Scored using Tablets Methodology v3.0
Tablets Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Tablets Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Tablets Methodology v3.0

Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 2017 Cellular (2GB + 32GB) review: 168 specs compared

Avg. price:~£220RAM capacity:2 GBInternal storage:32 GBScreen size:8 inchesChipset:Qualcomm Snapdragon 425

Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 2017 Cellular (2GB + 32GB) Review: Compare 168 technical specifications and 5 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Tablets category and whether it is worth buying.

6.5/10

Overall score

Score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

35%

5.9

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

5.9

Reviews score

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.9, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–¼Worse than 70% of tablets
7.3

Value for money

Value for money
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the tablet's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a tablet with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

â–¼Worse than 67%
5.9

Technical score

Technical score
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

22%

5.3

Performance

20%

5.2

Display

16%

7.4

Camera

14%

5.4

Battery

12%

6.5

Connectivity

8%

7.1

Software

5%

6.0

Design

3%

3.9

Audio

â–¼Worse than 57%
5.9

Reviews score

Reviews score
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10

5.9

Mark 7.5 is below the typical mark 7.8 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.7

Average grade

20%

6.9

Popularity

Grades by review (5)
2 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. 3 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 69%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £220
Other versions:
2GB + 32GB2GB + 16GB

What reviewers say about the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 2017 Cellular (2GB + 32GB)

Based on 2 · 6

Reviewers praise smooth everyday use, long battery life and a bright screen, but dislike its low sharpness and weak gaming.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 2017 Cellular (2GB + 32GB)

Based on 28 owners sharing their experience in online comments

43%positive14%mixed43%negative

Owners appreciate its battery life and affordable everyday use, while lag, cramped storage, and a soft screen hold it back.

What owners dislike

  • Owners say it is laggy, even typing text responds slowly, and gaming is poor, though most games still run.6
  • Only 16GB of storage, with 6 to 8GB taken by the system, and 2GB of RAM. Owners get memory-full warnings even with few apps.5
  • Owners find the screen fuzzy and pixelated, with text and images looking soft and a warm tint compared with full HD screens.3
  • The SD card slot is awkward to insert, and most apps will not install to the card, so it adds little usable space.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Technical Specifications of tablet Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 2017 Cellular (2GB + 32GB)

Technical score
Technical score
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

22%

5.3

Performance

20%

5.2

Display

16%

7.4

Camera

14%

5.4

Battery

12%

6.5

Connectivity

8%

7.1

Software

5%

6.0

Design

3%

3.9

Audio

5.9
Reviews score
5.9
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the tablet's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a tablet with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

