Samsung deserves accolades for being one of the leading tech manufacturers today, carving and retaining its space amid all the competition.
Over the years, Samsung has delved into developing varieties of smartphones, laptops, tablets, etc., and learned the knack for staying up to date.
Today, Samsung’s tabs hold their own in front of Apple’s iPads and get seriously considered even by Apple loyalists. While the pricing has escalated, many Samsung tablets are considerably cheaper than their Apple counterparts, boosting their appeal among deal hunters.
You can find Samsung’s recent tabs sporting giant, beautiful displays with enhanced pens and amped-up performance for intense gaming. The world is changing, and more people opt for tabs to attend to their daily computing needs.
Who wants to lug around a hefty laptop or be rooted to a desktop for day-to-day tasks? Frequent travel and remote work are a new reality – a landscape that tablets expertly navigate.
As a company, Samsung has adapted to the new dynamic. It focuses on creating devices that understand the modern psyche and combine functionality with entertainment.
The new S8 line promises the moon to the users, coupling adequate memory, high-res cameras, and immersive screens in wholesome little packages. The old favorites in the S6 line and the A-Series remain popular in some circles, expanding the brand’s sellable portfolio.
The company also caters to users who need a Windows-based operating system and don’t wish to stay entrenched in an Android OS. Samsung Galaxy Books can be the right deal here. They blend the advantages of a tablet with the computing power of a full-blown laptop in a sleek convertible design.
In this article, let us dive into Samsung’s world of tablets and discuss the best options available in the market today.
Table of Contents
- Apple iPad vs. Samsung Tablets
- How we test Samsung Tablets
- Compare the Tablets: Specifications Overview
- Our Picks: Top 10 Best Samsung Tablet in 2023
- Verdict
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Apple iPad vs. Samsung Tablets
Apple has long dominated the creative space, with multimedia professionals opting for iPads to fuel their creations. Samsung, however, has managed to build quite a stunning portfolio that compares favorably to iPads.
Many Samsung tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 and the S8 Ultra have big and bright displays with 120Hz refresh rates. They support high-end A/V applications. The S Pen is feature-rich, precise, and easy to use for sketching, doodling, etc.
Apple’s App Store is more refined than Google Play, and the applications run and look great. Android apps can sometimes malfunction on your device, and the supervision in the store is low. What you expect may not be what you get.
Apple devices like iPads tend to be easier to use, making them good choices for anyone new to tablets or wishing to keep things simple. You may find that iPads are also ideal for multitasking. With Samsung, you will get better customization and generally more value. But you might miss some of the simplicity and the glitch-free performance of Apple’s OS.
Storage options on Galaxy tabs are reassuring; you can expand up to 1TB with a microSD slot. Apple still refuses to provide external capacity, although it offers cloud storage.
So, what is the consensus? If you have the budget and the creative requirement for speed and quick load times, you should consider one of the iPads.
They have excellent performance, and the M1 chips make a significant difference to security and the overall tablet experience.
Samsung has priced Galaxy tabs competitively and packed in ample storage, 5G connectivity, and a reliable but light build. Although Apple still rules in many circles – particularly among pros who value speed over everything else – Samsung can be a more cost-effective deal.
How we test Samsung Tablets
While coming up with the curated lists of the best tablets, we focus foremost on the performance. During testing, we explore how the tab performs in different situations.
For example, we judge how it handles a business application, runs a game, or clicks a series of pictures. Samsung tablet have several pre-installed applications.
We give them a run to judge their utility and see how much you will be able to customize upon purchase. Our performance benchmarks are Geekbench and 3DMark.
Since many Samsung tablets come with accessories like S Pens and keyboards, we test them separately by using the tablets in day-to-day situations. It includes using the stylus in public transport and viewing the display in the sunshine and varying ambient lighting.
We assess the audio-visual experience by trying out the tabs for various multimedia. Our go-to platforms for testing video quality are Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. We sample audio output via Spotify.
As battery life is a salient parameter in tabs, we run a test by streaming a video on Wi-Fi and under maximum brightness. It gives a reliable estimate of the unplugged capacity you can expect during typical usage. As for Wi-Fi, we confirm the performance by trying to connect to WPA2-protected and public networks. We also test browser speeds and the general performance when checking e-mail, navigating through multiple tabs, etc.
Note that physical design also gets covered in our assessment. It includes basic controls, ports, memory, screen size, etc.
