Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 vs Galaxy Tab A8: Which is Better?

Launched in 2022, the Galaxy Tab S and A series both hail from Samsung, yet are often pitted against each other as competitors. Despite this, the distinctions between the models within each series are relatively minor.

The Galaxy Tab S lineup features the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8, S8+, and S8 Ultra, while the Galaxy Tab A family includes the A8, Tab A7 Lite, Tab A7 Wi-Fi, Tab 7, Tab A7, Tab A (8″), and Tab A (10.1″).

For those prioritising a large screen tailored for entertainment, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is a fantastic choice. However, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 caters to users seeking a versatile device that shines in both professional and leisure settings.

With its impressive specifications, the Tab S8 is perfect for individuals who need a powerhouse device to tackle work, productivity, and entertainment. In comparison to the Galaxy Tab A8, the Tab S8 delivers a superior experience with its faster processor, enhanced camera, and a higher-resolution display. Consequently, the Tab S8 emerges as the top pick for users who value high performance.

Related post to read: Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Review.

Design and Build Quality Comparison

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 has a unique design featuring a corning gorilla glass 5 front panel with visible bezels around the edges of the screen, while the chassis and back panel are less glossy armour aluminium for a quality look. The curved edges of the tablet make it easy for you to fit it into its protective cover without damage. The chassis has a magnetic quality for easy attachment to the S Pen.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 comes in two models – the Wi-Fi and the 5G models, weighing 503g and 507g (1.1lbs), respectively, and measures 253.8 mm x 165.3 mm x 6.3 mm (9.99in x 6.51in x 0.25in), making it more than a handful to be mobile. The colours available are Graphite, Silver, and Pink Gold.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 comes with a design that makes it easy for tech lovers and users to identify with it. The front panel of the Tab A8 comes with bigger bezels (10.2 mm) around the edges of the display screen.

The back panel and frame are made of metal except for the top, which is made from plastic. Its overall design sees a combination of metal (aluminium and plastic). The main camera is located in the top left corner of the back panel.

It measures 246.8 mm x 161.9 mm x 6.9 mm (9.72in x 6.37in x 0.27in) and weighs 508g (1.12lbs), which is more than the Tab S8 and comes in three available colours – Gray, Silver, and Pink Gold.

Display Quality and Size Comparison

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 has an 11-inch TFT LCD qualitative display, supported by an amazing 120Hz display refresh rate and a 350.9cm2 (83.6% screen-to-body ratio). 

For better viewing and capturing, the Galaxy Tab S8 also comes with a 1600 x 2560 pixels screen resolution (this screen dimension ends where the bezels begin), a screen ratio of 16:10, and a 274ppi pixel density. The touchscreen is a Corning Gorilla Glass 5.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8

The display of the Galaxy Tab A8 comes with a 10.5-inch TFT LCD, a 319.7cm2 (80.0% screen-to-body ratio) – a little lower than that of the Tab S8. The display screen boasts a 16:10 screen ratio, a 216ppi pixel density on a 1200 x 1920pixel screen resolution. This is a good display for the quality of the Tab A8.

Performance and Hardware Comparison

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8

The performance of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 primarily revolves around the strength of its processor – the Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) chipset, the best there is for Android smartphones. With the Qualcomm processor installed on the Galaxy Tab S8, tasks are executed with prompt speed and accuracy. 

The Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) processor is a cutting-edge 8-core chipset featuring an octa-core CPU with four Cortex-A510 cores clocked at 1.80 GHz, three Cortex-A710 cores clocked at 2.50 GHz, and one powerful Cortex-X2 core clocked at 3.00 GHz. It also includes a powerful Adreno 730 GPU. With this impressive hardware, the processor delivers a smooth and glitch-free performance during gaming, movie playback, audio sessions, and multitasking.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8

The performance of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is actively connected to the strength of its processor. The Galaxy Tab A8 has a preinstalled Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) chipset, which runs on an octa-core (2×2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) CPU and a Mali G52 MP2 GPU. This enhances the display and task-driven performance of the Galaxy Tab A8.

The Unisoc Tiger chipsets are not as strong and fast as Qualcomm’s but fair enough to run the Galaxy Tab A8. The faster and stronger the processor, the more battery it takes to run it.

Battery Life Comparison

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 boasts a non-removable Lithium-Polymer battery with an impressive 8000mAh capacity. The battery supports 45W wired fast charging, allowing you to reach 100% battery life in just 80 minutes. 

With a full battery, you can use the Galaxy Tab S8 for up to 12 hours and 53 minutes of continuous web surfing over Wi-Fi at 150 nits of brightness. This makes it a tablet you can bank on for a long duration of work or entertainment.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 boasts a non-removable Li-Po battery with a capacity of 7040mAh. However, the 15W wired charging may seem too slow for a tablet, taking over 2 hours to fully charge the device. On the bright side, with a single charge, you can enjoy up to 9 hours of light usages, such as texting, making calls, and sending emails.

