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Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 vs S8: Which tablet should you buy?

Battle of the Tabs: A8 vs S8, which is tailored to your tablet desires?
By

Published onApril 12, 2023

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8
MSRP: $329.99
Check price
Positives
AffordablenHeadphone jacknGood battery lifen
Negatives
Sub-par camerasnNo S Pen support
The Bottom Line.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 earns its place among the best affordable Android tablets thanks to punchy speakers and a wide display with thin bezels that's perfect for media streaming. Add in the top-tier build quality and you've got a budget slate that more than justifies its $229 asking price.Read full review...
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
MSRP: $689.00
Check price
Positives
Fast, smooth performance
Includes S Pen
Excellent display
Negatives
No bundled charger
Cover sold separately

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 and Galaxy Tab S8 are two distinct Samsung tablets catering to different users with varying needs and budgets. The Tab A8 is an affordable option, while the Tab S8 packs more advanced features and a higher price tag. In this Galaxy Tab A8 vs S8 showdown, we will compare the specs and features of both tablets to help you decide which one best fits your needs.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 vs S8: At a glance

Here's a quick look at how the two tablets compare:

  • The Galaxy Tab A8 is cheaper than the Galaxy Tab S8.
  • The Galaxy Tab A8 has a headphone jack.
  • The Galaxy Tab S8 includes an S Pen.
  • The Galaxy Tab S8 has better processing speeds and performance.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 vs S8: Specs

Galaxy Tab A8Galaxy Tab S8
Display
Galaxy Tab A8
10.5" LCD
1920 x 1200
Galaxy Tab S8
11.0" Super AMOLED
2560 x 1600
Processor
Galaxy Tab A8
Octa Core Unisoc T618
Galaxy Tab S8
Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
Memory / Storage
Galaxy Tab A8
3GB (RAM) / 32GB
4GB (RAM) / 64GB
4GB (RAM) / 128GB

Expandable MicroSD up to 1TB
Galaxy Tab S8
8GB (RAM) / 128GB
8GB (RAM) / 256GB

Expandable MicroSD up to 1TB
Battery
Galaxy Tab A8
7,040mAh
Galaxy Tab S8
8,000mAh
Operating System
Galaxy Tab A8
Android 11
Galaxy Tab S8
Android 12
Connectivity
Galaxy Tab A8
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth v5.0
USB-C 2.0
3.5mm jack
Galaxy Tab S8
Wi-Fi 6E
Bluetooth v5.2
USB-C 3.2 (Display Port Out)
Cameras
Galaxy Tab A8
Rear: 8MP
Front: 5MP
Galaxy Tab S8
Rear: 13MP AF + 6MP UW + Flash
Front: 12MP UW
Speakers
Galaxy Tab A8
4x Stereo Speakers
Dolby Atmos
Galaxy Tab S8
4x AKG Stereo Speakers
Dolby Atmos
Size and weight
Galaxy Tab A8
9.72" x 6.37" x 0.27"
1.12 lbs.
Galaxy Tab S8
9.99" x 6.51" x 0.25"
1.10 lbs.

The Tab A8 features a 10.5″ TFT LCD Display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 and a 60Hz refresh rate, while the Tab S8 comes with a larger 11″ TFT LCD Display, boasting a higher resolution of 2560 x 1600 and a 120Hz refresh rate. As such, the Tab S8’s display offers better visuals and smoother scrolling, making it ideal for media consumption and gaming.

The Tab A8 has an Octa-Core Unisoc T618 processor, while the Tab S8 houses a more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor. The Tab S8’s processor allows for faster performance and better multitasking capabilities. Additionally, the Tab S8 has more RAM and storage options, with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB internal memory, compared to the Tab A8’s maximum of 4GB RAM and 128GB internal memory.

The Tab A8 runs on Android 11, while the Tab S8 comes with Android 12.0. This means the Tab S8 will have access to the latest features and updates, ensuring a more future-proof experience. The Tab A8 has a 7,040mAh battery, while the Tab S8 boasts a larger 8,000mAh battery. This means the Tab S8 will provide longer usage times between charges.

The Tab A8 has an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. On the other hand, the Tab S8 features a 12MP ultrawide front camera and a dual rear camera setup with a 13MP autofocus and 6MP ultrawide lens. The Tab S8’s cameras are more versatile, making it a better choice for photography enthusiasts.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 vs S8: Which should you buy?

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus logo closeup on desk
Eric Zeman / Android Authority

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is the clear winner regarding performance, display quality, cameras, and features. However, it comes with a higher price tag. If you’re a power user, a gamer, or someone who needs a tablet for productivity and creativity, the Tab S8 is the better option. It also has an S Pen, offering increased productivity and creative capabilities.

Choose the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 for a high-performance tablet, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 for a more budget-friendly option.

On the other hand, the Galaxy Tab A8 offers decent performance and features at a much more affordable price. The Tab A8 starts at $229.99 for the 32GB model, while the Tab S8 has a significantly higher starting price of $699.99. If you’re a casual user or on a tight budget, the Tab A8 will suffice for everyday tasks, media consumption, and light gaming.

Choose the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 for a high-performance tablet with advanced features. On the other hand, opt for the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option that still delivers a satisfying user experience.

See price at Amazon
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 (32GB)
21%off
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 (32GB)
Dolby Atmos speakers
Good display
Low price
See price at Amazon
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
40%off
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
Fast, smooth performance
Includes S Pen
Excellent display

FAQs

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 came out in 2022.

The Galaxy Tab S8 doesn’t come with a keyboard, but it supports keyboard accessories.

The Galaxy Tab A8 has a headphone jack, while the Tab S8 does not.

Both the Galaxy Tab S8 and A8 have an SD card slot, supporting up to 1TB.

Only the LTE/5G versions of the Galaxy Tab S8 and A8 have a SIM card slot.

The Galaxy Tab S8 does not support wireless charging.

The Galaxy Tab S8 comes with an S Pen, while the Tab A8 does not.

The Samsung Tab A8 does not have a fingerprint scanner, but it offers Face Unlock.