Finally, we compare the tabs with prominent competitors – yes, Apple – to figure out the best bang for your buck. With so many new launches in recent years, choosing the right fit for your lifestyle can be daunting. We endeavor to do the grunt work, so you don’t have to.
Compare the Tablets: Specifications Overview
| Processor | RAM | Storage (Internal + External) | Display | Battery | Weight | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 | S8 Plus | S8 Ultra | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | 8GB | 256GB + 1TB | 12.4” WQXGA+ | 10,090mAh | 1.27lbs |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 | Snapdragon 865+ | 8GB | 512GB + 1TB | 11” WQXGA | 8,000mAh | 1.1lbs |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite | MediaTek MT8768N
MediaTek MT8768T |
3GB or 4GB | 32GB or 64GB + 1TB | 8.7″ WXGA+ | 5,100mAh | 0.81lbs |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5″) | Octa Core Unisoc T618 | 3GB or 4GB | 32GB or 64GB or 128GB + 1TB | 10.5″ WUXGA | 7,040mAh | 1.12lbs |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE | Snapdragon 778G or 750G | 4GB or 6GB or 8GB | 64GB or 128GB or 256GB + 1TB | 12.4” WQXGA | 10,090mAh | 1.34lbs |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite | Exynos 9611 | 4GB | 128GB + 1TB | 10.4” LCD | 7,040mAh | 1.02lbs |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 | Snapdragon 662 | 3GB | 32GB or 64GB + 1TB | 10.4″ WUXGA+ | 7,040mAh | 1.05lbs |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus | Snapdragon 865+ | 6GB or 8GB | 128GB or 256GB or 512GB + 1TB | 12.4” WQXGA+ | 10,090mAh | 1.27lbs |
| Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360 5G | Intel Core i7-1165G7 | 8GB or 16GB | 256GB or 512GB or 1TB | 13.3” or 15.6” FHD or AMOLED | 63Wh-68Wh | 2.29lbs-3.06lbs |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | 12GB | 256GB or 512GB | 7.6” | 4,400mAh | 0.59lbs |
Our Picks: Top 10 Best Samsung Tablet in 2023
We have thoroughly examined Samsung’s lineup and consolidated the ten best offerings for different users. The tablets below employ the latest processing power, display technology, and intuitive touch.
As a leading technology brand, Samsung is known for continued innovation in its product lines. Growth is APPARENT in the tablet lineups too. You can witness it all, from high-res cameras to surround sound and the rise of convertibles.
The company has also managed to cater to different budgets. The picks here range from a paltry $19.99 to over $1000. Whether you are a student, businessperson, or multimedia enthusiast, there should be something here after your own heart.
1. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 | S8 Plus | S8 Ultra
If you are scouting for a business tablet or a personal device for creativity and gaming, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 | S8 Plus | S8 Ultra is an exceptional pick.
It comes with ultra-large screens of three sizes – 14.6″, 12.4″, 11” – and an included S Pen. This lineup gets powered by an upgraded Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, up to 16GB of RAM, 512GB of space, and 1TB of external storage.
The smaller models will give you 8GB of RAM and 256GB of memory – still plenty for most everyday pursuits like wireless streaming and business-related tasks. The range begins at $699.99, and the 14.6” version comes at $1,099.99.
The Galaxy Tab S8 series is brilliant for gamers and multimedia professionals, combining Dolby Atmos surround sound and console-quality performance with Wi-Fi 6E.
The Super AMOLED display offers a refresh rate of 120Hz – perfect for immersive gaming. Brownie points if you own a Galaxy S22 – you will find these tablets work well together, just like a canvas and palette. So much the better when inspiration strikes!
These lightweight tabs (1.1-1.6lbs) come with a dual 12MP camera and a free four-month trial of YouTube Premium. The auto-framing feature is particularly beneficial for clicking selfies or video calling since it maintains you in the frame. Traveling with the tab and hunting for your perfect frame is easier because of the armor aluminum casing. It protects against damage and makes the tablet sustainable. An on-screen fingerprint scanner abates security concerns and adds to on-the-go convenience.
Pros
- Excellent performance for multimedia and gaming
- Beautiful AMOLED display
- Lightweight and portable
- Brilliant camera
Cons
- Expensive
- Not very compact design
2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7
The 11” Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 is a 5G-enabled tablet to support your business and gaming needs. A Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus Mobile Platform powers this device with 8GB of RAM, up to 512GB of memory, and up to 1TB of external storage.
