If you're looking for an affordable tablet, but aren't taken by Apple's iPad, this new Samsung number could be just the ticket. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 packs middle-weight specs into a body that looks borderline premium, and it shouldn't cost too much either.
We say 'shouldn't' because Samsung hasn't announced the price yet. But considering the Galaxy Tab A7 launched at £219 ($229, AU$379), we would expect the A8 to have a similar price. Which makes it quite a compelling proposition.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is the most powerful in Samsung's Tab A series tablets yet – its octa-core 2GHz processor is 10 per cent faster than the A7's, as is its GPU.
The 10.5-inch screen is a smidgen bigger than the A7's 10.4-inch display, while its 16:10 aspect ratio gives it an 80 per cent screen-to-body ratio, which should make for a more immersive TV viewing experience.
Dolby Atmos comes as standard, making even a tablet's quad-speaker system sound like surround sound (in theory).
Talking of streaming, it comes with access to Samsung TV Plus, which gives you over 200 free live and on-demand channels. It also comes with two months' access to YouTube Premium, so you can enjoy videos ad-free and download them to watch offline. And that's before you head to the Google Play Store and download all the usual streaming apps available on Android: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, et al.
The Tab A8 comes up to 128GB of storage, while there are also 32GB and 64GB options. Slot in a microSD card, and you can expand all models by up to 1TB.
You also have the option of 3GB or 4GB of RAM, while a 7,040 mAh battery with 15W fast charging should deliver all-day battery life.
There's an 8-megapixel rear camera, and 5-megapixel selfie snapper, though if you're taking photos with a tablet you want to have a word with yourself.
The Samsing Galaxy Tab A8 launches in Europe later this month, and in other regions – including the US – in January.
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