Armor Pad's chipset is adequate for basic tasks.
Battery Life
The Ulefone Armor Pad shines here. Its advertised 83:38h endurance and 1000 cycles are exceptional, far surpassing the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8's battery life. This makes the Armor Pad a champion for extended use without needing to recharge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Armor Pad if you need a tablet that can withstand drops, water, and harsh conditions. It's ideal for outdoor workers, adventurers, or anyone who prioritizes battery life above all else. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 if you want a well-rounded tablet for everyday use, media consumption, and light gaming, with a better screen and more polished software.
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 IP69K rating, though specific details should be confirmed on the product page.
❓ Can I play demanding games on the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 can handle casual games and less demanding titles smoothly. However, it may struggle with graphically intensive games at higher settings.
