Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra vs Galaxy Tab S7 Plus: Samsung released the Galaxy Tab S7+ back in August of 2020. More than a year later, the company releases the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra as its successor. So, is the Tab S8 Ultra an upgrade of the Tab S7+? Between these two tablets, which should you buy?
In this article, I’ll be comparing the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra and the Galaxy Tab S7+. I’ll break down the specifications of both devices and see where the upgrades lie and if it’s actually upgrading from the Tab S7+ to the Tab S8 Ultra (for first-time buyers to know which to buy).
Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra vs Galaxy Tab S7 Plus
| Specifications | Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra | Galaxy Tab S7+ |
| Display | 14.6-inch, 120Hz | 12.4-inch, 120Hz |
| RAM | 12GB | 6/8GB |
| Storage | 256GB | 128 – 512GB |
| Back Camera | 13 + 6MP | 13 + 5MP |
| Front Camera | 12 + 12MP | 8MP |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 865+ |
| Software | Android 12 | Android 10 |
| Battery | 11,200mAh (45W) | 10,090mAh (45W) |
| Stylus | YES | YES |
Display and Design
Samsung used the same display AMOLED panels for both the Tab S8 Ultra and Tab S7+. Both devices also feature a 120Hz refresh rate with flat displays. But, the size and display resolution of both devices are not the same.
The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra has a 14.6-inch display, AMOLED panel, and 1848 x 2960 pixels resolution. The Galaxy Tab S7+ comes with a 12.4-inch display, same AMOLED panel but 1752 x 2800 pixels. From the display specs, the Tab S8 not only has a bigger display but its display also produces more accurate colors.
See Also: Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra vs iPad Pro (2021): Which is better
As per the design, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra comes with a cut-out notch, has slimmer bezels, and a small camera module at the back. The Tab S7+ on the other hand does not have any notch but maintains the same rear camera design.
When to the display, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is the better device here. Its screen gives you more room to work, produces better colors while still giving you a fast refresh rate. It just tops Galaxy Tab S7+ here.
See Also: Apple iPad 10.2 (2021) vs iPad Mini (2021): Which should you buy
Camera
The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra comes with dual rear cameras and dual front cameras. At the rear, it has a 13MP main camera and a 6MP ultra-wide lens. While upfront it comes with a 12MP main camera and a 12MP ultrawide lens.
The Galaxy Tab S7+ comes with a dual rear camera and a single front camera. At the rear, it has a 13MP main camera and a 5MP ultra-wide lens. Upfront it comes with an 8MP selfie camera.
See Also: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra vs Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: Which is better
In the camera department, the Tab S8 Ultra also comes out on top. The Tab S8 Ultra can shoot videos in 4K resolution using both the back and front camera. But, the Tab S7+ can shoot video in 4K resolution using only its rear camera.
Note that none of the cameras come with extra camera features such as OIS, gimbal, and telephoto. Truth is, tablets are not camera devices so you might want to look the way of the recently released Samsung Galaxy S22 series if you need a camera device.
See Also: OnePlus 10 Pro vs Apple iPhone 13 Pro: Which is better
Performance | Storage | RAM | 5G
When it comes to performance, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is about 20x faster and 30x more heat efficient. This is because the Tab S8 Ultra features the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip from Qualcomm while the Tab S7+ features the Snapdragon 865+ 5G chip from 2020.
These two chips are two generations apart. For example, the Snapdragon 865+ used in the Tab S7+ was built on a 7nm process while the chip inside the Tab S8 Ultra was built on a 4nm process.
The RAM options of the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra are 12 or 16GB of RAM with storage options of 256 and 512GB. While the Galaxy Tab S7+ comes with 6 or 8GB of RAM with storage options ranging from 128-512GB.
See Also: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra vs Galaxy S21 Ultra: Should you upgrade?
The chipset inside both devices has support for 5G network connectivity. There is also a Wi-Fi-only version of both tablets that is more affordable. As far as performance goes, the Galaxy Tab S7+ is good but the Tab S8 Ultra is the better.
Software
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra boots OneUI 4.0 based on Android 12 out of the box. While the Galaxy Tab S7+ boots the Android 10 out of the box. Samsung has promised up to 4 years of major software updates for its devices.
This means the Tab S8 Ultra will get major updates up to Android 16 while the Galaxy Tab S7+ will get major updates up to Android 14 at best. Two years of the software update is huge.
See Also: Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Galaxy S21 FE: Which offers better value for money
Battery
The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is powered by an 11,200mAh battery with 45W fast charge support. While the Galaxy Tab S7 Plus is powered by a 10,090 with 45W charge support. There is no wireless charge support available on both devices.
The battery inside the Tab S8 Ultra is bigger and lasts longer than that of the Tab S7 Plus. So, if you need a device that will give you better battery life between these two, buy the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra.
Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra vs Galaxy Tab S7 Plus: Price
The price of the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra 12 + 256GB storage option is about $1,099 and the price of the Galaxy Tab S7+ starts at $850. The Tab S7+ has been around for more than a year, so it’s enjoying some really good deals right now.
Buy Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S7+
| Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra | Price | Galaxy Tab S7+ | Price |
| Buy on Amazon UK | £1,099 | Buy on Amazon | $769.90 |
Galaxy S22 Ultra vs Galaxy Tab S8 Plus: Verdict
There is no doubt the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is the best device from this comparison. It has a better and bigger display, improved camera system, more impressive design, bigger battery, and better performance. But, the Galaxy Tab S7+ currently offers very good value for money.
You can actually buy the Tab S7+ (which is one of the best tabs of 2021) for less than $800. And you still get awesome performance, a good camera, and nice battery life. Here is my advice though.
If you want to upgrade from Galaxy Tab S7+ to Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, please do, it’s worth it. If you want to buy a brand new Galaxy Tablet, please choose the Tab S8 Ultra if you have the money. But, if you’re on a tight budget and need a powerful Galaxy Tablet, then buy the Galaxy Tab S7+.
The Galaxy Tab gives you more room to be productive and it’s more powerful. So, if I’m to score both tablets, I’ll give the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (60%) and the Galaxy Tab S7+ (40%).
