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Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017)

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Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019)

Starting at

£90.24£339.99 new
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Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017)

Starting at

£56.00
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(8 reviews)
(28 reviews)

What's the difference between the Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) and Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017)?

Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) comes down to the RAM, screen type and weight. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) starts at £56, £34.24 less than the Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019). The Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) is the newer model, released in 2019.

Refurbished from

£90.24£56

RAM

2 GB3 GB

Screen type

TFT LCDLCD

Weight

345 g415 g

Connector

Micro-USBUSB-C
  • The Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB.
  • Screen type: TFT LCD on the Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019), LCD on the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017).
  • The Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) has a lighter build: 345 g vs 415 g.

Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) specs

The Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) and the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) both offer an 8-inch screen with the same resolution and pixel density, making them similar in display size and clarity. The Galaxy Tab A has a TFT LCD screen and dual speakers, while the Active2 features an LCD screen and stereo speakers. Performance varies with the Active2's 3 GB RAM and 16 GB storage suiting users who want more multitasking space, while the Tab A has a Snapdragon 429 processor and 32 GB storage offering more room for apps and files. The Active2 supports USB Type-C and has a higher weight, which may suit users looking for a sturdier feel. The Tab A is unlocked for carrier use, while the Active2 does not have a SIM port. Your choice depends on the features you prioritise, such as storage, connectivity or device weight.

Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) price

Colour

Storage

Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) battery life and software updates

Durability in these devices includes software support and the year they were released. Both run Android but differ in the maximum operating system versions they support.

Operating System Support

The Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) supports up to Android 11, which offers newer features and security updates compared to the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017), which supports up to Android 7.1.1. Users who want a more recent Android experience will appreciate the Tab A's software version.

Battery

N/A4450 mAh

Maximum operating system supported

Android 11Android 7.1.1

Year of release

20192017

Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) performance

Performance varies between these tablets in processor type, RAM, and storage space, which affects how they handle apps and multitasking.

Processor and RAM

The Galaxy Tab A uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 429 processor with 2 GB of RAM, suitable for everyday tasks and smooth app operation. The Galaxy Tab Active2 has an Exynos 7870 Octa processor paired with 3 GB of RAM, which may better support keeping multiple apps open and switching between them.

Storage Capacity

The Galaxy Tab A provides 32 GB of storage, offering more room for apps, files, and media compared to the Active2's 16 GB. This difference suits users who want to store more data locally without relying heavily on cloud storage.

Chipset

N/AExynos 7870 Octa (14 nm)

Processor

Qualcomm SDM429 Snapdragon 429Exynos 7870 Octa

Processor brand

N/AExynos

Processor core

N/A8 core

Processor speed ghz

N/A1.6000 GHz

RAM

2 GB3 GB

Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) screen

Both tablets feature the same screen size, resolution, and pixel density, but differ slightly in screen technology, affecting display characteristics.

Screen Type

The Galaxy Tab A has a TFT LCD screen, while the Galaxy Tab Active2 uses an LCD screen. Both deliver 8-inch displays with 800 x 1280 resolution at 190 pixels per inch, making them equally suitable for video viewing and everyday use. The screen type difference may influence colour reproduction and viewing angles depending on personal preference.

Brightness

N/A480 nits brightness

Pixel density

190ppp190ppp

Resolution

800 x 1280800 x 1280

Screen size

8.0 inch8.0 inch

Screen type

TFT LCDLCD

Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) camera

Audio and camera features enhance media and communication experiences. Both devices have front webcams but differ in speaker arrangements.

Speakers

The Galaxy Tab A features dual speakers, providing stereo sound from two locations. The Galaxy Tab Active2 offers stereo speakers, which may deliver a more immersive audio experience. Users who prioritise sound quality when watching videos or making calls may consider this difference.

Webcam

Both devices include a webcam, suitable for video calls and basic photography. Each tablet's front camera has 8 megapixels, allowing for comparable photo detail and video quality.

Front camera

N/A5 megapixels

Main camera

N/A8 megapixels

Rear camera definition

N/A8 megapixels

Speakers

Dual speakersStereo speakers

Video recording

N/A1080p 30 FPS

Webcam

YesYes

Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) size and design

Additional features include connectivity options, device weight, and SIM capabilities, which influence daily convenience and handling.

Connectivity and SIM

The Galaxy Tab A is unlocked and supports carrier use, making it suitable for users who want mobile data access via SIM cards. The Galaxy Tab Active2 does not have a SIM port, so it relies on Wi-Fi connectivity. The Tab A uses a Micro USB connector, while the Active2 features a USB Type-C port, which is common on newer devices for charging and data transfer.

Weight

The Galaxy Tab A weighs 345 grams, making it lighter and potentially easier to hold for long periods. The Galaxy Tab Active2 is heavier at 415 grams, which may feel more substantial in hand and could suit users who prefer a weightier device.

120hz

NoNo

Bluetooth version

N/ABluetooth 4.2

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedWithout SIM Port

Connector

Micro-USBUSB-C

Depth

N/A9.9 mm

Double sim

NoNo

Face

N/AYes

Headphones connectivity

N/A3.5 mm headphone jack

Height

N/A214 mm

Megapixels

88

Sim format

N/ANano SIM

Touch

N/AYes

Weight

345 g415 g

Width

N/A127.6 mm

Wifi technology

N/AWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac

With stylus pencil

N/AYes

Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) or Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017): which should you buy?

Buy the Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) if

  • you want a lighter build (345 g vs 415 g)
  • you want the newer model (2019)

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

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £56, £34.24 less than the Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019)
  • you want more RAM (3 GB vs 2 GB)

What our customers say

Customers who chose the Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) often mention that the device looks like new or in premium condition, with some noting it runs smoothly for everyday apps and streaming. Battery life experiences vary, with some users happy with all-day use and others finding it shorter. The tablet's weight is noted as lighter by some but heavier by others compared to previous models. Overall, buyers appreciate the screen and performance for browsing, note occasional restarts, and find it suitable for basic sketching and note-taking.

Reviews for the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) describe it as generally working well and in good condition, with some customers happy with the included original stylus pen. A few users encountered setup problems related to previous ownership settings and limitations with app logins or internet access due to the Android version. Positive feedback highlights smooth operation and satisfaction with the device's value and condition.

The Galaxy Tab A suits those who want more storage and a newer Android version for everyday use, while the Galaxy Tab Active2 fits users who prioritise extra RAM and a USB Type-C connection, with less concern about mobile data or the latest software updates.

Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) FAQs

Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) comes down to the RAM, screen type and weight. The Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB. Screen type: TFT LCD on the Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019), LCD on the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017).

The Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £56 compared with £90.24 for the Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019).

The Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) adds a lighter build (345 g vs 415 g). Refurbished, it costs £34.24 more (from £90.24 vs £56).

Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) comes in 32GB, and the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) in 16GB.

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