Samsung continues to separate itself as an industry leader when looking for tablets within the android eco system. I recently got the Samsung Tab S8 to enhance my working tools and the tab S8 is unquestionably one of the best android tablets in the market currently with solid specs, excellent display,a decently powered processor and the S pen stylus which comes together with the Tab. It retails currently at Ksh97000 – Ksh110000. Samsung launched the Tab S8, Tab S8+ and Tab S8 ultra together . I preferred the Tab S8 because of its price point and its smaller size which makes it easier to move around with and it complements the work I do. Its actually my travel computer currently. While the Tab comes with the S Pen, if you would prefer a keyboard you will have to acquire the book cover keyboard separately.
Samsung Tab S8 Specs:
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
- Display: 11-inch, 2560 x 1600 pixels resolution LCD with 120 Hz refresh rate
- Operating system: Android 12
- RAM: 8/12GB
- Storage: 128GB/256GB internal with microSD expansion card slot
- Cameras: 13MP main and 6MP ultra-wide rear cameras. 12MP ultra-wide front-facing camera
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.2
- Battery: 8,000 mAh
- Audio: Four speakers tuned by AKG with Dolby Atmos technology, three microphones
- Dimensions: 253.8 x 165.3 x 6.3 mm and 503 grams
- Colors: Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold

Tab S8 Design
The tab comes in a sleek metallic slate giving it a premium look and feel to it. At 9.99 x 6.51 x 0.25 inches it strikes a huge balance between portability and utility. It comes with no headphone jack. At the back, it has a slightly raised pill shape array for the camera. There is also a mirrored plastic strip that magnetically holds the S pen and charges it at the back. The strip comes in handy to hold the pen when switching between writing and typing. It has the USB-C port for charging or connecting other accessories it supports.
On the top right edge of the tab, we have the power button which also serves as the finger print reader, a volume button and a micro sd slot help boost the Tabs storage to upto 1TB. There is no IP rating for dust or water.
The Samsung S stylus pen is thick and easy to hold. It has no lag and slides pretty well on the display. I however wish there was a slot for the pen on the tablet for the pen to slide into when not in use.
Screen, Display and Audio
On powering the tab on, Its easy to notice it does not come with Samsung’s punchy Super Amoled display. However, its bigger brothers Tab S8 plus and S8 Ultra have it, besides that everything else is crystal clear on display. The panel boasts the usual 120Hz refresh rate which allows for a smooth scrolling experience. It dynamically refreshes to either 60Hz or 120Hz though you can lock it. Colors are bright, punchy and vivid. It boasts of an 11inch 2560 x 1600 resolution display.
For the audio, you get quad speakers at the top and bottom of the tab. A bit basic but sufficient for streaming and gaming.
Software and Performance
The Tab S8 launches with the android 12 and one UI 4.1 coming out of the box with pretty great software.
Samsung Dex has also been improved giving you that laptop equivalent experience. This gives you the desktop style environment with multi window functionality and the ability to customize your desktop apps in Dex mode.
Like the other Tab S8, it runs the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 gen 1 processor and has 8GB RAM coming with either 128GB or 256GB of storage. Most Samsung Apps work well and many are optimized to give a split screen view for optimal experience. You can also sync calls and texts between your tab and your Samsung phone.
Camera and Battery
Upfront there is a 12MP ultra wide selfie cam which is nestled in the bezel – thankfully not in a notch, as on the Ultra while on the back there is a 13MP auto focus lens and a 6MP ultra-wide lens. The cameras can record videos of up to 4K resolution @30fps. I have particularly enjoyed the cameras during my virtual meetings especially because the tab comes with a microphone noise reduction and auto framing features.
It has a pretty good battery life supported by a generous 8000mah cell. No charger comes included in the box which means you will have to get your own USB-C charger. I noticed a pretty slow battery decline while on stand by which assures you of a couple days use.
The Tab undeniably has a lot of pros from the versatile pen which helps with flexibility and multi-functionality, good battery life, its portability, excellent performance, cellular options among many others. Some of its cons are the lack of the super amoled display and lack of charger which I guess will take some getting used to with the latest technology.
Bottom line, the Tab is quite a handy and useful tool to enhance your productivity. I recently packed it for a business trip an I was able to conveniently capture all my meeting notes, respond to emails comfortably on transit, host and attend meetings on Google meet, collect data in the field and at the end of the day still have plenty of battery life to catch up on my Netflix shows. Talk of Multifunctionality!
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