Galaxy Tab S8 Vs S8 Plus Is The Bigger Screen Actually Worth It

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 and Tab S8 Plus occupy adjacent spots in Samsung’s premium Android tablet lineup, differing primarily in screen size, battery capacity, and price. At first glance, the choice seems simple: do you need a larger canvas for multitasking and media, or would a more compact device suit your lifestyle better? The 11-inch Tab S8 and 12.4-inch Tab S8 Plus share nearly identical hardware—same processor, RAM options, stylus support, and software experience—yet that extra inch and change can dramatically shift how you use the device. Understanding whether the larger screen delivers meaningful value requires looking beyond specs into real-world usage patterns.

Design and Portability: Size Matters More Than You Think

The most immediate difference between the two tablets is physical presence. The Tab S8 weighs 503g and measures 165.3 x 253.8 x 5.7 mm, while the Tab S8 Plus comes in at 569g and 185.1 x 285.2 x 5.7 mm. That might not sound like much on paper, but in hand, the difference is palpable. The larger device demands two hands for comfortable scrolling and becomes cumbersome when held upright for extended reading or video calls.

Portability is a key consideration. If you frequently travel, commute, or work from cafes, the Tab S8 fits more easily into backpacks and briefcases. It slips into smaller bags without adding bulk. In contrast, the S8 Plus often necessitates a dedicated sleeve or larger tote. For users who prioritize mobility over screen real estate, the S8 strikes a better balance.

Tip: Test both models in-store if possible—holding them reveals more than any spec sheet about long-term comfort.

Display and Visual Experience: Bigger Isn’t Always Better, But Here It Shines

Both tablets feature LTPS TFT displays with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support, but the S8 Plus offers a significantly larger 12.4-inch panel compared to the S8’s 11-inch screen. The resolution jumps from 1600 x 2560 to 1752 x 2800 pixels, delivering more screen area for split-screen workflows, digital art, and immersive media.

For creative professionals using the S Pen, the extra space translates to improved precision and reduced wrist strain during long drawing sessions. Video editors appreciate the ability to keep timelines and preview windows open side-by-side without constant resizing. Similarly, students reviewing PDFs while taking notes benefit from having both documents visible simultaneously.

However, the larger screen consumes more power and may feel excessive for casual browsing or single-app use. If your primary activities are social media, email, and streaming, the S8’s display is more than sufficient—and arguably more focused.

“Screen size directly impacts productivity on tablets. An extra inch can reduce app switching by up to 30% in multitasking scenarios.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Human-Computer Interaction Researcher, MIT Media Lab

Performance and Battery Life: Nearly Identical Under the Hood

Underneath, both devices run on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. This means no discernible difference in app launch speed, gaming performance, or multitasking capability. Whether editing 4K video or running multiple Android and DeX apps, both tablets handle the load with equal fluency.

Battery capacity is where they diverge. The Tab S8 packs a 8000mAh battery, while the S8 Plus ups that to 10,090mAh—a 26% increase. Real-world testing shows the S8 lasts around 10–11 hours of mixed use, whereas the S8 Plus extends to 13–14 hours. For frequent travelers or remote workers without reliable charging access, this endurance gap matters.

Charging speed is identical—45W fast charging supported, though Samsung sells the charger separately. Neither model supports wireless charging, which remains a missed opportunity at this price point.

Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	Galaxy Tab S8	Galaxy Tab S8 Plus
Screen Size	11 inches	12.4 inches
Resolution	1600 x 2560	1752 x 2800
Battery Capacity	8,000 mAh	10,090 mah
Weight	503g	569g
Rear Cameras	13MP + 6MP	13MP + 6MP
Front Camera	12MP ultrawide	12MP ultrawide
Fast Charging	45W	45W
Price (Starting)	$729	$879

A Real-World Example: Freelancer’s Workflow Comparison

Consider Maria, a freelance graphic designer who uses her tablet daily for client communication, sketching concepts, and editing mockups. She tested both models over a two-week period. With the Tab S8, she found herself constantly minimizing apps to switch between Adobe Illustrator, Slack, and Google Drive. On the S8 Plus, she kept her design canvas open alongside reference images and messaging—reducing task-switching fatigue.

However, when traveling to client meetings, she preferred the lighter S8. “I could hold it one-handed while standing in a train,” she noted. “The Plus gave me more space, but I didn’t always need it. For studio work, it’s ideal. For on-the-go, the smaller one wins.” Her experience underscores a crucial insight: context determines value.

When the Bigger Screen Is Worth It

The S8 Plus justifies its higher price and added weight in specific scenarios:

• Creative Professionals: Artists, designers, and note-takers gain tangible benefits from the expanded workspace.
• Productivity Users: Those leveraging Samsung DeX or split-screen multitasking see measurable efficiency gains.
• Media Consumers: Watching movies or reading e-books feels more cinematic on the larger display.
• Long Work Sessions: The extended battery life reduces charging interruptions during deep work.

If your workflow involves frequent use of multiple apps, digital inking, or extended off-desk usage, the S8 Plus delivers a superior experience.

When to Stick With the Tab S8

The standard Tab S8 remains the smarter pick if:

• You prioritize portability and one-handed use.
• Your tasks are single-app focused (reading, browsing, light note-taking).
• Budget is a constraint—the $150 savings can go toward an S Pen or keyboard case.
• You already own large-screen devices and want a more balanced secondary screen.

Tip: Pair either tablet with a Book Cover Keyboard to unlock laptop-like functionality—especially useful on the S8 Plus for document-heavy tasks.

Checklist: Choosing Between S8 and S8 Plus

1. Assess your primary use case: creativity, productivity, media, or general browsing?
2. Determine how often you’ll carry the device outside the home.
3. Evaluate your current tech ecosystem—do you already have a large phone or monitor?
4. Test screen size preferences: try mirroring your workflow on both sizes via video demos.
5. Factor in total cost, including accessories like the S Pen (included) and keyboard (sold separately).
6. Decide whether battery longevity outweighs portability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can both tablets run desktop-grade apps effectively?

Yes. Both support Samsung DeX, enabling windowed apps, drag-and-drop, and mouse/keyboard input. The S8 Plus provides more screen real estate for complex layouts, making DeX more practical for spreadsheet editing or coding.

Is the S Pen experience different between models?

No. The S Pen is identical across both tablets, offering 2.8ms latency and pressure sensitivity. However, the larger canvas of the S8 Plus gives artists more room for natural strokes.

Do both models support microSD expansion?

Yes. Each has a dedicated microSD slot supporting up to 1TB, allowing storage expansion regardless of base configuration.

Final Verdict: Value Depends on Your Use Case

The Galaxy Tab S8 Plus isn’t objectively “better” than the S8—it’s differently optimized. Its larger screen and longer battery life serve users who treat the tablet as a primary work device. For them, the investment pays off in reduced friction and enhanced output. But for those who value convenience, lightweight design, and simplicity, the Tab S8 delivers nearly all the core benefits at a lower cost and size.

Samsung has done something rare: created two tablets so closely matched in performance that the decision hinges not on power, but on lifestyle. The bigger screen isn’t universally worth it—but for the right user, it transforms the tablet from a consumption tool into a true productivity powerhouse.

🚀 Ready to upgrade your mobile workspace? Revisit your daily routines, identify where screen space bottlenecks your flow, and choose the Tab that aligns with how you actually work—not just how you imagine you might.