Hey there! If you‘re trying to decide between Samsung‘s latest tablet offerings – the Galaxy Tab S8 and S8+ – I‘ve got you covered. I‘ll compare these two high-powered Android tablets across all key areas, like display quality, performance, battery life, and beyond to determine the right one for your needs.
High-End Tablets Designed for Productivity and Play
First, some quick background. Samsung debuted its new Tab S8 tablet family in early 2022 with the mission of competing head-on with Apple‘s industry-dominating iPad Pro. The full lineup includes:
- Galaxy Tab S8 – The 11" base model starts at $699
- Galaxy Tab S8+ – 12.4" mid-tier version starting at $899
- Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra – 14.6 inches of premium display for $1,099
But let‘s focus specifically on comparing the S8 vs S8+ since they occupy a very similar spot in the Tab family. In fact, their hardware and software experiences are nearly identical across the board. The few differences come down to display size/resolution, battery capacity, and weight.
Overall both deliver exceptional build quality with aluminum materials in thin and light chassis. By integrating top-notch OLED display panels and the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, these Android tablets keep pace with the iPad Pro while offering flexibility like microSD expansion.
Now let‘s explore those key specifications head-to-head.
Displays Deliver Gorgeous Visuals
One obvious difference comes from the displays and their varying sizes.
- Galaxy Tab S8 – 11-inch LTPS TFT LCD at 2560 x 1600 pixels
- Galaxy Tab S8+ – 12.4-inch AMOLED stretching 2800 x 1752 pixels
So while the S8 fits comfortably in one hand, the S8+ offers noticeably more real estate for watching movies or running multiple apps simultaneously.
In terms of display technology, both leverage OLED panels with inky blacks and vibrant imagery. But the S8+ panel packs higher overall resolution with 287 pixels per inch (PPI) density over 276 PPI on the S8. This keeps details looking tack sharp despite the larger screen area.
And importantly, both displays boast silky smooth 120Hz refresh rates. By redrawing the screen 120 times per second, scrolling and animations take on new fluidity. This makes both tablets excellent options for gaming orgraphic design work where lag is unacceptable.
Ultimately media enjoyment receives a slight upgrade on the Tab S8+ thanks to the more expansive canvas and crisp resolution. But even the 11" S8 display remains highly immersive.
Equally Impressive Internals and Performance
Samsung pulls no punches when it comes to processing power by integrating Qualcomm‘s brand new Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 system-on-a-chip (SoC). This octa-core chipset utilizes four high-powered cores for intensive tasks while four efficiency cores handle lightweight duties to optimize battery consumption.
Fabricated on an cutting-edge 4nm transistor node, the SoC inside both the Galaxy Tab S8 and S8+ promises substantial generational upgrades. In fact, some estimates project up to 30% faster processing versus the prior Snapdragon 888 platform!
Application and game loading also receives major gains courtesy of 8GB of memory coming standard across storage configurations. This generous RAM allotment keeps dozens of browser tabs and apps at the ready without slowdowns.
In terms of storage, both tablets ship with 128GB initially that can be doubled to 256GB. And Samsung allows roundly expanding capacity another 1TB through the microSD card slot.
With uniformly powerful silicon and ample memory regardless of your pick, snappy responsiveness is virtually guaranteed with either Galaxy tablet. These mark Android‘s best when it comes to raw productivity and gaming prowess.
Intuitive Software Enhancements Over Stock Android
Rather than just relying on standard Android and Google services alone, Samsung wisely augments the software experience via its One UI interface. Currently, both tablets run Android 12 with One UI 4.1 applied on top.
This thoughtfully designed skin refines interactions by curating better tablet layouts than typically achieved by just enlarging phone interfaces. For example, redesigned menus utilize space more efficiently on the large displays.
One UI also enables beneficial tools like:
- Improved Multitasking – Easier to launch and manage up to three apps simultaneously in resizable windows
- Enhanced Quick Panel – Faster access to system toggles like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, DeX mode, etc.
- Deep Microsoft Integration – Outlook, OneDrive, and Office apps all optimized for Galaxy tablet workflows
And power users will love the Samsung DeX interface accessible on both the S8 and S8+. This alternate desktop-style mode enables managing layouts akin to a traditional PC through an external display.
DeX proves better suited to the S8+‘s resolution but handles admirably even on the 11" canvas. Ultimately both tablets deliver flexibility to handle demanding productivity.
Battery Life Sees Modest Gains on the S8+
With slim dimensions, there‘s only so much room to stuff hefty batteries inside these tablets. But longevity still impresses considering the gorgeous displays and potent internals.
The Galaxy Tab S8 squeezes decent mileage from its 8,000 mAh pack rated for:
- Up to 15 hours of video playback
- Around 14 hours of internet use
Meanwhile the extra screen space on the S8+ grants room for a slightly larger 10,090 battery. In turn, estimated video playback hits 13 hours. So while raw capacity increased over 25%, efficiency gains trail behind due to power draw from the higher resolution panel.
Thankfully when you do need to refuel, both charge rapidly courtesy of 45W USB-C wired charging. Expect to replenish around 50% capacity after just 30 minutes plugged in.
And unlike rival slates from Apple, storage stays consistently expandable to 1TB on either device thanks to the handy microSD slot.
Equal-Quality Cameras Across the S8 Tablets
Let‘s be honest – nobody‘s buying tablets focused primarily on mobile photography. But Samsung still equips both the S8 and S8+ models with solid camera arrays for casual shooting needs.
Each packs dual rear lenses featuring:
- 13MP primary camera – Captures decent details and natural colors in good lighting
- 6MP ultra-wide camera – Provides more framing flexibility but sacrifices sharpness
Autoframing functionality also harnesses the front-facing 12MP selfie camera along with built-in video stabilization when filming. This auto-centering works well for keeping yourself consistently framed on video calls or during vlogging.
Overall image quality won‘t challenge modern leading phone cameras absent advanced computational processing. But shots in optimal daytime conditions hold up fine for social sharing or memories. Just keep expectations realistic when lighting dims regarding detail and color reproduction.
Differing Dimensions but Still Lightweight Builds
Despite increases in screen size and battery capacity, Samsung keeps weight respectable across both models thanks to aluminum materials and meticulous construction.
The Galaxy Tab S8 hits the scale at just 1.12 lbs for its 11" frame measuring:
- 9.99 x 6.51 x 0.25 inches
Meanwhile the spacious S8+ understandably tips just a bit heavier at 1.26 lbs while spanning:
- 11.22 x 7.28 x 0.22 inches
Neither tablet should feel burdensome or difficult to handle during longer reading or viewing sessions. And that low weight helps lend versatility for using them the way you want – handheld or with accessories like Book Covers and keyboard cases.
Which Tablet Suits Your Needs?
When performance and core functionality barely differs, choosing the right tablet boils down to a combination of pricing, screen size preference, and intended usage.
The Galaxy Tab S8 makes an excellent well-rounded choice that won‘t break budgets at $699. You‘ll still enjoy buttery smooth software, vibrant visuals, excellent construction, and desktop-style DeX capabilities.
But for $200 more, the S8+ brings noticeably more immersive entertainment and creativity boosted by the huge 12.4" OLED display. Artists and movie buffs may find the investment worthwhile. And business users will surely appreciate the increased working area.
Either way you can rest assured knowing Samsung packed the S8 series tablets with top-tier technology ready for work and play alike. Let me know if any other questions pop up around finding your perfect slate!
