Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 hands-on

The iPad Air has been tearing up the scene when it comes to full-sized tablet offerings, but Sammy has something special that’s going to directly compete against it. If you haven’t read our hands-on article with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4, you might want to graze it over because its bigger sized sibling, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.5, shares many of the same specs and features. An unusual size, of course, its 10.5-inch display is able to raise a few eyebrows not only for its number crunching resolution, but for the fact that it employs Super AMOLED technology.

Design
Okay, so this model shares the same design language of the Galaxy Tab S 8.4, but it’s meant to be used more in landscape – as opposed to the portrait style construction of its sibling. Visually speaking, the design doesn’t necessarily scream premium, since it’s mostly comprised out of plastic, which is almost similar to the Galaxy S5. However, what’s really impressive about the design is its razor thin body, and its lightweight feel in the hand. For something being talked up as a premium offering, the design is somewhat lackluster. Despite that, we do appreciate that a finger print sensor has been incorporated into this one.

Display
Having a long absence, Super AMOLED is back in full form with this one. Sizing up at an unusual 10.5-inches, the 2560 x 1600 Super AMOLED display is both detailed and iridescent. Looking at it, the extra 0.4-inches of real estate it has over most 10.1-inch screens doesn’t seem as profound – so basically, it looks almost similar in size. Details-wise, the resolution isn’t something new, seeing that it’s been done already by Sammy’s Galaxy Pro line of tablet.

However, what’s remarkable here is Sammy’s decision to bless this with a Super AMOLED display. And sure enough folks, it radiates with a lot of power and awe to catch our attention. Colors have that saturated tone, which isn’t a bad thing per se. Additionally, it seems to produce enough brightness to make it visible in direct light. And of yeah, we can’t forget about its crisp and clear appearance of the display at wide angles. All told, the display is what really shines most with this one.

Interface
For those who are familiar with Sammy’s latest Galaxy devices will be at home with the Galaxy Tab S 10.5’s customized Android experience. Using the latest version of the TouchWiz UI, running on top of Android 4.4.2 KitKat, its layout has been optimized, of course, to accommodate the confines and spaciousness of a larger screen. All of the normal TouchWiz features are found here, but Sammy has included a few new goodies with the experience.

Out of the bunch, there’s a cool sync mode, called SideSync 3.0, where it can pair with a Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone, which can then access all of the phone’s functions through the tablet interface (think a virtual Galaxy S5). Therefore, we can make phone calls, text messages, and even play games on the virtual Galaxy S5. We didn’t get a chance to try it for ourselves with our hands-on unit, but it seemed pretty responsive from the demo we saw.

Playing around more with the software, it’s clearly obvious who it’s trying to target. Unlike the Galaxy Pro series, the Galaxy Tab S line is more apt to attract mainstream users – whereas with the former, it’s meant to suit productivity conscious users. Visually, though, TouchWiz is in need of a revamped design.

Processor and memory
Like the 8.4-inch model, this one is powered by Samsung’s Exynos 5 Octa 5420 processor, coupled with 3GB of RAM. Having this configuration, we didn’t see any performance hitches with the tablet in our short time. Generally speaking, it manages to maintain a responsive performance – so you can expect that heavy gaming won’t be a problem.

Sure to please multimedia heavy users, the tablet is stuffed with an ample 32GB of internal storage – further supplemented by the availability of a microSD card slot.

Camera
In comparison to smartphones, the Galaxy Tab S 10.5’s 8-megapixel camera isn’t regarded as a serious thing, but nevertheless, it’s fast snapping and features the usual arsenal of shooting modes to appease most people. Sorry folks, video recording is maxed out at 1080p!

Expectations
Going on sale sometime in July for $500, where it’ll be available in bronze and white colors, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 is keeping its eyes set on taking the crown away from the iPad Air. Specs wise, it’s undoubtedly a strong contender, but when it comes to design, we’re still waiting for a truly premium offering from Sammy’s camp. The pricing isn’t too bad, considering that it’s smacked right there with its main rivals – more so when it’s more of a mainstream offering, whereas productivity users might prefer the Galaxy Pro line.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 hands-on

It’s funny how the landscape is being dominated in the tablet market by certain companies more so than others. We obviously have the iPads from Apple’s camp, and then there’s everyone else in the Android tablet space. In particular, the Android tablet scene is mostly occupied by the wealth of devices from Samsung’s stable. At one point, the original Galaxy Tab family was regarded as the company’s premier tablet line, but it has since become more of the entry-level offering – supplanted by Sammy’s Note series.