It comes with a redesigned S Pen with a low latency of 9ms and uses a magnetic attachment to stay snug and close to your tablet. You can choose to include a keyboard with multi-finger gestures, 16 intuitive function keys, and DeX technology for a desktop-like experience.
At $329.99, it is more affordable than the S8 series without cutting too many corners.
This tab targets multimedia enthusiasts and gamers with its gorgeous LCD screen with 500 nits of brightness to guarantee vividness. Gaming gets elevated with the refresh rate of 120Hz, the quad speakers with Dolby Atmos surround sound, and a low blue-light screen to reduce eye fatigue.
It is a well-connected tablet, offering a USB-C port and around 15 hours of battery backup. You can enable a second screen if you need an extra display for your Windows computer.
Like many contemporary Samsung tablet, this one is also ultra-light at 1.1lbs. Its aluminum body with polycrystalline diamonds and dual-color anodizing lend it a stunning look. It is a bonus for anyone who prioritizes style hand in hand with function.
Pros
- Excellent performance for business and gaming
- Long battery life
- Offers 5G
- It has a redesigned S Pen
- It comes with optional keyboard
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- It lacks a headphone jack
- The DeX software by Samsung still has glitches
3. Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
It comes set with a durable metal frame that protects it from day-to-day accidents – unavoidable when little hands are handling it. The tab boasts a battery backup of 51200 mAH, ensuring uninterrupted use throughout the day.
The performance frontier gets run by a MediaTek processor with 3GB of RAM and up to 1TB of external memory. The abundant storage allows you to store all your favorite apps and games for your family.
You also get two months of YouTube Premium with the purchase, expanding your entertainment horizons.
You can connect the A7 Lite to other Galaxy devices to enjoy a larger-than-life, seamless experience. The provision of LTE connectivity makes it straightforward to go online and stream your favorite content or play much-loved games. This tab supports Bluetooth also.
While it focuses on the entertainment arena, this inexpensive tablet can also work for students and users seeking a portable, long-lasting device for everyday tasks.
It is a budget-friendly tablet, so be prepared for lower performance than other options on this list. You may also find the display not as appealing, although the price tag makes up for several shortcomings!
Pros
- Very affordable
- Kid-friendly tablet
- Well-suited to everyday entertainment
Cons
- Low RAM and performance
- S Pen is not included
4. Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5″)
It offers 3GB or 4GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and 1TB of space in a compact and lightweight chassis. If you have been using the Tab S series, you will appreciate the classic design with the narrow bezel.
The screen-to-body ratio is as high as 80 percent, rendering your gaming and other A/V experiences more enjoyable. The latest Galaxy Tab A8 costs $234 – a reasonable price tag for the plethora of features it holds within.
This purchase comes with Samsung TV Plus and 200 free channels. Add two months of YouTube Premium and a quad-speaker Dolby Atmos sound system – voila! The ideal entertainment platform is ready.
If you need to buy a tab for your kids, this one offers interactive educational content and intuitive parental controls. The tablet comprises helpful features like a split-screen, screen recorder, and a multi-active window.
Since the device uses the standard Knox security platform, it delivers secure, multi-layer protection. Face recognition makes your experience even safer. The battery lasts for 7,040mAh to give you several hours between recharges.
Pros
- Immersive multimedia with a narrow bezel design
- Uses facial recognition and other security features
- Offers free channels on Samsung TV Plus
- Plenty of educational content with parental controls
Cons
- Cameras could see improvement
- Charging is slow
5. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE
With 5G connectivity and free YouTube premium, the 12.4” Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE is a fantastic choice for entertainment seekers and business users.
It gets fueled by a Qualcomm Octa-core processor and provides up to 256GB of storage. The performance is lower than the flagship S7, but it is still a good option for users wishing to replace their old A-Series tabs.
This tablet starts at $329.99 and provides a redesigned S Pen to improve the creative experience. It can make all the difference if you plan to use the tab for taking notes during lectures or meetings, doodling, sketching, etc. Also, if you wish to add a second screen to your computer, this tab can be a good fit.
Samsung has optimized this tablet for audiophiles. It boasts dual speakers tuned by AKG and Dolby Atmos surround sound. The 3-mic solution works wonderfully to lower ambient noise and improve video calls. The landscape view is also a help with the latter, neatly keeping you in focus as you talk.
This good-looking tab is available in four colors and is quite stylish. It can run for several hours on one charge, thanks to a 10,090 mAH battery backup. You can use the USB-C port to charge the device up quickly when you do run out.
