Tag: galaxy tab s

Samsung Upgrades Galaxy Tab S with High-Speed LTE-Advanced

The original Samsung Galaxy Tab S series of tablets released in July. However, there have been talks about the LTE-A variant of the supersize tablet. The company has unveiled a version of the Galaxy Tab S 10.5 with 225 Mbps LTE-Advanced inside, giving the tablet the power to utilize a fast data connection. Well, the speed is well enough to download 421 songs in a single minute, if the official estimates are to be believed.

It is otherwise the same Android slate you’ve seen before, although we are not complaining given the slim profile and super-vivid display. That means, the Tab S 10.5 LTE-A runs on the Exynos 5 Octa chipset, has 3 GB of RAM and comes with 16/32 GB storage capacities.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S LTE-A features display of 10.5-inch with 1,600×2,560 pixels resolution. The tablet runs on Android 4.4 KitKat with TouchWiz UI on top of it. It is also equipped with 16 GB and 32 GB of built-in storage and microSD card for expansion up to 128 GB. The Tab S sports a good 8MP camera on the back and a 2.1MP front-shooter. The device is powered by a solid 4900 mAh battery unit. It also comes with a fingerprint sensor for unlocking the tablet.

Samsung has only announced the upgraded Tab S for South Korea, where it will cost 799,700 won ($743 approx). Since other countries are still waiting for the LTE-A bandwagon to break into their market, the new upgrade might not be available anytime soon.

November 4, 2014
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 : Benchmarks and Hardware

Following up the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5, we tested the smaller variant: The Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4. One thing that we appreciate a lot is that the Tab S 8.4 is a true little brother of the Tab S 10.5. Both slates have identical specifications, from processor to display resolution and even the internal RAM and storage. What differs is the size of the screen and the battery capacity which are both reduced.

Same as its bigger brother, the 8.4 Tab S variant has a phenomenal display. Running through the Quadrant Benchmark, the device scored 18,362 which little low from its big brother’s score that is 23,553. Anyhow, 8.4 Tab S scores much better that many of the devices in the same price bracket.

Next up is Antutu benchmark, the device scored 29,559 in this test, again lagging behind the 10.5 variant which scored 34,270. Along with that we also ran the device through NinaMark 2 Test scoring 59.1 fps which is quite similar to the 10.5 Tab S which scored a 59.8 fps. Same as the bigger variant, 8.4 variant is also 10 finger multi-touch.

Check out our full benchmark video of Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 above.

July 26, 2014
Samsung Answers The Galaxy Tab S Back Cover Deformation Issue

Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S are one heck of an offering from Samsung. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that they are one of the best tablets out there. The stunning 1600 x 2560 pixels display makes it stand out in the crowd. Both Tab S tablets are sleek, sexy and flauntworthy. But recently one major issue has been troubling some consumers. The beautiful back design is getting deformed due to overheating of the devices. Though it’s not an extensive deformity, it is still noticeable.

The back cover on some Tab S were deforming due to overheating.

It has been speculated that the deformity is caused because of the heat generated by the application processor while running a 1600 x 2560 pixels display. The heat causes the Tab’s sexy back to bulge out in an uncomplimentary manner.

In an official statement issued by Samsung, they have negated this perception saying:

[quote text_size=”small”]

Contrary to certain media reports, the slight disfiguration that has formed on the rear surface of the Galaxy Tab S has been attributed to a limited number of defective back covers, which has no relation to the overheating of the application processor or the material used for the back cover. We would like to assure our customers that we have already resolved the issue. We ask affected customers to please contact their nearest Samsung Electronics customer service center.

[/quote]

Samsung is providing replacement and repairs for the affected customers. Considering the hefty pricing of the tablets, this is the least they could do. Samsung haters can give Samsung a break in this case.

July 22, 2014

Hands On with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4

Samsung has constantly held its position in the tablet market, a market where many have come and failed. The company has seemingly changed its perception toward the way they will devices going forward, and the first look comes from the new Tab S series of devices.

