Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) is a sleek and lightweight tablet that offers a great balance of features and affordability. With its metal back and plastic frame, it may not have the premium feel of other tablets, but it still manages to impress. The tablet boasts a vibrant 8-inch IPS display, which may not have the highest resolution, but still delivers decent visuals. Powered by a Snapdragon 425 processor and 2GB of RAM, it handles everyday tasks well, though heavy multitasking and gaming might cause some lag. The tablet runs on Android 7.1 Nougat with Samsung's user interface, providing a familiar and user-friendly experience. It also supports LTE connectivity, allowing for phone calls and text messaging. The battery life is commendable, lasting up to 10 hours with moderate usage, and it even supports fast charging. If you're looking for a solid tablet at an affordable price, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) is definitely worth considering.

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) sports a slightly different design compared to other recent tablets from Samsung. With a metal back and plastic frame, it has a decent build quality but lacks a high-end feel. The tablet is relatively lightweight, tipping the scales at 364 grams, but it's not the thinnest at 8.9 millimeters.

In terms of aesthetics, the tablet features a sleek design with a physical home button located beneath the display. However, it does not come with a fingerprint sensor. The inclusion of a USB Type-C port is a nice touch, as it offers faster data transfer and charging capabilities compared to the more common micro USB ports found on other tablets in its class. Additionally, the tablet includes a 3.5-millimeter audio jack and a card slot for microSD cards up to 256GB, providing ample storage options.

While the tablet's single speaker is located next to the USB Type-C port, it can easily get covered while holding the device. The sound quality is decent, but not exceptional. On the back, you'll find an 8-megapixel camera with LED flash, capable of recording full HD videos. The front-facing 5-megapixel camera also performs well for a tablet.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) offers a good balance of design and build. While it may not have the premium look and feel of some higher-end tablets, it offers a sturdy construction and decent ergonomics. The inclusion of a USB Type-C port and expandable storage options are definite advantages.

Display

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) features an 8-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. While it may not have the highest resolution compared to some other tablets on the market, it is still acceptable for an 8-inch screen. The pixel density may not be as high as on smartphones, but it offers a decent viewing experience.

In terms of display quality, the tablet offers good color accuracy and vibrancy. Colors appear vibrant and true to life, making it enjoyable for multimedia consumption. The brightness levels are also satisfactory, allowing for comfortable indoor usage. However, outdoor visibility can be a bit challenging under direct sunlight, as the display may struggle to combat glare.

Touch responsiveness is smooth and accurate, making navigation and interactions with the tablet effortless. The display is not protected by Gorilla Glass or any specific display protection, so users may want to consider using a screen protector for added durability.

While the tablet does not support features like HDR or wide color gamut, the viewing angles are decent, allowing for comfortable viewing from different positions. The tablet does not have any anti-reflective coating, so reflections may be a concern in certain lighting conditions.

Overall, the display of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) offers a satisfactory viewing experience with good color accuracy and vibrancy, smooth touch responsiveness, and acceptable viewing angles.

Performance

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) offers a decent performance with its Snapdragon 425 chipset and 2GB of RAM. The combination allows for smooth handling of everyday tasks and ensures a lag-free user experience. While it may not be the most powerful tablet on the market, it performs well for its intended usage.

In terms of CPU benchmarks, the tablet performs adequately, although it may not achieve top scores compared to higher-end devices. The processor efficiency is notable, ensuring efficient power consumption and helping to extend battery life.

When it comes to GPU benchmarks, the tablet's performance is satisfactory for casual gaming and multimedia consumption. While it may struggle with more graphics-intensive games, it can handle most popular titles without major issues. The gaming experience is generally smooth, providing an enjoyable gaming experience for casual gamers.

In terms of app loading speeds and multitasking performance, the tablet holds up well. Apps load relatively quickly, and the 2GB of RAM helps in smooth switching between apps and multitasking. However, heavy multitasking or running resource-intensive apps simultaneously may cause some lag or slower performance.

The tablet's system optimization and thermal management are commendable, as it does not suffer from overheating issues even during prolonged usage. This ensures a consistent performance without throttling or performance degradation over time.

While specific benchmark scores were not mentioned, the tablet's performance can be gauged through synthetic benchmarks and gaming benchmarks. These tests provide performance metrics and comparisons against other devices in its class. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) offers a reliable performance for its price range, providing a smooth user experience for everyday tasks, multimedia consumption, and casual gaming.

Software and User Interface

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) runs on the Android 7.1 Nougat operating system, overlaid with Samsung's own user interface. The interface is relatively easy to use and offers some additional features compared to stock Android. However, some users may find it a bit cluttered, especially with the presence of pre-installed apps and bloatware.

The tablet comes with a range of pre-installed apps, including Samsung's own apps like Samsung Notes, Samsung Health, and Samsung Kids. These apps can be useful for productivity, health tracking, and entertainment purposes. However, some users may find these pre-installed apps taking up unnecessary storage space and prefer to have more control over what apps they have on their device.

The user interface of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) is generally user-friendly, with easy access to settings and a notification panel for quick access to important information. The interface is customizable to some extent, allowing users to personalize their device according to their preferences.