7.3
RAM capacity
2 GB
This tablet has 2 GB of RAM, which is less than 61.3% of tablets and equal to 15.5% of tablets.
Process node
28 nm
This tablet is built on a 28 nm process, which is larger than 65.1% of tablets and equal to 17.6% of tablets.
Internal storage
32 GB
This tablet has 32 GB of internal storage, which is less than 60.9% of tablets and equal to 17.9% of tablets.
Geekbench 6 single-core score
?
Chipset
Qualcomm Snapdragon 425
This tablet runs on Qualcomm Snapdragon 425, which is more advanced than 53% of tablets and equal to 0.6% of tablets.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen resolution
1280×800
This tablet has a 1280×800 screen, which is less sharp than 68.1% of tablets and equal to 21.7% of tablets.
Refresh rate
60 Hz
This tablet has a 60 Hz screen, which is smoother than 0.1% of tablets and equal to 73.4% of tablets.
Display type
IPS LCD
This tablet uses a IPS LCD display type. 17% of tablets use this display technology.
Pixel density
189 ppi
This tablet has a pixel density of 189 ppi, which is lower than 66.5% of tablets and equal to 6.8% of tablets.
Display glass type
Corning Gorilla Glass
This tablet protects its screen with Corning Gorilla Glass, which is more durable than 45.4% of tablets and the same as 32.8% of tablets.
Show more
What reviewers say
Optical image stabilization
no
This tablet does not support optical stabilisation. 0.4% of tablets offer this.
Main camera megapixels
8 MP
This tablet has a rear camera with 8 MP resolution, which is higher than 36.4% of tablets and equal to 31.9% of tablets.
Front camera megapixels
5 MP
This tablet has a front camera with 5 MP resolution, which is higher than 48.6% of tablets and equal to 19.7% of tablets.
Main camera aperture
f/1.9
This tablet has a main camera aperture of f/1.9, which is wider than 82.2% of tablets and equal to 3.7% of tablets.
Optical zoom
1xxx
This tablet has 1xx optical zoom, which is stronger than 18.2% of tablets and equal to 80.9% of tablets.
Show more
Battery capacity
5,000 mAh
This tablet has 5,000 mAh battery capacity, which is smaller than 70% of tablets and equal to 2% of tablets.
Charging speed
7.5 W
This tablet charges at 7.5 W, which is slower than 95.3% of tablets and equal to 0.3% of tablets.
Battery life
14 hours
This tablet has a battery life of 14 hours, which is longer than that of 81.5% of tablets and equal to that of 3.5% of tablets.
video playback
Wireless charging
no
This tablet does not support wireless charging. 1.5% of tablets offer this.
Fast charging
no
This tablet does not support fast charging. 56.9% of tablets offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
LTE support
yes
This tablet has built-in LTE. 57.1% of tablets offer this.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This tablet connects to Wi-Fi. 0.2% of tablets offer this.
GPS
yes
This tablet has built-in GPS. 17.1% of tablets offer this.
5G connectivity
no
This tablet does not support 5G. 8.1% of tablets offer this.
NFC
no
This tablet does not include NFC. 10.8% of tablets offer this.
Show more
Operating system
Android
This tablet uses the Android operating system, which is more advanced than the one used by 23.2%.
Update support duration
medium
This tablet offers medium update support, which is longer than the support period of 47.6% of tablets and equal to that of 32.4% of tablets.
Direct OS updates
no
This tablet does not support direct OS updates. 79.8% of tablets offer this.
On-device AI
no
This tablet does not support on-device AI. 28.3% of tablets support this capability.
App tracking protection
no
This tablet does not support app tracking protection. 28.4% of tablets offer this.
Show more
IP rating
not rated
This tablet's IP rating is not rated, which is less protected than 16.5% of tablets and the same as 83.6% of tablets.
Weight
364 g
This tablet weighs 364 g, which is lighter than 78.9% of tablets and equal to 0.3% of tablets.
Backlit keyboard
no
This tablet does not support a backlit keyboard. 9.7% of tablets support backlit keyboards.
Keyboard accessory
no
This tablet does not support a keyboard accessory. 84.3% of tablets support this option.
Pen latency
N/A
Show more
Number of microphones
1
This tablet has a microphone array of 1, which is more than 0.2% of tablets and equal to 54.8% of tablets.
aptX Adaptive
no
This tablet does not support aptX Adaptive. 6.9% of tablets offer this.
Dolby Atmos support
no
This tablet does not support Dolby Atmos. 31.3% of tablets support Dolby Atmos.
N. of speakers
1
This tablet includes 1 speakers, which is fewer than in 90.3% of tablets and equal to the number in 9.6% of tablets.
FM radio
no
This tablet does not include an FM radio. 19% of tablets offer this.
Show more

Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 2017 Cellular (2GB + 32GB) vs the average tablet