One thing that we appreciate a lot is that the Tab S 8.4 is a true little brother of the Tab S 10.5 where both slates have identical specifications from processor to display resolution and even the internal RAM and storage. What differs is the size of the screen and the battery capacity which are both reduced from the 10.5 incher to get the desired size needed for the Tab S 8.4 .

The display is just phenomenal, it’s like taking the display of the Note 3 and blowing it up to fit the size and then adding 4 times the pixels. Its bright, extremely vivid and beautifully saturated. It is also a pretty large Super AMOLED display, considering a couple of years back Samsung was dealing with issues manufacturing a 4 inch Super AMOLED panel with Full HD capabilities.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.4 comes with a 8.4 inch 2560 x 1600 pixel display that is simply awe-inspiring. The company is also calling it the highlight of the tablet as the usual features from the previous generation tend to follow suit.

The back panel on the Tab S 8.4 is also a “Smarter and Larger” version of what we saw on the Galaxy S5, even though it looks much more classier and cleaner on the tablets and especially so on the Tab S 8.4 in the titanium copper colour.

SPECIFICATIONS	GALAXY TAB S 10.5-INCH	GALAXY TAB S 8.4-INCH
BATTERY CAPACITY:	7,900(mAh)	4900(mAh)
DISPLAY	10.5-inch Super AMOLED display Resolution:2560 x 1600 pixels	8.4-inch Super AMOLED display Resolution: 2560 x 1600 pixels
CAMERA	Rear camera: 8-megapixel Flash: LED Front camera: 2-megapixel	Rear camera: 8-megapixel Flash: LED Front camera: 2-megapixel
RAM	3GB	3GB
PROCESSOR	Octa-Core Exynos 5 (A15 1.9 GHz & A7 1.3 GHz)	Octa-Core Exynos 5 (A15 1.9 GHz & A7 1.3 GHz)
INTERNAL STORAGE	16GB/32GB expanded up to 128GB	16GB/32GB expanded up to 128GB
SOFTWARE	Android 4.4 Kitkat	Android 4.4 Kitkat

July 12, 2014

Hands On : Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 and 8.4

Samsung is ready to take on the iPad, yet again, with its new slew of tablets. The Galaxy Tab S is a reboot of what Samsung has been doing in terms of the overall feel of the tablets.

The new tablets are aimed at the Rs. 35-40 thousand price bracket, with pre orders already open on Samsung’s E Store.

The Tab S 10.5 and Tabs 8.4 both run on the Exynos 5 Octa chipset, have 3 GB of RAM and 16/32 GB storage capacities, infact both have almost the exact same specs except for the size of the screen. See the full details below.

Specifications	Galaxy Tab S 10.5-inch	Galaxy Tab S 8.4-inch
Battery capacity:	7,900(mAh)	4900(mAh)
DISPLAY	10.5-inch Super AMOLED display Resolution:2560 x 1600 pixels	8.4-inch Super AMOLED display Resolution: 2560 x 1600 pixels
CAMERA	Rear camera: 8-megapixel Flash: LED Front camera: 2-megapixel	Rear camera: 8-megapixel Flash: LED Front camera: 2-megapixel
RAM	3GB	3GB
Processor	Octa-Core Exynos 5 (A15 1.9 GHz & A7 1.3 GHz)	Octa-Core Exynos 5 (A15 1.9 GHz & A7 1.3 GHz)
Internal Storage	16GB/32GB expanded up to 128GB	16GB/32GB expanded up to 128GB
Software	Android 4.4 Kitkat	Android 4.4 Kitkat

In terms of look and feel these tablets are much nicer looking than expected, they feel premium and look the part. The Tab S is extremely slim at 6.6 mm and extremely lightweight at just 467 gms for the LTE variant 10.5 inch Galaxy Tab S.

Samsung has also cut down on the bloatware and offers some interesting productivity apps and services to the user out of the box – free of cost. The Tab S devices run Android KitKat 4.4.2 out of the box with a proposed Android L update shortly after the final release.

