Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 (11-inch, Wi-Fi) / Apple iPad Air (4th generation) Wi-Fi

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 (11-inch, Wi-Fi): Galaxy Tab S8 11-inch; Wi-Fi and 5G versions, 8/12 GB RAM + 128/256 GB storage (options vary by market). The Galaxy Tab S8+ (12.4-inch) and Tab S8 Ultra (14.6-inch) are separate models with different display types and batteries.

Apple iPad Air (4th generation) Wi-Fi: iPad Air (4th generation, 2020), Wi-Fi model; 64 GB or 256 GB. The Wi-Fi + Cellular model (A2324) adds LTE, eSIM and GPS and is 2 g heavier. The iPad Air 5 (M1) and iPad Air 3 are separate models.

SpecificationSamsung Galaxy Tab S8 (11-inch, Wi-Fi)Apple iPad Air (4th generation) Wi-Fi
Release year20222020
Display11-inch 2560 × 1600 (WQXGA), 276 ppi LTPS TFT; up to 120Hz

LTPS TFT is an LCD panel type; unlike the AMOLED displays on the Tab S8+ and Ultra it uses a backlight. The adaptive refresh rate drops when content is still and can be locked to 60 Hz in settings. Rounded corners and the camera hole make the visible area slightly smaller than 11 inches.

Samsung		10.9-inch Liquid Retina, LED-backlit IPS; 2360 × 1640 pixels, 264 ppi; wide colour (P3), True Tone; fully laminated, antireflective coating (1.8% reflectivity); 500 nits

Full lamination removes the gap between glass and panel, so the Apple Pencil tip looks closer to the line and reflections drop. True Tone adjusts white balance to ambient light. The refresh rate is 60 Hz; ProMotion is reserved for the iPad Pro.

Apple
Processor4 nm 64-bit octa-core processor

Samsung’s spec table does not name the chip; Tom’s Guide lists it as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in its test unit.

Samsung		—
Memory and storage8/12 GB + 128/256 GB; microSD up to 1 TB

Memory and storage options vary by market, model and colour; the microSD card is sold separately.

Samsung		—
Battery and charging8,000 mAh (typical); Super Fast Charging 2.0 (up to 45W)

Chargers are sold separately; the box includes the S Pen and a USB-C cable. 45W speed needs a compatible adapter.

Samsung		28.6 Wh lithium-polymer; up to 10 hours of web or video on Wi-Fi; 20 W USB-C power adapter and 1 m USB-C cable in the box Apple
Operating systemAndroid 12.0 at launch Samsung—
S Pen and accessoriesS Pen (BLE, in box); compatible with Book Cover Keyboard and Keyboard Slim

The S Pen charges wirelessly when attached to the magnetic strip on the back. Keyboard covers attach to the contact pins on the edge and are sold separately.

Samsung		—
CamerasRear: 13MP AF + 6MP Ultra-Wide + Flash; front: 12MP (Ultra-Wide); 4K @ 30fps recording

The front camera sits on the long edge, suited to landscape video calls.

Samsung		—
SoundQuad Stereo Speakers with Sound by AKG, Dolby Atmos; 3 microphones

There is no 3.5 mm headphone jack; wired headphones need USB-C or a USB-C to 3.5 mm adapter.

Samsung		—
ConnectivityWi-Fi 6E (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax), Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 5.2; USB Type-C (USB 3.2); 5G/LTE on cellular model only

Wi-Fi 6E’s 6 GHz band needs a compatible router and depends on regional availability. Tom’s Guide confirms DisplayPort video output over USB-C.

Samsung		—
SecurityFingerprint with Side Key; Samsung Knox including Knox Vault Samsung—
Size and weight165.3 × 253.8 × 6.3 mm; 503 g (Wi-Fi), 507 g (5G) Samsung247.6 × 178.5 × 6.1 mm; 458 g (Wi-Fi) Apple
ColoursGraphite, Silver, Pink Gold

Colour availability varies by market and carrier.

Samsung		—
Chip—A14 Bionic, 64-bit architecture, Neural Engine Apple
Storage—64 GB or 256 GB

Capacity is chosen at purchase; there is no memory card slot.

Apple
Rear camera and video—12 MP Wide, ƒ/1.8, five-element lens, autofocus with Focus Pixels, Smart HDR 3; 4K 24/30/60 fps, 1080p 120/240 fps slow motion Apple
Front camera—7 MP FaceTime HD, ƒ/2.2; 1080p 60 fps video; Retina Flash Apple
Authentication—Touch ID in the top button Apple
Pencil and keyboard—Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Apple Pencil (USB-C) support; magnetic connector and Smart Connector

The Apple Pencil (2nd generation) pairs and charges when attached to the magnetic connector on the side. The Smart Connector links keyboards that need no separate charging or Bluetooth.

Apple
Audio—Stereo speakers (landscape), dual microphones Apple
Wireless—Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), simultaneous dual band 2.4/5 GHz, HT80 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.0

The Wi-Fi model has no built-in GPS; location comes from Wi-Fi networks.

Apple
Port—USB-C

USB-C is used for charging, connecting to a computer and, with suitable accessories, for external displays or storage.

Apple
Sensors—Touch ID, three-axis gyro, accelerometer, barometer, ambient light sensor Apple