Pros
- Supports 5G
- Long-lasting battery
- Excellent sound output
Cons
- Performance is average
- It does not offer an AMOLED display
- Cameras are lower in resolution than some other choices
6. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
The pen makes it a cakewalk to take notes, change colors, digitize everything…you name it.
This tablet comes with 128GB of inbuilt memory and 1TB of external storage with a microSD card. It costs $329.99, which brings it into the league of the S7 series.
The S6 Lite lets you use a DeX button to imitate PC-like actions on your tablet.
For instance, you can drag and drop photos and work across different devices. The dual speakers and Dolby Atmos surround sound ensure your multimedia experience is top-notch.
It helps make the tab a well-rounded computing partner, even outside the lecture room or conference hall.
Those fond of clicking pictures – who isn’t these days – will enjoy the 8MP rear camera and the 5MP front cam. This attractive tablet comes in multiple vibrant hues like chiffon pink.
You have a style statement in a mid-budget tablet that gets the job done without too many bells and whistles – not a bad deal at all.
Pros
- Useful for students
- High-quality sound output
- Improved S Pen for smooth user experience
- Good-looking and sturdy
Cons
- The performance is not terrific
- It lacks a fingerprint sensor
7. Samsung Galaxy Tab A7
It comes with a narrow-bezel screen to minimize external interference and keep your focus on the proceedings. Dolby Atmos surround sound speakers further accentuate multimedia content, drawing you into the audioscape.
This tablet offers 64GB of inbuilt storage, but you can expand it up to 1TB. That is plenty of room to store all your favorite apps, frequently accessed files, etc.
This A7 has an 8MP camera and a 5MP front-facing cam for enhanced video calls.
The landscape view is remarkably helpful in keeping you the center of attention – just what you need when connecting with family and friends. Since the battery backup is about 7040mAH, you will be able to fit in many hours of use between charging sessions.
If you like streaming content online, the two-month trial of YouTube Premium will appeal to you. Samsung has also bundled in six months of free Spotify Premium with the purchase. Bring on the music!
Pros
- Very affordable
- Superior sound output
- Quick sharing with nearby devices
- Fast charging
- Good battery life
Cons
- Low performance
- Poor camera quality
- Not suitable for intense gaming
8. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus
The 12.4” Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus resembles the S7 in several ways but ups the ante and how. This tab derives its power from the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus Mobile Platform, 8GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and up to 1TB of external memory.
It also offers a dazzling Super AMOLED display and HDR10+ to guarantee that your user experience is breathtaking, vivid, and worthy of the $879.99 price tag.
This 5G-enabled tablet works excellently for business and gaming or other multimedia pursuits. The redesigned S pen makes sketching and penning down notes a breeze.
Playing games on this tab is fun, mainly due to the 5G connectivity, refresh rate of 120Hz, and the quad speakers with Dolby Atmos surround sound. Moreover, the display reduces blue light to safeguard your eyes from stress and dryness.
This device has a stellar battery capacity of 10,090mAh – you will be able to stream for a long time before needing to recharge.
A USB-C port and an optional keyboard with multi-finger gestures make it well-connected. It eases your usage across devices or if you treat it as a second screen for your computer. This model is only a tad heavier than the S7 at 1.3lbs and is supremely portable.
Pros
- Stunning Super AMOLED display
- Long battery backup
- Highly portable and lightweight
- It comes with an optional keyboard
Cons
- Expensive
- Can be a little tricky to store the S Pen
9. Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360 5G
Do you seek a convertible tablet? The Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360 5G can be a strong bet. It is based on the Intel Evo platform and runs on an eleventh-gen Intel Core processor and 16GB of RAM.
The performance is satisfactory, even for multitasking. This Galaxy Book employs a redesigned S Pen to simplify your day-to-day work. This 2-in-1 device costs a hefty $1009.99, which can be a dampener if you have a small budget.
The Super AMOLED display with 120% color elevates all your audio-visual experiences and makes them immersive.
Samsung boasts cinematic-like viewing with accurate color even if working in direct sunlight. It is a helpful feature for professionals who need to travel on the job and work in varying ambient lighting. Plus, the display reduces blue light to protect your vision.
This convertible provides high-speed 5G connectivity to keep you attuned to your colleagues, peers, or family.
It is one of the few devices in the Samsung family that now offer 5G, which is a colossal draw for today’s always-connected audiences. A significant bonus is the beauty filter of the camera – it ensures you look great even if you dropped into the meeting at the eleventh hour!
