Samsung Galaxy Tab S Review, Top Shelf Android


Introduction and Specifications

In June, Samsung announced a new flagship line of tablets known as the Galaxy Tab S. Available in 8.4- and 10.5-inch versions, the Galaxy Tab S is geared towards media consumption, with hardware specifications that are designed to deliver an outstanding media experience. Not only does the Galaxy Tab S have killer hardware, but Samsung also managed to pack these features into the company’s thinnest and lightest tablet design yet.

To deliver the best possible visual experience, the high-resolution Super AMOLED display found in the Galaxy Tab S supports a resolution of 2560x1600 and boasts of a 73% wider color gamut than conventional LCD displays. The display also offers deeper blacks and a 100,000:1 contrast ratio.

The Galaxy Tab S features Adaptive Display tech which can optimize the brightness, contrast, and color settings to best suit your environment. This functionality works in seven built-in apps: Gallery, Camera, Internet, Video, e-Book, VT Call, and UI.

Before we dive into the hands-on review, let’s look at the specifications of the Galaxy Tab S and give you a quick hands-on demo of this new Android KitKat-powered slate...

 

 

Wi-Fi-Only Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4
Specifications & Features
Processor
Exynos 5 Octa (1.9 GHz QuadCore + 1.3 GHz QuadCore) 
Display
8.4-inch WQXGA (2560x1600) Super AMOLED, 360ppi 
Memory
3GB RAM, 16GB Internal Memory, microSD (Up to 128GB)
OS
Android 4.4 (KitKat) 
Camera / Flash
- Rear: 8.0 Megapixel Auto Focus Camera with LED Flash 
- Front: 2.1 Megapixel 
Video
- Playback: 1080p Full HD video @ 60fps, 1440p WQHD video @ 30fps 
Audio
- 3.5mm Ear Jack, Stereo Speaker 
Content Services / Applications
Calculator, Calendar, Camera, Clock, Contacts, Dropbox, Email, Evernote, Flipboard, Gallery, Hancom Viewer, Help, Internet, Kids Mode, Music, My Files, New York Times, Papergarden, Remote PC, S-Voice, Samsung Apps, Settings, SideSync 3.0, Video, WatchON, WebEX 
Google Mobile Services
Chrome, Drive, Gmail, Google+, Google Settings, Hangouts, Maps, Photos, Play Books, Play Games, Play Movies, Play Music, Play Newsstand, Play Store, Search, Voice Search, YouTube 
Connectivity
Dual-Band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac MIMO
Bluetooth v4.0
USB 2.0 
GPS
GPS + GLONASS
Sensor
Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Light, Infrared
Size
212.8 x 125.6 x 6.6mm
294g
Battery
4,900mAh Li-ion
Price
$399.99 on Amazon, White and Titanium Bronze
Colors
Titanium Bronze or Dazzling White

Under the hood, the Galaxy Tab S boasts of all of the high-end features you’d expect from Samsung’s latest flagship including an Exynos 5 Octa core processor, Android KitKat 4.4, 3GB of RAM, 16GB or 32GB of storage, and a microSD slot that supports up to 128GB. You’ll also find a front-facing 2.1 megapixel camera that supports Full HD along with an 8 megapixel rear-facing camera with LED flash.

To further add to the functionality available through the Galaxy Tab S, Samsung includes a number of software features including Multi Window, SideSync 3.0, Samsung Knox, and others that we’ll explore more in the coming pages. For added security, the Galaxy Tab S features a fingerprint sensor that is built in to the Home button.

Today, we are going to take a look at the 8.4-inch Wi-Fi only version of the Galaxy Tab S. Later this year, Samsung plans to offer LTE versions of the Galaxy Tab S through major carriers in the U.S.
 


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