Samsung’s new Galaxy Tab A 8.0 is not the best tablet, but it does get things done, writes Balqis Lim
THEY might not be essential yet but tablets are nice for enjoying games, apps, or even for getting some work done. We know that Apple’s iPad reigns supreme in the realm of tablets for its ease of use and best-in-breed software, but there are other options available where you do not have to sell a kidney to get one.
In this case, the new Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 is useful enough and incredibly affordable if your needs are light and flexible.
REFINED DESIGN
A new addition to the Galaxy tablet portfolio, this eight-inch device features a TFT LCD display with a 1280x800 pixel resolution. With a refined, metallic slim design, it is also easy to carry in one hand.
The Tab A 8.0 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 429 with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. It also comes with a MicroSD card slot, which is important for media consumption.
It runs on Android 9.0 Pie (Android mobile operating system) with Samsung One UI (software overlay developed by Samsung Electronics for its Android devices).
The device appears to have thicker bezels, but I really don’t mind because it allows me to hold it comfortably without accidentally touching the display.
PERFORMANCE
When it comes to general usage, it can handle social media scrolling and YouTube streaming rather decently. I don’t recommend binge-watching Netflix on this as it only supports SD (Standard Definition) resolution.
It has a dual speaker at the bottom and is able to emit loud music when the volume is maxed out. It also supports Dolby Atmos which enables audio to become slightly clearer. In addition, it also has an audio jack.
The Tab A 8.0, however, lacks vibrance and clarity, but one cannot complain much about this as it is a budget-friendly device.
Power-wise, this tablet boasts a 5100 mAh battery that can last for about two to three days if the user doesn’t use it as often as his or her phone. It may take up to four hours to fully charge the device via a micro USB port, though it does not support fast charging.
In terms of gaming, you’ll probably have guessed by now that it is not able to support heavier games such as PUBG Mobile, but there’s no issue for more casual games like Subway Surfers.
When multi-tasking, I can feel the tablet’s efficiency and performance drop as it becomes slower when switching between apps.
PHOTOGRAPHY
If smartphones can replace a camera’s functions, that is not the case with a tablet.
Equipped with an 8MP rear-facing camera and 2MP selfie camera, you can’t depend on this tablet for good photos.
Only if you’re lucky, and if there’s good sunlight, maybe you can snap few good shots for keepsake.
Although it supports FHD (Full High Definition) video recording at 30fps, sadly though, there is no flash for its rear camera.
A problem I encountered with the camera is it tends to stop working whenever I change the settings, and it was difficult to adjust the focus as well. I had to take many shots of the same subject just to get the correct focus.
I’m not sure if it was an error on the part of the device or if the system needs to be updated, but it was an unpleasant experience for me using the camera.
GREAT FOR LITTLE ONES
The Galaxy Tab A is just great for kids, whose parents are not willing to let them use a smartphone. While adults can enjoy using it, children can too because it has many kid-friendly apps.
The Kids Home is accessible through the Quick panel at the top. Once activated, it will bring the screen to a more child-friendly operation mode and has a parental control setting so you can set what apps and sites your children can access .
You can also limit their daily playtime and track what they’ve been using the tab for, and this cannot be accessed or modified by your kids because they will need your password. Travelling is also a great factor for getting this tablet. When you are bored and in need of some entertainment, this device delivers well.
CONCLUSION
If you’re looking for a tablet just for the basics, a budget tablet like this Galaxy Tab A 8.0 is sufficient. Though it lacks some features in terms of specifications, it is still a good enough device for watching videos, editing documents, and even for presentations if needed.
You can bring it just about anywhere, share with your friends and family, or even use it as a backup device for work.
I would especially recommend this device for parents with young children as it can be used for education purposes. It has a decent display and performance to boot.
What’s great, you don’t have to break your bank as it is priced at just RM599. It’s definitely worth purchasing based on its retail price.
Verdict: 3.5/5