Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra Review

Last Updated on October 26, 2022 by Ernests Embutnieks

Samsung has launched another masterpiece that belongs to its premium S series and named it Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra. Samsung has launched this power pack machine with two other variants.

Nowadays, it is becoming a practice that Samsung is launching two variants of more or less every device. But this time, they have gone a bit further by launching three variants of their tablet device. This lineup includes 11 inch Samsung Galaxy Tab S8, 12.4 inch Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+, and the ultimate processing giant, a 14.6 inch Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra.

As per our point of view, the reason for launching the trio is that Samsung wants to capture all the target market with this series. It offers a bigger size, better performance, and a sleek design. As far as the new Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 ultra is concerned, it is now the talk of the town as it has some extraordinary features to offer.  

The primary target of Samsung is to beat its closest competitor, Apple’s iPad. Samsung wanted to launch a tablet that could compete and overdo the iPad Pro.

Let’s explore the tablet in terms of design, features, value, performance, and cost and whether it has the potential to survive in this competitive market and can fulfill the ever-changing needs of its consumers. 

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra - Where To Buy It?
9.6/10 Our Score

The Samsung Tab S8 ultra comes with a 14.6-inch display, making it the clear winner for the largest display owner title; before that, this title belongs to the iPad Pro, a 12.9-inch display, but now Samsung has nailed it.

Display size is not the only card in Samsung Galaxy Tab S8’s sleeves. It has a lot more than that to offer its consumers, who expect bigger and better machines than Apple’s iPad Pro.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra power source is Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Octa-Core processor, which goes hand in hand with Adreno 730 graphics unit. It has offered hefty storage with a competitive memory combination to match the high-end processing.

Samsung Galaxy Tab s8 Ultra offers the following memory and storage variants to all its tech-hungry consumers. 

  • 128 GB storage & 8GB RAM
  • 256 Storage & 12 GB RAM
  • 256 GB Storage & 16GB RAM
  • 512 GB Storage & 12 GB RAM
  • 512 GB Storage & 16 GB RAM

With this processing power, the Samsung Galaxy tab S8 Ultra has a 14.6″ AMOLED display which was not available in the Samsung Tab S8 variant. The Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection is another plus point for this new giant beauty.

Samsung Tab S8 Ratings  

9.6
For Movies:10
For Notes-Taking:10
For Drawing:9
For Gaming:9
For Reading:9
For Photo-Editing:10
For Video-Calls:10
For Web-Surfing/Social-Media:10

Specifications

OSAndroid 12, One UI 4.1
Display14.6 Super AMOLED 2960 x 1848 (WQXGA+), 120Hz
RAM8/12/16 GB
CPUOcta-core (1×3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3×2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4×1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPUAdreno 730
Battery11200 mAh
Storage128GB, 256GB, 512GB
MicroSD ExpansionmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Camera13/6MP (rear), 12/12MP (front)
PriceFrom $1399.99
ColorsGraphite
Dimensions326.4 x 208.6 x 5.5 mm (12.85 x 8.21 x 0.22 in)
Weight728g (1.60 lb)

What’s Inside the Box

The following items are inside the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra box:

  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
  • S Pen
  • Data Cable
  • Ejection Pin

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Bigger & Bright Display
  • High-end Battery Life
  • Excellent Sound Quality
  • Great Performance
  • Stylus In The Box
     
Cons
  • Pricey
  • Difficult to Carry(Heavy)
  • No Charger In The Box
     
     

Features of Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra

credits: Samsung.com
  • Display: Samsung Galaxy S8 Ultra comes with a more prominent, bright & beautiful display that dynamically adjusts the refresh rate up to 120Hz. It offers an AMOLED display which is the specialty of SAMSUNG devices, but now Samsung has raised the bar with a 14.6″ Gigantic screen size, which is even larger than any iPad Pro available. 

This size makes it a perfect fit for use, such as working, sketching, video editing, watching movies, and playing video games.