Initial impression of the screen will simply blow you away, the screen is very sharp and thanks to it being a Super AMOLED the colours look very alive and vivid.

Stay tuned for our full round up.

July 10, 2014

Samsung Launched iPad Rival, The Galaxy Tab S

Samsung has launched its two latest tablets, Galaxy Tab S 10.5 and 8.4. The two models are scheduled for a mid-July release in both 3G and 4G LTE variants. The new Samsung Galaxy Tab S tablets were first unveiled on June 13 at an event in New York. This new line of high-end tablet computers, obviously, rivals against Apple’s iPad.

As far as specs and user experience are concerned, Samsung has done a great job but the prices are higher than what Apple is offering. The Galaxy Tab S features Super AMOLED displays. AMOLED stands for active-matrix organic light-emitting diodes which are already found in smartphones made by Samsung and a few other manufacturers. But until now, tablets haven’t used them because larger AMOLED screens are difficult to produce.

Besides producing richer colours, AMOLED allows the Galaxy Tab S tablets to be thinner and use less power because screens typically don’t require backlighting. Samsung did release an AMOLED tablet in 2012 which didn’t sell well because it was too expensive. The new ones will be priced more competitively. The Galaxy Tab S tablets are a quarter of an inch (6.6 millimeters) thick, which is thinner than the iPads. The smaller version is also lighter than the iPad Mini, while the larger one is about the same as the iPad Air.

Galaxy Tab S 10.5 and 8.4 are powered by an Exynos 5 Octa processor (1.9GHz quad-core+ 1.3GHz quad-core), and 3GB RAM. The devices run Android 4.4 (KitKat) with Samsung’s customized UI. These feature 16GB internal storage and a microSD card slot that supports cards of up to 128GB. Both the variants sport 8MP rear cameras with LED flash and a 2.1MP front-facing cameras. In terms of connectivity, the tablets offer Wi-Fi (including 802.11ac), Bluetooth 4.0, IrLED, 3G and voice calling capabilities.

The new tablets will also allow users to make calls and the device can be unlocked using a fingerprint. The tablets can support up to eight user profiles, so members of a single family can get separate home screens simply by swiping their finger on the sensor.

Until now, iPad rivals have succeeded largely by undercutting Apple on price, and better hardware hasn’t been enough. AMOLED screens could change that, because Samsung certainly have an edge with it. The Galaxy Tab S range will be available in India at Rs 37,800 for 8.4 inch and Rs 44,800/- for 10.5 inch variant. It comes in two colour options, Titanium Bronze and Dazzling White.

July 1, 2014
Samsung takes aim at the iPad Air with New Slim Galaxy Tab S

Samsung has unveiled its new Galaxy Tab S, a new flagship tablet. The new device was introduced at an event Thursday evening in New York City and It will be available in two sizes: 8.4 and 10.5 inches.

Samsung called it a high-end tablet with an emphasis on entertainment and consumption. Google, Netflix and Flipboard are said to be the most important content on the tab. The Galaxy Tab S fashions a high-resolution SuperAMOLED display with 2,560 x 1,600 resolution, giving a tough competition to iPad ‘retina’ display. Samsung said its screen technology provides better color and deeper contrast, while consuming less power than the LCD displays in most tablets. It is the first time, Samsung has made available a tablet with SuperAMOLED display. At the back, the Galaxy Tab S 10.5 and 8.4 feature an 8MP camera with a 2.1MP at the front.

Galaxy Tab S is also equipped with an adaptive display, which will change the white balance of the tablet based on the ambient light. The screen also has a less reflectivity in bright sunlight. The device also has a fingerprint scanner same as Galaxy S5 which can be used by eight people to login to different profiles.

Samsung is emphasizing the magazine content in the Galaxy Tab S with its own magazine display called Papergarden. The company also announced partnerships with Condé Nast, Marvel Comics National Geographic, who will be working on bringing titles to Papergarden, complete with interactive features.

Both Tab S tablets size variants are just 6.6mm thin, or 0.26 inches; thinner than the iPad Air. The weight is 465g for the large size and 294g for the smaller design. Both sizes come in white and bronze, and Samsung is offering optional covers as well as a keyboard.

