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Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 vs S8+: Key Differences and Full Comparison

samsung galaxy tab s8 vs s8+

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 vs S8+: Key Differences and Full Comparison

Many premium tablet makers have left the market in the wake of the iPad Pro’s success, but Samsung has persisted, helping to keep the Android flame alive. And the company is doing it in style with its Galaxy Tab S8 series, particularly with its Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 vs S8+ offering.

With the Galaxy Tab S8, Samsung is taking a new approach. It has now expanded the Tab S8 line to include three distinct devices, rather than just two. As a result, users can pick from three different Galaxy Tab S8 models: the Tab S8, the Tab S8+, and the Tab S8 Ultra.

No doubt, Samsung is making serious efforts to displace Apple’s newest iPad Pro as the best tablet on the market. But, is it really able to compete with iPad through Tab S8 and S8+? Do you think these new Samsung devices pack a solid punch? Let’s find out.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 vs S8+: Side-by-Side Comparison

Tab S8Tab S8+
Weight507g572g
Size in inches9.99 x 6.51 x 0.2511.22 x 7.28 x 0.22
Screen size11 inches12.4 inches
OSAndroid 12Android 12
Resolution2560 x 1600 pixels2800 x 1752 pixels
ProcessorQualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
Primary CameraDual 13-megapixelDual 13-megapixel
PortsUSB-CUSB-C
Battery8,000mAh10,090mAh

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 vs S8+: What’s the Difference?

It is a toss-up between the good old Tab S8 and the Tab S8+. There is some duplication of functionality, but there are also major enhancements. These new models provide plenty of tempting features, such as a more powerful octa-core CPU, enhanced video conferencing, and more.

Yes, you will notice a number of similar features, but there are still distinctions between the two, with the Galaxy Tab S8+ made distinguishable by its larger battery and display. But even if you take the iPad out of the picture, you will still have to compare the two carefully to decide which one offers better value for your money.

Let’s put these devices head-to-head to see how they stack up against one another in terms of displays, software, hardware, cameras, and overall performance.

Design

Budget Pick
SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S8
$458.84
  • Includes Samsung's DeX feature for a desktop-like experience
  • S Pen included
  • Screen: 11-inch, type: LCD
  • 4K camera
  • Graphite
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
11/25/2023 09:40 pm GMT

Although the Tab S8+ is larger, it is easy to see that Samsung kept the same design language for both tablets. They have a sleek, bezel-free, edge-to-edge display and a minimalist back characterized by a black magnetic strip for docking the S-Pen.

Visually, these tablets look pretty much identical. However, the Tab S8+ is somewhat heavier (by just over 60g), which may make it slightly more tiring to use for long periods of time. It is worth mentioning that both tablets have aluminum enclosures, making them quite sturdy.

But, keep in mind that neither has an IP rating, so you should avoid getting them wet. Still, in terms of construction, Samsung has certainly managed to outdo Apple with these devices. They include an expansion slot for microSD cards and the USB Type-C slot. 

Unfortunately, these phones are more slippery than ever, so you will probably need to hide their beautiful design under a case. Each phone still has underwhelming mono speakers, and the fingerprint reader is in an awkward spot by the back camera, making it difficult to use. This was obviously a last-second change.

Display

The primary distinction between the two tablets is the size of their screens. The S8 has an 11-inch display, whereas the S8+ comes with a 12.4-inch display. The Plus variant is aimed at the middle of the market and features the same gorgeous Super AMOLED technology as its larger sibling, S8 Ultra, but at a lower resolution of 2800 by 1752.

There isn’t much of a difference when you compare the display size of the S8 and S8+. The resolution also improves with increasing size, so you will get a clear picture no matter which option you go with. That said, the Tab S8+ clearly provides a slightly better result.  

Moreover, the S8+ still has a higher resolution, so you can view more information at once while accessing the internet, using apps, or merely adjusting the device’s settings. It is also helpful for performing multiple tasks at once.

