Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018)
Starting at
£66.60£339.00 new
Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023)
Starting at
£117.65£219.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) and Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023)?
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) starts at £66.60, £51.05 less than the Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023). The Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018), Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) on the Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023).
- The Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
- The Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) has a bigger battery: 7300 mAh vs 5100 mAh.
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) specs
The Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) offers a larger 10.5 inch screen with higher pixel density and a bigger battery. It suits users who prefer a roomier display and longer battery life for video and browsing. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) provides a more compact size, Android 14 support, faster processor speeds, more RAM, and larger storage options. These features benefit those seeking a smaller tablet with improved performance and more storage for apps and files. Camera and speaker setups differ, with the Tab A featuring a higher resolution front camera and four stereo speakers, while the Tab A9 includes Bluetooth 5.3 and a lighter weight for easier portability.
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) price
Colour
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, operating system support, and overall software longevity. These factors affect how long you can use the device comfortably without charging and how up to date the software remains.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) comes with a 7300 mAh battery, which suits users who prioritise longer battery life between charges, such as for extended browsing or video streaming sessions. The Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) has a smaller 5100 mAh battery, fitting those who prefer a lighter device and shorter daily use or who charge more frequently.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) performance
Performance influences how smoothly apps run, multitasking ability, and storage space for your files and apps. Differences here matter for users with specific demands from their tablet.
Processor Speed and Chipset
The Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) features a Mediatek Helio G99 chipset with processor speeds up to 2.2 GHz and 2.0 GHz cores, providing faster response and better multitasking compared to the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018), which has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 running at 1.8 GHz. This makes the Tab A9 a good match for users running more demanding apps or multitasking.
RAM and Storage
With 4 GB of RAM, the Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) keeps more apps open and running smoothly, ideal for users who switch between multiple apps frequently. It also comes in larger storage sizes of 64 GB and 128 GB, which suits those who store more media or apps. The Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) offers 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage, fitting users with lighter app and storage needs.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) screen
Screen quality affects viewing comfort and detail. Differences in size, resolution, pixel density, and screen technology change how you experience video, reading, and gaming.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) has a larger 10.5 inch screen with a resolution of 1200 by 1920 pixels, making it better for watching videos or reading with more screen space. The Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) has an 8.7 inch screen at 800 by 1340 pixels, which suits users who want a smaller, more portable device.
Pixel Density and Screen Type
The Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) offers a higher pixel density of 216 ppi with an IPS LCD screen, resulting in sharper images and wider viewing angles. The Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) has a pixel density of 180 ppi with a TFT LCD screen, which is suitable for everyday tasks and those prioritising device size over screen sharpness.
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) camera
Audiovisual features cover cameras, speakers, and video recording quality, which impact video calls, photography, and media playback.
Front Camera Resolution
The Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) includes a 5 megapixel front camera capable of 1080p video, making it a good option for users who often use video calling or selfies with higher detail. The Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) has a 2 megapixel front camera, which suits basic video calls and selfies.
Speakers and Audio Setup
The Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) has four stereo speakers, delivering a richer sound experience for watching videos or listening to music. The Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) features stereo speakers as well, meeting everyday audio needs.
Rear Camera and Video
Both tablets have an 8 megapixel rear camera and can record video at 1080p 30 FPS, providing similar capability for photos and video capture.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) size and design
Other features include connectivity, size, and weight, all of which influence how you use and carry the tablet daily.
Bluetooth and Connectivity
The Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) supports Bluetooth 5.3, providing improved wireless connections for accessories compared to the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) which has Bluetooth 4.2. Both have USB Type-C connectors, 3.5 mm headphone jacks, and support unlocked SIM cards.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) is larger and heavier at 260 mm height, 161.1 mm width, and 500 g weight, suited to users who prefer a bigger device for media consumption. The Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) is smaller and lighter at 211 mm height, 124.7 mm width, and 333 g weight, ideal for portability and one-handed use.
120hz
Bluetooth version
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Double sim
Face
Headphones connectivity
Height
Megapixels
Sim format
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
With stylus pencil
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) or Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £66.60, £51.05 less than the Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023)
- you want a bigger battery (7300 mAh vs 5100 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (10.5 inch vs 8.7 inch)
Buy the Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a lighter build (333 g vs 500 g)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) consistently praise its smooth operation and battery life, noting it lasts through a full day of browsing and streaming. Many mention the clear screen and solid build quality, with some highlighting the white and black versions as looking very clean and nearly new. The stereo speakers are generally well received for video watching, though one customer wished they were louder. A few users report occasional WiFi drops but overall satisfaction is high with performance and condition.
Users of the Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) appreciate its compact size and faster performance, with several commenting on the ease of setup and smooth running for study sessions and gaming. The memory and storage capacities are noted as generous, supporting many apps. Some customers highlight the tablet's clean condition and like the newer Android 14 software. A few mention the battery life is less than expected under heavy use. There are reports of region lock issues affecting app availability, but most find the device works well and looks like new.
Both tablets appeal to different users: the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) suits those prioritising a larger screen and longer battery life, while the Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) fits buyers who want a lighter, faster tablet with more storage and newer software.
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) FAQs
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018), Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) on the Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023). The Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
The Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) is cheaper refurbished, from £66.60 compared with £117.65 for the Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023).
The Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) has a bigger battery: 7300 mAh vs 5100 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 8 megapixels.
The Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) adds more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB) and a lighter build (333 g vs 500 g). Refurbished, it costs £51.05 more (from £117.65 vs £66.60).
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) comes in 32GB, and the Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) in 64GB and 128GB.