In another turn of events, Samsung is shaking things up by introducing yet another line of tablets – the Galaxy Tab S family. Directly expected to compete in the compact segment, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 is shaping up to be one beauty of a tablet that’s bringing back the Super AMOLED display. Needless to say, it’s quite a rare thing to find in the tablet space, so it’s wonderful that it’s coming back.

Design
There’s no denying it folks, the Galaxy Tab S 8.4 shares the same design language of the Sammy’s flagship smartphone – the Galaxy S5. One could argue that it’s essentially an 8.4-inch version of the popular tablet, but there are subtle differences. First and foremost, it’s not water-resistant, so don’t think that you can finally take a dip in the pool with it. Secondly, although its body uses almost the same plastic materials as the S5, it’s technically different – as well as the dimpled pattern in the rear. Instead of being circular in shape, it’s actually squarish.

Overall, the main thing that really astounds us about the design is how incredibly thin it is. As Samsung states, it’s just as thick as 5 credit cards! Naturally, its size lends itself in being very easy to handle with one hand, especially with its light weight feel. Better yet, its physical home button even features a finger print sensor – just like the Galaxy S5’s implementation. Being sold as a premium tablet, the one element it’s lacking is the premium choice of materials. In contrast to other tablets, this one might have the skinny body, but it’s not necessarily as attractive or constructed.

Display
Hello Super AMOLED, we’ve missed you! Sporting a gorgeous looking 8.4-inch 1600 x 2560 Super AMOLED display, it radiates and shines immensely to capture wandering eyes in a crowded, low lit room. Typical of the technology, the display produces vibrant and saturated colors that don’t disappoint. And of course, its wide viewing angles enables the display to retain its crispness and clarity in all lighting conditions – especially when hard lighting would usually wash it out.

With the high resolution of its display, we have little problems trying to make out details in the web browser. Now, those familiar with Sammy’s line of tablets will know that the resolution isn’t new, seeing that we’ve seen it previously in the Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4. Therefore, it matches its cousin with its pixel density count of 359 ppi. Ultimately, though, the standout feature here is simply the iridescent Super AMOLED display that shines brightly.

Interface
For those who are familiar with Sammy’s latest Galaxy devices will be at home with the Galaxy Tab S 8.4’s customized Android experience. Using the latest version of the TouchWiz UI, running on top of Android 4.4.2 KitKat, its layout has been optimized, of course, to accommodate the confines and spaciousness of a larger screen. In a way though, it’s meant to be used in portrait due to its design. All of the normal features are found here, but Sammy has included a few new goodies with the experience.

Out of the bunch, there’s a cool sync mode called SideSync 3.0, where it can pair with a Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone, which can then access all of the phone’s functions through the tablet interface (think a virtual Galaxy S5). Therefore, we can make phone calls, text messages, and even play games on the virtual Galaxy S5. We didn’t get a chance to try it for ourselves with our hands-on unit, but it seemed pretty responsive from the demo we saw.

Playing around more with the software, it’s clearly obvious who it’s trying to target. Unlike the Galaxy Pro series, the Galaxy Tab S is more apt to attract mainstream users – whereas with the former, it’s meant to suit productivity conscious users. Visually, though, TouchWiz is in need of a revamped design.

Processor and memory
Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 is powered by Samsung’s Exynos 5 Octa 5420 processor coupled with 3GB of RAM. Having this configuration, we didn’t see any performance hitches with the tablet in our short time. Generally speaking, it manages to maintain a responsive performance – so you can expect that heavy gaming won’t be a problem.

Sure to please multimedia heavy users, the tablet is stuffed with an ample 32GB of internal storage – further supplemented by the availability of a microSD card slot.

