It is easy to confuse and assume the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 and Galaxy Tab S6 Lite are the same. Although most features are similar, some differences can prove important for what you need to do with the tablet. For this reason, we decided to create a comparison post between the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite.
The two tablets are important options for streaming movies, basic gaming, and surfing the internet. Both tablets can be classified i our list of cheap Android tablets, thanks to their affordable price range. Although the Galaxy A8 is cheaper than its counterpart, the S6 Lite has a better SPen, Dex mode, and higher resolution screen.
Galaxy Tab A8 vs S6 Lite Comparison

Galaxy Tab A8
The Galaxy Tab A8 is the most affordable of the two tablets. It is powered by a Unisoc Tiger T618 chip and 3 to 4 GB RAM. This means that it is slightly slower than the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite with an Exynos 9611 processor and 4 GB RAM. It has a slightly larger screen at 10.5 inches but a lower resolution at 1920 x 1200 pixels.
Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is the best option if you need a tablet with a good S Pen and DEX mode compatibility. It is also faster in processing with many accessories missing in the Galaxy Tab A8. The 2022 model features an Exynos 9611 processor and 4 GB RAM plus a smaller 10.4-inch screen but higher resolution at 2000 x 1200 pixels.
Galaxy Tab A8 vs Galaxy Tab S6 Lite Pros and Cons
Pros
- Galaxy Tab S6 Lite – Large 10.4-inch screen size with high resolution. High 2000 x 1200 pixels resolution. Powerful Processor. Free S Pen included on purchase.
- Galaxy Tab A8: Cheaper price range. Slightly larger 10.5-inch display
Cons
- Galaxy Tab S6 Lite – More expensive than Galaxy Tab A8. Smaller screen size
- Galaxy Tab A8: Cheaper price range. Slightly larger 10.5-inch display. The S Pen is not compatible.

Design and Build Quality
The Galaxy Tab A8 is made of a full plastic body with slim bezels around its large screen. The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite on the other hand features a full alluminium body which is stronger and more durable.
Both tablets feature a slim, sleek, and modern look with thin bezels and a screen covering almost the whole of the front side. They are both minimalistic with no buttons on the front side. They both feel premium and ergonomically designed with a lightweight body.
Screen and Resolution
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 features a slightly larger screen at 10.5 inches compared to the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, which has a 10.4-inch screen size.
This difference in size is negligible and will not affect the overall screen quality. They will both display crisp and clear images and colors, although the resolution on the S6 Lite is better on paper.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 features a 1920 x 1200 pixels screen resolution, while the Galaxy S6 Lite displays 2000 x 1200 pixels, which is seemingly slightly better.
One difference between the screens is the aspect ratio. The Galaxy Tab A8 will seem larger and easier to use in both portrait and landscape orientations thanks to its 16:10 aspect ratio.
The Galaxy S6 Lite is better placed to be viewed in a landscape orientation with a 16:9 aspect ratio on the screen.
Long-screen movies will be better displayed on the Galaxy S6 Lite due to its longer orientation. The Galaxy Tab A8 will seem to show black bars on the edges due to its shorter orientation.
The Galaxy Tab A8 comes with an IPS LCD screen, while the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite has a TFT LCD type of screen.
IPS screens display wider viewing angles compared to TFT LCD screens. The difference is quite significant, with IPS screens being better.
Processing Power and Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is more powerful compared to the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8. It features a more powerful and modern Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G processor.
The Unisoc Tiger T618 on the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is slower, and you will experience lags and stutters when performing complex tasks.
Larger RAM allows you to easily multitask on your tablet without issues. Whereas the Galaxy Tab A8 offers 3 GB and 4 GB choices, combined with a slow processor, this will not make it faster.
4 GB of RAM on the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite will easily run many programs and complex tasks. The processor on the S6 Lite is better optimized for complex apps and games.
Storage Space and Battery Life
Storage space is not a big problem for both tablets because they are both expandable using an external MicroSD card.
However, it is important to note that the Tab A8 has a wider range of size options compared to the S6 Lite, which has only 64 and 128 GB of options.
Battery life will affect your tablet’s portability. Both of these tablets are sleek and small in size, so they can be carried around.
At 10 hours, the S6 Lite will feature a longer battery life thanks to a better processor and a smaller screen. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is not so far off with its 8-hour battery life.
Both tablets will take around the same amount of time to charge to full capacity.
Pens, Cameras and Accessories
The S6 lite is compatible with the S pen, which makes it perfect for notetakers and artists. The S6 lite will provide great value for money thanks to a free S Pen that you get on purchase. The new Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is not compatible with S Pen. Many artists will therefore prefer the S6 lite instead.
Tablet cameras are normally not the best and have faced few improvements over time. Both tablets feature a similar camera, with an 8 MP rear camera and a 5 MP front camera on both.
If you need a tablet for music, both tablets have good internal speakers. However, you will miss the 3.5 mm audio jack on the S6 Lite, which is available on the Galaxy Tab A8.
Operating System and Software
Both tablets support Samsung One UI and come preinstalled with old versions of OS, namely Android 11 on the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 and Android 12 on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite.
You can easily upgrade the OS to Android 13 on both tablets if you so wish. However, we noticed that the S6 Lite is more easily upgraded to newer versions than the older Galaxy Tab A8. Due to its better processor, the S6 Lite will feature better application compatibility and experience.
Price and Value for money
Although the S6 lite is more expensive, it will provide better value for money thanks to its premium aluminum body and build, many free accessories, and a powerful processor. You can use it for drawing, note-taking, and Photo editing thanks to the free standard S Pen stylus.
Conclusion
The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022) is a clear and straightforward recommendation. The marginal price increase is justified by the added benefits, such as DeX functionality and the inclusion of the S Pen.
Notably, the enhanced performance driven by the Snapdragon chipset further adds to its value proposition.
The standout feature, undoubtedly, is the S Pen, which significantly enhances the functionality of any device it accompanies, particularly on larger screens. If you are looking for the new 2024 Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite Third edition, check out our review.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 vs Galaxy Tab S6 Lite Specs
- Screen size: 10.5 inches
- Resolution: 1920 x 1200 pixels
- Screen Type: IPS LCD, 60Hz
- Aspect Ratio: 16:10
- Storage Space: 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB
- Processor: Unisex Tiger T618
- RAM: 3 GB, 4 GB
- Battery Life: 8 Hours
- OS: Android 13 and One UI 5.1.1
- Weight: 508g
- Camera: 5 MP front and 8 MP rear
- SIM support: no
- Price: From $230
- Dimensions: 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9mm
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C port, wired charging
- Screen size: 10.4 inches
- Resolution: 2000 x 1200 pixels
- Screen Type: TFT LCD, 60Hz
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Storage Space: 64 GB, 128 GB
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G
- RAM: 4 GB
- Battery Life: 10 Hours
- OS: Android 13 and OneUI 5
- Weight: 465g
- Camera: 5 MP front and 8 MP rear
- SIM support: no
- Price: From $350
- Dimensions: 244.5 x 154.3 x 7 mm
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C port, wired charging
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 compatible with S Pen?
Unfortunately, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 doesn’t support the S-Pen. If you need an affordable S Pen compatible tablet Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is best for you.