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Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)

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Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021)

Starting at

£100.00
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iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)

Starting at

£316.24£669.00 new
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(101 reviews)
(489 reviews)

What's the difference between the Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) and iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)?

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) starts at £100, £216.24 less than the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series). The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is the newer model, released in 2022.

Refurbished from

£100£316.24

RAM

3 GB8 GB

Screen size

10.5 inch10.9 inch

Screen type

TFT LCDLiquid Retina display

Weight

508 g462 g
  • The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB.
  • The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has a bigger screen: 10.9 inch vs 10.5 inch.
  • Screen type: TFT LCD on the Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021), Liquid Retina display on the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series).

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) specs

The Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) and the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) offer distinct experiences suited to different needs. The Galaxy Tab A8 is an Android tablet with a 10.5 inch screen and simpler performance, making it suitable for everyday tasks and multimedia use. The iPad Air 5 features a more powerful Apple M1 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and a higher resolution 10.9 inch Liquid Retina display, which suits users who want smoother multitasking, sharper visuals, and more storage options. The iPad Air is lighter and provides a higher pixel density for clearer images. Choose the Galaxy Tab A8 for affordable, easy-to-use Android functionality and the iPad Air 5 for enhanced performance and screen quality in a lighter frame.

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) price

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) battery life and software updates

Their different operating systems and maximum OS versions offer distinct user experiences and app ecosystems to consider.

Operating System Support

This means each device will continue receiving new features and security improvements within their platforms, with the iPad Air 5 supporting a later OS version.

Platform Differences

Choosing between Android on the Galaxy Tab A8 and iPadOS on the iPad Air 5 depends on your app preferences and ecosystem. Both platforms offer a wide range of apps but have different designs and interfaces that suit different users.

Maximum operating system supported

Android 14iPadOS 18

Software updates

N/ASupported, up to iPadOS 27

Year of release

20212022

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) performance

Performance varies significantly between these tablets, affecting how smoothly apps run and how many tasks you can handle at once. Storage capacities also differ, giving you options depending on your needs for space.

Processor and RAM

The Galaxy Tab A8 has a Unisoc Tiger T618 processor with 3 GB of RAM, which suits everyday tasks like browsing and media playback. The iPad Air 5 features an Apple M1 processor and 8 GB of RAM, keeping everyday apps running smoothly and handling multitasking with ease.

Storage Options

Storage for the Galaxy Tab A8 comes in 32GB and 64GB options, suitable for users with basic storage needs. The iPad Air 5 offers 64GB and 256GB storage options, catering to users who want more space for apps, media, and documents.

Processor

Unisoc Tiger T618Apple M1

RAM

3 GB8 GB

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) screen

Screen differences affect how content looks and feels to use. Size, resolution, pixel density and screen type all influence viewing comfort, clarity and colour quality.

Screen Size and Resolution

The Galaxy Tab A8 has a 10.5 inch screen with a resolution of 1200 x 1920, providing a good amount of space for video and reading. The iPad Air 5 offers a slightly larger 10.9 inch screen with a resolution of 2360 x 1640, giving you more room and sharper detail.

Pixel Density and Display Type

The Galaxy Tab A8's screen has a pixel density of 220 ppi and uses a TFT LCD panel, which delivers decent image quality for everyday use. The iPad Air 5 has a higher pixel density of 264 ppi and a Liquid Retina display, offering clearer text and more vibrant colours, which benefits users who watch videos or work with images.

Brightness

N/A500 nits brightness

Display glass

N/AStandard display

Pixel density

220ppp264ppp

Refresh rate

60 HzN/A

Resolution

1200 x 19202360 x 1640

Screen size

10.5 inch10.9 inch

Screen type

TFT LCDLiquid Retina display

True tone

N/AYes

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) camera

Front camera definition

N/A12 megapixels

Rear camera definition

N/A12 megapixels

Speakers

Stereo speakers (4 speakers)Stereo speakers

Video recording

N/A4K 60FPS

Webcam

YesN/A

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) size and design

Other features like weight, connectivity and touch support influence daily use and portability. These details help decide which tablet fits your lifestyle better.

Weight

The Galaxy Tab A8 weighs 508 g, which is heavier than the iPad Air 5 at 462 g. If you carry your tablet for long periods, the lighter iPad Air 5 may feel more comfortable to hold.

Connectivity and Touch

Both tablets support touch input and use USB Type-C connectors, making charging and connecting accessories straightforward. Both are unlocked for carrier compatibility, giving you flexibility in how you use them.

120hz

NoN/A

Apple pen compatible

N/ACompatible with Apple Pencil 2nd gen, Apple Pencil (USB-C)

Bluetooth version

N/ABluetooth 5.0

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

USB-CUSB-C

Depth

N/A6.1 mm

Double sim

NoN/A

Face

N/ANo

Generation number

N/A5

Headphones connectivity

N/AUSB Type-C

Height

N/A247.6 mm

Lidar scanner

N/ANo

Megapixels

8 + 5N/A

Minimum system requirements mac

N/AmacOS El Capitan 10.11.6

Minimum system requirements windows

N/AWindows 10

Promotion

N/ANo

Sim format

N/ANano SIM

Touch

YesYes

Weight

508 g462 g

Width

N/A178.5 mm

Wifi technology

N/AWi-Fi 6 802.11ax

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) or iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series): which should you buy?

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

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £100, £216.24 less than the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)

Buy the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) if

  • you want more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB)
  • you want a bigger screen (10.9 inch vs 10.5 inch)
  • you want a lighter build (462 g vs 508 g)

What our customers say

Customers who choose the Galaxy Tab A8 appreciate its good quality and ease of use, often noting it works well with accessories like keyboards and mice. Many say it is a good value purchase that meets everyday needs, with several mentioning satisfaction with the condition and no issues apart from battery life not being great. The tablet is seen as reliable for simple tasks and suitable for gifts or family use.

The iPad Air 5 is praised for its fast, smooth performance thanks to the M1 chip and high-quality Liquid Retina display. Customers highlight its like-new condition and sharp screen, with some recommending accessories like the Apple Pencil for note-taking and drawing. The lighter weight is also appreciated for portability. Some mention battery life lasting all day and overall excellent performance for productivity and multimedia. A few note differences in Apple Intelligence features depending on the model.

The Galaxy Tab A8 suits users looking for an affordable, straightforward tablet for everyday Android use, while the iPad Air 5 fits those who want stronger performance, a sharper screen and more storage in a lighter device.

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) FAQs

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB. The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) 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 £316.24 for the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series).

We don't have published update dates for the Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021). The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.

Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) comes in 32GB and 64GB, and the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) in 64GB and 256GB.

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