Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) 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 A8 10.5 (2021) is a versatile tablet that offers a captivating user experience. With its sleek design and impressive features, it is bound to catch your attention. The tablet boasts a large 10.5-inch TFT LCD display, providing an immersive visual experience. Powered by the Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset and octa-core processor, it ensures smooth performance and multitasking capabilities. The tablet comes in various memory options, ranging from 32GB to 128GB, allowing you to store all your files and media effortlessly. Equipped with an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera, you can capture stunning photos and videos. The tablet also features stereo speakers, a USB Type-C port, and a 7040mAh battery with 15W fast charging support. Available in elegant colors like Gray, Silver, and Pink Gold, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) is a stylish and functional device worth considering. With a price tag of around 230 EUR, it offers great value for money.

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) boasts a sleek and aesthetically pleasing design. With its slim profile and minimal bezels, this tablet offers a premium look and feel. The tablet's physical appearance is characterized by its slim dimensions of 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm and lightweight construction, weighing in at just 508g. This makes it highly portable and comfortable to hold for extended periods.

The tablet's build quality and construction are commendable, showcasing Samsung's commitment to durability and sturdiness. The materials used in its construction are of high quality, contributing to its robustness. The back panel has a smooth texture, providing a comfortable grip and minimizing the chances of accidental slips.

The buttons and controls are well-placed and offer good tactile feedback, enhancing the overall usability of the device. The frame surrounding the display is minimal, maximizing the screen-to-body ratio and providing an immersive viewing experience.

Furthermore, the tablet's finishing touches add to its overall appeal. The color options available, including gray, silver, and pink gold, cater to different style preferences.

In terms of ergonomics, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) is designed to be easily operated with one hand, making it convenient for various tasks such as reading, browsing, or watching videos.

Overall, the design and build of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) showcase a combination of sleek design, premium look and feel, and robustness, making it an attractive option for those seeking a stylish and reliable tablet.

Display

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) features a 10.5-inch TFT LCD display with a resolution of 1200 x 1920 pixels and an aspect ratio of 16:10. The screen size provides a comfortable viewing experience for multimedia consumption and productivity tasks. Although it is not an OLED panel, the TFT LCD technology used ensures decent color accuracy and vibrancy.

In terms of brightness levels, the Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 offers adequate brightness for indoor use, but it may struggle slightly under direct sunlight for outdoor visibility. The touch responsiveness of the display is smooth and precise, allowing for seamless navigation and effortless interaction with the device.

To protect the display from scratches and accidental damage, it is recommended to use a screen protector or a protective case. Unfortunately, there is no specific mention of Gorilla Glass or any other display protection technology used in this tablet.

The pixel density of the Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 is approximately 216 pixels per inch, which ensures reasonably sharp visuals and text. However, it is worth noting that this tablet does not support a high refresh rate or HDR technology for enhanced visual quality.

While there is no mention of wide color gamut or specific viewing angles, the display offers satisfactory colors and decent viewing angles for a tablet in this price range. It would have been beneficial to have an anti-reflective coating for better visibility in bright environments.

The tablet does not feature a notch design and instead has noticeable bezels, which may be a subjective preference for some users. The screen-to-body ratio is around 80%, which means there are minimal bezels and the display occupies a significant portion of the front panel.

Additional features include an always-on display option, a blue light filter for reducing eye strain, and adaptive brightness for automatic adjustment based on ambient lighting conditions. The display calibration can be adjusted according to personal preferences.

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) offers a decent display with a good screen size and resolution for multimedia consumption and productivity tasks. While it may lack some advanced display technologies, it still provides satisfactory color accuracy and touch responsiveness.

Performance

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) offers a solid performance for its price range. Powered by the Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset and Mali G52 MP2 GPU, this tablet delivers decent processing power and graphics capabilities. Benchmarks and tests reveal that the CPU performs well in both single-core and multi-core tasks, making it suitable for multitasking and handling demanding applications.

In terms of gaming performance, the Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 provides a satisfactory experience. The GPU benchmarks and gaming benchmarks indicate that it can handle most mobile games smoothly, although high-end games may require some graphics settings adjustments for optimal performance. The tablet's graphics scores are respectable, allowing users to enjoy a visually immersive gaming experience.

The processor efficiency of the Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset ensures that the tablet operates smoothly and efficiently. App loading speeds are relatively quick, and users can expect a lag-free performance during day-to-day usage. The system optimization and thermal management contribute to a stable and consistent performance, preventing overheating and ensuring a smooth user experience.

Benchmark tests and scores further validate the tablet's performance capabilities. Synthetic benchmarks reveal the tablet's ability to handle various tasks efficiently, while gaming benchmarks provide insights into its gaming performance. These performance metrics demonstrate that the Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 is a reliable device for both productivity and entertainment purposes.

The tablet's 7040 mAh battery, combined with its efficient processor, offers a decent battery life for extended usage. This allows users to enjoy their favorite games and multimedia content without worrying about frequent recharging.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) provides a commendable performance considering its price range. With its capable chipset, GPU, and optimized system, it delivers smooth multitasking, app loading speeds, and a satisfying gaming experience. Whether for productivity or entertainment, this tablet offers a reliable and efficient performance.

Software and User Interface

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) runs on the Android 11 operating system, with an upgrade to Android 13 available. The tablet features Samsung's own One UI 5 interface, which provides a user-friendly experience and allows for easy navigation. The software offers a range of customization options, allowing users to personalize their device to suit their preferences.

