Introduction
In the ever-evolving world of technology, finding the perfect balance between affordability and performance can be a challenging task. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8, which was officially announced on January 17, 2022, aims to strike just that balance. In this comprehensive review, we delve deep into its features, performance, and overall value proposition to help you make an informed decision on whether it's the right tablet for you.
Display: A Closer Look
The cornerstone of any tablet is its display, and the Galaxy Tab A8 doesn't disappoint. With a 10.5-inch screen boasting a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels, it delivers crisp visuals that are more than adequate for everyday use. While the viewing angles, contrast, and color reproduction meet the expectations of a budget-friendly device, it's important to note that it is slightly dimmer than its predecessor, the Galaxy Tab A7. However, the Tab A8 makes up for this with a better white balance.
One standout feature of the Galaxy Tab A8 is its fully laminated display, coupled with Widevine Level L1 support, enabling users to stream content from services like Netflix in HD resolution. With four speakers strategically placed around the tablet, you can expect decent audio quality, surpassing many competitors in the same price range. While it may not match the audio prowess of premium tablets like the iPad Pro or Galaxy Tab S7, it certainly impresses given its affordability.
S Pen or Stylus Support?
Unfortunately, the Galaxy Tab A8 does not support the S Pen, which is available for some other Samsung devices. Attempts to use alternative capacitive touchscreen styluses proved to be imprecise and are not recommended for serious note-taking or creative tasks.
Hardware and Performance
Under the hood, the Galaxy Tab A8 has seen improvements in performance compared to its predecessor. Powered by the Unisoc Tiger T618 processor, it offers options of 3GB or 4GB of RAM, with internal storage ranging from 32GB to 128GB, and even a 4G LTE variant. Our review unit came with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage.
Benchmark tests reveal that the Galaxy Tab A8 outperforms the A7 in terms of graphics capabilities. It also surpasses similarly priced competitors like the Nokia T20. However, it's essential to acknowledge that more expensive tablets, such as the iPad 9, outshine it significantly. In real-world usage, the tablet handles popular games like PUBG Mobile and World of Tanks well, but high-end gaming may require adjustments to graphic settings. Opting for the 4GB RAM version could provide a smoother gaming experience.
For everyday tasks like web browsing and using common apps like Chrome and YouTube, the tablet offers a reasonably fluid experience. While it supports some multitasking, it's crucial to understand that it cannot compete with mid-range tablets in terms of overall performance.
Design and Build Quality
The Galaxy Tab A8 maintains a similar design to its predecessor, with a metal body and a thin plastic cover for antenna reception. While it may not be as elegant as the Galaxy Tab S7 in terms of the transition between the body and display, it still feels surprisingly premium. At 508g and a thickness of just 6.9mm, it's both lightweight and sleek.
Conveniently, it includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, but it features only a USB-C 2.0 port, limiting external monitor support. However, it does offer a MicroSD card slot for expandable storage. Notably, it lacks a fingerprint reader but provides facial recognition for device security. Selfies taken with the 5-megapixel front camera are crisp, and the 8-megapixel rear camera delivers satisfactory photo and video quality for general use.
Software: Android 11 and Samsung's Commitment to Updates
The Galaxy Tab A8 runs on Android 11 with Samsung's OneUI interface. One of the tablet's strengths lies in its software, primarily due to Samsung's consistent track record of providing software updates for their Galaxy Tab A series. While the software experience is standard Android with a touch of Samsung's UI, it includes several pre-installed Samsung, Google, and Microsoft apps. Notably, Samsung's Notes app stands out as an excellent note-taking tool, even without an active stylus. Additional features, such as the Edge Panel, add convenience to the user experience.
Samsung has incorporated numerous software features that range from gimmicky to genuinely useful. For instance, the tablet allows apps to be opened in small, movable windows, which can be handy when using a mouse and keyboard. It's worth noting that the Samsung DeX desktop mode is not supported on this device.
Battery Life
During our battery test, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 provided a runtime of approximately 6.25 hours. This test involved continuous playback of an HD YouTube video at maximum brightness. While this may not be the longest-lasting tablet, it still offers reasonable battery life for everyday usage.
Conclusion: Is the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 Worth It?
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 presents a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers. Its standout features include a premium metal build, a decent display, and the assurance of timely software updates. While it may not compete with the basic iPad or premium tablets in terms of performance, it offers solid performance for its price point, making it an excellent choice for tasks like streaming, light gaming, web browsing, and YouTube viewing.
It's worth noting that the Galaxy Tab A8 doesn't represent a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the Galaxy Tab A7. However, this can be attributed to factors like inflation, as the price remains relatively stable.
Alternative Options
If you're willing to invest a bit more, the Apple iPad 9 offers a substantial performance boost. While it comes at a higher price, its processor's performance is unmatched. It also provides a metal build, an optional keyboard cover, and support for the Apple Pencil.
For Android enthusiasts seeking something superior, the Xiaomi Pad 5 is a strong contender. While pricier than the Galaxy Tab A8, it outperforms it in nearly every aspect, including display quality, performance, build, and speakers.
If budget savings are a top priority, consider the Amazon Fire HD 10 or Fire HD 10 Plus. While these tablets lack the Google Play Store out of the box, they still offer excellent value for streaming and gaming at a significantly lower cost.
In the end, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 earns its place as a top contender among budget tablets, thanks to its combination of affordability, performance, and software support. Whether it's for Netflix, casual gaming, web browsing, or YouTube, it delivers solid value for your money.
