Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 vs Galaxy Tab A8: which is better?

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 vs Galaxy Tab A8 tablet: In the ever-evolving world of tablets, it’s essential to find the one that truly fits your unique lifestyle and requirements. With Samsung Galaxy tablets, these tablets offer a diverse range of options to cater to various needs. 

Putting this into context, perhaps you’re eyeing the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8, with its massive 10.5-inch screen designed to captivate and entertain, or maybe you’ve set your sights on the versatile Samsung Galaxy Tab S8, a powerhouse for work and play. 

But how do you make the right choice between these two compelling devices? Worry not. 

In this article, I’ve crafted a comprehensive comparison to guide you through this very conundrum, shedding light on their distinct features and, ultimately, helping you decide which tablet will become your perfect digital companion. Let the journey begin!

Summary of pros and cons

Related posts to read: Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Review.

Key Takeaway and Overview:

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 and Tab S8 are both popular tablets launched in 2022, catering to different user requirements. The Galaxy Tab A8 is an affordable option designed for casual users, featuring a 10.5-inch LCD screen, good battery life, and a user-friendly interface. It is ideal for web browsing, watching videos, and playing games.

On the other hand, the Galaxy Tab S8 is a more advanced and premium device, targeting students, professionals, and users who need a powerful tablet for both work and entertainment. It comes with a better camera, a faster processor, and a higher-resolution display compared to the Tab A8.

While both tablets share some common features, such as a Micro SD slot supporting up to 1 TB of external memory, a powerful quad-speaker setup with Dolby Atmos surround sound, and a choice between Google Discover and Samsung Free on the home screen, they have several differences.

The Tab A8 is available in grey, silver, and pink gold, while the Tab S8 comes in graphite, silver, and pink gold. The Tab S8 sports a larger 11-inch display with a higher resolution of 2560 x 1600 and a faster refresh rate of 120Hz, compared to the Tab A8’s 10.5-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 and a 60Hz refresh rate. The Tab S8 is also slightly lighter at 1.10 lbs, compared to the Tab A8 at 1.12lbs.

In terms of technology, the Tab S8 runs on Android 12 with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, while the Tab A8 operates on Android 11 with an OctaCore Unisoc T618 processor. The Tab S8 has a more powerful 8000mAh battery and a 45W fast charging rate, as opposed to the Tab A8’s 7040mAh battery and 15W charging rate.

The camera specifications on the Tab S8 are more advanced, featuring a 13MP AF + 6MP UW + Flash rear camera and a 12MP UW front camera. In contrast, the Tab A8 has an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. For security, the Tab S8 offers a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, while the Tab A8 relies on face unlock.

The Tab S8 includes an S-Pen for easy multitasking and improved productivity, which is not available with the Tab A8. Additionally, the Tab S8 lacks an audio jack, while the Tab A8 includes one for wired audio connections.

This detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 and Tab S8 will help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs, preferences, and budget, ensuring you choose the right tablet for your lifestyle.

Design and display

When it comes to design, both the Galaxy Tab A8 and the Tab S8 are aesthetically pleasing with a stylish and sturdy build. The Tab A8 has a metal body with dimensions of 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm and a weight of 508g. 

It is available in grey, silver, and pink gold colours and features a large 10.5-inch LFT LCD display with a 1920 x 1200 pixel resolution, a typical aspect ratio of 16:10, and an 80% screen-to-body ratio.

The power button is located on the right-hand side of the tablet, and the headphone port is on one side of the device.

The Tab S8, on the other hand, has a glass body with a metal frame and comes in graphite, silver, and pink gold. It has dimensions of 253.8 x 165.3 x 6.3 mm and a weight of 503g. The Tab S8 boasts a large edge-to-edge display with minimal bezels, giving it a premium appearance, and a physical home button that doubles as a fingerprint sensor.

