Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Versus Galaxy Tab S8

Samsung’s range of Galaxy-branded tablets is ever-growing. Options exist at a wide variety of price points, such as the $230 Galaxy Tab A7. And it’s the likes of Samsung’s Galaxy Tab A7 that now face stiff competition from the manufacturer’s latest S8-era tablets.

Likely to be the most popular is the standard Galaxy Tab S8 which sits alongside the S8 Plus and S8 Ultra. At a glance, there’s not a massive difference between the Galaxy Tab A7 and Galaxy Tab S8. Both are roughly 11 inches, have industry-leading Snapdragon processors, feature fast charging, and more.

However, the all-new Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is $470 more expensive than the Galaxy Tab A7. At $699.99 (versus the existing model’s rather more affordable $229.99 price), there’s clearly more to the matter. With that, what’s needed is a closer look at the pair, including their displays, performance figures, features, and warranty provisions.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 has always been one of Samsung’s more budget-focused tablet propositions. Accordingly, although perfectly adequate, its 10.4-inch 2000 x 1200 resolution display is pretty basic.

The newer Galaxy Tab S8, on the other hand, gets a slightly larger 11-inch display. And Samsung says it is one of its brightest and boldest ever. Side-by-side, the Galaxy Tab S8’s cutting-edge 2560 x 1600 resolution display is far superior.

So, while there’s not much to fault with the Galaxy Tab A7’s screen, it doesn’t really compare to that of Samsung’s newest model when it comes down to the finer details.

Performance-wise, both the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 and Galaxy Tab S8 get Snapdragon chips. Just as with the Galaxy Tab A7’s display, the tablet’s Snapdragon 662 processor serves its purpose well. At the same time, though, it’s now a long way behind the next-generation Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip in the 2022 Galaxy Tab S8.

More powerful and offering greater efficiency, it’s in an entirely different league and sees the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 perform well ahead of the Galaxy Tab A7. That’s especially true when it comes to more resource-intensive tasks.

The Galaxy Tab A7 is also limited to 3GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, while the Galaxy Tab S8 gets 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of space. While nothing can be done about the Galaxy Tab A7’s lack of RAM, buyers of either tablet can, however, upgrade their storage to 1TB via MicroSD should they wish.

Elsewhere, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8’s battery is larger than that in the Galaxy Tab A7, but not by much. Unlike in terms of their displays and processors, the Galaxy Tab S8 comes in only just ahead here. It boasts an 8,000mAh battery versus the 7,040mAh cell in the Galaxy Tab A7.

Connectivity options are largely similar, too, although the Galaxy Tab S8’s Wi-Fi 6E support promises to be at least twice as fast as the older configuration on the Galaxy Tab A7. The latter also makes do with Bluetooth v5.0, while the costlier tablet now gets Bluetooth v5.2.

The Galaxy Tab A7’s camera is also basic but quite sufficient. Yet, it’s now some way behind the setup on the Galaxy Tab S8, which has improved drastically since the Galaxy Tab A7’s introduction.

The sound setups on the two models are broadly comparable, and the Galaxy Tab A7 retains the audio jack that the Galaxy Tab S8 now lacks. However, the new, more expensive model comes with an S Pen stylus missing from the Galaxy Tab A7. Irrespective of the cost and other distinguishing features, both are available in a choice of three gray, silver, and gold shades.

Despite the Galaxy Tab S8 having a larger screen than the Galaxy Tab A7, the other dimensions are almost identical. However, the Galaxy Tab A7 is a touch lighter at 1.05 lbs versus 1.10 lbs for the Galaxy Tab S8.

Ultimately, it’s unfair to closely compare the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 and Galaxy Tab S8. That’s chiefly owing to the Galaxy Tab A7’s place as a budget tablet proposition, whereas the Galaxy Tab S8 forms part of Samsung’s latest top-tier lineup.

At the end of the day, and for those on a tight budget, the Galaxy Tab A7 continues to impress, particularly at under $230. Meanwhile, the new Galaxy Tab S8 marks another impressive achievement for Samsung, especially in the ongoing battle with Apple’s latest iPads.

Although not inexpensive at almost $700, it offers a lot for the money. Those looking for a slightly larger or more powerful tablet also have the option of upgrading to either the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus or S8 Ultra. Either way, all come with Samsung’s standard one-year limited warranty.

Extended Samsung Galaxy Tab warranties for the Galaxy Tab A7, Galaxy Tab S8, Galaxy Tab S8 Plus, and Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra are available from Upsie. Upsie protects customers’ Galaxy Tabs from manufacturing defects, mechanical faults, and other failures. Further perks include accidental damage coverage and unlimited claims up to a tablet’s purchase price.

Upsie is comprehensive, affordable, and easy to understand. Best of all, Upsie costs up to 70 percent less than warranties sold elsewhere. That’s compared to extended warranties sold by manufacturers like Samsung and retailers such as Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Best Buy.