Price and specifications of Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2015) advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2015) is one of the mid-range tablets released by Samsung in early 2015. It was announced in March and became available in May of the same year. Despite being discontinued, the device offered a number of features that made it appealing to users seeking a reliable and cost-effective tablet. This article will delve into the specifications and features of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2015), providing a comprehensive view of its capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses.

Design and Build

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2015) presents a sleek and modern design with dimensions measuring at 208.3 x 137.9 x 7.4 mm, which equates to 8.20 x 5.43 x 0.29 inches. With a weight of 313 grams, or 11.04 oz, it is relatively lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry around for daily use. Constructed with a plastic back and frame, the tablet maintains durability while ensuring affordability. The device is available in three classic colors: Smoky Titanium, Smoky Blue, and White, catering to various stylistic preferences.

Display

The tablet is equipped with an 8.0-inch TFT display. While the display size is quite generous, providing ample screen real estate for media consumption and productivity tasks, the resolution of 768 x 1024 pixels at a 4:3 ratio with a pixel density of approximately 160 ppi leaves room for improvement in terms of sharpness and detail compared to higher-end models with advanced displays.

Performance

Under the hood, the Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2015) is powered by a Quad-core 1.2 GHz processor. Although not the most powerful CPU in the market at the time of its release, it adequately handles basic tasks and applications, providing a satisfactory user experience for browsing, reading, and light multitasking. The tablet runs on Android 5.0 (Lollipop), an orientation towards user-friendly experience and performance stability.

Memory and Storage

Samsung offers different configurations of the Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2015) depending on network capability (Wi-Fi or LTE). The Wi-Fi model comes with 16GB of internal storage and 1.5GB of RAM, while the LTE variant features 32GB of storage coupled with 2GB of RAM. Both models include a dedicated microSDXC slot, allowing users to expand the storage substantially, which is ideal for media storage and app-heavy users.

Camera

This tablet is fitted with basic camera systems suitable for casual photography and video communication. The main camera is a 5 MP shooter with autofocus, capable of recording 720p video, while the selfie camera houses a 2 MP lens. These cameras are not designed for professional photography but are functional enough for video calls and sharing quick snaps.

Battery Life

The Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2015) draws power from a Li-Ion 4200 mAh non-removable battery, which offers substantial usage time. Users can expect up to 11 hours of talk time on a 3G connection and up to 120 hours of music playback. This battery performance makes it a practical choice for on-the-go consumption without frequent recharging.

Connectivity

This device supports various network technologies including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, enabling versatile cellular connectivity. It includes a micro-SIM slot for LTE models. The connectivity features further extend to Wi-Fi with dual-band support, Bluetooth 4.0 for wireless peripherals, GPS with GLONASS for navigation, as well as a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

Sound and Multimedia

The tablet features a loudspeaker as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to personal and communal audio experiences alike. While the sound quality from the loudspeaker may not be exceptional, it's sufficient for casual media consumption. The presence of a headphone jack remains a favorable choice for many users who prefer wired audio accessories.

Sensors and Other Features

The Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2015) comes with essential sensors like the accelerometer, which aids in screen orientation and various app functionalities. However, it's worth noting that it doesn't include more advanced sensors like gyroscopes or ambient light sensors, which might be a disadvantage in more varied and sensor-reliant applications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2015) is a balanced mid-range tablet that is ideal for users seeking functionality and affordability. Its lightweight design and expandable storage make it a practical choice for day-to-day activities, while the moderate performance and basic camera capabilities suit those with less intensive tablet needs. Although it faces stiff competition from more recent models with superior specifications, it remains a viable option for users who require a simple yet reliable device for casual use.