  • Price: It is the costliest among the trio of Samsung Galaxy Tab S8, S8 Plus, and S8 Ultra, as its price starts at $1399.99, and the other variant in the family is priced at $699.99 and $899.99, respectively.
  • Speakers: Samsung installed 4 stereo speakers at the Galaxy Tab S8 ultra edges, which provide a louder effect with great bass and treble. They are enough to complement the screen and are a great fit while watching movies, listening to music,  or playing video games. 
  • Camera: Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 offers a real deal in terms of cameras. It comes with four cameras (two rear & two front) that provide sharp image quality and shoot videos at 4k resolution equally with the help of 12/12MP front and 13/6MP rare cameras. Auto-framing feature is just icing on the cake. Front cameras have a wide-angle and ultra-wide lens. But rear cameras are a bit of disappointment as Samsung could have offered a bit extra in this category with this price range. 
  • Battery-Life: As far as the battery is concerned, the Galaxy Tab S8 ultra is far better than its closest competitors, even with iPads. Its 11,200 mAh non-removable battery lasts up to hours on a single charge. And the real deal is its fast charging capability which can be done on 45W.
  • Storage: Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 offers multiple variants with respect to internal memory. One is 128 GB, 256 GB, and the last is 512GB plus a dedicated microSD slot that can further increase the internal memory. Although this giant power pack tablet has many features that its customers can have, remember there is no free lunch available; if you want to go for higher storage of 512GB, you must pay extra.  
  • Design: It is enormous, classy, and a masterpiece of engineering. Samsung has designed Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra to cater to the needs of movie buffs and gaming users. It has the perfect placement of speakers, volume keys, a power button, and a bump for the rear camera. All the things are placed perfectly. With dimensions of 326 x 208 x 5.5mm and a weight of 728g, this tablet is surprisingly thin.

It is available in graphite color only while a glass coating is on the back. We can see a magnetic streak available for accommodating the S Pen stylus. 

  • Portability: Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra comes in 14.6” size and 728g of weight which makes it a bit difficult to handle, but we can give it a margin in comparison to any 15.6″ Laptop; if we can carry those laptops, then we must not find it too much difficult to take this power pack machine even after the cover keyboard attached with this beauty.

What’s New Compared to Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra surpasses its predecessor and even other variants such as Samsung Galaxy Tab S7, Samsung Galaxy S8, and Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+. It proves to be a power-pack performer. Following are some of the feature we have noticed in the Samsung Galaxy S8 Ultra which makes it distinct:

  1. Humongous Display: Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra provides us with a 14.6″ display, which is the largest display size of any tablet till now. It also supports a resolution of 1848 x 2960, so it is far better than the Samsung s7+, which only offers 12.4″ display size with 1752 x 2800 resolution and 266 ppi.
  2. Better Processor: Samsung introduced the Galaxy tab S8 ultra with the latest 8 Gen 1 processor, which offers higher clock speed and faster memory with a powerful GPU, while on the other hand, Samsung Galaxy S7+ has a two-generation-old processor which is outclassed by the Samsung S8 ultra very easily in every aspect such as higher memory bandwidth, enhanced gaming performance, smaller transistor size, and better instruction set.
  3. Improved Camera: The latest gadgethas upgraded rear and front cameras. The new Samsung Tab S8 Ultra possesses two cameras on the front and two on the backside with upgraded sensors to Samsung Galaxy S7+. The 5MP rear cameras sensor of Galaxy Tab S7+ is upgraded with the 6MP, and the front camera is updated from 8MP to 12MP x 2 in Samsung Galaxy S8 Ultra with 4K video recording support.
  4. Enhanced Connectivity: The Samsung Tab S8 Ultra offers better connectivity options as compared to Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+, as it has Bluetooth 5.2 and WIFI 6E support, while on the other hand, Tab S7+ has Bluetooth 5.0 and WIFI 6 options.
  5. Better OS upgrades: As the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ is an old version, it has fewer OS upgrades left, while on the other hand, Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is the new hunk in town, so definitely it will be getting updates by three to four years.
  6. S Pen Algorithm: Although both the tablets come with S Pen support, the thing which makes the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra the ultimate writing and sketching companion is the addition of Samsung’s very own prediction algorithm, which helps Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra to generate drawings and makes the writing strokes more natural. 

