Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 vs. Galaxy Tab S7 – Should You Upgrade?

In recent years we have witnessed how Samsung has established itself as a very serious option for those looking for a quality tablet with features far superior to other brands. In other words, a device that performs well both in the professional field and in the leisure field.

The consolidation of Samsung in the world of tablets came from the hand of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7, a device that knew how to take advantage of all the advantages of the Android universe together with the experience of the Korean brand. The result was a well-designed tablet, with a power that covers all the possibilities it offers and a solid autonomy.

However, time does not stand still and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 has recently been released, which adds improvements to the previous model, although in general terms it is quite conservative and does not introduce any great novelties.

So is it worth swapping the Galaxy Tab S7 for the S8? Don’t know which one to take home?

In this analysis we make things clear for you to make the best decision.

Attention! All the exposed data and conclusions correspond to the comparison of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 of 128 GB Wifi and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 of 128 GB Wifi.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 vs. Galaxy Tab S7 – Comparison Table

In the following comparative table we have compiled the main characteristics of each model. As you can see, they are numerous and do not differ much from each other, so we are going to analyze them below.

Twin tablets?

If we put a tablet in each hand and gave you two seconds to say what each one is, could you do it?

Surely you would think that they are the same model! The Tab S8 and Tab S7 share the same design. When it comes to weight, the Tab S8 is only 5 grams heavier, which is negligible.

The only difference that we could highlight at this point is that the Galaxy Tab S7 is available in four colors (Black, silver, bronze and navy), while the Tab 8 is available in three (Graphite, silver and gold).

Screen: no news

It may sound a bit simple, but it is the truth.

Both the Galaxy Tab S7 and the Galaxy Tab S8 feature an 11” Super AMOLED screen, with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, so they offer the same image quality. This arrangement is ideal both for enjoying a series marathon and for working on a day-to-day basis.

What about performance?

At this point we find the first differences to take into account when choosing between the Tab S7 and the Tab S8.

For example, the processor in the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is slightly higher. We are not talking about higher performance, but about implemented efficiency that makes you consume less energy. Translation? Autonomy is prolonged.

Now it’s time to look closely at the operating system. Have you seen the table? These are the operating systems that come from launch with each of the tablets. In the case of the Tab S7, it can be updated to Android 12, however, the updates will not go much further, falling behind before long. This is the main advantage, speaking of the operating system, that the Tab S8 has, since it will continue to receive updates much longer.

As for RAM, the Tab S8 is above it since it comes with at least 8 GB of RAM, while the Tab S7 stays at 6 GB. Although there will not be a great difference in performance, the increase will be noticeable with respect to the applications that remain in the background.

Speaking of storage capacity, as we mentioned at the beginning, we are comparing two models with 128 Gb of capacity.

There are versions that include more memory —both RAM and storage—, although as is evident, the price increases.

However, both the Tab 8 and the Tab 7 allow the use of a Micro SD card with up to 1 TB of storage, which can easily solve the memory issue if necessary.

Cameras on both sides

We continue with the analysis of the two Samsung tablets and now we have to talk about the cameras that integrate them.

The rear of both cameras are integrated by two cameras. In the case of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 it is a 13 MP main camera and a 6 MP wide angle, which in the case of the Tab S7 stays at 5MP.

But where there are more differences is in the front camera -or selfie-. The Galaxy Tab S7 uses an 8 MP camera, while the S8 comes with a 12 MP one. Therefore, if the subject of photography and image quality is key for you, you must take this into account.

We end this point by talking about video recording. There are no differences here and both tablets can record at 4k quality and at 30fps.

Autonomy and sound

In this section we could have included a large display of technical names, but we know that what you are interested in is knowing if you are going to be able to use your tablet without having to worry about having a nearby plug.

In that sense, no. The autonomy offered by both tablets is similar and is around eight hours, although always depending on the use. Although it is true that if both are used identically, the Galaxy Tab S8 gives away some extra time over the Tab S7, perhaps that is why we are talking about the most efficient processor.

Another interesting option that is also present in the two Samsung models is fast charging.

Following this line, we now focus on the sound. There are no differences to highlight. The Tab S8 and Tab S7 reproduce quality sound and have up to 3 microphones.

Connectivity and sensors

We end this comparison by dealing with aspects that we do not consider so crucial when choosing between one tablet and another, but that can still give you the last push.

Without going any further, the Galaxy Tab S8 uses bluetooth version 5.2, while the Tab S7 stayed at 5.0. Are there really differences? Any update is appreciated, however, the connection is stable and fluid on both devices.

It also highlights the presence of numerous sensors in these tablets. Both have an accelerometer, gyroscope, fingerprint reader or Hall effect sensor that detects if the tablet case is closed. Again, they are identical at this point.

It should be noted that the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 has a greater connection when it comes to making the location of the device work. It’s not a key feature, but anything that improves the experience is welcome.

By the way, both the Tab S8 and the Tab S7 include the S Pen, an essential tool when it comes to unleashing your creativity or working comfortably.

Is Samsung’s latest tablet worth it?

We have shown the main characteristics of each of the Samsung tablets and we already have the first conclusions.

It is clear that the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is an update -small in any case- of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7. With this in mind, what can we do?

First of all, if you already have the Tab S7, it is not worth investing in the new Samsung model, since you will hardly notice the difference. There is the question of the operating system, but by the time Android 12 becomes obsolete, there may already be new tablets on the market.

Now, if you are deciding between one and the other, we recommend that you bet on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8, since it has a longer life projection and maintains everything that made us fall in love with the Tab S7.