Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018)
Starting at
£66.60£339.00 new
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017)
Starting at
£56.00What'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
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
- 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
Colour
- BlackSold out
Storage
- 16GBSold out
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
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
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
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
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
Pixel density
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
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
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
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
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 (10.5", 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.








