Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 SM-X205 (Middle East Version) Review: 10.5-Inch Android Tablet

Introduction

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 SM-X205 (Middle East Version) has been on my desk for the last few weeks, and I’ve put it through its paces. This 10.5-inch Android tablet boasts a sleek design, expandable storage, and a surprisingly capable processor. But does it live up to the hype? Read on for my detailed review.

Key Features

The Galaxy Tab A8 offers a compelling package of features. Its 10.5-inch Full HD display is vibrant and crisp, perfect for media consumption. The 4GB of RAM handles multitasking efficiently, and the expandable storage (up to 1TB via microSD) is a huge plus. The dual cameras (8MP rear and 5MP front) are adequate for everyday use, and the inclusion of Dolby Atmos quad speakers enhances the audio experience significantly. The long-lasting 7054 mAh battery easily lasts a full day of moderate use.

Samsung’s Multi-Active Window feature is a real asset, allowing for seamless multitasking. I found myself using this extensively for working on documents while having a video call, greatly enhancing my productivity. The pre-installed Samsung TV Plus provides access to free streaming content, which is a welcome addition.

The inclusion of Samsung Knox security features is a significant advantage, ensuring user data remains protected and secure.

Performance & Battery Life

Powered by the Unisoc Tiger T618 octa-core processor, the Galaxy Tab A8 handles everyday tasks with ease. I experienced minimal lag while browsing the web, streaming videos, and using multiple apps simultaneously. Gaming performance was decent for casual titles, but more demanding games may cause some minor frame rate drops. The 7054mAh battery consistently exceeded my expectations, easily lasting a full day on a single charge, even with heavy use.

The 15W fast charging is a nice touch, although it’s not the quickest on the market. It still manages to top up the battery relatively quickly when needed.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Large, vibrant display
  • Expandable storage (up to 1TB)
  • Long battery life
  • Good performance for everyday tasks
  • Multi-Active Window for efficient multitasking
  • Dolby Atmos quad speakers
  • Samsung Knox security
  • Built-in Samsung TV Plus

Cons:

  • Gaming performance could be better for demanding titles
  • Camera quality is average
  • Fast charging speed could be faster
  • No flash on the main camera

Final Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 SM-X205 (Middle East Version) is a solid all-around tablet that offers excellent value for its price. The large display, long battery life, and efficient multitasking capabilities make it ideal for everyday use, media consumption, and light productivity tasks. While its gaming performance and camera quality aren’t top-tier, they’re perfectly acceptable for most users. If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile Android tablet without breaking the bank, the Galaxy Tab A8 is a strong contender. I would confidently recommend it.

Specification Value
Expandable Memory Type MicroSD
Secondary Camera Resolution 19 MP
Processor Speed 2 GHz
RAM Size 4 GB
Battery Size 7054 mAh
Internal Memory 64 GB
Product Weight 508 g
Version Middle East Version
Screen Size 10.5 in
Display Resolution 1920×1200
Primary Camera Resolution 8 MP
Colour Name Silver
Charging Type Type-C
SIM Count Single SIM
SIM Type Nano SIM
Connection Type Wifi+Cellular
Display Type TFT
Display Resolution Type Full HD
Operating System Version Android 11
Operating System Android
Network Type 4G
Tablet Screen Size 10.1 – 11 Inches
Secondary Camera 12 MP & Above
Model Year 2021
Voice Calling Capability Yes
Operating System Number Android 11
Processor Number Unisoc Tiger T618
Fast Charging Yes
What’s In The Box Tablet, User Manual, Warranty Card, Quick Start Guide
Network Frequency Band LTE
Processor Name Unisoc
Number of Cores Octa Core
Glass Technology Gorilla Glass
Camera Type Primary Camera + Secondary Camera
Primary Camera Feature Single
Flash No Flash
Video Recording Resolution Type 1920×1080
Battery Type Lithium Polymer
Water/Dust Properties Water Proof and Dust Proof
Finish Aluminum
Product Length 161.9 mm
Product Height 246.8 mm
Product Width/Depth 6.9 mm
Maximum Expandable Memory 1 TB
Sensor Accelerometer, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor
Model Number SM-X205
Model Name Galaxy Tab A8 10.5
Pixels Per Inch 216 PPI
Primary Camera (MP) 8+5 MP