The Samsung Galaxy Tab A sequence has constructed a powerful fame for delivering good tablets at cheap costs. Whereas it has by no means packed probably the most potent processors and it doesn’t have all of the options of the flagship Galaxy Tab S vary, Samsung’s reasonably priced tablets have all the time nailed the worth issue. Now, Samsung has determined it’s time to refresh its reasonably priced Android pill with a slick new design, however is its magnificence greater than pores and skin deep? Discover out in our Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 assessment.
About this Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 assessment: I examined the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 over a interval of seven days. It was operating Android 11 (construct quantity RP1A.200720.012.X200XXU1AULI) on the January 1, 2022 safety patch. The unit was bought by Android Authority for this assessment.
What you’ll want to know concerning the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 (Wi-Fi, 3GB/32GB): $229.99 / €229 / Rs. 17,999
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 (Wi-Fi, 4GB/64GB): $279.99 / £249 / Rs. 28,799
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 (Wi-Fi, 4GB/128GB): $329.99
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 (LTE, 3GB/32GB): £229 / €279 / Rs. 21,999
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 (LTE, 4GB/64GB): £259 / Rs. 32,799
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 was introduced in mid-December 2021, forward of a mid-January 2022 arrival. It serves as a successor to 2020’s glorious Samsung Galaxy Tab A7, with a couple of very important aesthetic modifications to set the 2 Android tablets aside. You’ll additionally discover a couple of inside updates — most notably a transfer away from Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chipsets to a Unisoc Tiger T618 processor.
Samsung’s new show measures 10.5 inches throughout in comparison with the ten.4-inch panel on the Galaxy Tab A7. It presents barely rounded corners and a 16:10 facet ratio prepared for media streaming. The pill’s physique is steel, with a skinny plastic strip that homes the ability button and quantity rocker. Colour choices now embrace Grey, Silver, and Pink Gold.
The Galaxy Tab A8 comes with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage within the base configuration, with the latter expandable through a microSD slot for as much as 1TB of further house. Within the US, you may select as much as 128GB of onboard storage, whereas Europe, India, and the UK even have the choice of an LTE-enabled model.
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Ryan Haines / Android Authority
Samsung carried the massive 7,040mAh battery and the 15W wired charging over from the earlier mannequin. The similar battery measurement is a powerful feat provided that the Galaxy Tab A8 is ever so barely smaller and only a hair thinner than the Tab A7.
Certainly one of Samsung’s final noticeable modifications is that the rear digital camera now boasts a round housing as a substitute of a sq. one. That mentioned, it seems to be an aesthetic change, because it nonetheless presents simply 8MP. The entrance digital camera stayed at 5MP as properly.
Staying true to its Galaxy Tab A sequence title, the Galaxy Tab A8 stays an reasonably priced possibility for most individuals. It kicks off at $229.99 within the US, or you may shell out $329.99 for the top-spec mannequin with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. You possibly can seize the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 from Samsung and Amazon, amongst different retailers.
How is the brand new design?
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
General, the up to date design seems to be and feels prefer it belongs within the fashionable Samsung Galaxy household. Small touches just like the redesigned digital camera and up to date coloration choices go a good distance in the direction of constructing a seamless ecosystem as regardless of the value it wouldn’t look misplaced subsequent to a Galaxy S sequence telephone. The steel building feels good within the hand, too — way more premium than a plastic pill would (even when it’s heavier because of this).
That mentioned, the plastic strip for the ability button and quantity rocker appears like an odd selection. The seam the place the 2 items join is instantly noticeable, and the plastic doesn’t really feel as much as the standard of the steel.
The brand new design feels extra Samsung than ever, but the plastic strip appears like a step backward.
It might additionally take some customers a short while to regulate to the pill’s form. In the event you’re coming from a comparatively sq. iPad, the broader 16:10 ratio could be tough to carry comfortably. Nevertheless, when you regulate to having the Galaxy Tab A8 in panorama orientation, its media-streaming capabilities begin to shine — extra on that within the subsequent part. If there was any doubt that Samsung needs you to make use of the pill in panorama, the central placement of the selfie digital camera within the longer bezel is a transparent pointer in that path.
Samsung continues to skip on a fingerprint reader for its cheaper tablets. It’s not a shock provided that there wasn’t one on its predecessor, however this implies you’ll need to depend on software-based safety choices. The facial recognition is simple to make use of hands-free however isn’t all that safe. In the meantime, tracing your sample or typing in a PIN could be tough whereas holding such a large show.
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How is the show?
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
Samsung designed its Galaxy Tab A8 for media streaming, no query about it.
You’ll discover the ten.5-inch LCD display carries a 1,920 x 1,200 decision, which is sharp sufficient for many makes use of. It’s solely a 60Hz display, however in contrast to telephones, you don’t actually see quicker refresh charges on tablets except you begin paying much more.