The Tab S can also be synced to Galaxy S5 through SideSync, Once paired, the tablet can mirror the tablet’s screen in a smaller virtual window, letting users take calls on the tablet via its speakers and microphone. SideSync can also be used to transfer files or even run apps.

Samsung’s new Galaxy Tab S is a strong contender against iPad, However, time will tell how it is received by consumers. In the U.S., the Samsung Galaxy Tab S will cost $499 for the 10.5-inch version, and $399 for the 8.4-inch.

Specifications

[tabs]

[tab title=”10.5 inch”]

Display

10.5” (267.2mm) 2560×1600(WQXGA) Super AMOLED

Bearer

Wi-Fi Model

– Wi-Fi Only

LTE Model

– LTE : 800/900/1800/2600+850/2100

– 3G : HSPA+42.2 850/900/1900/2100

– 2G : GSM/EDGE/GPRS 850/900/1800/1900

Memory

3GB RAM, 16/32GB Memory, MicroSD (up to 128GB)

Camera / Flash

8M w/ Flash LED + 2.1M Full HD

Connectivity

Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, MIMO

WiFi Direct, BT4.0

GPS

GPS, GLONASS, Beidou (Not supported in USA, Canada)

Dimension, Weight

Wi-Fi Model : 247.3 x 177.3 x 6.6mm , 465g

LTE Model : 247.3 x 177.3 x 6.6mm , 467g

Battery Capacity

7,900mAh

OS / Upgrade

Android 4.4 (Kitkat)

Messaging & SNS

Google+, Gmail

LBS

Google Maps

Other Services & Applications

Samsung Magazine, Professional pack, Multi-user mode,
SideSync 3.0, Gear & Gear fit manager

PC Applications

Samsung Kies

UI / Web Browser

Samsung UI / Android, Chrome Browser

Audio

MP3, AAC ,AAC+, eAAC+, WMA, Vorbis, FLAC

Video

H.263, H.264 (AVC), MPEG4, VC-1, WMV7, WMV8, VP8

Recording : FHD (1920 x 1080) @30fps

Playback : WQHD (2560 x 1440) @30fps

Connectors

USB 2.0, 3.5mm Ear jack

[/tab]

[tab title=”8.4 inch”]

Display

8.4” (212.8mm) 2560×1600(WQXGA) Super AMOLED

Bearer

Wi-Fi Model

– Wi-Fi Only

LTE Model

– LTE : 800/900/1800/2600+850/2100

– 3G : HSPA+42.2 850/900/1900/2100

– 2G : GSM/EDGE/GPRS 850/900/1800/1900

Memory

3GB RAM, 16/32GB Memory, MicroSD (up to 128GB)

Camera / Flash

8M w/ Flash LED + 2.1M Full HD

Connectivity

Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, MIMO

WiFi Direct, BT4.0

GPS

GPS, GLONASS, Beidou (Not supported in USA, Canada)

Dimension, Weight

Wi-Fi Model : 125.6 x 212.8 x 6.6mm , 294g

LTE Model : 125.6 x 212.8 x 6.6mm , 298g

Battery Capacity

4,900mAh

OS / Upgrade

Android 4.4 (Kitkat)

Messaging & SNS

Google+, Gmail

LBS

Google Maps

Other Services & Applications

Samsung Magazine, Professional pack, Multi-user mode,
SideSync 3.0, Gear & Gear fit manager

PC Applications

Samsung Kies

UI / Web Browser

Samsung UI / Android, Chrome Browser

Audio

MP3, AAC ,AAC+, eAAC+, WMA, Vorbis, FLAC

Video

H.263, H.264 (AVC), MPEG4, VC-1, WMV7, WMV8, VP8

Recording : FHD (1920 x 1080) @30fps

Playback : WQHD (2560 x 1440) @30fps

Connectors

USB 2.0, 3.5mm Ear jack

[/tab]

[/tabs]

June 13, 2014