Although the two models’ displays are different in terms of size and panel technology, they both have 120Hz refresh rates enabling fluid page navigation and seamless video playback. One considerable difference is that the Plus variant has a fingerprint scanner on display, while the cheaper Standard S8 makes do with a scanner on the power button.

Chipset

The octa-core processor in both devices is 4 nanometers in size. As is typical with Samsung products, the chip you receive will depend on where you live. Tab S8 tablets sold in the United States are powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon Gen 1 processors, whereas international models will use Samsung’s own Exynos 2200 CPUs.

The upgraded silicon appears to provide the S8 with a sizable increase in power over the already respectable speed of the Galaxy Tab S7. The new chips are expected to support ray tracing, which will improve lighting in games, making them better devices for gaming fans. 

Both tabs can do a lot thanks to their powerful processors. Browsing the internet, viewing videos, and interacting on social media are some of the most frequent ways most people put their tablets to use, and they both perform exceptionally well here. In fact, the chipset also makes it possible to handle the tougher stuff, like photo editing, multitasking, and gaming.

Storage

Just as with any other tablet, it is important to consider the available internal storage. The storage capacities of both tablets are up to 256GB, and 8GB of RAM is standard across all variants. The good news is that the size of RAM will remain constant regardless of the size of the internal storage you select.

Performance

Because of the same processors and RAM, you will not notice a great deal of disparity in the performance of both these tablets. Both run on the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 CPU, which is capable of extremely quick calculations thanks to its usage of 4nm transistors.

Moreover, it is equipped with 8GB of RAM, so you can run many programs simultaneously and still get everything done. The iris scanner performs quite well on both the S8 and S8+.

That said, it performs exceptionally well (nearly instantly) when it does operate, but it can be tricked by extremes of brightness and darkness. On the other hand, it is accurate 90% of the time, which means the poorly placed fingerprint sensors only need to be stretched occasionally.

Operating System

Speaking of performance, you have to consider the operating system. Both the S8 and S8+ tablets run Android 12, with OneUI 4 on top. Among the many Android skins available now, OneUI stands out for its ability to improve upon the stock Android interface with bold, visually appealing icons, well-organized menus, and extensive personalization options.

Best Android Tablet
SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S8+ Android Tablet
$599.99
  • Work and play with the blazing fast speed of Wi-Fi 6E -- 3x faster than the previous generation of Wi-Fi
  • Get more enjoyment out of every moment with a big 12.4 inch sAMOLED screen and high resolution
  • Record super clear video in 4K and great photos with an ultra-wide front camera with auto framing
  • Inspire your imagination with our included S Pen - it's more responsive than ever and feels even more like a real pen
  • Do more on the go with enhanced productivity capabilities, like Samsung DeX and Microsoft 365 integration, that give you a PC experience, wherever you happen to be
  • Graphite
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
11/26/2023 01:16 am GMT

Samsung’s One UI has replaced the cluttered TouchWiz interface, and it is much easier to use. It is not quite as close to plain Android as OnePlus’ OxygenOS, but it also does not get in the way, and it adds a touch of Samsung flavor.

We appreciate that One UI does not come with extraneous or unnecessary software. However, the pre-installed applications do have some overlap. The S8 comes preloaded with a variety of useful apps from both Samsung and Google.

The Google Play Store and Samsung’s very own Galaxy Apps Store are both examples of such app markets. These apps are similar in that they both allow you to update and install new ones and share several apps.  

Charging

Despite having USB-C 45-watt fast charging, both these tabs do not support wireless or reverse wireless charging. On the other hand, they can pool energy to power up multiple gadgets.

It is important for consumers to know that Samsung has not included a charger in the package, which is pretty much becoming the norm. This means that if you do not already have a spare lying around, be sure to add that to your budget before purchasing a Samsung device.

