The Galaxy Tab S8 and Tab S8 Ultra are the two of the newest and most powerful tablets from Samsung, but with a difference of $400 between them, is the Ultra variant worth the extra cash? Over the last few years, Samsung's almost singlehandedly kept the Android tablet world alive. It consistently releases new models, tries out different features, and has tablets available at a variety of price points.
For shoppers interested in its flagship tablets, that's where the Galaxy S series comes into play. Samsung launched new Tab S devices in late 2020 with the Galaxy Tab S7 and Galaxy Tab S7+. Fast forward to February 2022, and Samsung's continuing the Tab S family with not one, not two, but three models. The Galaxy Tab S8 and Tab S8+ both replace their predecessors. Also new this year, however, is the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra. With $400 separating the $699 Galaxy Tab S8 and $1099 Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, which model is the right choice?
Before diving into the differences between the two tablets (which there are many), the Tab S8 and Tab S8 Ultra do have some things in common. Powering both tablets is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset. It's the fastest mobile processor made by Qualcomm in 2022, meaning the Tab S8 and Tab S8 Ultra have more than enough horsepower for any workflow. Similarly, both tablets start with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage (plus feature a microSD card for expansion up to 1TB). Other similarities include the Android 12.0 operating system, up to 45W wired charging, optional 5G/LTE connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E, and quad stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos. Also found with the two tablets is an included S Pen, giving users an out-of-the-box tool for drawing and notetaking.
Every Difference Between Tab S8 & Tab S8 Ultra
While that's a fairly extensive list, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra justifies its higher price in a few key ways — with one of the most notable being its display. For its part, the regular Galaxy Tab S8 has an 11-inch LCD display. It touts a 2560 x 1600 resolution, 276ppi, and a 120Hz refresh rate. By comparison, the Tab S8 Ultra is better in almost every way. It's substantially larger at 14.6 inches, swaps out LCD tech for Super AMOLED, and has an increased 2960 x 1848 resolution. The 240ppi is slightly lower and the 120Hz refresh rate is the same, but by every other account, it's a far superior screen.
That huge display also gives the Tab S8 ultra a superior front camera system. Both the Tab S8 and Tab S8 ultra have a 12MP ultra-wide camera, but the Tab S8 Ultra combines that camera with a second 12MP sensor. This makes selfies look as sharp as possible, and enables more advanced video calling features, such as video effects and automatic framing. But that's not all. The Galaxy Tab S8 maxes its RAM and storage at 12GB and 256GB, respectively. By comparison, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra goes all the way up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. It also benefits from a larger 11,200 mAh battery — a considerable increase over the Tab S8's 8,000 mAh battery.
The line separating the Galaxy Tab S8 and Tab S8 Ultra is pretty clear. While they have the same processor and software, the Tab S8 Ultra improves the experience with a substantially larger display, battery, and more RAM/storage. However, those upgrades come at a cost. Not only is the Tab S8 Ultra $400 more than the regular Tab S8, but it's also considerably heavier and bulkier. The Galaxy Tab S8 measures 165.3 x 253.8 x 6.3mm and weighs just 503g. The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra? It measures 208.6 x 326.4 x 5.5mm and weighs 726g. If you need a giant tablet for productivity or binging movies — regardless of how expensive and bulky it is — the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra fits the bill perfectly. For everyone else who wants a tablet that can comfortably fit in their backpack (and not cost over $1000), the regular Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 might be the more sensible choice.
Source: Samsung