Pros
- Sleek convertible design
- Supports 5G connectivity
- Beautiful AMOLED display
Cons
- Expensive
- Battery life is average
- It does not offer storage for the pen
10. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
But Samsung has thrown in a $150 Samsung Credit promotional balance and a credit boost to encourage sales. It zeroes down to a profitable deal for anyone keen to overhaul their standard tablet experience.
This symmetrical and flexible device can stand upright by itself. You can get a lot accomplished hands-free, from joining meetings to talking during calls.
The cameras are exceptional: 50MP back and 10MP front. If you like photography, this device has your back by allowing you to click better pictures than almost any other option on this list.
Viewing your content is just as exhilarating, thanks to the refresh rate of 120Hz.
This path-breaking tab comes with an IPX8 rating for weather resistance. You will be able to travel with it without fretting about rain damage.
Corning Gorilla Glass protects the screen to ensure against drops and scratches. Battery-wise, this tablet offers 4400mAh, keeping you connected for many hours, depending upon your usage. Unplugged use will be lower than most other choices on this list, so choose accordingly.
Pros
- Unique design for multitasking
- Excellent high-res camera
- Weather-resistant
Cons
- Expensive
- It can take some time to familiarize with the usage
- Low battery backup
Verdict
Samsung’s lines of tabs have multiplied in the last few years. In addition to the A-Series, you can now explore new launches in the glorious albeit pricey S Series. The Galaxy Tab S8+ is ideal for anyone seeking ample power and willing to pay a premium.
The WQXGA+ display and long battery life will delight entertainment seekers and creative professionals. The tab offers several goodies in an attractive package: a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, an accurate S Pen, and a 120Hz display.
A close competitor is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7, offering a dazzling display with plenty of storage space and battery backup.
If you wish to stick to a small budget, the A-Series has some promising options like the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7. It makes a sensible choice for a family-friendly tab and can get lots done at a throwaway price.
Samsung is experimenting with new tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4. It boasts a stellar build with innovative multitasking abilities and may just become the frontrunner in the future. Nothing stops you from taking the plunge if you are an adventurer and trust the brand’s platform.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which Samsung Galaxy Tab is best?
Samsung has worked on building quite an extensive range of tabs – from the A-Series to the latest products in the S lineup. The Galaxy tab that will work for you depends on your priorities, budget, and overall usage patterns. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is likely to enthrall users with 16GB of RAM and a brilliant AMOLED screen. Its high-speed Wi-Fi 6E lends a gaming and multimedia streaming advantage. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 is also a strongly recommended option. It comes with 5G, Dolby Atmos sound, and an optional keyboard to facilitate endeavors at work. It is a lightweight and stylish device that can fit different users.
Which Samsung tablet series is better – S or A?
The Samsung S-Series has been making waves since its launch. A gorgeous display, excellent camera, and aesthetic standards make it one of the most sparkling lines under the brand umbrella. It is better than most devices in the A Series in performance and battery capacity. However, S Series tablets are expensive, priced at over $300. Purchasing an A Series device can be a more cost-effective option. The line boasts several competent, well-rounded tabs for versatile purposes. For example, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 costs only $19.99, while the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 will be yours at $329.99. An S tablet makes sense if you appreciate the bigger and more immersive display and performance edge.
Which Samsung tablets come with 5G?
Samsung has now introduced several tablets and convertibles with 5G connectivity. If you need an all-rounder tab for business, gaming, and entertainment, you can explore the Galaxy Tab S7/S7+. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE is a neat pick too. Both options offer improved S Pens, optional keyboards, and fantastic sound in the $329.99-$899.99 range. The Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360 5G is also a smart option for professionals. It is expensive at over $1000 but offers you the speed of an Intel Core i7 processor with the brilliance of an AMOLED display. It is an intelligent, well-designed choice for a 5G convertible that can slip into different shoes.
iPad Pro or Galaxy Tab S8?
The 14.6” Galaxy Tab S8 competes closely with the 12.9” iPad Pro, offering 128GB of storage and a 120Hz refresh rate. Samsung wins out display-wise, with its vivid AMOLED display surpassing Apple’s mini-LED. The S Pen is also richer in features compared to Apple’s Pencil. Samsung’s pricing is more affordable – $899.99 compared to Apple’s $1,099. It offers faster charging than the iPad Pro, but the devices have a similar backup. While the Galaxy Tab wins in several areas, loyalists may continue to side with the iPad Pro because of the operating system (iPadOS vs. Android) and the security chip (M1). It will boil down to which ecosystem you prefer every day.