The volume rocker and the MicroSD slot are on the top edge of the tablet, while the USB-C port for charging is located at the bottom edge. The rear camera and an S-pen slot with a spring or magnetic mechanism for easy access and charging can be found on the back of the tablet.

The display of the Tab S8 is a standout feature, boasting an 11-inch TFT LCD screen with a 2560 x 1600 pixel resolution and a pixel density of 299 ppi. It has a typical aspect ratio of 16:10 and a screen-to-body ratio of 85%, with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for protection. The vivid and deep colours offered by the high-quality display make it a top choice for multimedia content and gaming.

Physical Appearance

The Samsung Galaxy tablets A8 and S8 boast a sleek and attractive design, catching the eye with their stylish appearance. The A8 features a durable metal body, while the S8 boasts a premium look with its glass body and metal frame. Both devices have large, sharp screens for an outstanding display experience.

Screen size

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 features a 10.5-inch LCD screen, providing a spacious and vivid display for videos and games. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 boasts an even larger 11-inch TFT LCD screen, offering a massive and immersive viewing experience for watching videos and playing games.

Resolution and display quality

The Tab A8 has a 1920 x 1200 resolution display that offers sharp and vibrant visuals with a 60Hz refresh rate. This display provides clear, vivid colours and a decent viewing angle with good contrast.

The Tab S8, on the other hand, has a superior display, with a 2560 x 1600 resolution and a high pixel density of 299 PPI, resulting in super-clear and sharp images. The display also supports HDR content, making the colours more vivid and images more dynamic. The display quality of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is considered to be exceptional.

Weight and portability

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 has compact dimensions of 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9  mm and a lightweight of 508 grams, making it easy to carry around.

As for the Galaxy Tab S8, it boasts dimensions of 165.3 x 253.8 x 6.3 mm and weighs 503 grams, making it both lightweight and portable. It can also serve as an alternative to a laptop for watching videos and playing games on the go.

Performance and Battery life

The Samsung Galaxy A8, as a mid-range tablet, offers sufficient performance for daily basic tasks such as web browsing, video streaming, and light app use. This tablet is packed with a battery capacity of 7040mAh that can provide up to 7 hours of continuous usage. However, it may not be suitable for demanding gaming or multitasking activities.

The Samsung Galaxy S8 is a high-performance tablet that offers both strong performance and long battery life. Powered by an Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor, it is able to handle demanding tasks with ease. With a battery capacity of 8000mAh, this tablet boasts of a battery life of up to 13 hours of video playback, making it a great choice for users who require a powerful device for their daily tasks.

Processor and RAM

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 features an Octa-core Unisoc T618 processor and 3 GB of RAM, while the Galaxy Tab S8 brags of a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Processor and 8 GB of RAM. Both devices offer efficient performance; however, the Tab S8 is equipped with a more powerful processor, making it better suited for demanding tasks.

Operating system and software features

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 operates on Android 11 with One UI 4, offering a variety of software features that enhance its user experience. These features include the Samsung Kids app, split-screen support, which allows you to run two apps at the same time, a screen recording function, and multi-user support. It is also equipped with Google Mobile Services, including Google Maps, Gmail, YouTube, and more.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 runs on Android 12 and offers a suite of software features that make it an ideal choice for demanding users. These features include the split-screen mode, which enables you to run multiple apps side by side, the Google Messages app, Bixby virtual assistant, Samsung Dex, and Samsung Knox. The tablet also comes with the Samsung Kids app, making it a great choice for families.

Battery capacity and charging time

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 boasts a 7040mAh battery and is designed to provide users with a longer lasting charge. It features 15W fast charging capabilities, allowing for a full charge in as little as 3 hours and 30 minutes.

In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 takes battery life to the next level with its 8000mAh battery and supports 45W wired fast charging. With a compatible charger, a full charge can be achieved in just 80 minutes. This makes the Tab S8 a great option for heavy users who require a longer-lasting battery life.

