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Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023)

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Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021)

Starting at

£100.00
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Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023)

Starting at

£607.44£1,501.24 new
See options
(101 reviews)
(53 reviews)

What's the difference between the Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) and Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023)?

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) starts at £100, £507.44 less than the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023). The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023) is the newer model, released in 2023.

Refurbished from

£100£607.44

RAM

3 GB12 GB

Screen size

10.5 inch14.6 inch

Screen type

TFT LCDDynamic AMOLED 2X

Refresh rate

60 Hz120 Hz

Weight

508 g129 g
  • The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 3 GB.
  • The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023) has a bigger screen: 14.6 inch vs 10.5 inch.
  • The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023) has an OLED screen.

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023) specs

The Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) and the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023) differ in screen size, performance, and storage options, making each suited to different users. The Galaxy Tab A8 offers a more compact 10.5 inch screen with a TFT LCD and a 60 Hz refresh rate, fitting everyday tasks and media consumption comfortably. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra features a 14.6 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with higher resolution, pixel density, and a 120 Hz refresh rate, ideal if you want a premium viewing experience or multitask with more apps open thanks to its 12 GB RAM and powerful processor. Storage options also vary greatly, with the S9 Ultra providing larger capacities. Choose the Galaxy Tab A8 if you want a straightforward, easy-to-use tablet. Opt for the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra for more demanding apps, vivid displays, and spacious storage.

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023) price

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023) battery life and software updates

Durability includes software support and operating systems, both important for how long your tablet stays current and secure. Both Galaxy Tab A8 and Tab S9 Ultra come with Android, but their maximum supported Android versions differ.

Operating System Support

The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra supports Android 13 as its maximum version.

Release Year Context

The Galaxy Tab A8 was released in 2021, and the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra came out in 2023.

Battery

N/A11200 mAh

Maximum operating system supported

Android 14Android 13

Year of release

20212023

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023) performance

Performance affects how smoothly your tablet runs apps and handles multitasking. The Galaxy Tab A8 has lower RAM and a different processor compared to the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, which also has larger storage options.

Processor Power

The Galaxy Tab A8 uses the Unisoc Tiger T618 processor, suitable for everyday tasks and basic apps. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra features the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, a high-performance chipset capable of managing demanding apps and multitasking more efficiently.

Memory Capacity

The Galaxy Tab A8 provides 3 GB of RAM, which supports everyday app use and simple multitasking. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra has 12 GB of RAM, allowing you to keep many apps open at once and handle heavier workloads with greater ease.

Storage Options

The Galaxy Tab A8 is available with 32 GB or 64 GB of storage, suitable for typical use like apps, media, and documents. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra offers larger storage sizes with 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB options, which suits users who store lots of files, apps, or high-resolution media locally.

Chipset

N/AQualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)

Processor

Unisoc Tiger T618Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

Processor brand

N/AQualcomm

Processor speed ghz

N/A3.36 GHz

RAM

3 GB12 GB

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023) screen

Screen quality is key for media, reading, and productivity. The Galaxy Tab A8 has a smaller display with lower resolution and a simpler screen type. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra offers a larger, sharper, and smoother screen.

Screen Size and Resolution

The Galaxy Tab A8 has a 10.5 inch screen with a resolution of 1200 x 1920 pixels, which is comfortable for everyday use and portable enough for handheld tasks. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra's 14.6 inch screen has a higher resolution of 1848 x 2960 pixels, providing more workspace and finer detail for viewing photos, videos, or multitasking with multiple windows.

Pixel Density and Display Type

The Galaxy Tab A8's screen has a pixel density of 220 ppi and uses TFT LCD technology. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra offers a higher pixel density of 240 ppi and a Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, which can produce richer colours and deeper contrast, making images and text look more vivid.

Refresh Rate

The Galaxy Tab A8 has a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is smooth for general use and media. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra supports a 120 Hz refresh rate, which can make animations and scrolling feel smoother and more responsive, especially noticeable in gaming or fast navigation.

