The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 comes in three different models: S8, S8+ and S8 Ultra. Depending on what version you get, there are several different perks that you’ll be able to enjoy. For example, the S8 Ultra has the biggest screen, but the S8 is much easier to grab on the go. We’re going to compare these features to help you determine what version of the Galaxy Tab S8 is best for you.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
First up is the cheapest S8 tablet. Don’t let the price fool you, however. This tablet is still a well-equipped machine that will suit most users. Its basic specs show that the S8 is ready and willing to go the distance.
- 11″ LTPS LCD Display
- Super-fast WiFi 6E
- A typical battery offers 8,000 mAh
- Offers up to 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM
- 12MP front camera
- Power key contains a fingerprint scanner
This portable, powerful device provides the durability you need and an S Pen with near-zero latency. The S Pen also magnetically snaps to the back of the S8 for easy storage. Choose between graphite, silver and pink gold.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+
This mid-tier tablet provides an experience that’s like a PC. It also has the same durability as the S8, along with the magnet S Pen. It has more impressive specs, though, which tend to make this option the better choice.
- 12.4″ Super AMOLED Display
- WiFi 6E with optional 5G
- Typical battery power of 10,090 mAh
- Up to 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM
- 12MP front camera
- On-screen fingerprint scanner
Just like the S8, the S8+ is available in graphite, silver and pink gold.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
Finally, we’ve reached the Ultra, which was designed for users who want a higher level of detail. Just like the S8 and S8+, this model offers a durable case and S Pen. However, where it really shines is in the specs.
- 14.6″ Super AMOLED Display
- Super-fast WiFi 6E
- Typical battery of 11,200 mAh
- Up to 512GB of storage and 16GB of RAM
- 12MP + 12MP front cameras (wide and ultra-wide)
- On-screen fingerprint scanner
As you can see, the S8 Ultra is ideal for those who want to work with a big screen. It also offers twice the storage and RAM, has a better battery and lets you take pictures according to how wide you want the camera to be. Please note that this model is only available in graphite.
Samsung Notes
No matter what model you choose, you can take advantage of Samsung Notes to keep your ideas synced across every Galaxy device. If you choose to handwrite your notes, they’ll be transferred into text to keep everything nice and organized.
New S Pen
Every model of the S8 has Samsung’s new S Pen. Designed to provide extra responsiveness, you can use Clip Studio Paint to let you use the pen as a brush while bringing your vision to life. Even better, the Galaxy Tab S8 series works with the Galaxy S22 series. This gives you a clutter-free tablet because your S22 phone allows you to choose the colors you’ll lay down on your tablet.
Another nice touch is that Samsung includes six free months of Clip Studio Paint EX. This should provide you with ample time to try out the program, which sells for $219 on the Clip Studio Paint EX website. Sold as “the artist’s software for drawing and painting,” it’ll definitely help you get more out of your S8.
Video Editing
Perhaps you’re more of a video maker than a painter? The S Pen is useful for editing videos quickly and accurately. You’ll be able to slice, scrub and select the clips you want with nothing more than a tap. Additionally, you’ll be able to use QuickShare to easily send huge video files to your phone.
Auto Framing
Auto Framing is a feature most people will love in our Zoom society. Whether you’re making video calls or taking a selfie, Auto Framing will make automatic adjustments to ensure you look your best. You’ll also gain the power of Google Duo to chat live with up to 31 of your closest friends. There are an astonishing three microphones that come with your S8, and each of them has noise cancelling capabilities.
Divide Your Screen
Are you tired of trying to chat with someone while getting some work done? This won’t be a problem any longer with the S8’s divided screen. You can literally have half of the screen open for chatting and the other half can be filled with your work. Plus, when you’re done, you can resume single-view mode to watch your four free months of YouTube Premium.
Gaming on the Go
If you’d like to keep up with your favorite video games, the S8 has 120Hz refresh rate to make sure that using your S8 is just like gaming at home. Between the large screen and console-quality performance, you’ll achieve fantastic results!
Which S8 should I Buy?
Each Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 has a lot going for it. Those who need an artist’s tablet without taking on a higher price point may very well be satisfied with the basic S8, which starts at $499.99. If you’re looking for a bit more performance, along with a bigger screen, you’ll probably like the mid-tier S8+ at a starting price of $699.99. Of course, the biggest screen of all also comes with enhanced memory, a stronger battery and two cameras in the Ultra, which starts at $899.99.
None of these tablets serve as a laptop replacement, but they come really close. As long as you’re aware of what you’re getting and are a big Galaxy fan, go ahead and pick the best S8 for your needs and price range. Otherwise, you may be best served by continuing to look for a suitable laptop replacement.