Above are some of the features in which Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra supersedes Samsung Galaxy S7.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8

This section will compare the two variants of the same product line more deeply. We will compare Samsung Galaxy S8 with its elder sibling, the ultimate powerhouse Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra. Although Tab S8 Ultra will win the race by a considerable margin, Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 has features that do not allow it to be left behind. 

Both the Tablets are similar in many features as they both belong to the same bloodline such as both have a surprisingly thin body, they both possess quad speakers and 45W charging, but certain things make them different and give them a separate identity, such as the screen size and weight of the tablets which drives them apart. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 has an 11″ TFT display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, 1600 x 2500 resolution, and 9.99 x 6.51 x 0.25 dimensions; on the other hand, Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra gives us a 14.6” Super AMOLED screen size with 2960 x 1848 resolution. 

 Another significant divergence is the battery capacity which is a vast difference between them as the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 offers an 8000mAh battery while on the other hand, to support a gigantic screen and high-end processing power, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra offers 11200 mAh power source which can run hours in a single charge.

It is worth noting that internal memory is another thing on which Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra has the upper hand over Samsung Galaxy Tab S8. It has 512GB of internal memory. In comparison, Samsung Galaxy S8 supports 256GB of storage.

If you are short on budget and want to join the Samsung Galaxy Tab S clan, then Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is a great choice, and we do not recommend you spend extra bucks on buying the new Samsung Galaxy Tab S8ultra cost you $1399.99. While on the other hand, Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 provides decent features at a comparatively lower price, starting from $699.99.

But if you do not have an issue with the budget and you are the one who loves to be updated, then go ahead with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra as it offers you a bigger screen size, better performance, enhanced camera, and most importantly longer battery timing.

Comparison of Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra with Samsung Galaxy Tab S8:

DeviceSamsung Galaxy Tab S8Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
OSAndroid 12, One UI 4.1Android 12, One UI 4.1
CPUOcta-core (Cortex-X2, Cortex-A710, Cortex-A510)Octa-core ( Cortex-X2, Cortex-A710 &  Cortex-A510)
GPUAdreno 730Adreno 730
RAM8GB,12GB8GB, 12GB, 16 GB
Storage128GB, 256GB128GB, 256GB, 512GB
BatteryLi-Po 8000 mAhLi-Po 11,200 mAh
Display11” TFT, 120Hz14.6” AMOLED,120 Hz
Dimensions9.99 x 6.51 x 0.25 in12.85 x 8.21 x 0.22 in
Weight1.11 lb1.60 lb
CameraDual 13MP/6MP (Rear), 12MP (Front)Dual 13MP/6MP (Rear), 12MP/12MP (Front)
NetworkGSM/HSPA/LTE/5GGSM/HSPA/LTE/5G
PriceStarting from $699.99Starting from $1399.99

Who is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 for? 

As per Samsung’s claim, the new Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is the giant, boldest, most versatile tablet ever. It truly compliments its name Ultra by its massive screen size. The power pack machine offers some distinct features which are best for the following:

  • Pro Gamers
  • Videos/photos Editors
  • Graphics designers
  • Sketch artist
  • Movie Buffs
  • V loggers
  • Online collaborators
  • Professionals are required to share files quickly and safely (Samsung Dex support)

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is the best fit for gaming, video and picture editing, and a professional video calling experience. It offers the complete package of outstanding aesthetics, long-lasting battery, and performance, because of which it can be a choice of masses.

Alternatives/Competitors of Samsung Galaxy Tab S8

Although the new Samsung Galaxy Tab 8 Ultra is the talk of the town nowadays, it is better to look around for alternatives while deciding to have a tablet. Other companies compete with Samsung and offer kind of similar specifications. Let’s look at other competitors of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8Ultra.