Camera

There is no discernible difference between the two camera setups. The primary camera has 13 megapixels and the secondary stands at 6mp. And on the front, you’ll find a 12mp camera setup.

Both Galaxy Tab S8 and S8+ have an auto-framing function that follows the subject around and automatically zooms in and out as necessary. You will certainly like this feature if you like making video calls but do not want to be glued to your tab.

Other than this feature, you would not find much to love about the cameras on these tablets. That said, both devices take respectable photographs with their wide-angle lenses, delivering images with adequate detail and well-balanced tones.

You’ll witness all this only in sufficient natural light. Moreover, the ultrawide rear lens is not as practical as the ultrawide lenses on modern smartphones, so consumers will probably not be making heavy use of it.

The 12MP ultrawide selfie lens performs admirably for FaceTime and other video chats. If you intend to use it for professional photography, however, you will find that the lens is not as good as those found on Samsung’s smartphones.

The same can be said for the front-facing selfie camera, which is also fully adequate for FaceTime and similar uses, but do not expect much. When compared to the cameras on Samsung’s smartphones, it quickly becomes clear that the selfie camera on both these tablets falls short when used for serious photography.

Battery Life

In terms of battery, it should come as no surprise that the Ultra has a larger battery than the other variants. Its 11,200mAh battery, which Samsung says may serve you well with 14 hours of video playback, is the largest of any of the available options.

Samsung claims that the S8 can run for 15 hours of video playback on a single charge, and it is pretty much understandable considering its less demanding screen. However, it is still impressive because it has the smallest battery of 8,000mAh.

On the other hand, the S8+ is likely to last 13 hours on its 10,090mAh battery; slightly less than the Ultra but still quite impressive. Thankfully, unlike Apple, Samsung lets you expand the internal storage through microSD cards. You can use the card slot to add up to 1TB to the internal storage, which should be more than enough for most people.

You can use this extra space to store files, or you can transfer numerous apps from the device’s internal memory to the micro-SD card. Although not every app will be compatible, you can easily transfer several sizable games and apps with no problems and no discernible slowdown.

Special Features

Both Samsung tabs offer some additional features as well. Unlike previous generations, in which only the more expensive Plus model came with a stylus, both tablets ship with one. This is obviously a fantastic improvement, and the inclusion of the pen greatly expands the usefulness of both tablets as work tools.

By the way, the S-Pen is Bluetooth-enabled, which means you can now use the camera, media playback, and a few other features using gestures. Smart Screen Capture is particularly great, especially with its annotatable, scrolling, and even gif captures.

But, you will also like Samsung’s “Desktop Experience” (DeX). The Tab S8 takes on the characteristics of a Chromebook when DeX is activated and a mouse, keyboard, or trackpad is connected. When DeX is turned on, the user is presented with a desktop environment, complete with separate windows and a mouse cursor.

To provide the best possible multitasking experience, users are free to launch several programs simultaneously and adjust the size and placement of their individual windows. Users have the ability to pin apps to the taskbar and quickly retrieve recently used programs. It is just as simple to store files on the desktop.  

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 vs S8+: 5 Must-Know Facts

  1. The Galaxy Tab S8 family offers four unique multi-window designs, making it better than the S7 line’s uniform layouts.
  2. The S8+ comes with larger 12.4-in high-resolution 120Hz AMOLED displays, making multi-tasking a breeze without straining your eyes.
  3. The S8 line works great to run bandwidth-intensive apps in real time, thanks to its improved Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor.
  4. The S Pen on the S8 and S8+ is significantly quicker than before, with speeds of 2.8ms and nearly zero latency.
  5. The Tab S8+ offers impressive connectivity features, supporting 5G and Wi-Fi 6 for a faster and more secure connection.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Vs S8 +: Which One Is Better?

Each successive generation of Samsung’s Tab devices further blurs the distinction between laptops, tablets, and Chromebooks, and they are unquestionably the finest Android tablets to date. At least that is what you can witness with the most recent Tab lineup, where the top-tier S8 Ultra appears to be a genuine PC replacement.