In terms of pre-installed apps, the Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 comes with a variety of useful applications. These include productivity tools like Microsoft Office Suite, which allows users to create and edit documents on the go. Additionally, the tablet offers access to the Google Play Store, where users can download a wide range of apps to enhance their tablet experience.

While the software on the Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 provides a smooth and intuitive interface, it is worth noting that there may be some pre-installed apps that some users may consider bloatware. However, these apps can typically be uninstalled or disabled to free up storage space and optimize performance.

Overall, the software on the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) offers a user-friendly experience with a range of customization options and useful pre-installed apps. The Android 11 operating system, coupled with Samsung's One UI 5 interface, provides a seamless and intuitive interface for users to navigate and make the most of their tablet experience. Whether it's for work or entertainment, the software on the Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 ensures a smooth and enjoyable user experience.

Camera

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) is equipped with an 8 MP main camera, which offers decent image quality for a tablet. While it may not compete with the cameras found on flagship smartphones, it is sufficient for casual photography needs. The camera features autofocus and can record videos in 1080p resolution at 30fps. The camera also performs well in daylight conditions, capturing natural colors and good sharpness. However, in low-light situations, the camera's performance may be limited due to its smaller aperture and sensor size. Noise reduction is applied to help improve the image quality in low-light, but it may result in some loss of detail. The tablet does not have a dedicated night mode, which could have improved its low-light performance. Despite these limitations, the camera on the Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) is suitable for capturing everyday moments and can be a handy tool for quick snapshots and video recording. However, if you are looking for professional-level photography capabilities, it is recommended to consider a dedicated camera or a high-end smartphone.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) is equipped with a Li-Po 7040 mAh non-removable battery, providing a decent amount of power for extended use. The battery capacity ensures that the tablet can last through hours of screen-on time, making it suitable for multimedia consumption and productivity tasks. It also offers a standby time that allows users to leave the tablet untouched for extended periods without worrying about battery drain. The device supports 15W wired charging, which helps in quickly replenishing the battery when needed. Although it doesn't offer wireless charging options, the tablet's power efficiency and optimization features contribute to a satisfactory battery performance. The battery management system helps optimize battery usage and reduce drain, enhancing the overall battery backup. Users can expect a reliable battery capacity and health, ensuring long-term battery longevity and endurance.

Connectivity and Networking

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) offers a range of connectivity options to keep you connected wherever you go. With its network compatibility for GSM, HSPA, and LTE, you can enjoy fast data speeds and reliable connectivity. It supports both Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac standards, allowing you to connect to various Wi-Fi networks and take advantage of high-speed internet access. Additionally, the tablet features Bluetooth 5.0 with A2DP and LE, enabling you to connect wirelessly to other devices such as headphones or speakers for a seamless audio experience. The tablet also supports GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, and QZSS for accurate positioning and navigation. With its USB Type-C 2.0 port, you can easily connect the tablet to other compatible devices for data transfer or charging. However, it is worth mentioning that the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) does not support NFC or wireless charging. Overall, the tablet provides a range of connectivity options to suit your needs, whether it's connecting to Wi-Fi networks, transferring data via USB-C, or using GPS for navigation.

Additional Features

• Standout features: The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) comes with a range of impressive features that make it stand out from the crowd. From its sleek design to its powerful performance, this tablet offers a great user experience.


• Water and dust resistance: The device is not water or dust resistant, so it is important to handle it with care and protect it from exposure to liquids and dust.


• Wireless charging: Unfortunately, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) does not support wireless charging. However, it does come with a 15W wired charging capability for quick and convenient charging.


• Advanced sensors: The tablet is equipped with a range of sensors, including an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors enhance the overall user experience by enabling features such as screen rotation, motion-based gaming, and accurate navigation.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) is a mid-range tablet that offers a decent set of features at an affordable price point. When compared to other tablets in the market, it competes with devices such as the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus, Huawei MatePad T10s, and Amazon Fire HD 10.

In terms of specifications, the Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 features a 10.5-inch TFT LCD display with a resolution of 1200 x 1920 pixels. It is powered by the Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset, coupled with either 2GB, 3GB, or 4GB of RAM, depending on the variant. While this may not be as powerful as some of its competitors, it offers smooth performance for everyday tasks and multimedia consumption.

One area where the Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 excels is its battery life. With a 7040mAh battery, it provides long-lasting usage, making it ideal for on-the-go use or entertainment purposes. However, it only supports 15W wired charging, which is relatively slower compared to some other tablets in the market.

When it comes to camera capabilities, the Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 offers an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front-facing camera. While these cameras may not produce the best quality images, they are sufficient for video calls and basic photography.

In terms of software, the Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 runs on Android 11 with Samsung's One UI 5. It also comes with a dedicated microSD card slot for expandable storage, allowing users to store more media files and documents.

In comparison to its competitors, the Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 offers a good balance of features, performance, and affordability. It may not have the most powerful chipset or the highest resolution display, but it provides a reliable and budget-friendly option for those looking for a mid-range tablet.

Overall, the Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 competes well in the market, offering a competitive pricing strategy and decent specifications. While it may not stand out in terms of unique features or high-end performance, it provides a solid option for those seeking a reliable and affordable tablet.

Pros and Cons