Brightness

N/A642 nits max brightness

Display glass

N/ACorning Gorilla Glass

Pixel density

220ppp240ppp

Refresh rate

60 Hz120 Hz

Resolution

1200 x 19201848 x 2960

Screen size

10.5 inch14.6 inch

Screen type

TFT LCDDynamic AMOLED 2X

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023) camera

Audio and video features impact your experience with calls, video playback, and media. Both tablets have similar speaker setups and webcams.

Speakers

Both the Galaxy Tab A8 and the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra have four stereo speakers, which means both can deliver balanced sound suitable for watching videos or video calls.

Webcam

Each device has a built-in webcam allowing for video conferencing and selfies, supporting everyday communication needs.

Front camera

N/A12 megapixels

Front camera definition

N/A12 megapixels

Main camera

N/A13 megapixels

Rear camera definition

N/A13 megapixels

Speakers

Stereo speakers (4 speakers)Stereo speakers (4 speakers)

Video recording

N/A4K 30FPS

Webcam

YesYes

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023) size and design

Other features include connectivity options, camera capabilities, and weight, all of which affect how you use and carry your tablet.

120 Hz Refresh Rate

The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra supports a 120 Hz refresh rate, enhancing smoothness in animations and scrolling. The Galaxy Tab A8 does not offer this feature and uses 60 Hz.

Camera Megapixels

The Galaxy Tab A8 has dual cameras with 8 and 5 megapixels, allowing photo and video capture. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra has a single 13 megapixel camera, which can capture higher detail in photos.

Weight

The Galaxy Tab A8 weighs 508 grams. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra weighs 129 grams, which is unusually low for a device of its size and may be a data anomaly to consider.

Connectivity

Both tablets use USB Type-C connectors and are unlocked, so they can be used with a variety of carriers and accessories.

120hz

NoYes

Bluetooth version

N/ABluetooth 5.3

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

USB-CUSB-C

Depth

N/A5.5 mm

Double sim

NoN/A

Headphones connectivity

N/AUSB Type-C

Height

N/A326.4 mm

Megapixels

8 + 513

Sim format

N/ANano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only)

Touch

YesYes

Weight

508 g129 g

Width

N/A208.6 mm

Wifi technology

N/AWi-Fi 6 802.11ax

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) or Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023): which should you buy?

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

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £100, £507.44 less than the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023)

Buy the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023) if

  • you want more RAM (12 GB vs 3 GB)
  • you want a bigger screen (14.6 inch vs 10.5 inch)
  • you want an OLED screen

What our customers say

Customers of the Galaxy Tab A8 appreciate its good quality and ease of use, mentioning that it works well with accessories like keyboards and mice. Many highlight it as a good value for the price and suitable for everyday use. Some note the battery life is not exceptional but the device performs reliably for basic tasks and media consumption. It is a popular choice for gifts and for users wanting a straightforward tablet experience.

Owners of the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra praise its excellent condition and brand new feel. They highlight the beautiful display and smooth performance, with some noting the battery lasts longer than expected. The device is admired for its high quality and is recommended for those wanting a larger, premium screen and powerful performance. The tablet is seen as suitable for users who require more from their device in terms of speed and display quality.

The Galaxy Tab A8 suits users seeking a simple, dependable tablet for everyday activities, while the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is aimed at those who want a spacious, vivid screen and higher performance for multitasking and media.

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023) FAQs

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 3 GB. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023) has a bigger screen: 14.6 inch vs 10.5 inch.

The Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) is cheaper refurbished, from £100 compared with £607.44 for the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023).

The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023) adds more RAM (12 GB vs 3 GB), a bigger screen (14.6 inch vs 10.5 inch) and an OLED screen. Refurbished, it costs £507.44 more (from £607.44 vs £100).

Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) comes in 32GB and 64GB, and the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023) in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.

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