Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 works well for anyone looking to replace an older tablet or their first Android tablet. However, you might be better off hanging onto the S7 if you already have one, as this one doesn’t have a lot of new things on offer.
Key specs
Critic consensus
“Samsung's Galaxy Tab S8 is the best high-end Android tablet you can buy, but Android still falls short when it comes to pro-level applications.”
“Boasting strong performance and features, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 5G is one of the best Android tablets currently available.”
“The Galaxy Tab S8 has surprised me with its appeal over the past few weeks and has exceeded my expectations. It's not a major upgrade over the Tab S7 with the same form factor, but it does have the latest and greatest processor, improved cameras on the front and back, and improved S Pen latency. For those looking for a tablet companion to their laptop and smartphone, the Tab S8 is a worthy option and with a microSD card, you could choose the $699.99 entry model and likely have all you need. Remember, Samsung throws in the S Pen too so unlike Apple you won't have to pay another $100 plus for the stylus.”
“After years of not seeing a great reason to buy an Android tablet, I have to admit that Samsung has presented a compelling pitch this time around — provided you are already in the Samsung Android ecosystem. The Tab S8 and S8 Plus integrate well enough with other Samsung products, they are excellent hardware on their own merits, and if you have specific use cases that are poorly served by Apple’s strict control over iOS, these tablets might just be what you’re looking for.”
In Depth
When Samsung releases a new device, consumers expect a certain level of quality and improvement from one generation to the next. But Apple still dominates tablet sales at the top, so how does the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 compete?
Design
There’s no change between the design of this tablet and its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7. Everything is the same, and reviewers aren’t sure how they feel about that.
Some felt that if it’s not broken, don’t fix it, while others said they were disappointed.
However, there is one small addition this time around in the Rose Gold colorway.
Display
The 11-inch LCD is vibrant, according to reviewers. It has the 120Hz refresh rate we expect from new top-end devices. However, none of this is a surprise as Samsung’s top-tier devices have built a reputation on impressive displays.
It’s one of the central areas in which Samsung excels, without a doubt.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 features the newest chipset available from Samsung. Reviewers said the tablet kept up with almost anything they threw at it, including multiple apps and streams and lots of gaming.
Software & Storage
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 runs Android 12 with some extra addons from Samsung running over the top. Reviewers didn’t find Samsung’s changes too heavy-handed or intrusive.
You’ll also find your choice of 128 or 256GB of storage, which is plenty for a nice selection of media, apps, and more.
Cameras
Tablet cameras are only going to get so good compared to other smart devices out there. So while you won’t want to keep it around as your primary shooter, reviewers mentioned that the camera is quite suitable for social media posting, video calls, and Augmented Reality type tasks.
Battery Life
The battery life on this tablet is very respectable. Reviewers averaged around 12 to 13 hours of battery life in most tests.
It also benefits from 45W fast charging, making top-offs speedy when the battery level dips low.
Audio
Reviewers stated that the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 offers decent sound with clear, bright-sounding speakers. However, as with most tablets, the bass was very flat.
If something you want to watch or listen to is bass-heavy, you’ll want a pair of Bluetooth headphones.
Accessories
Reviewers were delighted that Samsung includes the S-pen with the tablet, whereas most of the competition only offers an active stylus as an optional accessory (if at all.)
There is a magnetic strip on the back for the pen to stick to when not in use. This storage method received mixed reviews. So if you’re worried about keeping up with your S-pen, plan on a case to keep things extra secure.
The Bookcase and keyboard combination is the other accessory available for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8. The keys were delightfully clacky, reviewers stated, well pronounced and not hard to push. However, the bookcase made it feel a bit cramped for long-term use.
Specs at a Glance
- Aluminum design
- 11-inch LCD
- Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor
- 8/12GB of RAM
- Android 12
- 128/256GB of storage
- 12MP cameras
- 12-13 hour battery life
- Stereo speakers
- S-pen and Bookcase keyboard
The Bottom Line
Samsung is still a quality and performance leader in most rights. But if you already own a tablet from a recent generation, the S8 isn’t an upgrade worthy of being excited about. It’s snappy, has a bright screen, and does things well, but so does the S7. It mostly comes down to personal preference and what you’re willing to spend.
If you’re replacing a tablet that’s a few years old (or searching for your first premium Android tablet), the tablet is a shining example of the potential of Android tablets.
Pocket-Lint says, “A great premium Android tablet experience with top-tier hardware and a great design. The thing is we could say the very same about the almost identical Tab S7 from 18 months prior, as not much has changed generation to generation.”
Tech Radar states, “The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 and Tab S8 Plus are remarkably limited upgrades compared to 2020’s Galaxy Tab S7 and Tab S7 Plus. If you’re after an Android tablet, this will likely be a top choice for 2022.”
What people actually want to know
When was the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 released?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 was released on February 25, 2022.
How long does the battery last on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 has a 8,000 mAh battery.
Does the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 support wireless charging?
No, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 does not support wireless charging.
Does the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 have a headphone jack?
No, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 does not have a headphone jack. You'll need wireless headphones or a USB-C adapter.
Does the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 have NFC?
No, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 does not have NFC. Contactless payments and tap-to-pair will not be available.
Where can I get support for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8?
Visit Samsung's official support page for warranty info, repairs, and troubleshooting.
Questions & answers
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