Samsung's Windows 10 2-in-1 tablet, the Samsung Galaxy TabPro S, was already put on store shelves in the United States a few weeks ago.
Microsoft said that this high-end 12-inch device, aimed to take on iPad Pro and Surface Pro, is sold via Best Buy carrying a price of $899.99, which began on March 18. Beginning April 4, consumers can grab the phone via Microsoft stores and microsoftstore.com in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. At some point in the future, it will also be sold through Samsung's website.
In a blog post, Chris Cocks, Microsoft's vice president for OEM Technical Sales, touts the TabPro S as "optimized for entertainment and offers productivity."
Without further ado, let's check out what experts in the industry have to say about Samsung's TabPro S.
Design
In its review, The Verge says that this device rocks "sleek and portable design." In fact, it says that it is more portable as compared with the Surface Pro. This tablet likewise shares a lot of design traits with Samsung's Galaxy line of Android handsets.
What makes this device great is it is also "insanely thin," says TechRadar, measuring just 0.25 inches (0.63 cm) - which is thinner than both Surface Pro and iPad Pro.
Keyboard
What makes the tablet great, according to CNET, is that Samsung has included the keyboard into the package.
"Samsung earns a tip of my virtual hat for showing some respect for consumers," it says.
It says, however, that the keyboard has tightly packed keys "that do not feel as natural to use" and that it is "loud and clacky."
The Verge says that this slate comes with a compact keyboard that "works well."
While it seems that the keyboard seems not remarkable at a first glance, The Verge says that typing on it is not a problem.
"I was able to get comfortable on it quickly and enjoyed typing on it more than on the Surface's keyboard," it says, adding that while the trackpad is cramped and small, it still tracks well and is smooth.
Furthermore, what makes the trackpad noteworthy is it does support all of Windows 10's multi-finger gestures.
However, this does not have backlit keys, which is present on Surface Pro's (not on the iPad Pro's) keyboard.
Meanwhile, Engadget also believes that the included keyboard is also cramped. However, it also says that its touchpad cover "works well."
It also says that, on the plus side, the tablet and keyboard cover seem comfortable to use in users' lap.
TechRadar, in the meantime, says that the slate is "in dire need of a stronger keyboard base" which it describes as "flimsy."
Display
What's enticing with this device is it comes with a bright, sharp display.
It is fitted with a vibrant 12-inch Super AMOLED display with 2,160 x 1,440 pixel resolution and 3:2 aspect ratio.
CNET likewise describes its AMOLED screen as "stunning."
Trusted Reviews also thinks that the Super AMOLED display is "superb," saying that it is indeed among the tablet's best-selling points.
Not Enough Memory
It appears that its 4 GB of RAM isn't enough.
The Verge cites, for instance, that Chrome tabs recurrently need to refresh as the device lost in memory.
Battery Life
Its battery life is likewise not as exceptional as advertised.
As opposed to the advertised 10.5 hours battery life, The Verge claims that it has a "six hours of battery life" after using it.
CNET, in the meantime, claims that in its streaming battery test, the TabPro S ran for 9:23, which is four hours longer as opposed to the Surface Pro 4.
Single USB Type-C Port
The device has only one USB Type-C Port, which experts say is "limiting."
TabPro S Pen
The package does not include the specialized TabPro S pen, which is seen as among its downsides. It seems that it could be sold separately down the road.
Bottomline: it appears that the Samsung Galaxy TabPro S is a strong competitor of Surface Pro and iPad Pro. If you are in search of a convertible device boasting "stunning" display, then this is for you. Moreover, if you are particularly looking for a productivity machine, which runs a full desktop operating system, the TabPro is the one to go for.
Let us know in the comment section below if you have a plan to purchase this Windows tablet.
