Nokia T21 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
The Verdict
These tablets serve fundamentally different purposes and budgets. The Nokia T21 targets budget-conscious users needing basic browsing and media consumption with its 10.4-inch IPS LCD display, 8200 mAh battery supporting 10 hours of use, and modest Unisoc T612 processor paired with 4GB RAM. Storage maxes out at 128GB with microSD expansion. By contrast, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is a premium productivity powerhouse featuring a stunning 14.6-inch Super AMOLED display with 2960x1848 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, up to 16GB RAM, 512GB storage, and S Pen support. Its 11200 mAh battery delivers 14 hours of video playback. The price gap of $850 reflects massive performance disparities: the Tab S8 Ultra handles demanding apps, gaming, and creative work with authority while the T21 struggles beyond light tasks. For casual users on tight budgets, the Nokia delivers adequate value. Anyone needing real power, longevity, or stylus capabilities should invest in Samsung's flagship.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Nokia T21 if…
- →2K display at $249 is competitive for a branded tablet
- →8200 mAh battery handles a full day of mixed use
- →MicroSD expansion up to 512 GB
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra if…
- →Massive 14.6" Super AMOLED screen is unmatched for media and multitasking
- →S Pen included in the box with low 2.8 ms latency
- →Samsung DeX provides a desktop-like experience
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Nokia T21
Pros
- 2K display at $249 is competitive for a branded tablet
- 8200 mAh battery handles a full day of mixed use
- MicroSD expansion up to 512 GB
- Cellular connectivity option available
- Aluminum build feels premium at the budget price
Cons
- Unisoc T612 chip is slow — noticeable lag in apps
- Android 12 with limited update commitment
- 60Hz display feels dated
- 4 GB RAM limits app switching and multitasking
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
Pros
- Massive 14.6" Super AMOLED screen is unmatched for media and multitasking
- S Pen included in the box with low 2.8 ms latency
- Samsung DeX provides a desktop-like experience
- Up to 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage for power users
- 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and pen input
Cons
- Extremely large and heavy at 726 g — not pocketable
- Display notch is distracting on a tablet this premium
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 runs warm under sustained loads
- Android tablet app ecosystem still trails iPadOS
- $1,099+ is laptop territory pricing
Full Specifications
| Spec | Nokia T21 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 12 | Android 12 (One UI 4.1, upgradable to One UI 6+) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 465 g | 726 g (Wi-Fi) |
| Dimensions | 247.6 x 157.5 x 7.5 mm | 326.4 x 208.6 x 5.5 mm |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours browsing | Up to 14 hours video playback |
| Capacity | 8200 mAh | 11200 mAh |
| Cameras | ||
| Rear | 8 MP | — |
| Front camera | 8 MP | — |
| Display | ||
| Size | 10.4 inches | 14.6 inches |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2000 x 1200 | 2960 x 1848 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Storage | ||
| Storage options | 64 GB, 128 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB / 12 GB / 16 GB |
| Chipset | Unisoc T612 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (Octa-core, Adreno 730) |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Cellular | ||
| Stylus Support | ||
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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