Price and specifications of Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2018) advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2018) presents a solid and practical design tailored for everyday use. It measures 206.6 x 126.7 x 8.9 mm and weighs 358 g, which ensures a portable yet sturdy form factor. The tablet's robust build supports a Nano-SIM slot, allowing connectivity via GSM / HSPA / LTE networks, making it versatile for both personal and professional use. The device is offered in a sleek black color, giving it an understated elegance that aligns with a broad range of user preferences.

Display

The Tab A 8.0 features an 8.0-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels, opting for a 16:10 aspect ratio that caters well to both media consumption and productivity tasks. The display's screen-to-body ratio of approximately 70.9% offers a reasonable viewing area, while its density of 189 ppi provides adequately sharp and clear visuals, although it might not stand out compared to modern high-resolution displays.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 chipset. This 28nm silicon hosts a Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, paired with an Adreno 308 GPU, ensuring a reliable performance for day-to-day tasks, such as browsing, media playback, and light app usage. The tablet runs on Android 8.1 Oreo, which, while a bit outdated by today's standards, still offers a user-friendly interface and access to a plethora of applications through the Google Play Store.

Memory and Storage

The device comes equipped with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, making it suitable for basic multitasking and app usage. For users requiring more storage capacity, the Tab A 8.0 provides a dedicated microSDXC card slot, allowing expansion of storage to accommodate additional apps, photos, and videos without the worry of running out of space.

Camera Capabilities

Photography on the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 is facilitated by a single 5 MP, f/2.2 autofocus rear camera capable of recording 1080p videos at 30fps, which ensures decent quality for casual photography and video needs. The front-facing camera is a simple 2 MP lens, which suffices for video calls and basic selfies but might not satisfy those seeking high-quality front camera capabilities.

Battery Life

The tablet is fitted with a non-removable Li-Ion 5000 mAh battery, delivering a commendable battery life that can easily last throughout an entire day of standard usage. This capacity is particularly beneficial for users who need to stay connected on the go or for extended media playback sessions, reducing the need to frequently recharge the device.

Connectivity and Other Features

Samsung's Galaxy Tab A 8.0 offers multiple connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band support, and Wi-Fi Direct. Bluetooth 4.2 with A2DP allows for easy connection to various peripherals. GPS and GLONASS positioning systems provide reliable location services, although the absence of NFC and radio features might be a downside for some users. Device interaction and control are facilitated by essential sensors like the accelerometer, and connectivity is further supported by a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

Market Impact and Pricing

Launched in September 2018, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 was introduced at a price of about 200 EUR, making it an affordable option within its segment. Its market impact resonates with users looking for a cost-effective yet functional tablet solution for casual entertainment and basic productivity tasks without requiring the advanced features found in more expensive counterparts. Its compatibility with GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks further broadens its appeal to a diverse user base across different regions.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2018) stands out as a practical and budget-friendly tablet offering from Samsung. It fulfills the core needs of users looking for a reliable digital companion for tasks ranging from light media consumption to basic productivity. Despite some limitations in processing power and camera capabilities, its balance between cost, functionality, and design makes it a valuable choice for those looking to invest in a tablet without breaking the bank.