Camera Comparison

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8

A dual primary camera setup is concealed in the upper right corner of the Galaxy Tab S8’s back surface by a dark strip. The cameras are 13 MP wide cameras (f/2.0, 26 mm, 1/3.4″, 1.0 m, AF) and 6 MP ultrawide cameras, respectively. 

You can take an excellent day and night photos with the enhanced LED light, HDR, and panorama features. You can also capture high-quality movies in 4K@30/60fps and 1080p@30fps. This can be adjusted in the camera settings.

The front camera is a wide-angle 12 MP (f/2.4) sensor. With the HDR function, you can capture stunning daytime and nighttime images as well as record videos with 4K@30/60fps and 1080p@30fps.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8

The upper right corner of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8’s back surface houses the tablet’s single primary 8MP (AF) wide camera. Despite the lack of apparent features, you can only take daytime pictures with it because the LED flash is not present.  Video can be recorded in 1080p@30 frames per second.

One 5MP broad sensor serves as the front camera. Additionally, you can use daylight to capture beautiful images and movies in 1080p@30fps clarity.

Storage and Memory Comparison

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 comes with three storage options you can choose from:

• 8 GB RAM + 128 GB internal memory
• 8 GB RAM + 256 GB internal memory
• 12 GB RAM + 256 GB internal memory
• UFS (Universal Flash Storage)

There is also an expandable memory card slot for micro SDXC on each of these options.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 comes with four storage options to choose from:

• 3 GB RAM + 32 GB internal memory
• 4 GB RAM + 64 GB internal memory
• 3 GB RAM + 128 GB internal memory
• 4 GB RAM + 128 GB internal memory

It also has an expandable memory card slot for micro SDXC on each of these options.

User Experience Comparison

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 has a sophisticated appearance that combines high-quality materials with a cutting-edge touchscreen. It is a versatile device for both personal and business use, thanks to its efficiency and multitasking abilities as well as its PC-like features.

A 12-hour usage time is impressive, even though the battery life may not be outstanding. Customers have given this tablet good ratings, with an average review of 4.8/5 on BestBuy and 4.7/5 on Amazon, which shows customer satisfaction.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8, which comes in four storage configurations, is an economical tablet choice in the company’s tablet range. Although its efficiency might not be as good as that of more expensive models, it still performs a variety of tasks well. 

Although it does not support the S-pen, for its price range of around $200, it offers good value for money. The tablet has received an average rating of 4.6/5 on Amazon, with many users appreciating its affordability.

Price and Value Comparison

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 has a starting price of $699.99 on BestBuy and $637.87 on Amazon (that’s 9% off). The location of the buyer and the specifications of the tablet determine the final cost.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is a more budget-friendly tablet. Its starting prices are determined by the storage capacity of the tablet being purchased:

• 3 GB RAM / 32 GB storage – $229.99
• 4 GB RAM / 64 GB of storage – $279.99
• 4 GB RAM / 128 GB of storage – $329.99 

Operating System and User Interface Comparison

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 runs on the Android 12 Operating System and is expected to receive an upgrade to the Android 13 OS in the future as made available by Samsung. 

This tablet is also supported by the One UI 5 user interface, which provides a user-friendly experience for tasks such as multitasking, app accessibility, and customisation of apps and icons. This makes it easier for users to navigate through the tablet’s features and enhance their productivity.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 operates on Android 11 with One UI 4, which provides a range of software features to enhance the user experience. These features include the Samsung Kids app, split-screen support, which enables users to run two apps simultaneously, a screen recording function, and multi-user support, which allows multiple users to access the tablet with their unique accounts. T

Sound Quality Comparison

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8

The sound (or audio) quality of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is well-defined, with tonal balance and bass equalisation. This EQ balancing gives clarity to its sound – whether it is an audio recording or an already mixed and mastered music piece. 

The sound is tuned by AKG. With double speaker grills on the right (2) and left (2) sides respectively, and three microphones installed on this tablet, you won’t have to deal with poor audio output.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8

The sound quality of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is very impressive – a quality Samsung rarely falls short of. The Galaxy Tab A8 is built with four speakers – 2 on the left and right sides, respectively, and a single microphone located at the bottom.

The clarity, EQ, and tonal balance in the sound are tuned by Dolby Atmos Sound. The tuning from Dolby Atmos Sound regulates the noise in the audio quality and possible damage to the speakers. 

