Earlier this year Samsung officially released the Galaxy Tab A8 on the market with a number of improvements compared to its predecessor. Starting from the screen, kitchen runway, Dolby Atmos support on four speakers to entertainment and learning features for children.
How is the performance? Check out the full review after we've been testing for about three weeks.
Design
The design of the Galaxy Tab A8 2022 has a wider screen than its predecessor, where this device carries a 10.5-inch landscape screen with a resolution of 1,920 x 1,200 pixels. Samsung offers three color variants such as Gray, Silver and Pink Gold. We also use the pink variant.
Wrapped in polycarbonate material, the Galaxy Tab A8 2022 has dimensions of 161.9 x 246.8 x 6.9mm, weighs 508g and is only 6.9mm thick. With the weight of this tablet is still good to carry anywhere. However, when the cover book given by Samsung in the sales package is used, it becomes heavier but still easy to carry.
For the front display, the Galaxy Tab A8 2022 has a 16:10 ratio with slimmer bezels so that even looking at the screen looks wider. Then there is a 5MP front camera with a position that is said to be right because it is in the middle with a landscape position. With this camera position, of course, it is ideal for making video calls, especially during online meetings or online schools because this is the ideal position for the size of a tablet.
Turning to the back, it looks so simple but elegant, only showing the Samsung logo and an 8Mp resolution camera. For the physical buttons (if used in portrait) the power and volume +/- buttons are on the right side then on the left there is a SIM tray with 1 SIM + 1 microSD slot up to 1TB. Then for the bottom side there are two speakers, a USB Type C 2.0 port and a 3.5 mm audio jack and on the top side there are also two speakers.
Screen
The screen landscape on the Galaxy Tab A8 2022 has increased quite a lot, in the previous generation, the Galaxy Tab A8 2019, the screen is only 8 inches, while the latest 10.5 inches.
This device has a TFT PLS Panel, the refresh rate is 60 Hz and the resolution is 1920 x 1200 pixels. Although the screen color is not as bright as AMOLED or high-end IPS panels, the visuals presented are still the best.
During our tests, this device is used for watching videos, playing light games such as children's games and everyday use is still comfortable and pleasing to the eye. This tablet also features split-screen and floating windows so users can multitask while working or studying
When used in outdoor conditions, especially under the hot sun, this device can still display content even though the brightness level is low. For the touch screen this device is very responsive. Unfortunately there is no fingerprint or fingerprint feature on this device and there is also no S-pen so users have to buy it separately.
For other entertainment needs besides having a wide screen, the Galaxy Tab A8 also offers four speakers that are supported with the Dolby Atmos feature. Its placement is also on both sides of the device above and below so that it is able to play audio in all directions to the maximum.
So that it makes the audio experience when watching movies, listening to songs to playing games produce excellent sound. To activate the Dolby Atmos feature, pull up the Quick Panel settings and look for the Dolby Atmos button. Tap to activate, until the button turns blue.
Camera
Galaxy Tab A8 2022 only has 1 rear camera with 8MP resolution which features portrait, panorama, pro, food and hyperlapse modes. Oh, the rear camera doesn't have a flash, so it's not recommended to shoot in low light, especially since this tab doesn't have a night mode feature.
While the front camera has a resolution of 5 MP and supports portrait mode. The camera features are the same as in most Samsung smartphones.
But don't expect much from the camera results from this tab, the photos are ordinary and even often cause photo noise. Yes, the need for a camera on a tablet is not for photography that can exist on social media.
However, the existence of this camera can be used to conduct online meetings or online classes for the child, which can provide better abilities.
Performance and Battery
For the kitchen, the Galaxy Tab A8 has switched to using the Unisoc T618 chipset with a speed of 2 GHz. This tablet comes in two versions, namely the LTE and WiFi versions. Each version has a different composition of RAM and internal storage. we also use the LTE version.
The LTE version of the Galaxy Tab A8 is equipped with 4GB/128GB of RAM and internal storage. As for the WiFi version of the Galaxy Tab A8, the memory configuration is smaller, which is 3GB/32GB.