246810TotalPerformanceDisplayCameraBatteryConnectivitySoftwareDesignAudio
  • 4 hours longer battery life
    This tablet offers longer battery life than the average tablet (14 hours vs 10 hours). The average tablet offers 10 hours of battery life.
    video playback
    14 hours vs 10 hours
  • More advanced chipset
    This tablet has a more advanced chipset than the average tablet (Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 vs MediaTek MT8169A).
    Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 vs MediaTek MT8169A
  • Supports LTE
    This tablet supports LTE, while the average tablet does not. 42.9% of tablets support LTE.
  • More advanced graphics
    This tablet has more advanced graphics than the average tablet (Adreno 308 vs Mali-G51).
    Adreno 308 vs Mali-G51
  • Wider main camera aperture
    This tablet has a wider main camera aperture than the average tablet (f/1.9 vs f/2.2). The average tablet's main camera aperture is f/2.2.
    f/1.9 vs f/2.2
  • 80 nits higher typical brightness
    This tablet has a higher typical brightness than the average tablet (480 nits vs 400 nits). The average tablet reaches 400 nits typical brightness.
    480 nits vs 400 nits
  • Manual focus control
    This tablet supports manual focus, while the average tablet does not. 36.9% of tablets support manual focus.
  • Supports manual ISO
    This tablet supports manual ISO, while the average tablet does not. 45.9% of tablets support manual ISO.
  • More advanced chipset
    This tablet has a more advanced chipset than the average tablet (Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 vs MediaTek MT8169A).
    Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 vs MediaTek MT8169A
  • More advanced graphics
    This tablet has more advanced graphics than the average tablet (Adreno 308 vs Mali-G51).
    Adreno 308 vs Mali-G51
  • 80 nits higher typical brightness
    This tablet has a higher typical brightness than the average tablet (480 nits vs 400 nits). The average tablet reaches 400 nits typical brightness.
    480 nits vs 400 nits
  • 79 nits brighter screen
    This tablet is brighter than the average tablet (480 nits vs 401 nits). The average tablet reaches 401 nits.
    480 nits vs 401 nits
  • Wider main camera aperture
    This tablet has a wider main camera aperture than the average tablet (f/1.9 vs f/2.2). The average tablet's main camera aperture is f/2.2.
    f/1.9 vs f/2.2
  • Manual focus control
    This tablet supports manual focus, while the average tablet does not. 36.9% of tablets support manual focus.
  • Supports manual ISO
    This tablet supports manual ISO, while the average tablet does not. 45.9% of tablets support manual ISO.
  • Built-in camera flash
    This tablet has a camera flash, while the average tablet does not. 45.5% of tablets have one.
  • 4 hours longer battery life
    This tablet offers longer battery life than the average tablet (14 hours vs 10 hours). The average tablet offers 10 hours of battery life.
    video playback
    14 hours vs 10 hours
  • Supports LTE
    This tablet supports LTE, while the average tablet does not. 42.9% of tablets support LTE.
  • Supports cellular data
    This tablet supports cellular data, while the average tablet does not. 47.4% of tablets offer this.
  • 25.7% lighter
    This tablet is lighter than the average tablet (364 g vs 490 g). The average tablet weighs 490 g.
    364 g vs 490 g
  • 51.2 mm narrower
    This tablet is narrower than the average tablet (124.1 mm vs 175.3 mm). The average tablet is 175.3 mm wide.
    124.1 mm vs 175.3 mm
  • No USB-C port
    This tablet does not have a USB Type-C port, while the average tablet does. 54% of tablets have one.
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    This tablet has fewer CPU threads than the average tablet (4 vs 8). The average tablet has 8 CPU threads.
    4 vs 8
  • No fast charging
    This tablet does not support fast charging, while the average tablet does. 56.8% of tablets support fast charging.
  • No direct OS updates
    This tablet does not support direct OS updates, while the average tablet does. 79.7% of tablets offer this.
  • 30% lower CPU speed
    This tablet has a lower CPU speed than the average tablet (1.4 GHz vs 2 GHz). The average tablet has CPU speed of 2 GHz.
    1.4 GHz vs 2 GHz
  • Older Wi-Fi standard
    This tablet has an older Wi-Fi standard than the average tablet (Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • 2 GB less RAM
    This tablet has less RAM than the average tablet (2 GB vs 4 GB). The average tablet has 4 GB of RAM.
    2 GB vs 4 GB
  • 58.3% slower charging
    This tablet charges slower than the average tablet (7.5 W vs 18 W). The average tablet charges at 18 W.
    7.5 W vs 18 W
  • 15.7% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.9/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10

    5.9

    Mark 7.5 is below the typical mark 7.8 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.7