Connectivity Options Comparison

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8

• WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
• Bluetooth: 5.2, A2DP, LE
• Positioning GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
• NFC: No
• Radio: No
• USB: USB Type-C 3.2, magnetic connector

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8

• WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
• Bluetooth: 5.0, A2DP, LE
• Positioning: GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
• NFC: No
• Radio: No
• USB: USB Type-C 2.0 

Sensors and Features Comparison

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 comes with the following sensors: Accelerometer, Compass, Fingerprint sensor (Side key), Gyro sensor, Hall sensor and Light Sensor.

The key features of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8

• S Pen: The S Pen is designed with magnetic elements to make it easily attachable to the side of the tablet. You can use it to take notes and make sketches on your tablet.

• Samsung DeX: The Samsung DeX mode allows you to operate your tablet like a PC or laptop. This is a large technological improvement on the Galaxy Tab S8.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 comes with the following sensors: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyro sensor, and Proximity sensor.

It also has key features such as:

• Audio Jack: For the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8, it comes with a 3.5 mm audio jack to connect your headphones.
• Split Screen: This enables you to have a view of two windows and engage the windows simultaneously. 
• SIM: This tablet also comes with a SIM slot for Nano SIMs

Gaming Performance Comparison

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8’s powerful display and processor make it an ideal gaming device because it can load games rapidly and without lagging. While playing heavy games like Dead Trigger 2 and FIFA Mobile, the battery life may not last very long. 

Long-term use may result in the device overheating and shorter battery life. Although the processor and monitor are capable, the battery cannot support prolonged gameplay periods.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 can run games like PUBG and Call of Duty, but it might not provide many hours of playtime due to the battery draining rapidly when playing intensively. For instance, playing high-graphic games like Call of Duty can cause the device to overheat and the battery to deplete more quickly. Playing PUBG can also waste 7% of the battery life in just 17 minutes. 

The tablet’s processor is powerful enough to offer enjoyable gameplay experiences, and with light use, it can last up to 9 hours. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 performs well in games overall, but extended gameplay periods may be limited by its short battery life.

Productivity and Multitasking Comparison

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 offers several features that can enhance productivity and make multitasking easy. With the S Pen, you can take notes and convert them to text, sketch and make adjustments. You can also open multiple windows on the tablet and reduce their size for multitasking, enable one-handed mode for easy use with one hand, and use the protective cover and external keyboard for PC-like functions and faster typing.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8

In comparison to Samsung Galaxy Tab S8, the Galaxy Tab A8 has fewer work functions that enhance productivity. Only two windows can be opened at once, and the tablet is usually operated with both hands. This tablet can be used with one hand, though, when placed on a tabletop. It is compatible with a Bluetooth keyboard, which can be bought separately for a better working experience.

Stylus Support Comparison

The S Pen (also known as the Stylus Pen) is functional with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 thanks to the tablet’s support for the stylus. Due to the pen’s magnetic construction, attaching it to the device is an easy process.

Stylus functionality is absent from the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8. The S Pen cannot be used with it.

Durability and Water Resistance Comparison

Both the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 and A8 are susceptible to scratches, wear, and dents and are not designed to resist water or dust. Dust clogs or moisture penetration can cause damage to vital parts of these tablets and will ultimately result in damage that will require repair. 

Third-Party App Support Comparison

The Tab S8 and Tab A8 are set up so that they will not automatically load third-party apps unless the user gives approval. The Play Store and Galaxy Store are the only authorised stores that are supported by both devices. 

When the source of the software cannot be found, these devices will not run such apps. To allow for permission to install third-party apps, go to Settings > Install unknown apps > Allow permission.

Warranty Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 comes with a one-year limited guarantee that covers harm to the device, including the battery and other components. The guarantee also includes Samsung Care+ products for replacing damaged screens, cleaning up liquid spills, and repairing impact damage. However, the warranty’s details and circumstances should be noted.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8, on the other hand, comes with a 24-month guarantee that covers cracked displays. Within the warranty time, repairs for the gadget should be scheduled through the company’s website.

Final Thoughts

In comparison to the Galaxy Tab A8, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is a tablet with more features and a better user experience. The Tab A8’s battery life is adequate, but it lacks many of the advanced features of the Tab S8, like S-pen support. 

Also, the slower 15W wired charging of the Tab A8 is a disadvantage for users who need to charge their device quickly, and this reduces its rating. 

The Galaxy Tab S8, in comparison, is a top choice for those who value efficiency in their tablets because it performs admirably and has an impressive battery life.

Recommendations

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 boasts impressive features that make it stand out in the tablet market. When compared to the Tab A8, it is clear that the Tab S8 is the superior device in terms of overall performance. While the Tab A8’s battery life is decent, it is minimized by the slower 15W USB charging. 

In contrast to the Tab A8, the Tab S8 excels in both performance and energy efficiency, making it a top choice for power users who demand the best from their devices. Therefore, I recommend the Tab S8 as it provides great value for its cost and serves as a powerful tablet for work and entertainment.