Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) tablet - pros and cons

Tablet computers have long been firmly established in our lives. Their application is so wide that many users can no longer imagine their everyday life and leaving home without this gadget: tablets are suitable for work, watching movies, playing games, surfing the Internet and even instead of phones, since many tablets have a SIM card slot ...

Samsung, one of the giants in the world of technology, for several years now has been releasing a line of tablets called Galaxy Tab... The popularity of the models is determined by the quality and constantly updated functionality - each new tablet includes something new and useful.

Almost the entire line has a lot of positive user reviews and often occupies the first lines in the rating of the highest quality devices, which stirs up interest in the company Samsung and their new products.

In July 2019, the release of the new Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) tablet is planned. An anticipated gadget around which a lot of rumors have accumulated. Users argue how much it will differ from its predecessor, the Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2018). While the release date of the novelty has not been announced, the company had previously postponed the announcement. But while we are waiting for it, let's look at what the company promises to build into this device, and what new chips will appear in it.

Common parameters

Appearance and dimensions

The tablet computer case is mainly made of aluminum, with plastic inserts in the side frame. The back of the tablet is sleek and minimalistic. The Samsung brand badge is in its usual place - in the middle of the lid with a slight upward shift. One camera is located on the left side of the device. The front of the tablet is made entirely of glass. The materials for the device are of high quality, in the best traditions of Samsung.

The color scheme is not very diverse - the gadget is available in two colors Carbon Black (Black carbon) and Silver Gray (silver gray).

The weight of the device differs depending on the model: a tablet with a SIM card slot (LTE model SM-T295) weighs 347 g, while a model without a slot (Wi-Fi model SM-T290) weighs 345 g.

The thickness of the gadget has a nice indicator - only 8 mm, which is 0.9 less than the weight of its predecessor in 2018, while the length and width are 210 x 124.4 mm (Galaxy Tab A 8.0 has dimensions of 206.6 x 126.7). Users note that the dimensions of the Samsung novelty manufacturers have chosen the "right" - these are the most optimal indicators.

The front of the tablet lacks the Home button and has a completely flat surface. The upper part is equipped with a front camera and a proximity (light) sensor.

On the right side of the device are the power and volume buttons, on the left there is a slot for SIM and SD cards (in Wi-Fi models, only for an SD card). The 3.5mm headphone jack is on the top of the gadget, and the microUSB connector is on the bottom.

In general, users who discuss information about this device on the Internet speak positively about its dimensions, design and general appearance.

Screen

Samsung engineers left the diagonal and screen enlargement the same as they were in version A 8.0 of 2018 - 8.0 inches, 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~ 189 ppi density).Only the type of display has changed - the 2018 model had an IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen display, while the new gadget is equipped with a TFT capacitive touchscreen, which is a significant drawback of the model: IPS matrices are advanced matrices made using TFT technology.

TFT-type matrices have good brightness and short response time. Also, their advantage is the relatively low production price, which allows manufacturers not to overstate the price of gadgets, while not losing much in quality.

However, due to the specific arrangement of the crystals in the TFT display, the contrast of the images suffers. In addition, image quality is significantly reduced at certain viewing angles. This is especially noticeable when working with dark colors: black color is distorted to gray or becomes too contrasting.

In comparison, IPS has a larger viewing angle, improved color reproduction and contrast. However, this matrix has its drawbacks: the brightness of the images is reduced, the response time is increased. Also, devices with IPS displays are on average 15-20 more expensive than devices with a TFT matrix.

When working in the sun, screens of both types do not perform well, which is another drawback.

The tablet computer screen is equipped with a Multi-touch function.

Most users expressed their dissatisfaction with such a replacement matrix, as well as the desire to return the IPS display to tablet computers of this type.

Cameras

Samsung has equipped the new device with a single rear camera. For some reason, they decided not to install the flash, which puzzled users in discussions of the device. However, there was no flash on the predecessor either. But in terms of camera performance, the 2019 model is ahead of its predecessor - instead of 5 MP, we will see the main camera with 8 MP. Video performance has not changed - 1080p (30 frames per second).

