Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020)
Starting at
£101.20£300.00 new
Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021)
Starting at
£116.50£399.99 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) and Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021)?
Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021) comes down to the RAM, screen size and weight. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) starts at £101.20, £15.30 less than the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021). The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021) is the newer model, released in 2021.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Weight
- The Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB.
- The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021) has a bigger screen: 8.7 inch vs 8.4 inch.
- The Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) has a lighter build: 309 g vs 366 g.
Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021) specs
The Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) and the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021) offer different strengths suited to distinct users. The Galaxy Tab A has a sharper screen with higher resolution and more RAM, making it better for sharper visuals and keeping more apps open. The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite supports newer Android updates, runs on a processor with higher speed cores, and has a slightly larger screen, suiting those who want longer software support and a roomier display. The Tab A7 Lite also weighs more but features stereo speakers for enhanced sound. Your choice depends on whether you value screen clarity and multitasking or prefer newer software compatibility and a larger display.
Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021) price
Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021) battery life and software updates
Durability here focuses on software support and operating system updates, which affect how long each tablet stays current and secure.
Software Updates
This means it can receive newer features and security patches for longer.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021) performance
Performance differences come down to processor capabilities and memory. Each device uses a different processor brand and configuration, and RAM amounts vary slightly, which impacts multitasking and app performance.
Processor Speed and Cores
The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite uses a Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T processor with an octa-core setup featuring 4 cores at 2.3 GHz and 4 cores at 1.8 GHz. This higher clock speed on some cores can deliver smoother performance in demanding tasks. The Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) runs on a Samsung Exynos 7904 with 8 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz, providing consistent performance at a steady speed.
RAM Capacity
The Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) has 3 GB of RAM, which keeps more apps running smoothly side by side. The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite comes with 2 GB of RAM, suiting everyday use where fewer apps need to stay open simultaneously.
Storage
Both tablets are stocked with 32 GB of storage, providing the same space for apps, photos, and files.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021) screen
Screen quality is a key area where these tablets differ, affecting how content looks and how much space you have to view it. Both use TFT LCD technology but differ in size, resolution, and pixel density.
Screen Size
The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite has a slightly larger 8.7 inch screen, offering more room for watching videos or browsing. The Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) has an 8.4 inch screen, which is a bit more compact and easier to hold with one hand.
Resolution and Sharpness
The Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) has a higher resolution of 1200 by 1920 pixels and a pixel density of 270 ppi, resulting in sharper and clearer images. The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite offers 800 by 1340 pixels at 180 ppi, which is suitable for general viewing but less detailed for fine text or high-resolution images.
Display glass
Pixel density
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021) camera
Audiovisual features focus on speakers and the front camera, both important for video calls and media consumption. These devices offer different speaker setups but both include a webcam.
Speaker Setup
The Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) has dual speakers, providing clear sound suitable for casual listening. The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite features stereo speakers, which can create a more immersive audio experience and better sound separation when watching videos or playing games.
Webcam Availability
Both tablets include a webcam, enabling video calls and selfies. The presence of a webcam on each suits anyone wanting to stay connected or capture photos.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021) size and design
Other practical differences include weight, connector type, sim options, and refresh rates, which affect how you carry and use each tablet daily.
Weight
The Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) weighs 309 g, making it lighter to hold for extended periods. The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite weighs 366 g, which is heavier but may be a trade-off for its larger screen and stereo speakers.
Connectivity and Sim
Both devices come unlocked and use USB Type-C connectors. Neither supports double SIM, which suits users who do not need dual network capabilities.
Refresh Rate
Neither the Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) nor the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite supports a 120 Hz refresh rate. Both screens refresh at standard rates suitable for everyday tasks.
120hz
Bluetooth version
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Double sim
Headphones connectivity
Height
Megapixels
Network
Sim format
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) or Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £101.20, £15.30 less than the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021)
- you want more RAM (3 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a lighter build (309 g vs 366 g)
Buy the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021) if
- you want a bigger screen (8.7 inch vs 8.4 inch)
- you want the newer model (2021)
Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021) FAQs
Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021) comes down to the RAM, screen size and weight. The Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB. The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021) has a bigger screen: 8.7 inch vs 8.4 inch.
The Galaxy Tab A (8.4", 2020) is cheaper refurbished, from £101.20 compared with £116.50 for the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021).
The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021) adds a bigger screen (8.7 inch vs 8.4 inch). Refurbished, it costs £15.30 more (from £116.50 vs £101.20).
Both come in 32GB refurbished.
