After its FE models in 2021, Samsung finally decides to release the true heirs of its Galaxy Tab S7. Called Galaxy Tab S8 and S8 +, these high-end tablets ultimately offer little new, except for a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is the real novelty, the Tab S8 and S8+ tablets being more of an evolution of the Tab S7 and S7+ than real new products. However, given the success of previous models, it’s a safe bet that these Tab S8 will meet the same success.
Why change a formula that works?
By Samsung’s own admission, these Galaxy Tab S8 are a continuation of the Galaxy Tab S7. In fact, their external appearance does not change, nor their dimensions, nor their weight. Even their screen is preserved. We therefore find an 11-inch LCD panel for the Tab S8 and a 12.4-inch Super Amoled screen for the Tab S8+. Both benefit from a refresh rate of 120 Hz (non-adaptive). The photo component differs slightly since these slates now benefit from an ultra wide-angle of 6 megapixels, against 5 previously. The wide-angle module remains at 13 megapixels. At the front, a 12 megapixel sensor is offered, while that of the Tab S7 was 8 megapixels.
The biggest change is hidden under the hood. Both tablets have the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, Qualcomm’s latest high-end chip, coupled with 8 or 12 GB of RAM and 128 or 256 GB of storage, expandable with a 1 TB microSD card. The fingerprint reader is located on the edge for the Tab S8 and under the screen on the S8+ and S8 Ultra models.
The capacity of the batteries remains the same. The Tab S8 retains its 8,000 mAh battery and the Tab S8+ that of 10,090 mAh. The fast charge is always 45 W and the charging block is here delivered with the product. Which is also the case with the S Pen. The stylus is more comfortable thanks to reduced latency: 6.8 ms on the S8 and 2.6 ms on the “Plus” model. This year, Samsung has developed partnerships with Clip Studio Paint and Canva for all things digital drawing and graphics. Trials are offered, as are certain features, in order to take advantage of the full potential of the tablet.
On the price side, count 769 € for the Tab S8 and 999 € for the Tab S8+. As for the Ultra model, no pre-orders to be expected, the slates are marketed directly after their presentation. With any purchase, Samsung offers a Book Cover to protect the device. And since we are talking about accessories, note that those released for the Tab S7 remain compatible with the Tab S8.