Ulefone Tab A11 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy Tab A8: Which Budget Tablet Reigns Supreme?

The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Ulefone Tab A11 Pro and Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) represent compelling options for users seeking affordable entertainment and productivity. This comparison dives deep into their core specifications, focusing on the critical differences in chipset architecture and their impact on real-world performance and efficiency.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Ulefone Tab A11 Pro is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G99, built on a 6nm process, delivers a noticeable performance advantage and superior power efficiency compared to the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8’s 12nm Unisoc Tiger T618, making it ideal for gaming and multitasking.

PHONES
Phone Names Ulefone Tab A11 Pro Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE - cellular model only
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2024, June2021, December 15
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, JuneAvailable. Released 2022, January 17
Body
Dimensions256.9 x 168.4 x 7.6 mm (10.11 x 6.63 x 0.30 in)246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM (cellular model only)
Weight500.5 g (1.10 lb)508 g (1.12 lb)
Display
Resolution1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~206 ppi density)1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density)
Size11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~81.1% screen-to-body ratio)10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzTFT LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Helio G99 (6 nm)Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Mali G52 MP2
OSAndroid 14Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panorama-
Single16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm8 MP, AF
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP5 MP
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only
RadioFM radio, RDS, recordingNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximity (accessories only)Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired15W wired
TypeLi-Po 8800 mAhLi-Po 7040 mAh
Misc
ColorsGrayGray, Silver, Pink Gold
Models-SM-X200, SM-X205
PriceAbout 200 EURAbout 230 EUR
SAR EU-0.92 W/kg (body)

Ulefone Tab A11 Pro

  • More powerful and efficient Mediatek Helio G99 chipset
  • Faster 18W charging
  • Potentially longer battery life due to 6nm process

  • Less established brand reputation
  • Software updates may be less frequent

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)

  • Well-known and trusted Samsung brand
  • Polished One UI software experience
  • Generally reliable software updates

  • Less powerful Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset
  • Slower 15W charging
  • Lower power efficiency

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a particularly advanced display. While specific panel details (like brightness in nits or color gamut coverage) are unavailable, the focus here is on the internal hardware. Both are 10.5-inch displays, but the processing power driving the UI and video decoding will impact perceived smoothness. The A11 Pro’s more powerful GPU should translate to smoother video playback, especially with higher resolution content. Bezels are likely comparable given the price points, and color accuracy is expected to be standard for this segment.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for most buyers in this segment. Both tablets likely feature basic camera setups. Given the lack of detailed specifications, it’s safe to assume both will struggle in low-light conditions. The focus should be on video conferencing capabilities rather than photography. Any differences in image quality will likely be minimal and overshadowed by the limitations of the sensors and image processing.

Performance

The core differentiator lies in the chipsets. The Ulefone Tab A11 Pro’s Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) is a significant upgrade over the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8’s Unisoc Tiger T618 (12nm). The 6nm fabrication process inherently offers better power efficiency, meaning the A11 Pro will generate less heat and consume less battery for the same level of performance. Architecturally, the G99 features two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, paired with six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz. The Tab A8 uses two Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz. While core counts are similar, the A76 cores in the G99 offer a performance advantage over the A75 cores. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience. The G99’s integrated GPU will also provide a better gaming experience.

Battery Life

The Ulefone Tab A11 Pro’s 18W charging is slightly faster than the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8’s 15W charging. However, the real benefit of the G99’s 6nm process is its power efficiency. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the A11 Pro will likely achieve longer screen-on times and overall battery life due to its more efficient chipset. The faster charging will also reduce downtime, getting you back to using the tablet quicker.

Buying Guide

Buy the Ulefone Tab A11 Pro if you need a tablet capable of handling demanding applications, enjoy mobile gaming, and value a more efficient processor for longer battery life. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) if you prioritize brand recognition, a polished software experience, and are primarily focused on basic media consumption and light tasks, accepting a trade-off in raw processing power.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Mediatek Helio G99 in the Ulefone Tab A11 Pro handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Helio G99 is a capable chipset for gaming. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it should be able to run PUBG Mobile at medium settings with a playable frame rate. The 6nm process also helps mitigate thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions, providing a more consistent experience.
❓ Is the Unisoc Tiger T618 in the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 prone to overheating during prolonged use?
The Unisoc Tiger T618, being built on a 12nm process, is more susceptible to thermal throttling than the Helio G99. While it won't necessarily overheat to the point of being unusable, you may experience performance drops during extended gaming or multitasking sessions. It's best suited for lighter workloads.
❓ How significant is the difference in charging speed between 18W and 15W?
While a 3W difference may not seem substantial, it can add up over time. The Ulefone Tab A11 Pro’s 18W charging will likely shave off around 15-20 minutes from a full 0-100% charge compared to the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8’s 15W charging. This is a noticeable convenience for users who frequently need to top up their battery.