The standard Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 and Galaxy Tab S8 Plus are the latest offering from the South Korean tech giant under the top-end tablet segment. These tablets launched alongside the flagship Samsung Galaxy S22 Series. To recall, the premium Samsung Galaxy S22 series features the vanilla Samsung Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22 Plus and the Galaxy S22 Ultra. The all-new Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Series includes the Galaxy Tab S8, the Galaxy Tab S8 Plus and the high-end Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra.
Today we are taking an early look on the standard Galaxy Tab S8 products. These Samsung Galaxy tablets are the cheapest members of the new Galaxy family. This Galaxy Tab family also includes a larger screen Tab S8 Ultra. Both of the standard Galaxy tablets are remarkably similar to each other. Hence, we are taking an early look on both of these products together. Based on our experience, let’s check out if you can expect to buy one for yourself.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Series: Price and Availability
The all-new Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is the latest and the cheapest member under this Android tablet segment. For the Wi-Fi only model, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 packing 8GB RAM and 128GB storage comes with a price tag of USD 699.99/ EUR 649/ AUD 1099 in different parts of the world. Whereas, for 5G model, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S tablet packs 8GB RAM and 128GB storage comes with a price tag of EUR 799/ AUD 1299.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Models and Prices:
| RAM / Storage | Connectivity | US Price | UK Price | AU Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/128GB | Wi-Fi | USD 699.99 | EUR 649 | AUD 1099 |
| 8/128GB | 5G | TBC | EUR 799 | AUD 1299 |
| 8/256GB | Wi-Fi | USD 779.99 | EUR 699 | AUD 1249 |
| 8/256GB | 5G | TBC | EUR 849 | AUD 1449 |
On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus comes with a starting price of USD 899.99/ EUR 849/ AUD 1499. The base variant of Galaxy Tab S8 Plus packs in 8GB RAM and 128GB of storage. The latest Android tablet is available with both Wi-Fi only and 5G connectivity. For 5G model, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus packing 8GB RAM and 128GB storage comes with a price tag of EUR 999/ AUD 1699.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus Models and Prices:
| RAM / Storage | Connectivity | US Price | UK Price | AU Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/128GB | Wi-Fi | USD 899.99 | EUR 849 | AUD 1499 |
| 8/128GB | 5G | TBC | EUR 999 | AUD 1699 |
| 8/256GB | Wi-Fi | USD 979.99 | EUR 899 | AUD 1649 |
| 8/256GB | 5G | TBC | EUR 1049 | AUD 1849 |
These latest Samsung Galaxy tablets are already available across all the global markets. There is an additional high-end model with the name of Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra. This Ultra tablet comes with a starting price tag of USD 1099.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 and Tab S8 Plus: Design
Both of the standard Samsung S8 series tablets come with premium design-feel. On the latest Tab lineup, Samsung is offering a design that can stand against the design of iPad products and other top-end Android tablet options. The new launch Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 model comes with a metal design. This metallic design makes it appear high-end device. Furthermore, these Android tablet gets squared edges around the sides.
The rear side of both the Samsung tablets comes with a camera and the S-Pen charging point. While, the bottom edge of the tablet gets a charging port. There are speakers on the bottom as well as top edge of the tablet. Furthermore, the top-edge also includes the power button and the volume buttons. Samsung is offering these standard Galaxy Tab S8 models in three colour options. These includes Graphite, Silver or Pink Gold colours.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Tablets: Design
As for the display, the all-new Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 supports an 11-inch display. This display offers a screen resolution of 2560×1600 pixels which offers 276ppi. In our testing, we found that the display on these Samsung tablets is much clear and bright. Furthermore, it also gets high refresh rate of up to 120Hz. This means that users can get smooth scrolling experience.
On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus tablet gets a 12.4-inch display. This display gets a higher screen resolution of 2800×1752 pixels. However, the picture improvement is not instantly noticeable. On our testing, we enjoyed the picture viewing experience on both the Samsung tablets.
Considering the screen size of 14.6-inch on the Ultra variant, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 and Tab S8 Plus tablets does not feel that much big. It can be the personal choice of the user to opt for a larger screen or a smaller screen.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Series Tablets: Camera
In terms of optics, both the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 and Galaxy Tab S8 Plus tablets feature a 13-megapixel main camera and a 6-megapixel ultra-wide camera at the rear. While testing, we experimented with these cameras. Based on our testing the results were what you can expect from a tablet of this type.
