Galaxy Tab S8 in spring 2023: is the series still worth the money?

For a long time, there was no worthy competition to the iPads. If you were an Android user who wanted a really good tablet, you often ended up in the Apple universe. With last year’s Tab S8 series, Samsung brought out an almost equal competitor: the Tab S8, Tab S8 Plus and Tab S8 Ultra. I put my iPad in the closet and eventually sold it. Here is where I stand in spring 2023.

Format and S Pen: my note-taking scenario

iPads have a rather square 4:3 format, which I really find awkward. The Galaxy Tab S8 has 16:10. In portrait, it lies in front of me like an A4 sheet, which makes taking notes more pleasant because it is reminiscent of a paper pad. Videos and movies in 16:9 format fit the shape of the device better.

The included S Pen is, for me, the best stylus for writing on a display. In contrast to hard plastic tips, the soft tip doesn’t make clacking noises, and it gives slightly when you write, like a real pencil lead. With a matte screen protector, it feels like I’m writing on paper. That’s why I capture all my meeting notes and ideas on the Tab S8.

Display, speakers and size

The display is 11 inches. On the regular Tab S8 it is an LCD, on the Tab S8 Plus and Ultra an OLED. Even so, it invites you to watch movies and videos. The very good stereo speakers help make it feel like you are sitting in front of a mini TV.

Because of its size, it still fits in my handbag. But, as with all current devices, I would wish for less weight. At 500 g, it makes itself felt in the bag.

Performance and productivity

With the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, performance is still top-tier in 2023. Apps open, close and switch with almost no delay. I find the pinnable taskbar incredibly useful. On the go, I attach the Keyboard Cover, pair a mouse and switch the Tab S8 into DeX mode. Then I have a desktop like on a laptop.

Battery and cameras

The 8,000 mAh battery easily lasts over 12 hours with email, browsing, videos and notes. That’s why you can call the Tab S8 a mini laptop.

The back has a 13-megapixel dual camera with autofocus, which, to be honest, I have never used. The front camera has 12 megapixels with a wide-angle lens. It sits in the middle of the long side of the screen, so on video calls you sit in the center of the frame and look straight into the camera.

What I miss: apps

I find it a shame that very popular apps like GoodNotes are not in the Play Store. As an Android user, you sometimes get the feeling that you are not the preferred customer group. As Android tablets develop further, though, app providers seem to be getting more motivated. I also make sure to use apps that run on both Android and iOS, so that my information is available on the MacBook, Tab S8 and Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Verdict: buy or wait for the Tab S9?

We don’t know when the Tab S9 will come out, maybe in the fall with the new Galaxy Z Flip and Fold 5. That is not confirmed. With tech, the next, supposedly better version is always waiting. But that doesn’t make current devices any worse. I am a fan of buying tech that is fun, suits you and makes essential things easier. If you are happy with it, it doesn’t matter whether a newer model comes out in three months.

For me, it’s clear: the Tab S8 is powerful in 2023 as well and a worthy Apple alternative. My wish for the Tab S9 series would be a Tab S9 Mini like the iPad Mini. I think it has the optimal size for always having it with you.