Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 80 All Specs Prices Pros & Cons Revealed

Overview

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 is part of Samsung's Galaxy Tab 3 series, which was announced in June 2013 and released a month later in July. Even though it has since been discontinued, this tablet continues to be recognized for its balanced mix of performance and affordability. This model aimed to bridge the gap between the smaller 7-inch tablets and the larger 10-inch ones, providing a versatile option for users seeking ease of use with a sufficiently large screen.

Design and Build

The Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 features a sleek and slim design with dimensions of 209.8 x 123.8 x 7.4 mm, making it comfortable to hold and carry around. Weighing in at 314 grams, it's fairly light for an 8-inch tablet. The device is available in White and Gold, adding a little bit of class and personalization to the user's experience. The inclusion of a Micro-SIM slot allows for cellular connectivity, making this tablet a mobile powerhouse.

Display Quality

This tablet comes with an 8.0-inch TFT display, boasting a resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels. While the pixel density of ~189 ppi might not match the top-tier display standards today, at the time of its release, it offered a decent visual experience for casual browsing, reading, and media consumption. The screen-to-body ratio of approximately 71.4% gives users a satisfactory display area.

Hardware and Performance

Under the hood, the Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 sports the Exynos 4212 Dual chipset with a dual-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU and a Mali-400MP4 GPU. This configuration provides smooth performance for routine tasks such as web browsing, checking emails, and running basic apps. It isn't designed for heavy gaming or multitasking the latest apps, but for the casual user, it gets the job done. The device includes 1.5GB of RAM and comes in two storage variants: 16GB and 32GB. Additionally, it supports memory expansion via a dedicated microSDXC slot, offering flexibility for users needing more storage.

Camera Capabilities

For photography, the Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 is equipped with a 5 MP rear camera capable of autofocus. The camera can record videos at 720p@30fps, which was respectable at the time of its launch. On the front, there is a 1.3 MP camera suitable for video calls, although it is not ideal for high-quality selfies or video recording.

Audio and Sound

The tablet comes with stereo speakers that deliver decent sound output for media consumption. It includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to connect their favorite headphones or external speakers for a more immersive audio experience. The sound quality is complemented by audio features measured with a noise level of -91.4dB and crosstalk of -91.0dB.

Operating System and Software

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 runs on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean out of the box. At the time, Jelly Bean was known for its smooth performance and user-friendly interface. Although years have passed since its release, many tablets from that era have not received official updates beyond their initial software, limiting their compatibility with newer apps and services.

Connectivity and Communication

This device supports a wide array of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, and hotspot capabilities. The inclusion of Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP ensures compatibility with various wireless peripherals. Additionally, the Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 supports GPS and GLONASS for accurate positioning services. However, it lacks NFC and radio features.

Battery Life

The tablet is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 4450 mAh battery, which promises up to 11 hours of multimedia usage and up to 96 hours of music playback. This battery capacity ensures that users can enjoy extended periods of usage without needing constant recharging, which is a significant factor for tablets intended for mobile use.

Unique Features

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 also includes an infrared port that allows the tablet to double as a remote for compatible electronic devices. Additionally, sensors such as an accelerometer, compass, and proximity (in 3G/LTE models) enhance the usability and functionality of the device. These sensors allow for applications that rely on device orientation and physical movement.

Market and Availability

Originally priced at around 270 EUR, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 was positioned as an affordable mid-range tablet at its launch. Its main competition in the 8-inch segment came from other Android tablets and Apple's iPad Mini models. While it has been officially discontinued, you may still find it available through secondhand markets or retailers clearing out older stock.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 represented a fine balance of size, performance, and value during its time. It offered a decent mix of features within a compact form factor, catering primarily to users seeking a versatile tablet for everyday use. Although technology has since advanced and newer, more powerful tablets have taken their place, the Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 remains a classic example of the tablet era of its time.