Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Vs S8 Plus Is The Plus Really Worth The Extra Money

When choosing between the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 and the Tab S8 Plus, the decision often comes down to one key question: does the upgrade in size, battery, and screen quality justify the higher price? Both tablets run on the same flagship processor, support the S Pen, and deliver excellent software experiences with Samsung DeX and One UI. But subtle differences in design, performance longevity, and usability can significantly impact your daily experience—especially if you're using the device for work, creativity, or media consumption.

This isn’t just about specs on a sheet. It’s about how those specs translate into real-world use. Whether you're a student taking notes, a designer sketching on the go, or someone who enjoys streaming movies on a long flight, understanding the tangible benefits of each model helps determine where your money is best spent.

Design and Display: Size Matters More Than You Think

The most obvious difference between the Tab S8 and Tab S8 Plus lies in their physical dimensions and screen real estate. The Tab S8 features an 11-inch LTPS LCD display with a resolution of 2560x1600, while the Tab S8 Plus ups the ante with a 12.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel at 2800x1752. This isn't just a minor bump—it's a leap in visual fidelity.

The AMOLED display on the Plus model delivers deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and superior contrast. For anyone consuming media—watching HDR content, editing photos, or reading comics—the visual upgrade is immediately noticeable. Additionally, the larger screen provides more space for multitasking, making split-screen workflows feel less cramped.

Feature	Galaxy Tab S8	Galaxy Tab S8 Plus
Screen Size	11 inches	12.4 inches
Display Type	LTPS LCD	Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution	2560 x 1600	2800 x 1752
Brightness (Peak)	~500 nits	~800 nits
Aspect Ratio	16:10	16:10

While the Tab S8 remains highly portable and easier to hold with one hand, the Tab S8 Plus begins to blur the line between tablet and mini-laptop. If you frequently prop your tablet on a stand or desk, the added weight (570g vs. 503g) becomes negligible. But if mobility is a top priority—commuting, walking around campus, or traveling—the smaller model wins on ergonomics.

Tip: If you plan to use your tablet primarily docked or on a surface, prioritize screen quality and size. Choose the Plus. If you're always on the move, the S8 offers better balance.

Battery Life and Charging: Real-World Endurance

Battery capacity reflects the size difference: the Tab S8 packs a 8000mAh cell, while the Plus boasts a 10,090mAh battery. In practice, this translates to roughly 12 hours of mixed usage for the S8 and up to 15–16 hours for the Plus under similar conditions.

Samsung rates both devices for 45W fast charging, but only the Tab S8 Plus includes the charger in the box (in select regions). The S8 requires a separate purchase. Given that both tablets support rapid top-ups—going from 0 to 60% in about 30 minutes—the convenience factor leans toward the Plus, especially for users who hate waiting.

“Battery life is the silent enabler of productivity. A few extra hours can mean finishing a presentation on a flight without hunting for an outlet.” — David Lin, Mobile Productivity Consultant

For heavy users—those editing videos, attending back-to-back video calls, or using Adobe apps—the Tab S8 Plus acts as a more reliable all-day companion. Light users who mainly browse, read, or watch occasional videos will find the S8 more than sufficient.

Performance and Storage: Nearly Identical Under the Hood

Both tablets are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM (12GB in some configurations). They run Android with Samsung’s One UI, supporting advanced multitasking, DeX mode, and seamless integration with Galaxy phones and Windows PCs via Link to Windows.

In benchmark tests and everyday use, there is no meaningful performance gap. Apps launch quickly, 4K video editing in CapCut is smooth, and multitasking across three active windows works reliably on both models. The primary differentiator here is storage: the base Tab S8 offers 128GB, while the Plus starts at 128GB but is more commonly sold in 256GB variants—often at a minimal price increase.

If you store large files locally—like RAW photo libraries, high-res videos, or offline media collections—the Tab S8 Plus gives you more breathing room out of the box. While both support microSD expansion up to 1TB, relying on external storage can slow down file access and complicate organization.

Use Case Scenarios: Who Should Upgrade?

Consider Sarah, a freelance graphic designer who uses her tablet for client meetings, sketching concepts, and editing social media visuals. She travels weekly but spends most days working from her home studio. After six months with the Tab S8, she upgraded to the S8 Plus. Her reasoning? “The AMOLED screen made color grading accurate without needing constant calibration. And the battery lasted through full-day shoots without a pack.”

Compare that to James, a university student who takes digital notes, reads textbooks, and watches lectures. He chose the Tab S8 and paired it with a Book Cover Keyboard. For him, portability was essential—he moves between classes, the library, and coffee shops. The lighter weight and compact form made a bigger difference than pixel density.

This contrast highlights a core truth: the \"worth\" of the Plus depends entirely on how you use the device. Creatives, professionals, and media enthusiasts benefit more from the enhanced display and endurance. Casual users and students may not fully utilize the premium features.

Price-to-Value Analysis: Is the Premium Justified?

The Tab S8 typically retails around $799, while the S8 Plus starts at $999—a $200 difference. That gap could buy a mid-tier smartphone or a high-quality Bluetooth keyboard. So, what do you get for that extra investment?

• A 1.4-inch larger AMOLED display with HDR10+ support
• 25% larger battery with longer real-world usage
• Slightly better stereo speakers (tuned for wider soundstage)
• Often bundled with faster charging accessories
• More common availability in higher storage tiers

On paper, the value proposition improves if you’re already planning to pair the tablet with a keyboard and use it as a laptop replacement. The larger screen mimics a 13-inch notebook, making typing and navigation more comfortable. However, if your use case revolves around light tasks and mobility, the S8 delivers 90% of the experience at 80% of the price.

Tip: Check bundle deals. Samsung often includes the S Pen and keyboard covers during promotions, which can offset the price difference significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can both tablets use the S Pen equally well?

Yes. Both models support the included S Pen with 9ms latency, Bluetooth LE functionality, and magnetic attachment for charging and storage. There is no difference in note-taking, drawing, or remote control performance.

Is the Tab S8 Plus too big for one-handed use?

It depends on your hand size and usage context. Holding it vertically for browsing or reading is manageable, but extended single-hand use isn’t practical. Most users rely on two hands or a stand, especially when writing or watching videos.

Do both tablets support expandable storage?

Yes. Both have a microSD card slot supporting up to 1TB. However, apps and system data cannot be moved to external storage, so internal capacity still matters for performance and workflow efficiency.

Final Verdict: Making the Right Choice for Your Needs

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus is objectively the better device—superior screen, longer battery, richer audio, and greater utility as a laptop alternative. But being better doesn’t automatically make it worth the extra cost for everyone.

If you're a professional creator, frequent traveler needing all-day power, or someone who values cinematic media quality, the Plus is a smart investment. Its strengths align perfectly with intensive, prolonged use.

Conversely, if you want a capable secondary device for notes, web browsing, and casual entertainment—and you value pocket-friendly size—the Tab S8 remains an outstanding choice. It avoids bloat without sacrificing core functionality.

Rather than asking whether the Plus is “better,” ask yourself: will I actually use those upgrades every day? If the answer is yes, the premium pays for itself in comfort, clarity, and confidence. If not, save the $200 and invest in accessories that enhance your specific workflow.

💬 Have you made the switch from S8 to S8 Plus—or vice versa? Share your experience and help others decide which tablet fits their lifestyle best.