Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 SM-T290 Accessories: Here’s What I’m Using

Even though the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 SM-T290 is a very inexpensive tablet, I think it’s quite a good one considering it costs just 150 US Dollars. I’m continuing to use it until my next 8-inch tablet arrives to be reviewed. Well, and since I’m asked a lot, here are the accessories I’m using with this tablet. Among those are cases, stands, Bluetooth keyboards, and a microSD card. Let’s get started.

NIDOO 8-Inch Tablet Sleeve

The NIDOO 8-Inch Tablet Sleeve works with pretty much every 7 to 8 inch tablet. I like the design of it and I also like that there’s another pouch for small accessories. The inside is made of a very soft fabric that should protect the tablet well. According to the manufacturer, the sleeve is waterproof – however, I didn’t test that. The NIDOO 8-Inch Tablet Sleeve costs around 12 US Dollars.

Finite Case For Galaxy Tab A 8.0 2019

I also got the Fintie Case for the Galaxy Tab A 8.0 2019 to test – I’m still not sure which style I’ll end up using. Maybe both, but the Fintie one is certainly better if you want it to be protected while you use it. All sides of the tablet are covered, and it has cutouts for the speakers, cameras, and ports. You can use the case as a stand too and it has room for some cash or cards. The Fintie Case costs 12 US Dollars.

Jelly Comb Bluetooth Keyboard

Together with this Samsung tablet, I started to test the foldable Jelly Comb Bluetooth Keyboard. Because you can fold it, it’s much more compact than standard Bluetooth keyboards. At the same time, its keys are big enough to use comfortably. However, it took me about an hour to get used to the gap and design of the folding fold. While my first impressions are good, I still have to test it a bit more before I can recommend it to everyone. But if you’re looking for something small, check it out. The Jelly Comb Keyboard seems to be quite useful for 8-inch tablets. It costs 27 US Dollars.

Microsoft Universal Mobile Keyboard

The Microsoft Universal Mobile Keyboard, on the other hand, is a keyboard that I can fully recommend. I’ve been using it for over two years already and it continues to work very well. The battery life is long, it has an integrated stand into its cover and it just works. The keyboard is similar in size to most keyboards aimed at 10-inch tablets. But you can get used to it fast. I’ve written well over 100.000 words with it. Usually, you can get it at around 40 US Dollars. That varies a lot by market because it seems like Microsoft is not making it anymore.

U Green Tablet Stand

A cheap, simple and sturdy stand is the U Green Tablet Stand. It costs around 10 US Dollars and is made of plastic. But don’t worry, I’ve been using it since mid-2017 and it continues to work very well.

Simple USB 2.0 OTG Adapter

Sadly, the Galaxy Tab A 8.0 is charged using a micro USB port. That means you can’t connect USB A or USB C accessories without an adapter. I’m using a very simple USB 2.0 OTG adapter cable that I’ve had for ten years or so. I don’t know where I got it. However, these cables are very simple, and they all work the same. I’ve linked to a cheap and simple one on Amazon. With that, you can connect card readers, hard drives or even a mouse. Yes, pretty much every mouse is supported.

SanDisk Extreme 128GB MicroSD

If the 32GB internal storage is too small for you, you can extend the storage with a microSD card. I’m using a 128GB SanDisk Extreme microSD that offers lots of storage space but is not too expensive. I paid around 24 US Dollars and you can use it with pretty much every tablet.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8 2019

Read now: Our Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8 2019 Review

Considering its inexpensive price, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 2019 SM-T290 is a good tablet. While many aspects are not outstanding, it does offer a pretty decent 8-inch HD screen, a good-enough performance, and up-to-date software. I also like that its battery life is very long.

Positive

• Very inexpensive
• Android 9 & One UI
• Long battery life

Negative

• Performance good-enough only
• Micro-USB port

Buy on* Amazon

Articles about this tablet

• Comparison: Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.4 vs. SM-P200/205 vs. SM-T290/295
• These Samsung Tablets Will Be Updated To Android 10
• Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 SM-T290 Accessories: Here’s What I’m Using
• Comparison: Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 2019 vs. Amazon Fire HD 8
• Comparison: Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 T290 vs. Lenovo Tab M8