Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016)
Starting at
£45.17£203.87 new
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017)
Starting at
£56.00What's the difference between the Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) and Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017)?
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) comes down to the screen size, screen type and weight. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) starts at £45.17, £10.83 less than the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017). The Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) is the newer model, released in 2017.
Refurbished from
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
Connector
- The Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) has a bigger screen: 10.1 inch vs 8.0 inch.
- Screen type: PLS LCD on the Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016), LCD on the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017).
- The Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) has a lighter build: 415 g vs 525 g.
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) specs
The Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) and the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) differ mainly in screen size and design focus. The Tab A offers a larger 10.1 inch screen with higher resolution and pixel density, making it better suited to media and general use where screen space is key. The Tab Active2 is more compact at 8.0 inches and is lighter, appealing to those who want a smaller, more portable device. Both share the same processor and RAM, so performance is similar, but the Tab A supports a newer Android version. The Tab Active2 has stereo speakers and a USB Type-C connector. Storage options vary, with the Tab A offering more choices. Your choice depends on whether you prefer a bigger screen and newer OS or a smaller, lighter tablet with stereo sound and USB-C.
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) price
Colour
- BlackSold out
Storage
- 16GBSold out
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) battery life and software updates
Durability here focuses on software support and operating system versions.
Operating System Support
The Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) runs up to Android 8.1, while the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) supports up to Android 7.1.1. This means the Tab A can run slightly newer Android versions, which may help with compatibility for some apps and features.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) performance
Both tablets share the same processor and RAM, so everyday performance will feel similar. Storage options differ slightly, which can influence how much content and apps you can keep on the device.
Processor and Memory
Both the Galaxy Tab A and the Galaxy Tab Active2 use the Exynos 7870 Octa processor with 3 GB of RAM. This combination suits everyday tasks such as web browsing, video streaming, and running common apps smoothly.
Storage Options
The Galaxy Tab A is available with either 16 GB or 32 GB of storage, giving more room for apps, photos, and files. The Galaxy Tab Active2 comes with 16 GB of storage, which suits users with lighter storage needs or who rely on cloud storage.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) screen
Screen size and resolution are key differences here, influencing how much content you see and the sharpness of images. Pixel density also affects how crisp text and visuals appear.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Tab A has a larger 10.1 inch screen with a resolution of 1200 by 1920 pixels, offering more viewing space for videos, reading, and multitasking. The Galaxy Tab Active2 has an 8.0 inch screen with 800 by 1280 pixels, making it more compact and easier to carry.
Pixel Density and Screen Type
With a pixel density of 230 ppp, the Galaxy Tab A delivers sharper and more detailed images compared to the Tab Active2's 190 ppp. The Tab A uses a PLS LCD screen, which typically offers good colour and viewing angles, while the Tab Active2 has a standard LCD screen.
Brightness
Pixel density
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) camera
Audio and camera features differ slightly, affecting how you experience sound and video calls or photos.
Speakers
The Galaxy Tab Active2 features stereo speakers, which provide a wider and more immersive sound experience, especially useful when watching videos or listening to music without headphones. The Galaxy Tab A has standard speakers, which still deliver clear sound but with less spatial effect.
Webcam
Both tablets include a front-facing webcam, suitable for video calls and selfies.
Front camera
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) size and design
Other practical differences include connectivity options, weight, and carrier compatibility, which can influence portability and how you use the device daily.
Connector Type
The Galaxy Tab A uses a Micro USB connector, a common standard for charging and data transfer. The Galaxy Tab Active2 features a USB Type-C connector, which is generally faster and more convenient to plug in without worrying about orientation.
Carrier Compatibility
The Galaxy Tab A is unlocked, allowing use with various carriers if it supports SIM cards. The Galaxy Tab Active2 does not have a SIM port, so it cannot connect to mobile networks.
Weight
The Galaxy Tab Active2 weighs 415 g, making it lighter and easier to hold for long periods compared to the Galaxy Tab A's 525 g. This can be important if you carry your tablet around or use it one-handed.
120hz
Bluetooth version
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Double sim
Face
Headphones connectivity
Height
Megapixels
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
With stylus pencil
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) or Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £45.17, £10.83 less than the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017)
- you want a bigger screen (10.1 inch vs 8.0 inch)
Buy the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) if
- you want a lighter build (415 g vs 525 g)
- you want the newer model (2017)
What our customers say
Customers appreciate the Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) for its sharp screen and smooth operation. Many find its 16 GB storage sufficient for everyday apps and photos. Users mention the tablet feels fast enough for watching videos and general use, with battery life lasting most of the day. The larger screen suits children and older users who benefit from bigger display space.
Feedback on the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) is more mixed. Some customers highlight issues with setup and app compatibility, including problems with the Android system and internet apps. However, others praise the device's condition and functionality, noting the inclusion of the original stylus pen and good performance for their needs. Its lighter weight and stereo speakers are appreciated by users who want portability and better sound.
Overall, the Galaxy Tab A suits those wanting a larger, sharper display with newer Android support, while the Galaxy Tab Active2 is preferred by those needing a smaller, lighter tablet with stereo sound and USB Type-C connectivity.
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) FAQs
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) 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 8.0 inch. Screen type: PLS LCD on the Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016), LCD on the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017).
The Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £45.17 compared with £56 for the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017).
The Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) adds a lighter build (415 g vs 525 g). Refurbished, it costs £10.83 more (from £56 vs £45.17).
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) comes in 16GB and 32GB, and the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) in 16GB.