Storage capacity and Expansion options

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 offers flexible storage options, giving users the choice between 3 GB of RAM with 32 GB of storage, 4 GB of RAM with 64 GB of storage, and 4 GB of RAM with 128 GB of storage. If more space is needed, you can easily expand your storage with a MicroSD card of up to 1 TB.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 comes with a powerful combination of 8 GB of RAM and either 128 GB or 256 GB of storage, and can also be expanded with a MicroSD card up to 1 TB. This provides users with sufficient storage space for large files.

Connectivity Options

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 and S8 both offer a range of connectivity options, including USB Type-C, Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth.

In terms of USB connectivity, the Tab A8 features a Type-C USB 2.0 port, while the Tab S8 offers a more advanced Type-C USB 3.2 (DisplayPort Out) port.

The Wi-Fi capabilities of the two devices differ as well. The Tab A8 supports Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 2.4 + 5GHz), while the Tab S8 supports the latest Wi-Fi 6E 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4/5/6 GHz) for faster and more stable connectivity.

In terms of Bluetooth, the Tab A8 uses Bluetooth v5.0, while the Tab S8 uses Bluetooth v5.2 for enhanced connectivity with other devices.

Camera Quality and Video Recording capabilities

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 boasts an 8 MP rear camera and a 5 MP front-facing camera that provides decent video recording capabilities, capable of capturing 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second. While the camera quality meets expectations for a tablet in its price range, it may not compare to high-end cameras.

On the flip side, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 features a 13-megapixel rear camera and a 12-megapixel front camera, which both offer high-quality video recording capabilities. The rear camera is equipped with advanced features such as LED flash, autofocus, and optical image stabilization, providing sharp and clear video recording up to 4k resolution at 60 frames per second.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8’s camera and video recording capabilities are considered impressive for a tablet device.

Audio Quality and Speaker Output

The Samsung Tab A8 has four stereo speakers, two on each side, and Dolby Atmos tuning, delivering decent audio output for everyday media consumption and video playback. Although the sound quality is suitable for its size and price range, it may not match the standards of more premium tablets. This tablet is equipped with a headphone jack for added versatility.

The Samsung Tab S8 features 4x AKG stereo speakers powered by Dolby Atmos, offering a more immersive and three-dimensional audio experience. Sounds come out crisp and clear, making for an enjoyable audio experience for media consumption. The audio quality and speaker output of the Tab S8 deliver superior audio output.

Price and value for money

The cost of the Samsung Galaxy tablet A8 starts from $229.00, with a variation in price based on location, vendor, and storage size. Despite its affordable price, this tablet comes packed with a cool set of features, making it provide great value for its cost. It has impressive features like a 10.5-inch display, a durable battery, and the latest version of the Android operating system, which can be updated. Its lightweight and sleek design, alongside Samsung software like the One UI interface and Samsung Kids parental control app, are some other features that make this tablet a worthy investment.

Conversely, the Samsung Galaxy tablet S8 is a premium device with a price to match. It costs around $699.99, which can vary by location, vendor, and storage size. This tablet is equipped with top-notch features, including an expansive 11-inch TFT LCD display, a powerful processor, a long-lasting battery, high-resolution cameras, and S pen compatibility.

Price comparison

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is a budget-friendly option for those seeking a tablet device. Its specifications are more modest when compared to the premium-priced Samsung Galaxy Tab S8, which brags of more advanced features like a high-resolution display, a powerful processor, and a long-lasting battery, amongst others.

Cost of Accessories

The price range for accessories for the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 and S8 is diverse and depends on the accessory type and the vendor. Some common accessories for these devices are wall adapters, chargers, screen protectors, and headphones, with prices ranging from $10 to $100.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the choice between the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 and S8 depends on the individual’s specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for an affordable tablet with a large screen for entertainment purposes, the Tab A8 is a great choice, but if you need a powerful tablet for work and play, the Tab S8 is the better option.

Image Gallery – Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab A8.

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