Galaxy Tab S8, S8+ & S8 Ultra: A comparison of the new Samsung tablets

At the launch of the new smartphones in the Galaxy S22 series, Samsung also presented its latest Android tablets. As with the smartphones, the Galaxy Tab S8 also has a plus and an ultra version in addition to the basic model. It is high-quality tablets that Samsung uses to directly attack the Apple iPad.

Before we find out in tests whether Samsung is really on par with the iPadOS tablets, let’s take a look at the technical data. You can get an overview of them in the following table:

	11 inches	12.4 inches	14.6 inches
model
Illustration
screen	11 inch, LTPS TFT, WQXGA 2560 x 1600 pixels, 276 ppi, 120 Hz	12.4 inch, Super AMOLED, WQXGA+ 2800 x 1752 pixels, 266 ppi, 120 Hz	14.6 inch, Super AMOLED, WQXGA+ 2960 x 1848 pixels, 240 ppi, 120 Hz
SoC	Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, octa-core SoC, 4nm technology, up to 3.0 GHz Qualcomm Adreno 730	Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, octa-core SoC, 4nm technology, up to 3.0 GHz Qualcomm Adreno 730	Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, octa-core SoC, 4nm technology, up to 3.0 GHz Qualcomm Adreno 730
random access memory	8 / 12GB RAM	8 / 12GB RAM	8/12/16GB RAM
Storage	128 / 256GB expandable via microSD (up to 1 TB)	128 / 256GB expandable via microSD (up to 1 TB)	128/256/512GB expandable via microSD (up to 1 TB)
cameras behind	13 MP main camera, f/2.0 aperture + 6 MP ultra wide angle, f/2.2 aperture	13 MP main camera, f/2.0 aperture + 6 MP ultra wide angle, f/2.2 aperture	13 MP main camera, f/2.0 aperture + 6 MP ultra wide angle, f/2.2 aperture
cameras in front	12 MP ultra wide angle	12 MP ultra wide angle	12MP wide angle 12 MP ultra wide angle
software	Android 12 with OneUI 4.1	Android 12 with OneUI 4.1	Android 12 with OneUI 4.1
battery pack	8,000mAh 45 watt quick charging	10,090mAh 45 watt quick charging	11,200mAh 45 watt quick charging
connectivity	5G (optional), LTE, Wi-Fi 6E (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C 3.2, GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, ANT+	5G (optional), LTE, Wi-Fi 6E (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C 3.2, GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, ANT+	5G (optional), LTE, Wi-Fi 6E (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C 3.2, GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, ANT+
Audio	Quad stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, 3 microphones	Quad stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, 3 microphones	Quad stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, 3 microphones
S Pen	Yes, included	Yes, included	Yes, included
safety	Samsung Knox Fingerprint sensor on the side	Samsung Knox Fingerprint sensor in the display	Samsung Knox Fingerprint sensor in the display
Dimensions	165.4 x 253.8 x 6.3mm	185*285*5.7mm	208.6 x 326.4 x 5.5mm
Weight	503 grams (WiFi), 507 grams (5G)	567 grams (WiFi), 572 grams (5G)	726 grams (WiFi), 728 grams (5G)
Colours	Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold	Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold	graphite
price	from 749 euros	from 949 euros	from 1,149 euros
to offer

A first look tells us that all three devices are well-equipped tablets. The main difference between the Galaxy Tab S8 and S8+ is their size. The ultra tablet has a few special tricks up its sleeve compared to the other two devices. The comparison in this article is based solely on the data sheets. As soon as we can test the tablets, we will add the article accordingly.

Contents:

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8: Display and body

The most obvious difference is the size of the different models. The display of the Galaxy Tab S8 comes with a screen diagonal of 11 inches. The Plus model is 12.4 inches and the Ultra is a massive 14.6 inches. However, there are also differences in the display technology: we see Super AMOLED displays in the two larger devices, while you have to be content with a TFT panel in the basic model.

The Tab S8 has a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels and offers the highest pixel density of 276 ppi. With the Galaxy Tab S8+ you get 2800 x 1752 (266 ppi) and finally 2960 x 1848 (240 ppi) with the Ultra. Images are repeated on all three tablets at 120 hertz. The display also shows a crucial design difference between the ultra tablet and the two smaller models: The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra uses the “Blade Bezel” design and packs its selfie shooter into a notch at the top edge of the display. With the other two devices you will find the cam in the frame.

