Ulefone Tab A9 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy Tab A8: A Deep Dive into Performance and Battery Life

The Ulefone Tab A9 Pro and Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) represent compelling options in the crowded budget tablet space. While both aim to deliver an accessible Android experience, they diverge in their core approaches to performance and longevity. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing sustained usage and overall endurance, the Ulefone Tab A9 Pro emerges as the winner. Its significantly longer 34:46h battery life, coupled with the Mediatek Helio G91 chipset, provides a more robust experience for extended tasks, despite the slightly slower 18W charging.

PHONES
Phone Names Ulefone Tab A9 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, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE - cellular model only
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2025, September2021, December 15
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, September 15Available. Released 2022, January 17
Body
Dimensions212.5 x 125.1 x 7.9 mm (8.37 x 4.93 x 0.31 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)
Weight326.2 g (11.50 oz)508 g (1.12 lb)
Display
ProtectionMohs level 4-
Resolution800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~180 ppi density)1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density)
Size8.68 inches, 213.9 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio)10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nitsTFT LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Helio G91 (12 nm)Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G52 MC2Mali G52 MP2
OSAndroid 15Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 4GB RAM32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual12 MP, f/1.8, (wide) 13 MP, f/2.4, 136˚ (ultrawide)-
FeaturesLED flash-
Single-8 MP, AF
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)5 MP
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, 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, 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 5040 mAhLi-Po 7040 mAh
Misc
ColorsMarble White, Galaxy BuleGray, Silver, Pink Gold
Models-SM-X200, SM-X205
Price-About 230 EUR
SAR EU-0.92 W/kg (body)
EU LABEL
Battery34:46h endurance, 1000 cycles-
EnergyClass G-
Free fallClass C (108 falls)-
RepairabilityClass B-

Ulefone Tab A9 Pro

  • Exceptional battery life (34:46h endurance)
  • Faster 18W charging
  • Potentially better burst performance with Helio G91

  • Less established brand reputation
  • Software experience may not be as refined as Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)

  • Well-known Samsung brand
  • Potentially smoother software experience
  • Wider availability and support network

  • Shorter battery life
  • Slower 15W charging
  • Unisoc Tiger T618 may offer slightly less peak performance

Display Comparison

Both tablets utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting similar power efficiency constraints impacting display capabilities. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type, brightness) are missing, the focus shifts to the underlying performance. The choice here will likely hinge on subjective preferences regarding Samsung’s display calibration versus Ulefone’s, and the availability of features like blue light filters on each device.

Camera Comparison

Given the budget nature of both tablets, camera performance isn’t a primary focus. Details regarding sensor size and image processing are unavailable. It’s safe to assume both tablets feature basic camera setups suitable for casual snapshots, but not for serious photography. The absence of detailed camera specs reinforces the idea that these tablets are geared towards content consumption rather than creation.

Performance

The Ulefone Tab A9 Pro’s Mediatek Helio G91 chipset, featuring a dual-core Cortex-A75 setup clocked at 2.0 GHz alongside six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz, is pitted against the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8’s Unisoc Tiger T618. Both employ the same core architecture, but the Tab A8’s Cortex-A55 cores are clocked slightly higher at 2.0 GHz. This difference is likely marginal in real-world usage, but the G91’s slightly more aggressive A75 cores may offer a small edge in burst performance. The impact of RAM speed (LPDDR4X is expected on both) is less significant than the chipset choice.

Battery Life

The Ulefone Tab A9 Pro’s standout feature is its exceptional 34:46h endurance, a significant advantage over what’s typically seen in this price range. This is coupled with a 1000 cycle battery lifespan claim, suggesting long-term reliability. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8, while offering a respectable experience, lacks the same level of endurance. The Tab A8’s 15W charging is also slower than the A9 Pro’s 18W, meaning longer recharge times despite potentially having a larger capacity battery (spec not provided).

Buying Guide

Buy the Ulefone Tab A9 Pro if you need a tablet that can reliably last through long flights, workdays, or extended streaming sessions without constantly seeking a power outlet. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) if you prioritize brand recognition and a potentially smoother software experience, accepting a trade-off in battery endurance and a slightly less powerful chipset.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Helio G91 in the Ulefone Tab A9 Pro throttle under sustained load?
While the Helio G91 is a capable chipset, its 12nm process and the tablet form factor mean some throttling is possible during prolonged, demanding tasks like gaming. However, the A9 Pro’s excellent battery life provides a buffer, allowing for longer gaming sessions before performance dips become noticeable. The thermal design of the A9 Pro will play a key role in mitigating throttling.
❓ Is the Unisoc Tiger T618 in the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 sufficient for everyday tasks like browsing and video streaming?
Yes, the Unisoc Tiger T618 is more than adequate for typical tablet usage scenarios such as web browsing, video streaming, and light productivity tasks. It’s designed for efficiency and provides a smooth experience for these everyday applications. However, it may struggle with more demanding games or multitasking with numerous apps open simultaneously.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Ulefone Tab A9 Pro with the 18W charger?
While a precise 0-100% charge time isn't available, the 18W charging should be noticeably faster than the Samsung Tab A8's 15W. Expect a full charge to take approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on usage during charging.