Samsung's Upcoming Android Tablet Emerges as a Potential Affordable Competitor to the Inexpensive iPad
Samsung's Upcoming Android Tablet Emerges as a Potential Affordable Competitor to the Inexpensive iPad
Despite the odds, Android tablets are still alive and kicking, thanks to Samsung's successful Galaxy Tab series, with the latest addition being the Galaxy Tab A8. While I haven't had the chance to lay my eyes on it yet, the specs and features suggest it could be an affordable option with minimal sacrifices.
As for the price, it's yet to be officially announced, but considering the Tab A7's $229 price tag and the Galaxy Tab S7 FE's $530, I'd wager it might cost around $250. The pricing details should be out soon, as the Tab A8 is due to hit the US market in January 2022. It comes in a softer shade of Rose Gold named Pink Gold, along with the more conventional colors of gray and silver.
Image: Samsung
In terms of design, the Tab A8 shares a resemblance with the Galaxy Tab S line, the premium tablet series. As for describing tablets, they're not exactly thrilling, but the Tab A8 is a typical rectangular slab with a Samsung logo and an 8-megapixel camera (the front camera is a 5MP). What sets it apart is its metal chassis and slim bezels. At 1.1 pounds and 0.27 inches thick, it's roughly the size of other 10-inch tablets.
One of its best features, in my opinion, is its facial recognition feature, which should make unlocking the tablet a breeze without having to remember passwords. Samsung's facial recognition isn't always the most secure, but it promises that the Tab A8 will be secure thanks to its Knox platform.
Image: Samsung
Samsung is known for its excellent displays, and while the mid-range Tab A8 won't feature the latest panel tech, its 10.5-inch, 1920 x 1200 TNT screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio is expected to deliver vivid colors. If it fails to deliver, the Tab A8 might struggle to prove its worth, as it lacks a keyboard, stylus, or DeX, making it primarily a device for media consumption. And since we're on the topic of media, the Tab A8 has quad speakers with Dolby Atmos support, promising powerful audio. Or you can use the included 3.5mm headphone jack, as Samsung won't force you to buy its Galaxy Buds Pro.
I'm eager to see if the Tab A8's appeal extends beyond being a budget media player. However, Samsung remains tight-lipped about the tablet's internal hardware, vaguely stating it runs on an "Octa-Core, 2GHz" CPU. Rumors suggest a Unisoc Tiger T618 chip; we've reached out to Samsung for confirmation.
Paired with this processor are either 3GB or 4GB of RAM and either 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB of storage. Users looking to store high-resolution photos and videos can use the microSD card slot to expand storage up to 1TB.
Image: Samsung
Samsung hasn't provided any battery life estimates for the A8, only stating it can last 'hours on end'. We'll need to run our own tests to see if the 7,040mAh battery can get us through a day of web browsing or binge-watching The Expanse. Whether it does or not, the Tab A8 charges via a USB-C port and supports fast charging.
As for runtime, it depends on your usage, and 4G LTE connectivity may impact battery life. It's worth noting that the A8 supports Wi-Fi 5 but not Wi-Fi 6.
Photo: Samsung
The Tab A8 doesn't come with DeX, but it does support Multi-Active Window for multitasking and includes a new Screen Recorder feature. It also allows for quick copy-paste between Galaxy smartphones. As a bonus, Samsung is offering two months of ad-free YouTube Premium with every purchase of the Tab A8.
Ultimately, the Tab A8's success will hinge on its performance, endurance, and price. If it manages to excel in all three areas, it could secure a place as the best tablet for media consumption, gaming, or basic online tasks. Its modern design, expandable storage, and quad speakers give us a positive outlook on the Tab A8.
The potential integration of advanced technology in the future could enhance the Tab A8's capabilities, making media consumption even more immersive. Moreover, as technology evolves, the affordability of high-quality tech devices like the Galaxy Tab A8 becomes increasingly significant for a wider audience.