As per our testing, the photography with these Android based Samsung tablets were not up to the mark. The photography with these tablets will not even match with the Samsung’s smartphone. Although, the picture quality is enough strong for any social media. Users can easily share these pictures on any social media or can use them on any other apps.
On the front, these Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 models get 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera. This camera is good enough for making video calls. However, we can make any comment on the selfie camera. As we did not click much selfies with these tablets. The South Korean tech giant has even partnered with Google for better video calling and live sharing experience via Google Duo.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Series: Battery
The all-new Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 packs an 8000mAh battery which will work well. We have yet to properly check the battery life on both the Samsung tablets. The battery is same as the one present on the Galaxy Tab S7. To recall, the South Korean tech giant launched the Galaxy Tab S7 back in 2020.
On our Galaxy Tab S7 we get around 6-8 hours of video playback on a single charge. We expect a similar kind of backup from the Galaxy Tab S8. However, in case of multitasking, we might expect a slightly less backup on both of these Samsung tablets. But this is still a respectable result from such a premium tablet.
On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus gets a bigger battery. This is because it powers a larger screen. The all-new Galaxy Tab S8 Plus packs a 10900mAh battery. This battery is enough large to last for a full working day.
The Plus variant also gets fast charging support. The Galaxy Tab S8 Plus comes with 45W fast charging support. It means that the device can charge quickly. Furthermore, the Ultra variant gets even bigger battery of 11200mAh capacity. Just like the Plus variant, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra tablets also gets 45W fast charging support.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Series Tablets with S Pen:
Keep in mind, the complete Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 lineup comes with S Pen support out of the box. Samsung’s arch rivals Apple is charging USD 129 for its Apple Pencil 2. Although, the starting price for the iPad Air 4th Gen is USD 699 for the base variant with 64GB of storage. On the other hand, the South Korean tech giant gets credit for offering the lovely S-Pen in each Tab S8 package.
The South Korean tech giant is offering the Galaxy Tab S8 Plus tablet with a starting price of USD 899.99 for the 128GB storage variant. Furthermore, this Samsung S8 Plus tablets comes with the S Pen support. Additionally, it also gets storage expansion feature via a microSD card slot. The internal storage is expandable by up to 1TB.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 tablets: Performance
Just like the Samsung Galaxy S22 lineup, these Galaxy Tab S8 tablets also runs on the same 4nm Octa core processor. This processor could be either from the Qualcomm or Exynos depending on the market. Apart from this, both the Tab S8 and Tab S8 Plus starts with 8GB of RAM. The top-end model packs in 12GB of RAM and 256GB of onboard storage which is further expandable via microSD card.
On software front, both Samsung tablets even Ultra variant also runs on the latest Android 12 software which comes with custom One UI 4 skin layered on top. Alongside the neat and clean UI, the South Korean tech giant also promises to provide four years of software updates and five years of monthly security updates.
Samsung Galaxy S8 Series tablets: Other Features
For device authentication, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 gets a side-mounted fingerprint reader. While, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus tablet gets an in-display fingerprint reader. The same in-display fingerprint reader is also present on the Ultra variant. Following the previous trend, these new Samsung Galaxy Tablets boasts Samsung Knox security.
All the latest tablets under the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 series bundles with the protective standing cover alongside the S-Pen. For connectivity options, the Galaxy Tab S8 and Tab S8 Plus gets Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot, Bluetooth v5.2, USB-C port, magnetic connector, 5G, A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO. Similarly for sensors, both Android tablet includes Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, compass and Wireless Samsung DeX support.
Final Verdict:
Based on our experience with both the Samsung tablets. It is clear that both device gets high-quality built and responsive display. The response time while using S-Pen was much impressive. Furthermore, the S-Pen which is designed to work with Tab S8 lineup is comfortable to hold and use. To recall, the Samsung S-Pen is backed by the Wacom Digitizing Technology. It can easily recognize the pressure and tilt for a truly pleasurable drawing experience.
Both Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 and Tab S8 Plus tablets are lightweight, beautiful and responsive device. If you are the fan of top-end devices, then you will surely like working on these tablet devices. However, if you prefer a huge display, then you must move on to the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra. For full review, do come back. Also Read – Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 series features and specifications in detail
