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Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017)

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Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021)

Starting at

£100.00
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Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017)

Starting at

£56.00
See options
(101 reviews)
(28 reviews)

What's the difference between the Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) and Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017)?

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) comes down to the screen size, screen type and weight. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) starts at £56, £44 less than the Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021). The Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) is the newer model, released in 2021.

Refurbished from

£100£56

Screen size

10.5 inch8.0 inch

Screen type

TFT LCDLCD

Weight

508 g415 g
  • The Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) has a bigger screen: 10.5 inch vs 8.0 inch.
  • Screen type: TFT LCD on the Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021), LCD on the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017).
  • The Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) has a lighter build: 415 g vs 508 g.

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) specs

The Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) offers a larger screen with higher resolution and more storage options, making it suitable for watching videos, browsing, and storing media. The Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) has a smaller, lighter design and supports fewer software updates, suiting those who prefer a compact tablet for simpler use or portability. Both have similar RAM and USB Type-C connectors, but the choice depends on whether you want a bigger display and newer software or a smaller device for portability.

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) price

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) battery life and software updates

Durability includes how long the software will stay current and which operating system versions each device supports. This affects how well the tablet can run apps and receive updates.

Software Updates

This means it can handle newer apps and security updates.

Battery

N/A4450 mAh

Maximum operating system supported

Android 14Android 7.1.1

Year of release

20212017

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) performance

Performance covers processor power, memory, and storage, which together affect how smoothly the tablet runs apps and how much data it can hold.

Processor and RAM

Both tablets have 3 GB of RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly. The Galaxy Tab A8 uses the Unisoc Tiger T618 processor, while the Galaxy Tab Active2 has an Exynos 7870 Octa processor. This means the Tab A8 is designed for more recent processing needs, suitable for users who want responsive performance for common tasks.

Storage Capacity

The Galaxy Tab A8 comes with 32GB or 64GB storage options, providing room for apps, photos, and media. The Galaxy Tab Active2 has 16GB storage, which suits users with lighter storage needs or those who use cloud services for files.

Chipset

N/AExynos 7870 Octa (14 nm)

Processor

Unisoc Tiger T618Exynos 7870 Octa

Processor brand

N/AExynos

Processor core

N/A8 core

Processor speed ghz

N/A1.6000 GHz

RAM

3 GB3 GB

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) screen

Screen quality affects how you see and interact with content. Size, resolution, and pixel density all contribute to clarity and viewing comfort.

Screen Size and Resolution

The Galaxy Tab A8 has a 10.5 inch screen with a resolution of 1200 x 1920 pixels. This larger display offers more room for watching videos or multitasking. The Galaxy Tab Active2 has an 8.0 inch screen with 800 x 1280 resolution, suiting users who prefer a smaller and more portable device.

Pixel Density

With 220 pixels per inch, the Galaxy Tab A8 provides sharper images and text than the Galaxy Tab Active2, which has 190 pixels per inch. This difference benefits users who want clearer visuals for reading or viewing photos.

Brightness

N/A480 nits brightness

Pixel density

220ppp190ppp

Refresh rate

60 HzN/A

Resolution

1200 x 1920800 x 1280

Screen size

10.5 inch8.0 inch

Screen type

TFT LCDLCD

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) camera

Audiovisual features include speakers and cameras, which impact media enjoyment and video calls.

Speakers

The Galaxy Tab A8 has four stereo speakers, creating a richer sound experience. The Galaxy Tab Active2 has stereo speakers as well, offering good sound for basic audio needs.

Cameras

The Galaxy Tab A8 features an 8 megapixel rear camera and a 5 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail for photos and video calls. The Galaxy Tab Active2 has an 8 megapixel camera, making the Tab A8 better for video chats and selfies.

Front camera

N/A5 megapixels

Main camera

N/A8 megapixels

Rear camera definition

N/A8 megapixels

Speakers

Stereo speakers (4 speakers)Stereo speakers

Video recording

N/A1080p 30 FPS

Webcam

YesYes

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) size and design

Other features include connectivity, weight, and touch support, which affect how you use the tablet day to day.

Carrier and SIM Options

The Galaxy Tab A8 is unlocked, letting you use it with different carriers if you choose a Wi-Fi and cellular model. The Galaxy Tab Active2 does not have a SIM port, so it works only with Wi-Fi. This suits users who want mobile data access or those who use Wi-Fi exclusively.

Weight

The Galaxy Tab Active2 weighs 415 g, making it lighter and easier to carry for extended periods. The Galaxy Tab A8 is heavier at 508 g, which fits users prioritising a bigger screen over weight.

Connection and Touch

Both tablets use USB Type-C connectors and support touch input, making charging and interaction familiar and straightforward across both devices.

120hz

NoNo

Bluetooth version

N/ABluetooth 4.2

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedWithout SIM Port

Connector

USB-CUSB-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

8 + 58

Sim format

N/ANano SIM

Touch

YesYes

Weight

508 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 A8 (10.5", 2021) or Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017): which should you buy?

Buy the Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) if

  • you want a bigger screen (10.5 inch vs 8.0 inch)
  • you want the newer model (2021)

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

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £56, £44 less than the Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021)
  • you want a lighter build (415 g vs 508 g)

What our customers say

Customers appreciate the Galaxy Tab A8 for its quality and ease of use. Many mention being pleased with how the tablet works with keyboards and mice, making it suitable for personal and family use. The larger screen and updated software make it a favourite for gifts and everyday tasks, although some note the battery life could be better. Overall, customers find the device reliable and good value.

Feedback on the Galaxy Tab Active2 is more varied. Some users find it works well and appreciate its condition and included accessories like the stylus pen. Others face challenges with older software such as difficulty logging into apps or setup issues. The device suits users who value portability and basic tablet functions where the older Android version is sufficient.

The Galaxy Tab A8 is suitable for those wanting a larger screen and newer software, while the Galaxy Tab Active2 fits users who prefer a smaller, lighter tablet for simple use.

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) FAQs

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) comes down to the screen size, screen type and weight. The Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) has a bigger screen: 10.5 inch vs 8.0 inch. Screen type: TFT LCD on the Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021), LCD on the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017).

The Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £56 compared with £100 for the Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021).

The Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) adds a bigger screen (10.5 inch vs 8.0 inch). Refurbished, it costs £44 more (from £100 vs £56).

Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) comes in 32GB and 64GB, and the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) in 16GB.

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