Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 Vs A7 Is It Worth Upgrading Or Is A7 Still Good In 2024

When shopping for an affordable Android tablet, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab A series consistently lands on buyers’ radar. The Galaxy Tab A7 (2020) was a popular mid-range choice, praised for its value and performance. Its successor, the Galaxy Tab A8 (2021), brought incremental upgrades that promised better longevity and smoother operation. But as we move into 2024, a critical question arises: Is the A8 worth the upgrade over the still-available A7, or can the older model hold its ground in today’s app-heavy, multitasking world?

This isn’t just about specs on paper—it’s about real-world usability, software support, media consumption, and whether your investment will last another two to three years. Let’s break down the key differences, assess performance in modern use cases, and determine which tablet offers the best balance of price, features, and future-proofing.

Design and Build: Subtle Refinements

At first glance, the Galaxy Tab A8 and A7 look nearly identical. Both feature aluminum unibody designs with slim bezels, a centered front-facing camera, and a minimalist aesthetic. They’re lightweight—around 500–550 grams—and comfortable for extended handheld use, such as reading or watching videos.

The A8 introduces a slightly more refined finish and marginally improved build rigidity. However, neither device feels premium like Samsung’s S-series tablets; they’re built for durability at a budget price point. Both models include a 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD card support up to 1TB, making them versatile for users who rely on wired audio or need extra storage.

Tip: If you plan to use your tablet primarily for streaming or video calls, consider pairing either model with a protective case that includes a kickstand for hands-free viewing.

Display and Audio: Media Experience Compared

Both tablets sport a 10.5-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels (FHD). While not OLED, the display delivers sharp text and vibrant colors suitable for YouTube, Netflix, and casual gaming. Viewing angles are decent, though color shifts occur at extreme angles—a common trait in budget LCD panels.

The most notable difference lies in audio. The A7 features quad speakers tuned by Dolby Atmos, delivering a surprisingly immersive soundstage. The A8, despite being newer, only has stereo speakers also with Dolby Atmos support. In side-by-side testing, the A7 often wins in audio richness and volume clarity, especially when held in landscape mode.

“Sound quality can make or break a media tablet. For families using tablets for kids' entertainment, the A7’s quad speakers offer a tangible advantage.” — Lena Torres, Consumer Tech Analyst at MobileInsight Group

Performance and Hardware: Can the A7 Keep Up?

Under the hood, the differences become more pronounced. The Galaxy Tab A7 runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, an octa-core processor paired with 3GB or 4GB of RAM. The A8 upgrades to the Unisoc T618, also an octa-core chip but with a slight edge in CPU and GPU performance—particularly in multi-threaded tasks and light gaming.

In real-world usage, both tablets handle everyday apps like Chrome, Gmail, Zoom, and TikTok without major hiccups. However, the A8 shows better multitasking fluidity, faster app launches, and less stutter when switching between multiple open tabs or apps.

For 2024 standards, the A7 remains functional but shows signs of aging. Heavy web pages, complex spreadsheets, or newer mobile games may cause lag or thermal throttling. The A8, while not a powerhouse, manages these tasks more gracefully thanks to its more efficient architecture and slightly better thermal management.

RAM and Storage Options

Model	RAM Options	Internal Storage	Expandable Storage
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7	3GB / 4GB	32GB / 64GB	Up to 1TB via microSD
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8	4GB / 6GB	64GB / 128GB	Up to 1TB via microSD

The A8’s availability of a 6GB RAM variant makes it a better candidate for long-term use, especially if you frequently keep multiple apps running or use split-screen features.

Software and Longevity: What Matters Most in 2024

Software support is where the decision becomes clearer. The Galaxy Tab A7 launched with Android 10 and received updates up to Android 12. It is no longer eligible for major OS upgrades or monthly security patches from Samsung. This means potential vulnerabilities, compatibility issues with future apps, and no access to newer Android features.

In contrast, the Galaxy Tab A8 shipped with Android 11 and has already received upgrades to Android 12, 13, and is confirmed to receive Android 14. Samsung also committed to four years of security updates, meaning the A8 should remain supported through late 2025. This gives it a significant edge in terms of safety, stability, and app compatibility moving forward.

Tip: Always check Samsung’s official update roadmap before buying a budget tablet. Devices with ongoing software support will perform better and stay secure longer.

Real-World Example: A Family Tablet in 2024

Consider the Nguyen family, who bought a Galaxy Tab A7 in 2021 for their two children’s online learning and weekend entertainment. By early 2024, they noticed slower performance in Google Classroom, frequent crashes in educational apps, and inability to install newer versions of popular games. After switching to a Galaxy Tab A8, they reported smoother navigation, faster loading times, and fewer interruptions during video lessons. The updated software made a noticeable difference in daily reliability.

Camera and Connectivity: Practical Use Cases

Neither tablet is designed for photography, but both include basic cameras. The A7 has an 8MP rear and 5MP front camera. The A8 improves slightly with an 8MP rear and a higher-resolution 5MP front sensor optimized for video calls. In low light, both struggle, but the A8’s image processing is cleaner.

Connectivity is similar: Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C. Neither supports LTE across all models, though some regional variants do. GPS is included, useful for navigation apps or location-based learning tools.

Is the A7 Still Good in 2024? A Checklist

Here’s how to decide if the older A7 is still viable for your needs:

• ✅ Your usage is light: Browsing, email, YouTube, audiobooks
• ✅ Budget is tight: You find the A7 significantly cheaper than the A8
• ✅ You don’t need latest apps: Avoid resource-heavy games or productivity suites
• ❌ You want security updates: A7 no longer receives patches
• ❌ You plan to use it beyond 2025: App compatibility may degrade
• ❌ You rely on video calls: A8 has better front camera and mic tuning

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy Tab A7 run Android 13 or 14?

No. The A7 maxed out at Android 12 and will not receive any further OS updates from Samsung. Installing unofficial custom ROMs is possible but not recommended for average users due to security and stability risks.

Is the performance gap between A8 and A7 noticeable?

Yes, especially in multitasking and app loading speed. The A8’s Unisoc T618 handles background processes more efficiently. Users upgrading from the A7 often report a snappier interface and fewer freezes.

Should I buy the A7 if it's much cheaper?

Only if you need a short-term device or have very basic needs. If you plan to use the tablet daily for more than a year, the A8’s longer software support and better hardware justify the price difference.

Final Verdict: Upgrade to the A8 for Future-Proofing

The Galaxy Tab A7 was a strong budget tablet in its time, and in 2024, it still functions for minimal tasks. However, its lack of software updates, weaker multitasking performance, and discontinued support make it a risky long-term investment.

The Galaxy Tab A8, while only a moderate upgrade on paper, brings meaningful improvements: better sustained performance, longer update cycle, improved RAM options, and stronger future compatibility. For anyone planning to use a tablet for school, remote work, streaming, or family entertainment through 2025 and beyond, the A8 is clearly the smarter choice.

If you already own an A7 and it meets your current needs, there’s no urgent need to replace it immediately. But if you're buying new in 2024, paying a bit more for the A8 ensures you won’t face obsolescence within a year.

💬 Have experience with either tablet? Share your thoughts below. Help others decide whether to stick with the A7 or upgrade to the A8 based on real-world use!