Camera
In comparison to smartphones, the Galaxy Tab S 8.4’s 8-megapixel camera isn’t regarded as a serious thing, but nevertheless, it’s fast snapping and features the usual arsenal of shooting modes to appease most people. Sorry folks, video recording is maxed out at 1080p!

Expectations
Things are definitely heating up in the tablet space. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 is going to be a strong competitor to the iPad mini 2, seeing that it matches up nicely with its size, price point, and overall package. Expected to become available sometime in July for $400 in two colors, it’s not necessarily a cheap thing. Design alone, it doesn’t scream premium, but rather, it’s the specs, streamlined chassis, and gorgeous Super AMOLED display that contributes to its overall appeal. Who know how it’ll fair in the long run, but it’s undoubtedly an attractive offering – especially for those who already own a Galaxy S5, since it interacts with it in a unique, intimate way.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4

Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 renders show up, all sides visible

Not long after we saw press images of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5, it’s now time for us to take a look at the Galaxy Tab S 8.4. As we assumed yesterday, the Tab S 8.4 resembles the Tab S 10.5 - although, of course, it’s smaller, having an 8.4-inch screen instead of a 10.5-inch one.

Just like the display of the Galaxy Tab S 10.5, the screen of the Tab S 8.4 should be an AMOLED one with 1,600 x 2,560 pixels (offering a pretty high 359 ppi density). The new tablet should further feature Android 4.4 KitKat, an octa-core Exynos 5420 chipset, 3GB of RAM, and microSD card support. We’re not sure what those two circles spotted on the back represent, but we’ll probably find out soon. The Tab S 8.4 will have two versions: one with LTE (SM-T705), and a Wi-Fi-only one (SM-T700).

The Tab S 10.5 and Tab S 8.4 will be Samsung’s fifth and sixth high-end tablets of 2014, after the Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4, Galaxy Tab Pro 10.1, Galaxy Tab Pro 12.2, and Galaxy Note Pro. Both new slates should be announced later this month, on June 12, during an event dubbed “Galaxy Premiere 2014.”

Source: @evleaks

Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 and 10.1 coming to Verizon

T-Mobile won’t be the only U.S. carrier to offer the newly launched Galaxy Tab 4 tablets, with Verizon Wireless working to add few devices from the entry-level series, as well.

According to EVleaks’ recent posts on Twitter, the Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 and Galaxy Tab 4 10.1 are heading to the Big Red network. Alas, we’re still clueless when these two will launch exactly. Also, we’re not sure whether the smallest device in the series, Galaxy Tab 4 7.0, will also be joining the party.



For those who missed it, both the Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 and 10.1 come with a 1.2Ghz quad-core processor, 1,280×800 screen resolution, 1.5GB of RAM, 3-megapixel rear and 1.3-megapixel front cameras, 4G LTE connectivity support and 16GB of expandable storage, while Android 4.4 KitKat is running the show. The smaller unit has a 4,450 mAh battery, while the 10.1-inch model sports a 6,800 mAh cell…

Source:intomobile

Leak suggests Samsung’s next Galaxy Tabs will be two of the most impressive tablets ever

Samsung has released some pretty impressive Android tablets in the past, but a new rumor suggests that the company’s next flagship slates could be some of the most impressive tablets the world has ever seen. The rumor comes from SamMobile, which has a good track record when covering unannounced Samsung devices, and it suggests that the South Korean consumer electronics giant’s next big tablets could be beastly devices with cutting-edge specs and the best displays ever seen on large tablets.

According to the leak, Samsung’s next flagship tablet line will debut under a new “Galaxy Tab S” brand.

The devices will reportedly be powered by eight-core Samsung Exynos processors and will feature better-than-full HD displays with 2,560 x 1,600-pixel WQXGA resolution. More interestingly, they will supposedly be AMOLED displays — the same screen technology used on Samsung’s class-leading flagship smartphone displays.

The blog’s report notes that these new tablets will come with 8.4- and 10.5-inch displays, and they will also feature integrated fingerprint scanners. Of course, Apple’s next-generation iPad Air and iPad mini are both expected to include fingerprint scanners as well.

SamMobile claims to have obtained several screenshots from the upcoming Galaxy Tab S lineup, two of which are published below.