2021/2022 Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 LTE (4G) | Perfect Size and Performance to Enjoy Content
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is here as an option for those who need an affordable Android tablet device.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 LTE key specs: · 10.5 inches display · 4GB RAM · 128 GB storage · 7040mAh battery · 8.0 MP· Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset
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| Photo of Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 LTE Android tablet PC. Released: Dec 2021. Price: US$226,00 |
Along with the excitement of the release of the new Samsung flagship at the beginning of the year, tablet products have not missed out on getting updates. In addition to the Tab S series, for the more entry class, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is also here. Available at a relatively more affordable price, with a number of sacrifices.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 that we reviewed is one of several Galaxy Tab options that have been circulating since January-February in Indonesia. On its official website, this product is called the Galaxy Tab A8 LTE, as a differentiator from the WiFi version which has lower hardware specifications and at the time of this writing is not for sale.
The price is approaching 5 million, for a tablet it can’t actually be called entry level. Because by adding a few more million you can get a product from the competitor’s camp with pictures of fruit, with all its advantages. While the Tab A series was indeed released targeting that market, right?
So, the big question in this review is who is this product for? Let’s start by looking at the following price and specification information.
Price: Rp 4,499,000
Color Options: gray, silver, pink
Sales Package: Galaxy Tab A8 tablet, USB Type-C data cable, Charger adapter, Documents, Pin Ejector
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 LTE Full Specifications
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 LTE Specs | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Dimmension & Weight | 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm/ 508 gram |
| Network & Connectivity | Nano SIM, 4G LTE/HSPA+/3G/2G, WiFi |
| Operating System (OS) | OneUI 3.1 based on Android 11 |
| Supported External Storage | Yes, MicroSD card up to 1TB |
| Display | 10.5 inci, ~80% screen-to-body ratio, 1200 x 1920 pixels, TFT LCD, 16:10 |
| Processor / CPU | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12nm); Octa-core (2×2.0 GHz Cortex A-75 + 6×2.0 GHz Cortex A-55), GPU: Mali G52 MP2 |
| RAM & Internal Storage | 4 GB RAM & 64GB/128GB ROM |
| Camera | Rear Single: 8MP Video: 1080p@30fps Front Single: 5MP Video: 1080p@30fps |
| Battery | 7040 mAh Li-po (non-removable), Fast Charging 15W |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 LTE Features
| Removable battery | No | Fingerprint | No |
| Multitouch | Yes | Dual Front Camera | No |
| Dual SIM | No | External Memory | Yes |
| 3G HSDPA | Yes | Gyroscope | Yes |
| 4G LTE | Yes | Stereo Speaker | Yes |
| 5G Ready | No | 4K video recording | No |
| NFC | No | Video player | Yes |
| USB On-the-go | Yes | Music player | Yes |
| GPS | Yes | 3.5 Audio Port | Yes |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 LTE Advantages & Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| * Unibody design with metal material, and square corners * Large 10.5 inch screen * OneUI 3.1 based on Android 11 with many built-in features * Lightweight and easy to carry anywhere (portable) * There is a 3.5 mm audio jack * Stereo audio with 4 speaker outputs * Ecosystem with fellow Samsung phones for easy data synchronization * Has a neat and attractive Book Cover accessory |
* The screen feels like it prioritizes brightness so that the colors in the displayed images are less sharp. * The screen does not support S-Pen * Book Cover is not provided as part of the sales package, although bundled in some programs |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 LTE Reviews
Design is a Key Factor
If we previously mentioned a number of features sacrificed in the Tab A8, then design is not one of them. Because the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is still built using premium materials, with a shape that creates sharp corners, aka boxes, like classic cellphone and tablet products.
Dominated by metal material on the back cover to the edge of the tablet, typical of a unibody design, with a slight touch of plastic list on the side close to the camera. Let’s call this part the top, because it seems that this product is used more in landscape position.
The rear camera is placed in a circular protrusion. Slightly higher than the surface area. When placed on its back on the table, it will become one point that makes it uneven.
All important ports are present here, including a 3.5mm audio jack. Although there is already a Bluetooth audio protocol, the audio quality from the cable will be better and especially when we do a conference using this tablet. For example via Zoom and Google Meet.
At the top, there are power and volume buttons and a mic. We will interact a lot on this side. While all ports are on the right side, namely the USB port and 3.5mm Audio. While the Sim card slot is at the bottom.
On the left and right sides of this tablet we find 4 speaker output holes. Showing that this tablet is also equipped with qualified audio, namely Dolby Atmos. Also a key feature for the Galaxy Tab A8.
10.5 Inch Screen with TFT Technology
Switching to the screen side, Samsung decided to use a TFT LCD panel instead of AMOLED like the higher series. So up to this point we can see that the screen is one of the features that has been saved.