All three tablets are very thin, with the Ultra standing out at 5.5mm versus the S8+’s 5.7mm and the base model’s 6.3mm. However, you only get the largest of the three models in the color graphite. These are also available for the other two devices, and Samsung also offers us the colors silver and pink gold as alternatives. There are no surprises in terms of weight: the 5G model of the Ultra weighs 728 grams, the Plus tablet (572 grams) and the normal Galaxy Tab S8 (507 grams) are correspondingly lighter.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8: performance and connectivity

In terms of SoC and connectivity, all three tablets are exactly on par. So you can rely on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 for every model and you have the choice between a WLAN-only and a 5G model everywhere. 8 and 12 GB of RAM are available for all three Galaxy tabs, the Ultra also offers a 16 GB alternative.

The situation is similar with the storage, where we can choose anywhere between 128 GB and 256 GB and are offered an additional 512 with the Ultra. In all three cases, you can use a microSD slot to expand the memory by up to 1 terabyte.

Samsung doesn’t show any weaknesses when it comes to connectivity. As mentioned, each model is also available with 5G if desired, and also on board: Bluetooth 5.2 and WiFi 6E, which is also expected for the iPhone 14.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8: Cameras

In tablets, the camera is generally a component that manufacturers tend to neglect. That’s in the nature of things, because the giant things are just as unsuitable as mobile snaps. Accordingly, Samsung is going down a bit here compared to the Galaxy S22 smartphones. All three tablets are identically equipped with a dual cam.

The main camera is 13 megapixels, and there is also an ultra wide-angle sensor with 6 megapixels. At the front, the ultra tablet again stands out from the other two: there is a single 12 MP ultra wide-angle camera in the Galaxy Tab S8 and S8+. With the Ultra, on the other hand, there is also a wide-angle sensor with 12 MP and this selfie dual cam sits in a notch. There is not much more exciting to tell on paper about the cameras. We are waiting for the findings from the test reports.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8: Software

There is also agreement on the software, which shouldn’t surprise anyone. So you will find Android 12 on the tablets and – of course ~ Samsung’s OneUi 4.1 based on it. A while ago we showed you how Android 12 looks on Samsung devices.

With Samsung Knox, Samsung’s security solution can also be found on the devices. Speaking of security: With the S8+ and Ultra you will find the fingerprint sensor in the display. On the Galaxy Tab S8, on the other hand, it is on the side.

Samsung’s update policy is exciting: Samsung promises very long support here: we are promised four major Android updates and even five years of security updates. So you can have fun with the tablets for a really long time!

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8: battery and quick charging

It should come as no surprise to anyone that the three differently sized tablets also have three different sized batteries on board. There is 8,000 mAh in the base model, while we are presented with a capacity of 10,090 mAh in the Galaxy Tab S8+. Finally, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra has the thickest battery with 11,200 mAh.

It is interesting that all three Galaxy Tabs can be charged with up to 45 watts. Unlike the S22 series, where the vanilla model only has to be satisfied with 25 watts. However, no chargers are included in the scope of delivery, so you have to get the parts separately. Unfortunately, there is no wireless charging.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8: price and availability

Now we come to the prices of the new high-end tablets. The S8 starts at 749 euros. If you are looking at the most expensive version of the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, you will have to pay more than twice as much at 1,599 euros. Here you have an overview of the prices for all models:

The S Pen with Bluetooth support (BLE) is included with all three tablets. Both the 45-watt chargers mentioned above and the various cases that are available for the Galaxy Tabs are available separately. Like the smartphones in the Galaxy S22 series, you can also buy the new Korean tablets from February 25th. But you can pre-order now!

If you decide on a tablet in the Samsung store by February 24th, you can also look forward to an exchange bonus of 200 euros and an old device value of up to 500 euros when you trade in an old device. You also get the Galaxy Book Cover Keyboard Slim (Galaxy Tab S8 and S8+) or Book Cover Keyboard (Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra) as a free gift.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8: Conclusion

At least on paper, we’ve already been able to compare the three newcomers to the Android tablet market. Samsung remains the top dog and first instance in the Android camp. You have to decide for yourself whether you want to buy tablets at such high prices.

Technically, Samsung doesn’t show any weaknesses and packs powerful hardware into the devices. For the most part they are also equipped identically, so you don’t have to make too many compromises if you buy for the basic model. It’s just a shame that the Galaxy Tab S8 doesn’t have a Super AMOLED panel. Otherwise you have identical SoCs, identical main cameras, the S Pen everywhere and of course identical software.

In addition to the huge display, the Ultra shines with additional options (16 GB RAM, 512 GB storage) and a dual cam on the front. The blade-edge design also makes it look more modern than the other two tablets with the slightly thicker display edges. In general, however, you have a free choice with the three new Galaxy Tabs, so that you basically only have to decide how large the display should be.

What do you think of the South Koreans’ new Galaxy tablets? Is the price in the right proportion to the equipment? Which model do you find most interesting? Tell us in the comments.