Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 Review

The Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 is running the latest version of Android, version 4.4.2 KitKat along with a slimmed down version of TouchWiz. The pull-down controls from the start menu are also more limited than on some devices. Users who don’t want a lot of add-ons will appreciate the relatively slim list of preloaded applications on the Galaxy Tab 4 8.0.

Although there aren’t a lot of preloaded apps on the Galaxy Tab 4 8.0, there are a few notable extras that are worth mentioning. For example, the Galaxy Tab 4 features Multi User Mode which makes it easy for you to set up customizable profiles for different users. You can find the User control setting under the General tab of the Settings menu. Here, you can create additional users. A regular User account lets that user access their own apps and content. A Restricted Profile provides limited access to apps and content. Before you can create a Restricted Profile, you must have screen lock enabled. When setting up a Restricted Profile, you can select which applications that user can access. This would be particularly useful if you have children or coworkers who frequently use your tablet.

Kids Mode is a downloadable Samsung app that takes the concept of Multi User Mode a step further by letting you allow and restrict access to applications and media content stored on your tablet. After downloading and installing this app, you’ll need to create a PIN and create a profile for your child by entering their name and birthdate and selecting allowed apps. In the Parental Control panel, you can set daily playtime limits, change allowed applications, select allowed media, block the Back key, and more. There’s also a Kids Store which provides access to popular games and apps for children. In order to enter the Parental Control panel or exit Kids Mode, you’ll need to enter a PIN.

Like other Samsung devices, the Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 comes with Galaxy Perks which include a $10 Google Play store credit, 3 audiobooks on Audible for new users, 3 months of SiriusXM Internet Radio for new users, 50GB of Dropbox space for two years, WatchOn, and six months of premium comedy programming from Stitcher for new users. Some restrictions apply, to see all of the details of these perks visit this page.

You’ll also find Samsung’s Multi Window functionality which lets you view two apps at the same time on the Galaxy Tab 4 8.0. Multi Window compatible apps include Alarm, Calendar, Hancom Office Viewer, Memo, Play Music, Play Store, Samsung Apps, TripAdvisor, Chrome, Play Books, Play Movies & TV, Contacts, Email, Gallery, Internet, Music My Files, Video, Gmail, Hangouts, Maps, and YouTube. You can customize the list of apps that appear in the main Multi Window panel using the Edit button at the bottom of the panel.

When you use the built-in IR blaster with Samsung’s WatchOn app, you can use the Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 as a remote control for your TV, view TV Guide listings, set reminders for shows, and more.

For business users, the Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 also includes enterprise-grade VPN, corporate email, on-device encryption and scalable mobile device management.