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Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017)

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Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018)

Starting at

£66.60£339.00 new
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Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017)

Starting at

£56.00
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(6 reviews)
(28 reviews)

What's the difference between the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) and Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017)?

Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) starts at £56, £10.60 less than the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018). The Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) is the newer model, released in 2018.

Refurbished from

£66.60£56

Chipset

Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm)Exynos 7870 Octa (14 nm)

Battery

7300 mAh4450 mAh

Screen size

10.5 inch8.0 inch

Screen type

IPS LCDLCD

Weight

500 g415 g
  • Chipset: Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018), Exynos 7870 Octa (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017).
  • The Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) has a bigger battery: 7300 mAh vs 4450 mAh.
  • The Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) has a bigger screen: 10.5 inch vs 8.0 inch.

Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) specs

The Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) and the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) differ in screen size, processing power, storage, and durability features. The Galaxy Tab A has a larger 10.5 inch screen with higher resolution and pixel density, making it better for video and multitasking. It has more storage and a bigger battery, which suits users who want longer use without charging and more space for apps. The Galaxy Tab Active2 has a smaller 8 inch screen and includes a stylus, ideal for those who need a compact device with pen input. Both have similar camera and connectivity features but cater to different needs.

Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) price

Storage

Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) battery life and software updates

Durability here covers battery capacity and operating system support. These factors reflect how long the device can last on a charge and the software features it supports.

Battery Capacity

The Galaxy Tab A has a 7300 mAh battery, which provides longer use between charges, suitable for full days of browsing or streaming. The Galaxy Tab Active2 has a 4450 mAh battery, fitting for shorter or less intensive daily use.

Operating System Support

The Galaxy Tab A supports up to Android 10, offering more recent software features and app compatibility.

Battery

7300 mAh4450 mAh

Maximum operating system supported

Android 10Android 7.1.1

Year of release

20182017

Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) performance

Performance differences include processor speed, storage, and chipset, which affect how smoothly apps run and how much data you can keep on your device.

Processor Speed and Chipset

The Galaxy Tab A uses a Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 chipset with an 8-core 1.8 GHz processor, which offers a higher clock speed for smoother multitasking and app performance.

Storage Capacity

The Galaxy Tab A comes with 32 GB of storage, allowing you to store more apps, photos, and media. The Galaxy Tab Active2 offers 16 GB, which fits lighter use or fewer stored files.

RAM

Both tablets have 3 GB of RAM, which is enough to keep common apps open and allow smooth switching between them.

Chipset

Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm)Exynos 7870 Octa (14 nm)

Processor

N/AExynos 7870 Octa

Processor brand

QualcommExynos

Processor core

8 core8 core

Processor speed ghz

1.8 GHz1.6000 GHz

RAM

3 GB3 GB

Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) screen

Screen size, resolution, and type influence how much you see at once and the clarity of images and text. These differences affect media viewing and daily use comfort.

Screen Size and Resolution

The Galaxy Tab A has a 10.5 inch screen with 1200x1920 resolution, making it better for watching videos or reading with more detail. The Galaxy Tab Active2 has an 8.0 inch screen with 800x1280 resolution, which suits those wanting a compact device that is easy to hold.

Pixel Density and Screen Type

The Galaxy Tab A has a pixel density of 216 ppp and an IPS LCD screen, offering sharper images and wider viewing angles. The Galaxy Tab Active2 has 190 ppp with an LCD screen, delivering clear visuals on a smaller display.

Brightness

N/A480 nits brightness

Pixel density

216ppp190ppp

Resolution

1200x1920800 x 1280

Screen size

10.5 inch8.0 inch

Screen type

IPS LCDLCD

Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) camera

Both devices provide similar camera and speaker setups, which are important for video calls, photos, and media playback.

Camera Quality

Both tablets feature 8 megapixel rear cameras and 5 megapixel front cameras, allowing for comparable photo and video quality.

Speakers and Video Recording

The Galaxy Tab A has four stereo speakers, offering richer sound when watching videos or listening to music. The Galaxy Tab Active2 has stereo speakers as well. Both record video at 1080p 30 FPS, suitable for standard video capture.

Front camera

5 megapixels5 megapixels

Front camera definition

1080pN/A

Main camera

8 megapixels8 megapixels

Rear camera definition

8 megapixels8 megapixels

Speakers

Stereo speakers (4 speakers)Stereo speakers

Video recording

1080p 30 FPS1080p 30 FPS

Webcam

YesYes

Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) size and design

Additional features cover size, connectivity, and input options, affecting portability and how you interact with each tablet.

Size and Weight

The Galaxy Tab A measures 260 mm in height, 161.1 mm in width, and is 8 mm thick, weighing 500 g. The Galaxy Tab Active2 is smaller at 214 mm height, 127.6 mm width, and 9.9 mm depth, weighing 415 g. This makes the Active2 easier to hold and carry.

Stylus Support

The Galaxy Tab Active2 comes with stylus support, which is useful for drawing, note-taking, or precise navigation. The Galaxy Tab A does not include a stylus.

Connectivity

Both tablets use USB Type-C connectors and support Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac. The Galaxy Tab A is unlocked and supports a Nano SIM card, while the Galaxy Tab Active2 does not have a SIM port.

Headphone Jack and Face Recognition

Both devices have a 3.5 mm headphone jack for wired audio and support face recognition for unlocking the device.

120hz

N/ANo

Bluetooth version

Bluetooth 4.2Bluetooth 4.2

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedWithout SIM Port

Connector

USB-CUSB-C

Depth

8 mm9.9 mm

Double sim

NoNo

Face

YesYes

Headphones connectivity

3.5 mm headphone jack3.5 mm headphone jack

Height

260 mm214 mm

Megapixels

88

Sim format

Nano SIMNano SIM

Touch

N/AYes

Weight

500 g415 g

Width

161.1 mm127.6 mm

Wifi technology

Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/acWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac

With stylus pencil

NoYes

Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) or Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017): which should you buy?

Buy the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) if

  • you want a bigger battery (7300 mAh vs 4450 mAh)
  • you want a bigger screen (10.5 inch vs 8.0 inch)

Buy the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £56, £10.60 less than the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018)
  • you want a lighter build (415 g vs 500 g)

What our customers say

The Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) receives positive feedback for its smooth performance and solid battery life. Users appreciate the clear screen and sufficient storage for daily apps and media. Many reviews mention the tablet runs apps smoothly without lag, making it suitable for browsing, streaming, and video calls. The build quality is praised, with users noting the device feels solid and looks clean, even when refurbished. Some users highlight the speaker volume could be louder, but overall satisfaction is high. Customers also comment on the fast setup and battery lasting all day, making it a reliable option for everyday use.

The Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) has mixed reviews. While some customers are happy with the device's condition and stylus support, others faced setup issues related to previous ownership that prevented use. Several users report the tablet works well and is perfect as a gift or for everyday use, but some experienced problems with app login and connectivity. Many appreciate its condition and included stylus, while others mention the device works well for basic tasks and communication.

Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) FAQs

Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018), Exynos 7870 Octa (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017). The Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) has a bigger battery: 7300 mAh vs 4450 mAh.

The Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £56 compared with £66.60 for the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018).

The Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) has a bigger battery: 7300 mAh vs 4450 mAh.

Both have the same main camera: 8 megapixels.

The Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) adds a bigger battery (7300 mAh vs 4450 mAh) and a bigger screen (10.5 inch vs 8.0 inch). Refurbished, it costs £10.60 more (from £66.60 vs £56).

Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) comes in 32GB, and the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) in 16GB.

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