Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (14.6", 2022) Vs Galaxy Tab S8+ (12.4", 2022)

Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (14.6", 2022)
Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (14.6", 2022)
Starting at

Refurbished price:£431.00

Versus £1,382.16 new

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Galaxy Tab S8+ (12.4", 2022)
Galaxy Tab S8+ (12.4", 2022)
Starting at

Refurbished price:£323.36

Versus £999.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra and the Galaxy Tab S8 Plus, both released in early 2022, are premium Android tablets designed for productivity and entertainment. While they share a common operating system and many core features, their primary distinction lies in their physical dimensions and display sizes, catering to different user preferences for portability and screen real estate.

Scores

Durability

Both the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra and the Galaxy Tab S8 Plus were launched in early 2022, placing them in the same generation of Samsung's tablet lineup. This means they benefit from a similar software support policy, receiving several years of Android operating system updates and security patches.

  • Software Longevity: Both tablets are expected to receive up to four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates from their release date, ensuring continued access to new features and security enhancements.
  • Build Quality: Both devices feature an aluminum back and frame with a glass front, contributing to a durable construction. The slim profiles of both tablets are notable, with the Ultra being slightly thinner at 5.5mm compared to the Plus at 5.7mm.
  • Practical Lifespan: Given their robust build and extended software support, users can expect a practical lifespan of several years for either tablet, especially when considering a quality-assured refurbished option as an eco-friendly alternative.

Year of Release

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Performance

The performance capabilities of the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra and S8 Plus are largely consistent, as both are equipped with the same generation of processing hardware, designed to handle demanding applications and multitasking efficiently.

  • Processor Capabilities: Both tablets feature a powerful octa-core processor, enabling smooth operation across various tasks, from web browsing and media consumption to graphic-intensive gaming and professional applications.
  • Multitasking and RAM: While both offer 8GB and 12GB RAM configurations, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra also provides an option for 16GB of RAM, which can offer a marginal advantage for users who frequently run many applications simultaneously or work with very large files.
  • Storage Options: Both tablets come with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, with the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra additionally offering a 512GB option. Both models support expandable storage via a microSD card, allowing users to increase their storage capacity as needed.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra houses a larger 11,200 mAh battery compared to the Tab S8 Plus's 10,090 mAh battery. However, the Ultra's significantly larger display can lead to similar or, in some heavy usage scenarios, slightly shorter real-world battery endurance compared to the Plus. Both support fast charging.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Processor

Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1

Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1

Screen quality

The visual experience on both tablets is a highlight, with both featuring high-quality AMOLED displays that offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, though they differ significantly in size and pixel density.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra boasts a substantial 14.6-inch Super AMOLED display, providing an expansive canvas for content creation and consumption. The Galaxy Tab S8 Plus features a 12.4-inch Super AMOLED display, offering a more compact yet still immersive viewing area.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The Ultra has a resolution of 2960 x 1848 pixels, while the Plus offers 2800 x 1752 pixels. The Tab S8 Plus has a slightly higher pixel density (around 266 ppi) compared to the Ultra (around 240 ppi), meaning the Plus can appear marginally sharper at typical viewing distances, though both provide excellent clarity.
  • Refresh Rate and Brightness: Both tablets feature a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and fluid animations. Both displays also support HDR10+, contributing to enhanced contrast and brightness for compatible content.

Resolution

1848 x 2960

1752 x 2800

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Super AMOLED

Pixel density

240ppp

270ppp

Audiovisual

While tablets are not typically primary photography devices, both the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra and S8 Plus offer capable camera systems for video calls, document scanning, and casual photography, with a notable difference in their front-facing camera setups.

  • Rear Camera System: Both tablets are equipped with a dual rear camera setup, featuring a 13-megapixel wide-angle lens and a 6-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens. This configuration allows for versatile shots, from general photography to capturing broader scenes.
  • Front Camera Configuration: The Galaxy Tab S8 Plus includes a single 12-megapixel ultra-wide front-facing camera, suitable for video conferencing and selfies. The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra distinguishes itself with a dual front camera system, comprising a 12-megapixel wide-angle lens and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, offering more flexibility for video calls and potentially better image quality in certain scenarios.
  • Video Recording and Features: Both tablets support high-quality video recording and include features like auto-framing, which keeps subjects centered during video calls, enhancing the communication experience.

Miscellaneous

Beyond their core specifications, several practical elements differentiate the user experience between the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra and S8 Plus, particularly concerning connectivity, physical design, and biometric security.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both tablets offer modern connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. They both feature a USB Type-C 3.2 port for charging and data transfer. Neither device includes a traditional headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: For secure unlocking, both the Tab S8 Ultra and S8 Plus incorporate an in-display fingerprint sensor and support facial recognition using their front cameras.
  • Physical Design and Handling: The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, with its 14.6-inch display, is a larger and heavier device, weighing around 726g. This makes it less portable for handheld use but provides an expansive workspace. The Galaxy Tab S8 Plus, at 12.4 inches and approximately 567g, offers a more balanced size and weight, making it more comfortable for extended handheld use and easier to transport. Both come with an S Pen included.

Weight

726 g

567 g

Screen size (in)

14.6

12.4

Network

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi + 5G

Carrier compatibility

Without SIM Port

Unlocked

Connector

USB Type-C

USB Type-C

User feedback often highlights the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra's impressive large display as its most praised feature, making it ideal for immersive media consumption, detailed creative work, and extensive multitasking where screen real estate is paramount. However, its size and weight are frequently mentioned as potential drawbacks for portability and comfortable handheld use. Conversely, the Galaxy Tab S8 Plus is often lauded for striking a better balance between screen size and portability, making it a versatile option for everyday use, including note-taking, casual browsing, and media viewing on the go. Some users note that while its battery capacity is smaller, its less demanding screen can sometimes result in comparable or even slightly better real-world battery life for certain usage patterns.

Users prioritizing a vast display for productivity, digital art, or an expansive viewing experience may find the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra well-suited to their needs. Its larger screen and optional higher RAM configuration cater to those who treat their tablet as a primary workstation or entertainment hub. For individuals seeking a more portable device that still offers a premium display and strong performance for a mix of work, study, and entertainment, the Galaxy Tab S8 Plus presents a compelling choice. Its more manageable size makes it easier to carry and use in various environments. Both tablets offer a robust Android experience, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option can provide an accessible way to acquire either of these capable devices.

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