Savings are not sacrifices, because basically the TFT LCD used still offers comfort with a good level of brightness and also a color presentation that is not too bad. Each technology has its own pluses and minuses. But in terms of feasibility, there is nothing to complain about. Maybe just a little bit in the less striking saturation value.
In the camp of other manufacturers who have long been involved in the tablet industry, screen panels like this are still their mainstay. So it is not right if we regret the presence of this panel, compared to better panels, both when looking at the price offered and its close competitors in the same price range.
The point is that the 10.5 inch screen span still provides something clearer than enjoying displays or writing on a relatively smaller cellphone screen, and also more comfortable than having to enjoy it on a laptop screen or PC monitor.
Unfortunately, there is also a downside. Unfortunately, the screen carried by the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 does not support the S-Pen. So we can no longer scribble on the screen using Samsung’s electric pencil.
Actually, there is a solution for example to help you sign digital documents or calm your child to color pictures, namely using a capacitive stylus that is widely sold in e-commerce. But we know, how its accuracy and comfort are less than adequate.
Full Google Support in OneUI 3.1
As an Android tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab8 is one of the choices that offers full Google support. Allows us to choose and install applications freely and legally via the PlayStore. Subscribe to application services without having to be nervous, and a number of other benefits that are available in the Samsung OneUI 3.1 UI.
One of the interesting things is Samsung Kids. Where we can feel safe when handing over this tablet to minors. Because with this kids mode, our children can interact with applications and content that are appropriate for their age, and invite them to learn while playing interactively, with a number of gimmicks in the form of achievements for them.
Some of the features that can be utilized on this tablet include multi-active windows, which divide the screen display into several small screens for different needs. For example, half the screen is used to display cooking recipes, while the other half is used to display children’s favorite videos.
However, not all applications support the multi-active Windows feature.
Another interesting Samsung feature is Samsung Flow. Where we can send files, or image data from a PC to a tablet or to a Samsung phone without any hassle. Or synchronize data via Samsung cloud with the same account.
Chipset with Decent Specifications
The Galaxy Tab A8 tablet uses a chipset made by Unisoc, namely the Tiger T618 with 12nm fabrication. Actually, there is nothing wrong with choosing this chipset. Because when tested, the Tab A8 feels smooth, especially for the needs of watching content in several applications, working on writing articles using Microsoft Office, to playing a little game.
Just for information, this chipset carries a CPU with 8 cores, namely a combination of 2 Cortex A75 cores and 6 Cortex A55 cores. With a maximum speed of 2 GHz. Carrying the Mali G52 MP2 GPU, if we may compare this chipset has specifications that may be the same as the Mediatek Helio G80.
Carrying 4GB of RAM and 128GB of ROM. On paper, this chipset is able to support the work of the tablet, especially in terms of multitasking and capable video rendering.
What about games? Although the GPU specifications are quite good, equivalent to mid-to-low phones and capable of executing games properly, it seems that this tablet is not created to play games with high hardware requirements and not for long periods of time.
Large Capacity Battery 7040 mAh
The Galaxy Tab A8 that we reviewed can last several days with a data connection. Either through the installed sim card (4G LTE) or connected to WiFi. This is strong evidence of how large the battery capacity is installed on this tablet.
To accompany typing in Microsoft Office, with Youtube Music running in the background, this tablet managed to last about a day. And it can still be used to watch series on Netflix or Disney+ at night.
Carrying 15W charging technology, when we sleep we can connect it to the charger. So that the next day the tablet is ready to accompany us again to work, study and play with our children. For those who already have children.
Camera for Productivity
Some people often say that the camera on a tablet is just there. But seeing the current conditions, it seems that the camera is also quite important. First, it can accommodate the needs of online meetings, second, it can also be used for spontaneous documentation, when needed. For example, capturing answer sheets during online school.
For the needs written above, the rear camera of the Galaxy Tab A8 with 8MP resolution is quite capable. Able to capture handwriting well in low-light conditions.
Then the front camera with 5MP resolution is also fairly standard to be used as a webcam, when doing zoom or google meet.
Samsung Galaxy TAB A8 for Whom?
After trying it for the past 2 weeks, we concluded that this tablet is suitable for those who need additional devices, besides their cellphones and PCs. Especially those who need a device to watch while lying down or on the go with a screen display that is relatively wider than a cellphone screen.
Housewives, with all their very busy activities, are also suitable to use this tablet even to replace their cellphones. Because they can read news about celebrities with a wider screen, can chat using WhatsApp freely without having to change devices, watch cooking shows more clearly and most importantly can share fun shows with their children.
Parents who need a device for their children to go to school online can also use this tablet. In addition to minimizing their gaming activities, a number of applications for tablets will also help their learning process.