Overall, the software experience on the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) is decent, with a familiar Android interface and some added features from Samsung. However, the presence of pre-installed apps and bloatware may be a downside for some users who prefer a more streamlined experience.

Camera

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) features an 8-megapixel rear camera with an LED flash, capable of recording full HD videos. The camera performs well in various lighting conditions, including daylight photography, indoor photography, and outdoor photography. It captures images with natural colors and good sharpness. The camera's dynamic range is decent, allowing for well-exposed shots in challenging lighting situations. In terms of low-light performance, the tablet's camera performs adequately with its low-light sensitivity and noise reduction capabilities. It also offers a night mode for improved low-light photography.

The tablet's camera comes with several features, including portrait mode, HDR, and panorama mode, allowing users to capture creative and wide-angle shots. It also offers a pro mode for manual control over settings like aperture and focal length. Additionally, the camera includes AI scene recognition, which can automatically detect and optimize settings for different types of scenes.

When it comes to video recording, the tablet can shoot full HD videos with decent image stabilization. It also supports video formats like 4K video, slow-motion video, and time-lapse. The video stabilization feature helps in capturing smoother videos even while on the move. Overall, the camera of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) offers a good balance between image quality and functionality, making it suitable for casual photography and video recording needs.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) comes with a decent battery that offers good performance for everyday use. With its battery capacity, it can last for around 10 hours on moderate usage, which is quite impressive. The tablet also supports fast charging, allowing you to quickly charge up the device when needed. It is worth noting that the tablet does not offer wireless charging options. However, the battery optimization features on the tablet help to ensure efficient power usage, extending the battery life. The tablet also has a battery saver mode that can be activated to further conserve battery when needed. Overall, the battery performance of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) is satisfactory, providing users with a reliable battery backup and endurance throughout the day.

Connectivity and Networking

When it comes to connectivity options, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) offers a range of features to keep you connected on the go. First and foremost, it supports LTE connectivity, allowing you to stay connected to the internet even when Wi-Fi is not available. This is especially useful for those who frequently travel or need reliable internet access outside of Wi-Fi zones. The tablet also supports dual SIM functionality, which means you can use two SIM cards simultaneously, making it convenient for managing personal and work phone numbers or for using local SIM cards when traveling abroad.

In terms of wireless connectivity, the tablet supports Wi-Fi standards, including 802.11 a/b/g/n, ensuring fast and stable internet connections when connected to a Wi-Fi network. It also supports Bluetooth, allowing you to easily connect wireless headphones, speakers, or other compatible devices. However, the specific Bluetooth version is not mentioned, so it's unclear if it supports the latest Bluetooth 5.0 or an older version.

For navigation and location services, the tablet features GPS, which is essential for accurate positioning and navigation. This is particularly useful for those who rely on location-based apps or need directions while traveling. Unfortunately, NFC (Near Field Communication) support is not mentioned, so it's unclear if the tablet can be used for contactless payments or other NFC-enabled tasks.

In terms of physical connectivity, the tablet features a USB-C port, which is a modern and versatile connection option. This allows for fast data transfer speeds and can also be used for charging the tablet. However, wireless charging is not mentioned, so it's safe to assume that the tablet does not support this feature.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) offers a decent range of connectivity options, including LTE, dual SIM support, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. While it may not have all the latest connectivity features like 5G or NFC, it provides enough options to keep you connected and productive on the go.

Additional Features

Comparison with Other Related Phones

When comparing the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) with other related gadgets in the market, it's important to consider its features, specifications, and overall performance. One notable competitor is the Lenovo Tab4 8, which offers similar specs and features at a comparable price point. Both tablets have an 8-inch IPS panel with an HD resolution, although the Lenovo Tab4 8 has a slightly higher pixel density.

In terms of build quality, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) has a metal back and plastic frame, while the Lenovo Tab4 8 features an all-plastic design. This gives the Samsung tablet a slightly more premium feel, but it's worth noting that the Lenovo tablet is lighter and thinner.

In terms of performance, both tablets are equipped with a Snapdragon processor and 2GB of RAM, allowing for smooth everyday tasks. However, heavy multitasking and gaming may cause some lag on both devices.

Another competitor in this market segment is the Huawei MediaPad T3 8. Like the Samsung tablet, it features an 8-inch IPS panel with an HD resolution. However, the Huawei tablet falls slightly short in terms of performance, as it is equipped with a lower-end MediaTek processor.

When it comes to pricing, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) is priced similarly to its competitors, making it a viable option for those looking for a budget-friendly tablet with decent performance.

In terms of unique features, the Samsung tablet stands out with its LTE version, which allows for phone calls and text messaging. This is a feature not commonly found in tablets in this price range.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) holds its own in the competitive tablet market, offering a good balance of features, performance, and affordability. While there are other options available with similar specs and pricing, the Samsung tablet's LTE capability and solid build quality give it a slight edge over its competitors.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) is a reliable and affordable tablet that offers a decent performance and a good set of features. While the design may not be the most premium, it is still solid and functional. The display, although not the sharpest, is satisfactory for everyday use. The tablet's camera performance is also commendable for a device in this price range. The battery life is impressive, and the inclusion of fast charging is a welcome addition. Overall, if you are looking for a budget-friendly tablet that covers all the essentials, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) is definitely worth considering.