Although the two are different, each version is supported by the expansion of storage capacity up to 1 TB using a microSD.
For its own performance, normal use such as browsing, scrolling social media, watching videos on YouTube or Netflix, online meetings and playing light games feels smooth.
And opening many applications at the same time, there are no significant obstacles, such as lag, it still feels smooth and victorious. This tablet also provides features split-screen and floating windows. As a result, users can multitask while working or studying.
For battery, the Galaxy Tab A8 2022 tablet is supported by a 7,040 mAh battery with 15 Watt fast charging. When charging, we tried when the conditions were 0% to 100%, it took about 4-5 hours. While the condition of 5% to 100% takes about 1-2 hours.
Because it felt a bit long, we also tried to use a charge cable with a higher power, namely 25W, the result was quite fast from 0% to 100%, just about 3 hours.
During our testing of more than three weeks, this device is mostly used for playing children's games, watching videos, streaming movies and music if used intensely on a single charge it can last up to one day more, but if it is rarely used it can last up to 3 days.
Samsung Kids
This seems to be an attraction for parents, especially those with children. Galaxy Tab A8 can be a medium for learning and playing because it is equipped with the Samsung Kids feature with various content specifically for children.
We tried it when we were going to install games for children, this application will provide recommendations and information about the age that is suitable for the game to be played.
And parents don't have to worry if there is a paid game and the child accidentally clicks to make a payment, a message will appear that only parents can fill in. So before payment there is verification first for parents.
There is also a parental control feature that can protect and monitor children using this device so they are not exposed to content that is not appropriate for their age and development.
With the parental control feature, parents can set Screen Time, which is the time limit for using the tablet, and determine what applications their children can access. Parents will also get updates on their child's activity while using the tablet.
In Samsung Kids, there are various games and creative applications, such as Crocro's Friend Village, Bobby's Canvas, Lisa's Music Band, Crocro's Adventure. There are also applications for cameras, galleries, special browsers for children, collections of art made by children, as well as recordings of their voices.
In the browser, parents can determine what websites are allowed to be accessed and prevent them from surfing to unwanted websites. On initial use, all these applications must be downloaded and installed first.
To enjoy all these features, Samsung Kids needs to be activated first. To do this, from the Home screen, drag the Quick Settings panel. Select the plus sign, then look for the Kids button. Press and hold the Kids button, then drag it in the Quick Settings panel.
After that, tap the Kids button to start activating Samsung Kids. The Samsung Kids screen will appear later. Check Add Samsung Kids to the Apps Screen, then tap Next. Specify a PIN. Then you will be taken to the Samsung Kids Home screen. On the Samsung Kids Home screen, various applications are available for download.
To set up Samsung Kids, tap the three-dot button in the upper right corner. Select Settings. Enter the PIN, then select the desired Settings, such as changing the PIN or resetting Samsung Kids.
To set Screen time, open Samsung Kids, then tap the three-dot button in the upper right corner, select Parental Control, then enter the PIN. On the Parental Control screen, you will see the child's profile photo, Activity Report, Screen Time, and Allowed Content. Select Screen Time.
On the screen you will see the Screen Time settings, such as whether the Screen Time settings will be the same every day (Same every day), if they are the same, check it! Next, determine how much screen time you give. The options are 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, or custom (minimum 5 minutes).
If you want to set goals for each day of the week, check the box for Set goals for each day of the week. Set how long the Screen time is for Sunday to Sunday. If the Screen time reaches the time limit, the screen will change and give a warning when the time is up 'Time is up!'
Our opinion
Galaxy Tab A8 LTE provides a good experience both in terms of visuals and performance. Especially for children, they can learn online and play games that are appropriate for their age. However, parental monitoring is also present to ensure that the child is not addicted to playing gadgets. Likewise, Samsung also provides parental control features on this device.
Although there are shortcomings such as the absence of an S-pen, fingerprint, camera capabilities that are not good, but other good features such as four Dolby Atmos speakers, Samsung Kids and others can still cover these shortcomings. So this device is worth considering.