The big panel is introduced in a 16:10 facet ratio, which is a pure match for streaming providers. I solely encountered small black bars throughout the highest and backside edge whereas catching up on the second season of The Witcher. Granted, it won’t work as properly if you wish to watch one thing like The Lighthouse, which was shot in 1.19:1, however extra historically shot exhibits and flicks will look nice. I just like the even bezels on all 4 sides, too. They’re thick sufficient to carry onto however not a lot as to be noticeable.
My major situation with Samsung’s show is that it appears to skew on the cooler, blue-tinged facet in every day utilization. It’s extra noticeable in apps with white backgrounds, although it tends to vanish when watching a TV present or a film. Adjusting the brightness didn’t appear to have an excessive amount of of an impact on the tint, both. Samsung does allow you to check out a couple of coloration correction choices, although they’re primarily for coloration blindness and don’t repair the final blueness.
How is the battery life? And the charging?
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
Samsung doesn’t make any outlandish claims concerning the Galaxy Tab A8’s battery life, but it surely’s glad to boast concerning the 7,040mAh battery. In any case, it’s a fairly large cell to maintain the ten.5-inch show chugging all day lengthy.
I spent most of my testing with considerably combined utilization between internet looking, social media, and streaming providers. After all, binge-watching Netflix will burn by means of the cost quicker than scrolling by means of Google Information, however I had no points going for 2 days between costs with cheap use. My battery outcomes are primarily based on the Wi-Fi-only mannequin. You might even see weaker outcomes with the LTE-enabled choices, particularly in case you spend a number of time without work of Wi-Fi.
The 7,040mAh battery is a beast to empty, but it surely takes hours to refill at 15W.
If there’s one downside to the battery and charging setup, it’s the 15W prime pace. It’s not significantly quick — I gathered 20% cost in about 45 minutes, and a full battery took greater than 4 hours. On the brilliant facet, Samsung consists of each a charger and a USB-C cable within the field, so that you gained’t need to spend more money to get again in your toes.
You’re in all probability not in as a lot of a rush when charging your pill, so we will’t knock the 15W speeds an excessive amount of. In any case, you’re possible solely utilizing a pill once in a while as a substitute of a smartphone that you simply want charged and prepared always. I spent most of my time with the Galaxy Tab A8 within the evenings, which meant I needed to actually improve my utilization to empty the battery shortly.
How highly effective is the Galaxy Tab A8?
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
Samsung’s determination to go along with the Unisoc Tiger T618 processor — which isn’t among the many best-known chipset makers — was trigger for alarm firstly of my testing. I had considerations about how properly it might sustain in comparison with a Qualcomm various, particularly the Galaxy Tab A7’s Snapdragon 662. Nevertheless, all these considerations shortly proved to be unfounded. The Tiger purred by means of every little thing I wanted it to do, although it’ll battle with any intense bouts in demanding video games.
I had no points streaming video, bouncing between apps, or opening a number of apps concurrently. You must also have the ability to give some gentle gaming a go, but it surely gained’t compete with the dearer choices in the marketplace in case you’re trying to play Genshin Affect or Name of Obligation: Cell on an even bigger display. The Tiger T618 additionally stuttered a bit after I fired up the Galaxy Tab A8 for the primary time, however that was almost definitely only a results of setup blues. I additionally seen occasional stuttering after I picked the pill up after a day or two of inactivity, although it often disappeared after a couple of seconds.
The Tiger chipset purrs by means of every little thing besides extra demanding cellular video games.
If something, Samsung’s fundamental RAM and storage choices will fall brief earlier than the processor does. The 3GB of RAM means idle apps will shortly drop out of reminiscence. The 32GB of storage can even really feel barely restricted at instances, particularly if you wish to obtain exhibits for bingeing on the go. These trying to push the pill past fundamental looking and streaming could be higher off choosing one of many 4GB of RAM configurations, although you may all the time broaden the storage on any of the fashions by as much as 1TB with the microSD slot.
The rest?
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
- Entrance and rear cameras: Despite the fact that Samsung redesigned the rear 8MP digital camera, it’s nonetheless very a lot a pill digital camera. Colours come out comparatively muted and delicate, particularly indoors, however you’re in all probability not utilizing it to seize stills except you left your telephone behind. The entrance 5MP shooter is about the identical — it’s okay for fast video calls however not way more.
- Audio: The Galaxy Tab A8 presents a powerful audio setup. It packs 4 audio system — two on either side — and Dolby Atmos tuning. They’re able to exceptional quantity, and I didn’t discover any distortion at increased volumes. The pill incorporates a headphone jack, too, but it surely’s situated perilously near the nook. It’s a pleasant inclusion, however the positioning makes it really feel like headphones would pull out simply.
