Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016)
Starting at
£45.17£203.87 new
Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020)
Starting at
£101.20£300.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) and Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020)?
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) comes down to the screen size, screen type and weight. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) starts at £45.17, £56.03 less than the Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020). The Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
Connector
- The Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) has a bigger screen: 10.1 inch vs 8.4 inch.
- Screen type: PLS LCD on the Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016), TFT LCD on the Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020).
- The Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) has a lighter build: 309 g vs 525 g.
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) specs
The Galaxy Tab A 10.1 inch from 2016 offers a larger screen and a moderate pixel density, making it suitable if you prefer more screen space for watching videos or browsing. The Galaxy Tab A 8.4 inch from 2020 has a smaller but sharper screen with a higher pixel density and dual speakers, making it a better fit if you value clearer visuals and richer sound in a lighter device. Performance is similar with the same RAM but different Samsung processors. The newer model also uses USB Type-C for charging and data, while the older uses Micro USB. Weight differs significantly, with the smaller model being noticeably lighter to carry around.
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) price
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) battery life and software updates
Both devices run Android but support different maximum versions, which influences how current their software experience is.
Update Compatibility
This means both will remain on their maximum supported versions without further major software upgrades.
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) performance
Performance involves the processor and RAM, which affect everyday responsiveness and multitasking. Storage options also matter for keeping apps and files.
Processor Differences
The Galaxy Tab A 10.1 inch runs on the Samsung Exynos 7870 Octa processor, while the Galaxy Tab A 8.4 inch uses the Samsung Exynos 7904. Both are Samsung-made processors but differ in model, which means there may be subtle differences in handling apps and tasks depending on your usage.
RAM and Storage
Both devices have 3 GB of RAM, which is suitable for everyday tasks and moderate multitasking. Storage options vary: the 10.1 inch comes in 16GB and 32GB versions, allowing a choice if you need more space, while the 8.4 inch is available in 32GB only, which suits users wanting a single higher-capacity option.
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) screen
Screen quality covers size, resolution, pixel density, and panel type. These affect how much you see at once, how sharp images appear, and the viewing experience overall.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Tab A 10.1 inch has a larger 10.1 inch screen with a resolution of 1200 by 1920 pixels, offering more space for watching videos, reading, or multitasking. The Galaxy Tab A 8.4 inch has the same resolution but on a smaller 8.4 inch screen, which fits users who prefer a more compact device.
Pixel Density and Screen Type
The 8.4 inch model has a higher pixel density of 270 ppi compared to 230 ppi on the 10.1 inch, making images and text appear sharper on the smaller screen. The 10.1 inch uses a PLS LCD panel, while the 8.4 inch uses TFT LCD. This difference may affect colour and viewing angles, with PLS LCD generally providing wider viewing angles.
Pixel density
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) camera
Audiovisual features include speakers and webcams, which influence your experience with calls, video playback, and media consumption.
Speaker Setup
The Galaxy Tab A 10.1 inch has standard speakers, suitable for everyday audio needs such as video calls or music. The Galaxy Tab A 8.4 inch features dual speakers, which can provide a richer and more immersive sound experience for watching videos or listening to music.
Webcam Availability
Both devices come with front-facing webcams, supporting video calls and selfies equally.
Speakers
Webcam
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) size and design
This section covers other useful differences related to connectivity, weight, and charging ports, affecting convenience and portability.
Charging Connector Type
The Galaxy Tab A 10.1 inch uses a Micro USB connector for charging and data transfer. The Galaxy Tab A 8.4 inch has the more modern USB Type-C connector, which is reversible and often supports faster connections.
Weight and Portability
The Galaxy Tab A 10.1 inch weighs 525 grams, which suits users who prioritise a larger screen and do not mind the extra weight. The Galaxy Tab A 8.4 inch is much lighter at 309 grams, ideal if you want a device that is easier to carry around.
Carrier and SIM Options
Both tablets are unlocked and have no double SIM capability, making them flexible for use with various carriers but not designed for dual SIM use.
120hz
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Double sim
Height
Megapixels
Network
Sim format
Weight
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) or Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £45.17, £56.03 less than the Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020)
- you want a bigger screen (10.1 inch vs 8.4 inch)
Buy the Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) if
- you want a lighter build (309 g vs 525 g)
- you want the newer model (2020)
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) FAQs
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) comes down to the screen size, screen type and weight. The Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) has a bigger screen: 10.1 inch vs 8.4 inch. Screen type: PLS LCD on the Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016), TFT LCD on the Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020).
The Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £45.17 compared with £101.20 for the Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020).
The Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) adds a lighter build (309 g vs 525 g). Refurbished, it costs £56.03 more (from £101.20 vs £45.17).
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) comes in 16GB and 32GB, and the Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) in 32GB.
