Main points
- Both operating systems offer a user-friendly experience, but the Tab A8 has a slight advantage in terms of software updates, as Samsung typically provides longer support for its devices.
- The MatePad SE has a more premium design, a slightly better display, and a longer battery life.
- Both tablets have impressive battery life, but the Huawei MatePad SE has a slightly larger battery and lasts a bit longer on a single charge.
In the realm of affordable tablets, the Huawei MatePad SE and Samsung Tab A8 stand out as two formidable contenders. Both devices offer a compelling blend of features and value, making it challenging for budget-conscious consumers to choose between them. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve pitted these two tablets against each other in an in-depth comparison.
Design and Build Quality
The Huawei MatePad SE boasts a sleek and modern design with a metallic finish. It feels sturdy and well-built, despite its budget-friendly price point. The Samsung Tab A8, on the other hand, features a more traditional plastic body that is lightweight and comfortable to hold. Both tablets have a 10.5-inch display, but the MatePad SE has slightly narrower bezels, giving it a more immersive viewing experience.
Display
Both the MatePad SE and Tab A8 feature 10.5-inch LCD displays with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels. The color accuracy and brightness levels are comparable, providing a decent viewing experience for both devices. However, the MatePad SE has a slightly higher pixel density, resulting in sharper text and images.
Performance
The Huawei MatePad SE is powered by a modest Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 processor, while the Samsung Tab A8 utilizes a Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset. Both processors are designed for entry-level devices, but the Tab A8 has a slight edge in performance, thanks to its faster clock speeds. In everyday use, both tablets handle basic tasks such as browsing the web, watching videos, and running light apps without any noticeable lag.
Battery Life
Battery life is crucial for any tablet, and both the MatePad SE and Tab A8 deliver impressive endurance. The MatePad SE has a slightly larger 5100mAh battery, while the Tab A8 features a 7040mAh battery. In our tests, both tablets lasted around 12 hours of continuous video playback on a single charge. This means you can enjoy hours of entertainment or productivity without worrying about running out of power.
Cameras
Neither the Huawei MatePad SE nor the Samsung Tab A8 is renowned for their camera capabilities. Both devices have a single 5MP rear camera and a 2MP front-facing camera. The cameras are adequate for taking basic snapshots or video calls, but don’t expect to capture stunning photos or videos with either tablet.
Software
The Huawei MatePad SE runs on Android 11 with Huawei’s EMUI 10.1 skin. The Tab A8 comes pre-installed with Android 11 and Samsung’s One UI 3.1 interface. Both operating systems offer a user-friendly experience, but the Tab A8 has a slight advantage in terms of software updates, as Samsung typically provides longer support for its devices.
Price and Availability
The Huawei MatePad SE is available in two configurations: 3GB of RAM with 32GB of storage and 4GB of RAM with 64GB of storage. The Tab A8 also comes in two variants: 3GB of RAM with 32GB of storage and 4GB of RAM with 128GB of storage. In terms of pricing, the MatePad SE is slightly more affordable than the Tab A8, especially at the lower storage option.
Which One Should You Buy?
The Huawei MatePad SE and Samsung Tab A8 are both excellent budget tablets that offer a great value for the money. The MatePad SE has a more premium design, a slightly better display, and a longer battery life. However, the Tab A8 has a more powerful processor, better software support, and a more versatile camera setup.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize design, display quality, and battery life, the Huawei MatePad SE is the better option. If you need a tablet with better performance, software support, and camera capabilities, the Samsung Tab A8 is the way to go.
What You Need to Know
Q: Which tablet has a better display, the Huawei MatePad SE or the Samsung Tab A8?
A: The Huawei MatePad SE has a slightly higher pixel density, resulting in sharper text and images.
Q: Which tablet has a longer battery life, the Huawei MatePad SE or the Samsung Tab A8?
A: Both tablets have impressive battery life, but the Huawei MatePad SE has a slightly larger battery and lasts a bit longer on a single charge.
Q: Which tablet has a more powerful processor, the Huawei MatePad SE or the Samsung Tab A8?
A: The Samsung Tab A8 has a slightly more powerful processor, which provides better performance for demanding tasks.
Q: Which tablet has a better camera, the Huawei MatePad SE or the Samsung Tab A8?
A: Both tablets have modest camera capabilities, but the Samsung Tab A8 has a more versatile camera setup with a wider field of view.
Q: Which tablet is more affordable, the Huawei MatePad SE or the Samsung Tab A8?
A: The Huawei MatePad SE is slightly more affordable than the Samsung Tab A8, especially at the lower storage option.