Samsung Galaxy Tab A 80 2017 Full Specs Prices & ProsCons

Overview of Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017)

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) is an affordable and practical tablet that offers a range of features suitable for casual users. Released in September 2017, this device presents a balanced combination of design, performance, and utility. With its sleek design, modest processing power, and adequate battery life, it caters to users who need a reliable device for everyday tasks without the premium price tag.

Design and Build

The Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) features a clean design that incorporates both style and functionality. Its dimensions of 212.1 x 124.1 x 8.9 mm and a weight of 364 g make it portable and easy to handle. The tablet boasts a glass front, with an aluminum back and frame, which not only provides an aesthetic appeal but also durability. Additionally, it supports a Nano-SIM, emphasizing its portability and convenience for connectivity on-the-go.

Display

The device sports an 8.0-inch IPS LCD display, offering a resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels. Its approximately 70.5% screen-to-body ratio ensures a wide viewing area suitable for multimedia consumption, web browsing, and reading. While the pixel density of ~189 ppi may not offer the sharpest image quality compared to higher-end devices, it delivers satisfactory visuals for its target market segment.

Performance

Under the hood, the Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) is powered by a Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 chipset with a quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and an Adreno 308 GPU. This configuration supports everyday tasks such as browsing, streaming, and running standard applications smoothly. Although not designed for heavy gaming or intense multitasking, the tablet's performance suffices for basic usage.

Storage and Memory

The tablet offers two variants of internal storage: 16GB with 2GB of RAM, and 32GB with the same RAM capacity. For users who require additional storage, the device includes a dedicated microSDXC slot, enabling expansion of up to 256GB or more. This flexibility allows users to store more files, apps, and media content without worrying about storage constraints.

Camera Quality

In terms of photography, the Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) is equipped with an 8 MP primary camera with an f/1.9 aperture and autofocus. This camera captures decent shots and includes features like LED flash and HDR for better image enhancement under specific conditions. It can record videos at 1080p@30fps. The 5 MP front camera suffices for video calls and selfies, offering similar video recording capabilities to the rear camera.

Battery Life

The tablet houses a non-removable Li-Ion 5000 mAh battery, robust enough to provide extended usage. With a talk time of up to 14 hours on multimedia, and up to 36 hours on 3G, users can enjoy prolonged periods of use without frequent recharging. Additionally, it supports up to 153 hours of music playback, making it a reliable companion for travel and downtime.

Operating System and Software

Initially shipping with Android 7.1 (Nougat), the Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) offers an upgrade path to Android 9.0 (Pie) with Samsung's One UI. This ensures users can enjoy a more modern interface and enhanced features over time, keeping the device relevant even as software evolves. The One UI overlay offers intuitive navigation and user-friendly operation.

Connectivity and Communication

The tablet supports various connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, and Wi-Fi Direct, ensuring stable internet connectivity. It also includes Bluetooth 4.2 for pairing with other devices. While the device lacks NFC and radio capabilities, it does offer positioning features like GPS, GLONASS, and BDS. Its USB Type-C 2.0 port supports modern connectivity standards for charging and data transfer.

Sound and Audio

Audio features include a built-in loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to enjoy media on both speakers and headphones. This inclusion caters to users who still prefer wired audio connections and enhances the overall multimedia experience.

Additional Features

Sensors on the Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) include an accelerometer, which adds to its versatility in functionality. This feature facilitates automatic screen rotation and can enhance gaming experiences. The device is available in Black and Gold color options, offering a choice for users who prioritize aesthetics.

Conclusion

In summary, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) stands as a commendable option for those seeking a budget-friendly, reliable tablet. Its combination of practical features, decent performance, and extended battery life caters well to everyday needs. While it may not boast the advanced capabilities of high-end tablets, its value proposition lies in its affordability and functional efficiency, making it a suitable device for casual users, students, or anyone looking for a secondary device.