Which Samsung Galaxy Tab 7 and 8 inch Tablet to Buy
Last Updated: 8/26/2015
Why a Samsung Tablet?
Samsung is the #1 Android Tablet brand, making it a very popular purchase for consumers. Choosing a specific model is the biggest problem. There are over thirteen 7 inch to 8.4 inch tablets to choose from! New models are launched very often and result in a flood of decisions for shoppers to make. Older models are closed out at aggressive prices, adding to the confusion. What exactly was the change from a Galaxy Tab 3 to Galaxy Tab 4?
Which Samsung 7 inch Tablet?
Unlike Apple, which issues a new iPad and iPad mini every year, Samsung has launched up to 10 different tablets within a years’ time. Their strategy is to shotgun every possible tablet size from 7in, 8in, 8.4in, 10in, 10.5in to 12in and let the market place decide what it wants.
In this article, we examine the various Samsung Galaxy Tab models from first generation to present day. Specific recommendations are based on:
- Price
- Functionality
- Personal needs
Memory Card Limitations
Many of the Samsung Galaxy Tab models include a MicroSD Slot to expand memory. Keep in mind that there are many limitations to this:
- Apps need to support being installed on the memory card, many do not. Some still leave files in System Storage
- Only certain files can be placed on the memory card, like backups, photos and music
- Changing the default memory location may not be supported
- Rooting the Galaxy Tab may remove limitations
Consider buying a model with more memory instead of trying to use a MicroSD Card.
Samsung 7 inch Galaxy Tablets
The 7inch tablet is extremely popular due to low cost and compact size. Best applications:
- Read email
- Access social networks
- Play games
- Consume media, etc.
Samsung has launched many different models over the years, here is the lineup along with our recommendations. If your budget is $200 or less, examine this category.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 7 inch Price Comparison
Samsung Galaxy Tab or Galaxy Tab 7 (Model GT-P1010)
Launched April 2011
Status: Discontinued
- 16GB – No Memory expansion
- 600x1024 Screen
- Android 2.2
- 1Ghz Processor, 512MB RAM
- 2MPixel Front – 3MPixel Rear Camera
- 0.85 lb
- 7.74” x 5.24” x 0.31”
- 720p video capture
Recommendation: Avoid
Even at a low price. This is running a version of Android not meant for tablets.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus (Model GT-P6200)
Launched October 2011
Status: Discontinued
- 16GB – 32GB Memory expansion
- 600x1024 Screen
- Android 4.1
- 1.2Ghz Dual core Processor, 1GB RAM
- 1.3MPixel Front – 3MPixel Rear Camera
- 10 ounces
- 7.63” x 4.82” x 0.39”
- 720p video capture
Recommendation: Avoid
Even at a low price. This is much better than the original but still has a low resolution screen.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 (Model GT-P6800)
Launched February 2012
Status: Discontinued
- 16GB, 32, or 64 – Expandable to 32GB
- 1280x800 Super AMOLED Screen
- Android 4.1
- 1.4Ghz Dual Core Processor, 1GB RAM
- 2MPixel Front – 3MPixel Rear Camera
- 0.75 lb
- 7.74” x 5.24” x 0.31”
- 720p video capture
Recommendation: OK
Much better than the original. Discontinued, Only worthwhile as an entry level tablet, if purchased below $80.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 (Model GT-P1313)
Launched April 2012
Status: Discontinued
- 8GB – MicroSD memory card expandable to 32GB – Less Memory! Only certain items can be placed on the memory card, like photos and music
- 600x1024 Screen – Same as Previous Generation
- Android 4.2
- 1Ghz Dual Core Processor, 1GB RAM
- 2MPixel Front – 3MPixel Rear Camera
- 8 hour battery
- 0.75 lb
- 9” x 5.5” x 0.31”
- 1080p video capture
Recommendation: OK
This is much better than Gen1 and Gen2. Buy for use as an entry level tablet or for the kids. Discontinued, Target a price of $80 or less.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 (Model GT-P3210)
Launched May 2013
Status: Shipping
- 8GB – MicroSD memory card expandable to 64GB – Less Memory!