It means going for Tab S8 Ultra would definitely be a good idea, but if you are on a tight budget and really have to choose between the S8 and S8+, the Plus variant may look like the better choice. Though it is a close call, the S8+ is the superior device.

The display is the primary differentiator between the two, and that is especially true given that many people use tablets to watch movies and TV shows. And it really helps when you also consider that the Plus version comes with a larger battery. But, do not just base your decision on a larger battery because the smaller battery of the S8 is just perfect for its smaller screen size, which is why it sometimes lasts longer.

The reality is that both tablets provide identically high-quality functionality, a sleek design, highly stable software, and a few handy extras. You can save yourself some dough by choosing the great Tab S8 rather than the more expensive Tab S8+ if you are not too concerned about the difference in screen quality between the two.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 120Hz display on the Galaxy Tab S8 Series make it special?

The entire Tab S8 series come with a refresh rate of 120Hz, and it does make a difference.

Screen refresh rates are measured in hertz (Hz), and the higher the number, the quicker the fresh data catches up to the screen. However, this is also dependent on the frame rate of the media you are seeing or playing.

With 120Hz, the screen refreshes 120 times per second, resulting in a considerably smoother image, especially noticeable when playing games on your brand-new S8 tablet. That is, if the game itself supports a refresh rate of 120 hertz.

Does a 120Hz refresh rate improve your gaming experience on S8 and S8+?

Historically, several gaming consoles have prioritized a frame rate of 30 FPS with a common 60Hz output to keep manufacturing and retail prices low. It all changed with the release of the Xbox Series X.

If you play games on your Galaxy Tab, you may enjoy them more on the S8 and S8+ because of their 120Hz refresh rate. But, do not expect a huge difference, especially because you still cannot find many games that support 120Hz at the moment.

It means you first need to find a game that supports a higher fresh rate to enjoy it on your tablet. If the title supports a higher refresh rate, it will run much more smoothly on your 120Hz tablet.

There will be less judder in action sequences, and animations will seem smoother overall. It is not going to completely change the game, but for people who care about graphic quality, it is a good addition.

How much of an impact do you think it will have on your gaming abilities? That is a debatable point of view. Nvidia concluded that higher refresh rates improved player performance, but the company makes money by selling expensive graphics cards, so it is not surprising to hear that.

A few separate studies have found the same, though. Well, if the placebo effect means improved performance, it might be worthwhile.

How does the fingerprint sensor work on Galaxy Tab 8 series?

All Galaxy Tab S8 models have fingerprint scanners, and though you may have been using it on different devices, have you ever wondered how it all works?

Galaxy tablets use capacitive scanners. Capacitive fingerprint scanners capture information using arrays of small capacitor circuits rather than by constructing a typical image of a fingerprint.

Capacitors can retain electrical charge and, when linked to the scanner’s conductive plates, can be utilized to trace the fingerprint’s finer features. If you place the ridge of your finger over the conductive plates, the accumulated charge will shift slightly.

On the other hand, if there is an air gap between the capacitor and the device, the charge will remain relatively constant. These variations are monitored by an op-amp integrator circuit and then captured by an analog-to-digital converter.

Are type-C ports on the Tab S8 series good?

The data transfer rate of Type-C ports is faster. A USB 3.1 Type-C port can transfer 4K videos without any problems.

It is possible to charge in reverse with a Type-C connection, and the charging current is typically between 3 A and 5 A. More careful design and implementation make Type-C ports preferable.

Can the Galaxy S8 Tabs support 8K recordings?

Unfortunately, 8K video recording is not possible on the Galaxy Tab S8 Series. A maximum of 60 frames per second can be recorded in 4K. The newest Galaxy S22 Ultra, however, is the one to look at if you require a handset with such capabilities.

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