As low-end devices gain ground in the slowing tablet market, Samsung 's latest Galaxy Tab doesn't let up on price or features in favor of affordability to the general delight of reviewers as the $399 Galaxy Tab S 8.4 carries on the power and performance of its predecessor.
In terms of hardware, the Galaxy Tab S falls in line with the Galaxy Tab Pro that came before it. While the displays on both tablets were 2560x1600, the Galaxy Tab S replaced the Pro's Super Clear LCD with active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED).
After some hands-on time with the latest Galaxy Tab, a reviewer indicated that the dots per inch (dpi) of the Galaxy Tab S may have been stepped down a bit. The seemingly decreased dpi and smaller icon sizes may be attributed to the S' use of the AMOLED screen, according to the reviewer.
While several reviewers expressed disappointment that the S' software didn't receive more than the minor updates it did, they praised the tablet's lightweight build and its power.
The Pro's Exynos 5 Octa 1.9GHz Quadcore processor moves from use in the 10-inch version of the Pro and has found a home in the 8.4 inch versions of the S. The Galaxy Tab S' temporary storage has also been stepped up to 3GB from the Pro's 2GB of RAM.
After benchmarking the Galaxy Tab S, another reviewer said the hard number matched the smooth and responsive feel the tablet delivered when using it. However, the S was said to have stumble a bit when it RAM was filled with updating apps.
"The Tab S is one responsive device," stated the reviewer. "After spending hours on the tablet, I found my iPhone slow in comparison. It reacts to the slightest touch and switching between apps is extremely smooth."
Battery life remains at approximately 10 hours of continuous use and the cameras, 8MP at the rear and 2MP for chat, remained unchanged in the move from the Pro to the S. While its display lost the S a few points, Samsung's latest 8.4 inch tablet was received relatively well by reviewers.
"So, with the Tab S range, I do honestly believe that Samsung has a product that's capable of challenging Apple in tablets," stated Forbes reviewer. "Of course, there are always going to be those who prefer iOS and iPads over Android-powered devices, and that's fine. What the Tab S does, is finally give us Android fans a device that has as much to offer as the iPad. There's very little I don't like about the Galaxy Tab S."
