With tablet storage sizes continuing to increase, you may be wondering whether you still need expandable memory on the latest Samsung Galaxy Tab S8. In this blog post, we will look at the storage capabilities of the Galaxy Tab S8, S8 Plus, and S8 Ultra models and discuss the benefits of adding removable microSD card storage.
When considering a new tablet purchase, storage capacity is an important factor. After all, sufficient storage allows you to download more apps, store more photos and videos, and carry around entire media libraries wherever you go. The Galaxy Tab S8 series offers generous base storage, starting at 128GB for the S8 and S8 Plus. The S8 Ultra pushes this even further with options for 256GB or 512GB built-in.
Does the Galaxy Tab S8 support memory cards?
The short answer is yes. All three Galaxy Tab S8 models include a microSD card slot, allowing you to augment the built-in storage with a removable memory card. Samsung supports microSD cards up to 1TB in size on the Tab S8 lineup. This means you can dramatically increase your total storage for a relatively small additional investment.
A 1TB microSD card can currently be purchased for around $130-$150. That’s far less expensive than configuring a 512GB Tab S8 Ultra at purchase, which adds $200 over the 256GB model. So, if you foresee needing copious amounts of storage for videos, photos, downloaded movies and more, a memory card can save you money.
Benefits of expandable storage on the Galaxy Tab S8
Beyond cost savings, what are the benefits of having expandable memory available on your tablet? There are a few key advantages:
- Transport media libraries: A microSD card lets you load up a huge collection of movies, music, photos, audiobooks and other media, then easily take it all with you. This is perfect for travel and entertainment on long trips.
- Archive photos and videos: Many tablet owners use their device’s camera to snap photos and capture videos. Offloading these to external storage can free up room on the built-in drive.
- Store games: Modern tablet games take up a massive amount of storage space. A memory card provides ample room for all your favourites.
- Share files: You can use a microSD card to transfer files from your Galaxy Tab S8 to other devices or vice versa. Removing the card to insert into a computer makes file transfers simple.
As you can see, while the S8 models offer generous internal storage configurations, the flexibility of external memory is invaluable. It enables virtually unlimited expansion tailored to your personal needs.
microSD card considerations and recommendations
If you do opt to augment your Galaxy Tab S8 with a microSD card, keep the following guidance in mind:
- Choose a reliable, name-brand memory card for optimal performance and reliability. Top options include SanDisk, Samsung, Lexar and Kingston.
- Aim for A2 or A1 speed ratings, which indicate better minimum write speeds for improved performance.
- While cards up to 1TB are supported, 512GB or 256GB capacities should meet most needs at a lower price point.
- Purchase your memory card from a reputable retailer to avoid counterfeit cards.
Some excellent microSD card options to consider for your Galaxy Tab S8 include:
- SanDisk Extreme 512GB: Offers read speeds up to 160MB/s and write speeds up to 90MB/s. Carries an A2 rating.
- Samsung EVO Select 512GB: Also hits A2 ratings with 100MB/s read and 90MB/s writes. Made by top brand Samsung.
- SanDisk Ultra 256GB: Features up to 100MB/s transfer speeds at a budget-friendly price point.
Conclusion
In closing, all variants of the new Galaxy Tab S8 series support external storage expansion through microSD cards. This provides a flexible and cost-effective means of adding copious amounts of storage space for media files, apps, photos, video and more.
Opting for a speedy A2 memory card from a top-tier brand enables excellent real-world performance. While the built-in storage capacities on the Galaxy Tab S8 models are generous, microSD support ensures you’ll never lack for space as your needs grow and change over time. This future-proofs your investment and delivers excellent long-term value.
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