We are still waiting for its launch in Spain so we already know practically everything we need from the new compact tablet from Samsung as to go deciding whether or not it can be the model that interests us the most. Let's start for this by measuring it in a comparative with her older sister, somewhat older but also older: Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) vs. Galaxy Tab A 10.1.
Integrated
It is not only the size that changes between these two tablets in terms of the exterior, since the 8-inch model arrives with a metal casing, although there are still parts in plastic. On the other hand, it should be noted that although both are oriented to use in portrait position (due to the location of the home button and the camera), in the new A Galaxy Tab It does not have the same effect as in the smallest model, since in that size it is the most common.
Dimensions
Of course, in the dimension section, the tablet with the smallest screen will have an advantage, and the comparison is not fair in this sense, but it does not hurt to know how much more voluminous the 10-inch (21,21x12,41 inch against 25,41x15,93 inch) and how much more will it weigh (364 grams against 525 grams), in case we are not clear if gaining a couple of inches compensates us enough to carry a larger device. It should be noted, in any case, that the 8-inch model is more compact, but somewhat thicker (8,9 mm against 8,2 mm).
Screen
Although the difference in size is the one that attracts the most attention (8 inches against 10.1 inches), it must be taken into account that there is also an important difference in resolution (1280 x 800 against 1920 x 1200), although it is true that when we put the data in relation we find that they are not that far away in pixel density (PPI 189 against PPI 224). Contrary to what happened with the first Galaxy Tab 8.0, which used the aspect ratio of the iPad, both now use 16:10, optimized for video playback, typical of Android tablets.
Performance
In the performance section we find very similar technical specifications, with the same RAM memory (2 GB) and with processors from different manufacturers but with not so different characteristics (Snapdragon 425 eight core to 1,4 GHz front Exynos 7870 a 1,6 GHz). The new one Galaxy Tab A 8.0 it comes of course already with Android Nougat, but considering that we have this update also available for the 10-inch model, it is not a notable advantage either.
Storage capacity
Equality is absolute in the section on storage capacity, where we find that both adapt to what has been common in the Android mid-range: both offer us 16 GB internal memory and give us the option to gain space externally through micro-SD, in case they fall short.
Cameras
It is not that the cameras section is going to be decisive when choosing a tablet, in most cases at least, but it must be noted that although both leave us a camera of 8 MP in the back, the front is better on the 8-inch model, with 5 MP instead of 2 MP, as we have in the 10-inch.
Autonomy
Although the fact that both run the same Android customization makes it more useful to compare the battery capacity data of each of them (5000 mAh against 7300 mAh), of course, the difference in size and resolution of their respective screens makes it very difficult. Hopefully, before it is launched in Spain we will have comparable data from independent tests to help us decide.
Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) vs Galaxy Tab A 10.1: final balance of the comparison and price
As we can see, the size is not the only difference that must be taken into account when choosing between these two tablets, although it is probably the most important, along with the resolution. The Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) It has some other detail in its favor, in any case, such as the metal casing or the best front camera. In other countries it has been launched with a lot of additional content, especially aimed at children, but we will have to wait to see if that will apply in Spain.
It will also be interesting to see what the real price difference is, because from what we have seen in other markets, the new Galaxy Tab A 8.0 could be launched for a few $200, a price much lower than the official Galaxy Tab A 10.1, but very similar to the one that this model already has in many distributors. Betting on the smallest to save would not be a real option, if this data were confirmed.