- Higher capacity versions are quite a bit more expensive
- 600x1024 Screen – Same as Previous Generation
- Android 4.1
- 1.2Ghz Dual Core Processor, 1GB RAM
- 1.3MPixel Front – 3MPixel Rear Camera
- 8 hour battery
- 10 ounces
- 7.4” x 4.37” x 0.39”
- 1080p video capture
Recommendation: Buy
This is much better than older models. Buy for use as an entry level tablet or for the kids. Target a price of $140 or less.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 Lite (Model SM-T110)
Launched January 2014
Status: Shipping
- 8GB – MicroSD memory card expandable to 64GB – Less Memory! Only certain items can be placed on the memory card, like photos and music
- 600x1024 Screen – Same as Previous Generation
- Android 4.2
- 1.2Ghz Dual Core Processor, 1GB RAM
- No Front – 2MPixel Rear Camera
- 8 hour battery
- 10.9 ounces
- 7.61” x 4.58” x 0.38”
- 1080p video capture
Recommendation: Pass.
Stick to the regular Tab 3, the price difference is not great enough
Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 7.0 (Model SM-T230)
Launched May 2014
Status: Shipping
- 8GB – MicroSD memory card expandable to 64GB – Less Memory! Only certain items can be placed on the memory card, like photos and music
- 1280x800 Screen – Better than Previous Generation
- Android 4.4
- IR Blaster
- 1.2Ghz Quad Core Processor, 1.5GB RAM
- 1.3MPixel Front – 3MPixel Rear Camera
- 7 hour battery
- 9.7 ounces
- 7.36” x 4.25” x 0.35”
- 1080p video capture
Recommendation: Buy
We wish base memory was larger, but this is fast and has a high resolution screen. A good, all around 7 inch budget tablet. Currently priced around $170.
Samsung 8 inch Galaxy Tablets
The 8inch tablet is still compact but offers a larger screen at a slightly higher price point. Best applications:
- Read email
- Access social networks
- Play games
- Consume media, etc.
Samsung has launched several different models over the years; here is the lineup along with our recommendations. If your budget is $200-250, examine this class of tablet.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 8 inch Price Comparison
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 (Model SM-T3100)
Launched June 2013
Status: Discontinued
- 16GB – MicroSD memory card expandable to 64GB – Less Memory! Only certain items can be placed on the memory card, like photos and music
- 1280x800 Screen – Better than Previous Generation
- Android 4.2
- 1.5Ghz Dual Core Processor, 1.5GB RAM
- 1.3MPixel Front – 5MPixel Rear Camera
- IR Blaster
- 7 hour battery
- 0.68 lb
- 8.24” x 4.81” x 0.27”
- 1080p video capture
Recommendation: OK
A solid model with a slightly larger screen, more memory than most Tab 7.0 models, and faster performance. Worth $140 refurbished.
http://www.samsung.com/us/system/features/Tab4_8_OneTablet.jpg
Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 (Model SM-T330)
Launched May 2014
Status: Shipping
- 16GB – MicroSD memory card expandable to 64GB – Less Memory! Only certain items can be placed on the memory card, like photos and music
- 1280x800 Screen
- Multi User Mode
- Multiwindow App – Run 2 apps at a time
- Android 4.4
- 1.2Ghz Quad Core Processor, 1.5GB RAM
- 1.3MPixel Front – 3MPixel Rear Camera
- IR Blaster
- 12 hour battery
- 11.11 oz
- 8.27” x 4.88” x 0.31”
- 1080p video capture
Recommendation: Pricey
A solid model with a slightly larger screen, more memory than most Tab 7.0 models, and faster performance. Price currently at $240, a bit overpriced in our book. Last year’s Samsug Galaxy Tab 3 model is a better bet.
Samsung 8 inch Galaxy Note Tablets
The Galaxy Note Tablet family expands on the successful Galaxy Tab with support for the S Pen Stylus and running multiple apps at one time.
Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 (Model GT-N5110)
Launched April 2013
Status: Shipping
- 16GB – MicroSD memory card expandable to 64GB – Less Memory! Only certain items can be placed on the memory card, like photos and music
- 1280x800 Screen, 189ppi
- S Pen Stylus
- Multi User Mode
- Multiwindow App – Run 2 apps at a time
- Android 4.4
- 1.6Ghz Quad Core Processor, 2GB RAM
- 1.3MPixel Front – 5MPixel Rear Camera
- IR Blaster
- Available with 3G, 4G LTE
- 8 hour battery
- 0.75 lb
- 8.27” x 4.88” x 0.31”
- 1080p video capture
Recommendation: Pass
Expensive at $329. The additional features are not worth this level of premium unless you really need the S Pen. Consider Tab Pro 8.4 instead. Awaiting a successor model.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A Price Comparison
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8 (Model SM-350)
Launched May 2015
Status: Shipping
- 16GB – MicroSD memory card expandable to 128GB – Less Memory! Only certain items can be placed on the memory card, like photos and music
- 1024x768 Full HD Super AMOLED Screen, 360ppi, 4:3 aspect ratio
- Multi User Mode
- Multiwindow App – Run 2 apps at a time
- SideSync 3.0 to link to Samsung S4, S5, Note 3 Smartphone
- Android 5
- 1.2Ghz Quad Core Processor, 1.5GB RAM
- 2.1MPixel Front – 5MPixel Rear Camera with flash
- IR Blaster
- Available with 4G LTE
- 10 hour battery
- 11 ounces
- 8.2” x 5.43” x 0.26”
- 720p video capture
Recommendation: Pass
They went from Tab 4 to Tab A. Not very high resolution, low memory standard. Low $199 price point. Consider the slightly larger and $100 more expensive, Galaxy Tab S instead.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 Price Comparison
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8 (Model)
Launched September 2015
Status: Shipping
- 32GB or 64GB– MicroSD memory card expandable to 128GB –Only certain items can be placed on the memory card, like photos and music
- Finger print sensor
- 2048 x 1536 Full HD Super AMOLED Screen, 360ppi, 4:3 aspect ratio
- Multi User Mode
- Multiwindow App – Run 2 apps at a time
- SideSync 3.0 to link to Samsung S4, S5, Note 3 Smartphone
- Android 5
- 1.3Ghz and 1.9Ghz Quad Core Processor, 3GB RAM
- 2.1MPixel Front – 8MPixel Rear Camera with flash
- IR Blaster
- Available with 4G LTE
- 10 hour battery
- 9.3 ounces
- 7.82" x 5.31" x 0.22"
- 1440p video capture
Recommendation: Pass
Finally a high end tablet with a high resolution screen and lots of memory.
Samsung 8.4 inch Galaxy Tab Tablets
The Galaxy Tab Tablet family expands based on the Galaxy Tab’s success with a larger screen, HD Resolution, More memory, and other features.. If your budget is $300-400, examine this class of tablet.
Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro Price Comparison
Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 (Model SM-T320)
Launched February 2014
Status: Shipping
- 16GB or 32GB – MicroSD memory card expandable to 64GB – Less Memory! Only certain items can be placed on the memory card, like photos and music
- 2560x1600 Screen
- Multi User Mode
- Multiwindow App – Run 2 apps at a time
- Android 4.4
- 1.6Ghz Quad Core Processor, 2GB RAM
- 2MPixel Front – 8MPixel Rear Camera
- Remote control IR Blaster
- Available with 3G, 4G LTE
- 8 hour battery
- 0.75 lb
- 8.6” x 5” x 0.28”
- 1080p video capture
Recommendation:Pricey but good.
Higher resolution screen, fast, feature packed. Very costly at $329. No S Pen.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S Price Comparison
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 (Model SM-T700)
Launched July 2014
Status: Shipping
- 16GB or 32GB – MicroSD memory card expandable to 128GB – Less Memory! Only certain items can be placed on the memory card, like photos and music
- 2560x1600 Full HD Super AMOLED Screen, 360ppi
- Multi User Mode
- Multiwindow App – Run 2 apps at a time
- SideSync to link to Samsung S4, S5, Note 3 Smartphone
- Android 4.4
- 1.9Ghz and 1.3Ghz Quad Core Processor, 3GB RAM
- 2.1MPixel Front – 8MPixel Rear Camera with flash
- IR Blaster
- Available with 4G LTE
- 10 hour battery
- 10 oz
- 8.37” x 4.94” x 0.26”
- 1080p video capture
Recommendation: Pricey but premium features.
Premium hardware to rival the iPad. Much better high resolution and bright screen, fast, slim,light. Lots of standard features. Very costly at $399. Consider the slightly larger and $100 more expensive, Galaxy Tab S 10.5 instead.
Conclusion
There are plenty of great tablet options from Samsung. Galaxy Tabs in the 7, 8, and 8.4 inch range should fulfill any shoppers need for a versatile device to play games, read, access Facebook and more.
Tags: Android, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Tablet
Your recommendations and comparisons of Samsung tablets’ specs and prices are interesting, but you leave out a deciding factor for many people: customer service. I’ve used phones and tablets from most non-Windows manufacturers. In my experience, Samsung customer service is actually the worst, below Time Warner Cable. Apple continues to be the best. I won’t buy another Samsung product but my mobile life is on Android. Maybe LG …
Excellent point. The goal of the article was more of helping shopper who are confused which of the 10+ similar 7 and 8 inch Samsung Tablets to buy.
Yours is a clever way of thiinnkg about it.