Comparison: Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 SM-P200/205 vs. SM-T290/295

With Samsung’s 2019 tablet lineup expanding frantically like its smartphones once did, the company has started to even recycle names for its newer devices. The Galaxy Tab A 8 2019 (SM-T290/295) was recently added to the brand’s portfolio and it is positioned right below the Galaxy Tab A 8.0 2019 (SM-P200/205) which comes with an S Pen built in to differentiate itself.

Akin to this naming scheme, picking one of the two can be a bit confusing and this comparison aims to clearly lay out their differences and similarities. Both the Samsung tablets will be referred to with their respective model numbers to avoid any further confusion.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 2019 SM-P200/205 vs. SM-T290/295: Differences

Among all the differences, probably the most noticeable one is the inclusion of the S Pen stylus with the Galaxy Tab A 8.0 2019 SM-P200/205. Pairing the stylus with a compact 8-inch display makes the tablet a great note-taking machine.

Aside from this, the tablet is positioned marginally higher, which is why it gets a higher-res FHD display against the HD screen of the SM-T290/295. The processor is another department where the SM-P200/205 takes a lead with its octa-core processor while the SM-T290/295 uses a quad-core chip.

On the other hand, the lower-end SM-T290/295 comes with a much larger battery of 5100mAh capacity that should last you longer on regular use. With the extra battery weight, it tends to weigh a little higher at 345g vs. 325g of the other model that houses a 4200mAh unit.

Being a budget device, it offers 2GB of RAM which is 1GB less than that of the SM-P200/205 and similar is the case with the front-facing camera as well. The SM-T290/295 has a basic 2MP camera while the more premium device that comes with S Pen has a slightly better 5MP unit on the front.

Read: Some Of The Best S Pen Features, Tips and Tricks

Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 2019 SM-P200/205 vs. SM-T290/295: Similarities

Both the tablet models cater to the budget section of the market and come with plastic builds to shave a few bucks off their costs. At a glance, you may not be able to find any difference between the two, at least from the front, given the fact that both feature an 8-inch panel.

Samsung ships both the SM-P200/205 and the SM-T290/295 with its newest and much cherished One UI that is based on Android 9 Pie. When it comes to internal storage, the two devices include 32GB of expandable memory and both lack a fingerprint scanner, depending solely on the 2D face scan using their front cameras.

Speaking of cameras, an 8MP camera placed on both their backs. In addition to this, the two Samsung slates have optional LTE models which help you stay connected even at places without Wi-Fi connectivity. If you expect stereo speakers from these tablets, then, unfortunately, both will leave you disappointed, although, they do offer a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Specifications: A Comparison

Read: These Are The Best Tablets With Stylus Support

Which one is a better offering?

Despite holding amusingly similar names, both the devices are intended to serve different purposes. At least one of them—the Galaxy Tab A 8.0 2019 with S Pen—did prove its worth in our review while we’re yet to get our hands on the newer SM-T290/295 while awaiting its wider rollout.

The latter is more of a portable entertainment device and it should live up to that if you keep your requirements in check. While the other one opens a lot of possibilities for its use in an office or a home setup, thanks to its excellent S Pen stylus. Samsung is yet to announce its plan to make the SM-T290/295 available is more markets and only then we can expect to have a clearer picture.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 with S Pen

Read now: Our Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 with S Pen Review

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 with S Pen is a great choice if you're looking for an affordable tablet with active stylus support. It offers a good performance, a bright screen, up-to-date Android 9.0 Pie, and an fantastic S Pen. Among its few downsides are its plastic body. And the battery life could be longer.

Positive

• Good performance
• Bright fullHD screen
• Excellent S Pen stylus
• Good cameras
• Android 9.0 Pie

Negative

• Plastic body
• Just one speaker
• Battery could last longer

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