The single front camera remains the same - 2 MP. Despite the fact that the Galaxy Tab 8.0 belongs to the class of budget tablet computers, many expected global changes in many components and functions, including the device's cameras.

Price

It is expected that the price of the Galaxy Tab A 8.0 2019 will be close to 16,000-18,000 rubles. Many users considered such a price too high, and most of them refer to the low characteristics and quality of the screen matrix, citing the example of the same type of tablet, but at a significantly lower price. But there are those who believe that this is the average price, close to the norm, for gadgets with such characteristics.

Specifications

Platform: processor, chip, operating system

The Galaxy A 8.0 (2019) tablet platform features the Qualcomm SDM429 Snapdragon 429 processor, an upgraded Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 chip found in the 2018 model. The platform is equipped with an X6 LTE modem. The nanometric process technology of this platform is 28, which ensures a fairly nimble operation of the device, good performance and is quite suitable for active games.

The Adreno 504 graphics chip installed in these tablets is considered one of the most optimal in all respects, but not the best. The CPU of the device is represented by a quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 processor.

The software already installed Android 9.0 Pie as standard. The interface will be familiar to Samsung users - icons, shortcuts and functions will not be changed.

Based on these characteristics, users draw conclusions about a productive, fast and interesting device. But they note that the price of the new product is still too high.

Memory

The RAM of the new Galaxy A 8.0 is presented with only 2 GB, which could not but upset those waiting for the announcement. The fact is that after the first information about the development of new items, there were rumors that the RAM of the tablet would be 4 GB, but the rumors remained rumors.

The tablet has 32 GB of internal memory, as well as a slot for microSD up to 1 TB.

Communications

The new device from Samsung is equipped with:

• WLAN (Wi-Fi 802.11 a / b / g / n, dual-band, WiFi Direct, hotspot);
• GPS (A-GPS, GLONASS);
• USB (microUSB 2.0);
• Bluetooth (4.2, A2DP).

The tablet also has two modifications: with a SIM card slot (SM-T295) and without it (SM-T290).

The device supports GSM standards (operates at 850MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz, 1900MHz).

There is no radio in the new product.

Battery

The new device is equipped with a non-removable lithium-polymer battery with a capacity of 5100 mAh. This capacity allows the device to maintain autonomy for a long time. However, how long a gadget holds a charge depends on the level of use. The 5100 mAh battery will allow you to actively use the tablet for 8-9 hours. Standby mode will completely discharge such a battery in at least 7-8 days.

Users approved of this battery capacity, deciding that for a device with similar characteristics, this is a fairly powerful battery.

Sensors

Galaxy A 8.0 (2019) has a standard set of sensors: accelerometer, proximity light sensors, gyroscope, compass, etc. There are no fingerprint or face sensors, which means that unlocking the device will be normal - by swiping your finger across the screen.

Equipment

The tablet will be delivered as standard, which includes the tablet itself, the necessary documents, branded 3.5 headphones and a charger with a cord length of 1 m.

To summarize: the pros and cons of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019)

• Laconic design;
• Large battery capacity;
• Availability of two modifications;
• Availability of the required communication standards;
• Satisfactory characteristics of internal components: processor, GPU, CPU, etc .;
• The presence of Multitouch.

• TFT display;
• Small expansion of the rear and front cameras;
• Lack of interesting additions;
• Overpriced (according to users);
• The back cover is flat, which can make the tablet awkward to hold in your hands;
• Small amount of RAM.

Based on the declared characteristics and comparison with tablet computers of the same price category, we can conclude that the new Galaxy Tab A 8.0 is a reliable device for work, for performing everyday tasks without any particular difficulties.

If your selection criteria do not include watching movies in the highest quality and resolution, creating gorgeous picture quality and performing complex graphics, this new Samsung product may well be for you.