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Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023)

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Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021)

Starting at

£100.00
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Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023)

Starting at

£368.17£606.86 new
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(101 reviews)
(72 reviews)

What's the difference between the Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) and Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023)?

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) starts at £100, £268.17 less than the Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023). The Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) is the newer model, released in 2023.

Refurbished from

£100£368.17

RAM

3 GB6 GB

Screen size

10.5 inch10.9 inch

Screen type

TFT LCDIPS LCD

Refresh rate

60 Hz90 Hz

Weight

508 g52400 g
  • The Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) has more RAM: 6 GB vs 3 GB.
  • The Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) has a bigger screen: 10.9 inch vs 10.5 inch.
  • Screen type: TFT LCD on the Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021), IPS LCD on the Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023).

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) specs

The Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) and Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) differ in screen size, performance, storage, and camera detail. The Galaxy Tab A8 offers a simpler experience with 3 GB of RAM and storage options of 32GB or 64GB, suited for everyday use and lighter multitasking. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE has a larger 10.9 inch screen with higher resolution and refresh rate, plus 6 GB of RAM and larger storage choices of 128GB and 256GB, offering smoother app handling and more room for files. The S9 FE also captures more detailed photos with a 24-megapixel camera. Choose the Galaxy Tab A8 for straightforward tablet use at a lower price, or the Galaxy Tab S9 FE for a more spacious display and stronger performance for demanding tasks.

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) price

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) battery life and software updates

Durability here focuses on software support and operating system versions.

Software Updates

This means you can expect continued software improvements and security patches on either device.

Battery

N/A8000 mAh

Maximum operating system supported

Android 14Android 13

Year of release

20212023

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) performance

Performance differences are clear in processor power, RAM, and storage capacity. These affect how smoothly the tablets run apps and how much you can store.

Processor and RAM

The Galaxy Tab A8 uses a Unisoc Tiger T618 processor with 3 GB of RAM, fitting for everyday tasks and lighter app use. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE has an Exynos 1380 processor paired with 6 GB of RAM, which keeps more apps open and handles demanding tasks better.

Storage Options

Storage in the Galaxy Tab A8 comes in 32GB and 64GB sizes, suitable if you keep fewer apps and files. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE offers larger storage choices of 128GB and 256GB, ideal if you store many apps, photos, or media.

Chipset

N/AExynos 1380

Processor

Unisoc Tiger T618Exynos 1380

Processor core

N/A8 core

Processor speed ghz

N/A2.4 GHz

RAM

3 GB6 GB

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) screen

Screen quality varies in size, resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and panel type, influencing visual clarity and smoothness.

Screen Size and Resolution

The Galaxy Tab A8 has a 10.5 inch screen with a resolution of 1200 by 1920 pixels. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE has a slightly larger 10.9 inch screen with a higher resolution of 1440 by 2304 pixels. This means the S9 FE offers a more spacious and sharper display for videos and reading.

Pixel Density and Refresh Rate

With 220 pixels per inch, the Galaxy Tab A8 suits those comfortable with clear but standard image sharpness. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE's 250 pixels per inch provide crisper visuals. Its 90 Hz refresh rate also delivers smoother motion, noticeable when scrolling or playing animations, compared to the A8's 60 Hz.

Screen Type

The Galaxy Tab A8 uses a TFT LCD screen, which works well for everyday viewing. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE has an IPS LCD screen, which generally offers better colour accuracy and wider viewing angles.

Display glass

N/AGlass front

Pixel density

220ppp250ppp

Refresh rate

60 Hz90 Hz

Resolution

1200 x 19201440 x 2304

Screen size

10.5 inch10.9 inch

Screen type

TFT LCDIPS LCD

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) camera

Audio and camera features contribute to entertainment and video calls, with differences mainly in speaker setup and camera resolution.

Speakers

The Galaxy Tab A8 includes four stereo speakers, which can provide richer sound, especially for media consumption. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE has stereo speakers, delivering clear audio but with fewer speakers.

Camera Detail

The Galaxy Tab A8 has an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front camera, suitable for basic photos and video calls. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE features a 24-megapixel camera, which captures more detailed images, benefiting users who take more photos or want sharper video calls.

Front camera

N/A12 megapixels

Front camera definition

N/A12 megapixels

Main camera

N/A8 megapixels

Rear camera definition

N/A8 megapixels

Speakers

Stereo speakers (4 speakers)Stereo speakers

Video recording

N/A4K 30FPS

Webcam

YesYes

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) size and design

Other differences include SIM support, weight, and tablet features that affect daily convenience and usability.

SIM and Connectivity

The Galaxy Tab A8 is unlocked and supports cellular connectivity without a SIM port. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE does not have a SIM port but supports dual SIM functionality, which suits users needing multiple mobile networks on one device.

Weight

The Galaxy Tab A8 weighs 508 grams, making it comfortable for extended handheld use. The listed weight for the Galaxy Tab S9 FE is 52400 grams, which appears to be an error and should not be considered for comparison.

Touch and Connector

Both tablets have touchscreens and use USB Type-C connectors, supporting common accessories and charging options.

120hz

NoNo

Bluetooth version

N/ABluetooth 5.3

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedWithout SIM Port

Connector

USB-CUSB-C

Depth

N/A6.5 mm

Double sim

NoYes

Headphones connectivity

N/AUSB Type-C

Height

N/A254.3 mm

Megapixels

8 + 524

Touch

YesYes

Weight

508 g52400 g

Width

N/A165.8 mm

Wifi technology

N/AWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6

With stylus pencil

N/AYes

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) or Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023): which should you buy?

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

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £100, £268.17 less than the Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023)
  • you want a lighter build (508 g vs 52400 g)

Buy the Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) if

  • you want more RAM (6 GB vs 3 GB)
  • you want a bigger screen (10.9 inch vs 10.5 inch)
  • you want a smoother screen (90 Hz vs 60 Hz)

What our customers say

Customers who bought the Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) appreciate its reliable performance and good value for the price. They mention ease of use, particularly for children or simple tasks, and praise the tablet's condition and compatibility with accessories like keyboards and mice. Battery life is noted as acceptable and the tablet is described as good quality and easy to use for everyday activities.

Reviews of the Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) highlight its like-new condition and solid performance. Users comment on the improved picture quality and sound, though some find the Android system different and needing adjustment. The higher camera resolution is appreciated. Some mention minor issues such as missing pen accessories and a learning curve in adapting to the device. Overall, the tablet performs well for study and creative use, with customers satisfied with the quality and price.

The Galaxy Tab A8 suits those seeking a straightforward tablet with enough power for daily use and basic multitasking. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE is better for users who want a larger, sharper screen and more memory for apps, plus higher camera detail for photos and video calls.

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) FAQs

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) has more RAM: 6 GB vs 3 GB. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) has a bigger screen: 10.9 inch vs 10.5 inch.

The Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) is cheaper refurbished, from £100 compared with £368.17 for the Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023).

The Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) adds more RAM (6 GB vs 3 GB), a bigger screen (10.9 inch vs 10.5 inch) and a smoother screen (90 Hz vs 60 Hz). Refurbished, it costs £268.17 more (from £368.17 vs £100).

Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) comes in 32GB and 64GB, and the Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) in 128GB and 256GB.

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