Samsung Galaxy Tab S8

Reviewing the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8

If you have a smartphone, you already have a device that can perform many computing tasks. However, the main drawback is the tiny screen, which, while suitable for texting, emailing and social media, is often too small for office work, graphic editing, gaming and streaming.

Samsung tablets are among the best, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is the latest model to hit stores. Samsung is known for making high-quality electronics, and we’ve thoroughly tested the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 to determine if it’s a top-tier tablet worth your time and money.

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Testing the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8

BestReviews has a group of testers who test products in a real-world environment. The testing team was asked to describe their experience with Samsung products, tablets and tech support. They were then asked to explain which functions, specs and features they feel are essential for a quality tablet.

The BestReviews Testing Lab strives to investigate every claim Samsung makes about the Galaxy Tab S8. For this article, the testing team aimed to verify whether the claims of this tablet offering plenty of working space and multitasking capabilities hold up.

What is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8?

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is a tablet with a large 11-inch AMOLED screen that weighs 1.1 pounds and measures 0.25 by 6.51 by 9.99 inches, making it relatively lightweight. It’s available in three colors: graphite, pink gold and silver, and three internal storage sizes: 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.

See how it compares to other products in its space — check out our reviews for the best tablets.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 price and where to buy

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 with 128GB of storage is available on Amazon for $699, and the 256GB version is $779. The 512GB model is more challenging to find with limited stock available, but it’s sometimes sold on Amazon for $1,170.

How to use the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 works like a smartphone. The initial setup process includes the tablet walking you through the steps necessary to connect to the internet, update the firmware, transfer data from your phone and set up security measures. The setup process can take approximately 15 minutes, but once it’s complete, you can use the tablet to surf the web; stream movies and TV shows; work on spreadsheets, word processing or slideshows; play games; take photos and more.

Each function requires an application. Some are preinstalled on the tablet and can be used right away, but others must be downloaded from the Google Play Store. Some apps are free, while others require in-app purchases to unlock the full features.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 benefits

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 has a bright display with a high resolution that can be set between two modes: one for color accuracy and the other for making colors appear more vivid. Also, it can run at a 120-hertz frame rate, which makes for a smooth experience. It has four built-in speakers, which are surprisingly loud for the size of the tablet, and the mid- and high-range frequencies are adequate.

It’s a powerful device, offering fast performance thanks to a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 CPU, and the operating system is intuitive, with most functions requiring simple swipes to work. The ultra-wide camera can record stunning videos in clear 4K quality, and Samsung Dex is easy to set up if you want to connect the tablet to an external monitor or TV.

The included S Pen stylus is responsive, and Air Actions can map the button on the pen to take photos or videos from afar or carry out other functions. Battery life is impressive at 12 to 13 hours and is superior to iPads if usage is equal, and you can get up to 50% battery by charging it for just 45 minutes and a full charge in 90 minutes.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 drawbacks

Although the camera takes quality photos, it falls short compared to the camera setup on Samsung smartphones and iPhones. The audio recording quality is mediocre, and like most tablets, the built-in speakers are okay for light streaming but lack bass.

The tablet comes with a USB-C charging cable but not a power adapter, meaning you’ll need to repurpose one you already own or buy one separately if you don’t already own one.

Should you get the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8?

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is best for those who want elite performance and processing power for running high-powered applications. It’s more suitable for office work and has more customization options than an iPad. However, the operating software might feel clunky for those used to Apple’s iOS or Mac OS operating systems. It’s a top-tier Android tablet, and the superior battery life and included S Pen make it a worthwhile bargain pick.