Microsoft Surface Pro 8

Microsoft-Surface-Pro-8

If you are looking for an alternative to Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, you have to search around a little as it is challenging to find a real competitor. But do not worry; Microsoft Surface Pro 8 has it all to compete with the Samsung Galaxy S8 Ultra. It is truly a power pack machine that helps us carry out any activities such as gaming, video editing, collaborative meetings, and video watching.

It comes with a 13″ screen size near the 14.6″ Tab S8 Ultra display, the latest Windows 11, and a competitive camera. Following are some distinct offerings we can expect from this machine.

  • Two Thunderbolt 4 ports
  • Intelligently designed, easy to carry
  • Enterprise-grade protection Windows Hello face sign-in
  • Long battery time with quick charging
  • Slim Pen and Keyboard

iPad Pro

ipad pro 2021 5th gen

If we want to find an alternative to Samsung Tab S8 Ultra, we have to search it with the closest rival Apple. iPad Pro is a worthy alternative from Apple, which simultaneously offers us performance, power, aesthetics, and value-added features. It has its fan following, and a loyal Apple user won’t shift to any other brand, so as an alternative, users in love with Apple products can go for the iPad PRO. It has been launched with the following features:

  • IPS 12.9” Display 
  • Support Latest iPadOS
  • 2TB internal storage 
  • M1 Chip
  • 8 core CPU/GPU
  • 16 Core Neural Engine for Machine Learning
  • Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard
  • Price $799

Specifications

DeviceMicrosoft Surface Pro 8Galaxy Tab S8 UltraiPad Pro 
OSWindows 11Android 12, One UI 4.1iPad OS 15.4
CPUQuad-core 11th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-1185G7 ProcessorOcta-core ( Cortex-X2, Cortex-A710 &  Cortex-A510)Octa-core
GPUIntel® Iris X GraphicsAdreno 730Octa-core
RAM32 GB8GB, 12GB, 16 GB8GB/16GB
Storage512 ,1TB128GB, 256GB, 512GB128GB to 2TB
Battery51.5WhLi-Po 11,200 mAhLi-Po(40.88Wh)
Display13 inches (2880 x 1920 )14.6” AMOLED,120 Hz11inch & 12.9 inch (2048×2732)
Dimensions11.3 in x 8.2 in x 0.37 in 12.85 x 8.21 x 0.22 in11.05 x 8.46 x 0.25 in
Weight891 g1.60 lb1.5lbs

FAQs on Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra

Why does Samsung Tab S8 Ultra be better than its other variants?

The new Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 ultra belongs to the same clan of the S series, but it is superior in screen size, internal storage, and battery capacity making it a bit more premium tablet than the others.

Does Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra support the calling option?

Yes, Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra supports Nano Sim, and it has the support of all the mobile network technologies, notably 5G networks. Although it comes with a single sim option, it is enough to serve its purpose. 

What are the authentication options available in Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra?

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra provides authentication options such as pin/pattern, face recognition, and fingerprinting. The fingerprint scanner is available on the power button.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a premium, power pack, and sleek machine for all your needs, then Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is the option to consider. It is suitable for all kinds of conditions, from drawing a picture to editing a video and watching a movie to playing games.

Due to its huge screen 14.6-inches, it felt awkward to game on it and to use it for reading, it’s just too big for those things, that’s why we deducted a point, but of course, it’s capable of doing those things.

Overall we loved it and we think if the big brands will continue on this path market share between laptops and tablets will start to switch, it has almost all the functionality as a laptop

You might be interested in:

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Review
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 Review
Uses for an Old Tablet

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I love tech and all about it. I'm interested in finding ways how they can make my life more productive, and I share my knowledge with my blog readers. I'm an iPad Pro, iPhone, MacBook, and Apple Watch user, so I know a thing or two about these devices and try to write helpful content around these topics.