- Connectivity: All Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 fashions help Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0. You can too seize a model with LTE help for a small charge. There’s no possibility for 5G speeds, however that’s to be anticipated at this worth.
- One UI: There aren’t too many modifications within the pill model of One UI, which you’ll learn all about right here. Nevertheless, Samsung Youngsters shines on the larger show, giving your youngsters the liberty to take pleasure in protected video games and movies when you control their display time. The Samsung Notes app can be significantly good, as you may break up your display and take notes whereas following together with a recipe, for instance.
- Software program dedication: The Galaxy Tab A8 is slated to obtain two full Android OS updates, which is able to almost definitely carry it by means of to Android 13. If Samsung chooses to not depend the Android 12 replace, the pill may even see Android 14, however I wouldn’t depend on that. Regardless, it’s additionally scheduled for quarterly safety patches for 4 years, which is fairly nice for a finances Android pill.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 specs
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 | |
---|---|
Show |
10.5-inch TFT
1,200 x 1,920 pixels 216ppi |
Processor |
Unisoc Tiger T618 |
RAM |
3GB |
Storage |
32GB |
Digicam |
|
Battery |
7,040mAh
15W USB-C quick charging |
Headphone jack |
Sure |
Dimensions |
246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9mm |
Weight |
508g |
Ports |
USB-C
Charger included 3.5mm headphone jack |
Colours |
Grey |
Worth and competitors
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8
Samsung’s budget-conscious A-series is again with the up to date Galaxy Tab A8. It packs a ten.5-inch show, a stable steel construct, and improved RAM and storage choices to energy by means of your day.
At simply $229, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is true consistent with the launch worth of its predecessor, the Galaxy Tab A7. As such, it is likely to be robust to determine whether or not or not it’s best to improve. Each share related show sizes and general specs, although the newer Galaxy Tab A8 will obtain longer software program help and has a barely bigger show.
The Galaxy Tab A8 can be priced competitively in opposition to different finances Android tablets such because the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus ($279). Whereas Lenovo’s pill is dearer, it consists of 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage within the base configuration. It carries a extra highly effective Helio G90T chipset and an 11-inch IPS touchscreen with a sharper 2K decision. The general designs are comparatively related, with two-toned rear finishes and Dolby Atmos audio system. Nevertheless, the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus presents sharper cameras, if that appeals to you.
Amazon’s Fireplace tablets are one other stable various in case you’re on a good finances. You’ll commerce the steel building for plastic and lose quick access to Google’s suite of apps, however you’ll save a pleasant chunk of change. The Fireplace HD 8 Plus ($109) packs 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, and a 12-hour battery with wi-fi charging help.
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On the iOS facet, Apple’s newest iPad ($329) is the closest competitors, with the bottom mannequin priced consistent with the costliest Galaxy Tab A8 configuration. On your cash, Apple will solely offer you 64GB of storage, however you’re getting a sharper show in addition to a much more highly effective A13 Bionic chip. The iPad additionally carries a Contact ID fingerprint reader and a 12MP front-facing digital camera for all your FaceTime wants. Must you want extra storage, the 256GB iPad ($479) is pushing right into a a lot increased worth bracket.
The iPad Mini ($499) is likely to be value a glance, too, although it additionally strikes properly past the finances pill realm. Nevertheless, it does provide the most recent A15 Bionic chip and the choice of 5G mobile entry. Apple’s newest iPad Mini sports activities a refreshed design with flat edges and slim, equal bezels on all 4 sides.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 assessment: The decision
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 isn’t a large improve over its already nice predecessor, but it surely didn’t must be. It is a well-built pill that performs admirably, and is formed good for media streaming. The expandable storage additionally means it’s best to have greater than sufficient room for the apps, photographs, and video games you want most. It might be good to see an extended dedication to Android model updates, however the two Android model dedication aligns with different reasonably priced Android tablets, and the 4 years of safety is past any competitors not made by Apple.
The Galaxy Tab A8 shines as a media streaming pill due to its booming audio system and an eye catching 16:10 show.
Despite the fact that the pill’s extensive footprint takes some getting used to, it turns into a quick favourite when you open Netflix or YouTube for the primary time, with the 16:10 show leaving you with minimal black house on anyone facet. The Dolby Atmos audio system additionally punch properly above their price ticket.
See additionally: The very best Samsung Galaxy Tab offers
Granted, the cameras are nothing particular, however we will’t think about anybody counting on the Galaxy Tab A8 as an important a part of their pictures toolbox anyway. Likewise, you could not wish to dive into intense gaming with the Unisoc Tiger T618 processor, however acing your every day Wordle will likely be no downside in any respect.
Equally appropriate as a starter pill for teenagers or a media slate for the entire household, in case you’ve been ready to attempt an Android pill and hoping for a stable, reasonably priced possibility, that is it.