    Average grade

    20%

    6.9

    Popularity

    Grades by review (5)
    2 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. 3 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    5.9 vs 7.0
  • 2.9% worse value for money
    Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 2017 Cellular (2GB + 32GB) has worse value for money than the average tablet (7.34 vs 7.6).
    7.34 vs 7.55
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    This tablet has fewer CPU threads than the average tablet (4 vs 8). The average tablet has 8 CPU threads.
    4 vs 8
  • 30% lower CPU speed
    This tablet has a lower CPU speed than the average tablet (1.4 GHz vs 2 GHz). The average tablet has CPU speed of 2 GHz.
    1.4 GHz vs 2 GHz
  • 2 GB less RAM
    This tablet has less RAM than the average tablet (2 GB vs 4 GB). The average tablet has 4 GB of RAM.
    2 GB vs 4 GB
  • 2x larger process node
    This tablet has a larger process node than the average tablet (28 nm vs 14 nm). The average tablet is built on 14 nm.
    28 nm vs 14 nm
  • No big.LITTLE architecture
    This tablet does not support big.LITTLE architecture, while the average tablet does. 51.7% of tablets support big.LITTLE architecture.
  • 64.4% less memory bandwidth
    This tablet has less memory bandwidth than the average tablet (5.3 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s). The average tablet has 14.9 GB/s of memory bandwidth.
    5.3 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s
  • 38.5% slower GPU clock
    This tablet runs its GPU slower than the average tablet (400 MHz vs 650 MHz). The average tablet runs its GPU at 650 MHz.
    400 MHz vs 650 MHz
  • 50% less internal storage
    This tablet has less internal storage than the average tablet (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average tablet has 64 GB of internal storage.
    32 GB vs 64 GB
  • 2.1 inches smaller screen
    This tablet has a smaller screen than the average tablet (8 inches vs 10.1 inches). The average tablet measures 10.1 inches.
    8 inches vs 10.1 inches
  • Less sharp display
    This tablet has a less sharp screen than the average tablet (1280×800 vs 1920×1200).
    1,280×800 vs 1,920×1,200
  • 14.5% softer screen detail
    This tablet has softer screen detail than the average tablet (189 ppi vs 221 ppi). The average tablet has a pixel density of 221 ppi.
    189 ppi vs 221 ppi
  • 50% slower touch response
    This tablet samples touch more slowly than the average tablet (60 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average tablet samples touch at 120 Hz.
    60 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • No timelapse video
    This tablet does not support timelapse video, while the average tablet does. 57.5% of tablets support timelapse video.
  • No fast charging
    This tablet does not support fast charging, while the average tablet does. 56.8% of tablets support fast charging.
  • 58.3% slower charging
    This tablet charges slower than the average tablet (7.5 W vs 18 W). The average tablet charges at 18 W.
    7.5 W vs 18 W
  • 24.2% smaller battery capacity
    This tablet has a smaller battery capacity than the average tablet (5,000 mAh vs 6,600 mAh). The average tablet offers 6,600 mAh of battery capacity.
    5,000 mAh vs 6,600 mAh
  • No USB-C port
    This tablet does not have a USB Type-C port, while the average tablet does. 54% of tablets have one.
  • Older Wi-Fi standard
    This tablet has an older Wi-Fi standard than the average tablet (Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • No face recognition
    This tablet does not have face recognition, the average tablet does. 56.4% of tablets support face recognition.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This tablet has an older Bluetooth version than the average tablet (4.2 vs 5).
    4.2 vs 5
  • No direct OS updates
    This tablet does not support direct OS updates, while the average tablet does. 79.7% of tablets offer this.
  • No camera and mic privacy
    This tablet does not support camera and mic privacy, while the average tablet does. 56.6% of tablets offer this.
  • No dark mode
    This tablet does not support dark mode, while the average tablet does. 57.7% of tablets offer this.
  • No keyboard accessory
    This tablet does not support a keyboard accessory, the average tablet does. 84.2% of tablets support a keyboard accessory.
  • 0.9 mm thicker
    This tablet is thicker than the average tablet (8.9 mm vs 8 mm). The average tablet is 8 mm thick.
    8.9 mm vs 8 mm
  • 1 fewer speakers
    This tablet has less speakers than the average tablet (1 vs 2). The average tablet has 2 speakers.
    1 vs 2

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

6.0
sammobile.com
≈ estimated
15/02/2018
Hands-on review · Budget tablet
Verdict
The Galaxy Tab A (2017) is a basic budget tablet that feels solid and handles browsing and video well, but its low-resolution screen and weak speaker hold it back.
7.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
22/01/2019
Lab test · Budget Android tablet
Verdict
The Galaxy Tab A 8.0 is a solid budget tablet for video and Google Play games, but it slows down once half a dozen apps are open.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 2017 Cellular (2GB + 32GB)

  • Long-lasting battery life that can last a full day with moderate use
  • Lightweight and compact design makes it highly portable and easy to hold for reading
  • Premium feel due to solid build quality and metal back
  • Expandable storage via microSD slot (up to 256GB or more)
  • Good screen brightness and viewing angles for outdoor use
  • Cellular/LTE capability allows for clear phone calls and on-the-go connectivity

What customers don't like about Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 2017 Cellular (2GB + 32GB)

  • Lower HD resolution (1280 x 800) results in pixelated text compared to modern devices
  • Underpowered performance (Snapdragon 425 and 2GB RAM) leads to lag with multitasking or gaming
  • Weak and hollow-sounding single speaker that is easily blocked
  • Lack of modern security updates and older operating system (Android 9.0 Pie max)
  • Mediocre camera performance, especially in low-light conditions
  • Non-backlit navigation buttons are difficult to see in dark environments

Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) Cellular is a compact, budget-friendly tablet featuring an 8.0-inch IPS LCD display with a 1280 x 800 resolution and a sleek metal-backed design. It is powered by a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 processor clocked at 1.4GHz, paired with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage that is expandable via microSD up to 256GB. Key characteristics include 4G LTE connectivity for on-the-go internet and phone calls, an 8MP rear camera with LED flash, a 5MP front-facing camera, and a 5,000mAh battery providing up to 14 hours of use. Main pros include its durable build quality, long-lasting battery life, and the inclusion of a USB Type-C port and 3.5mm headphone jack. However, notable cons include its relatively low HD-only screen resolution, underwhelming camera performance in low light, and a single bottom-firing speaker that can sound tinny at higher volumes.

Compare Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 2017 Cellular (2GB + 32GB) with other tablets

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Graphic comparison of Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 2017 Cellular (2GB + 32GB) and other tablets

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