Samsung is set to launch the Galaxy Tab A8 Android tablet in the US early next year, replacing the A7 model launched in September last year.
The A8 runs Android 11 and includes a number of upgrades, starting with the display which is now a 10.5-inch 16:10 panel with a 1,920-by-1,200 resolution. It’s powered by an octa-core processor running at 2GHz, which Samsung claims offers 10% more CPU and GPU performance than the Snapdragon 662 used the the A7, but hasn’t specified which chip it is. Three RAM/memory configurations will be available: 3GB /32GB, 4GB/64GB, and 4GB/128GB. For cameras, Samsung placed an 8MP camera with autofocus on the back and opted for a 5MP selfie camera on the front.
The battery is the same size as the one used in the A7 (7,040mAh) and includes support for 15W fast charging (the tablet ships with a 7.75W charger). There’s also a microSD card slot for up to 1TB cards, quad speakers, support for Dolby Atmos, and both a USB Type-C port and 3.5mm headphone jack. Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 5 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct, and Bluetooth 5.0. LTE will also be available as an option.
Alongside the RAM and storage options, potential buyers will have the choice of three case colors: gray, silver, and pink gold. Samsung is also making a range of cover accessories available including a book cover, clear edge cover, and a protective standing cover.
On the software front, as well as shipping with Android 11, Samsung is including free access to Samsung TV Plus with more than 200 free channels. You’ll also get two months of free access to YouTube TV, which means no ads to sit through and the option to watch offline.
Consumers in Europe will be able to buy the A8 before the end of December and then the US gets it in January. No pricing has been revealed yet, but for reference, the base model of the Galaxy Tab A7 (3GB/32GB) costs $235.
