Best Android Tablet yet : Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 WiFi and 3G Review 2014

 Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 Price

PROS
Excellent display
Powerful SoC with 3GB of RAM
Slim design that doesn't feel low quality
Fingerprint scanner
Long lasting battery

CONS
* UI could do with less bloatware
* Some apps are not fit for the high resolution

Our Verdict

The Galaxy Tab S 8.4 is an amalgamation of the Tab Pro 8.4 along with the Galaxy S5. The hardware, especially the display is of top notch and the tablet is a powerhouse when it comes to performance and productivity. The design might not appeal to some, although Samsung has put in efforts to make it as slim as possible and has even splashed some nice metal accents. Overall, this is the best tablet from Samsung in the 7-8 inch range and for the money, we think the Tab S 8.4 is a great buy. 

Samsung once had a stronghold on the smartphone market although recent stats show that the company is losing its touch as people have been complaining about the quality of products. Even the latest flagship, the Galaxy S5, was not received so well and consumers have been mocking the plastic design.

However, the newly announced Tab S caught our attention and quite frankly it is one the best tablets that Samsung has come out with. We take it for a spin and take a look at the brilliant 2K display on the Galaxy Tab S 8.4.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Display: 8.4 inches Super AMOLED panel with 2560x1600 resolution (359ppi)
• Battery: 4900mAh
• Storage: 16GB, expandable via microSD card
• Camera: 8MP rear with LED flash, 2.1MP front
• SoC: Exynos 5 Octa 5420
• CPU: Octa-core (1.9GHz quad + 1.3GHz quad)
• GPU: Mali-T628 MP6
• RAM: 3GB
• Operating system: Android 4.4.2 with TouchWiz UI
• Connectivity: 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

At a Glance

• Super AMOLED 8.4-inch display for bright and vivid graphics
• Use two apps at the same time with Multi Window
• Rear and front cameras for photos and video chat
• Lightweight, ultra-thin design for portability
• Add up to 128 GB memory with microSD slot
• Fingerprint scanner for security
• Share tablet with Multi-User and Kids Modes
• Up to ten hours of battery life, and even more with Ultra Power Saving mode

Experience Immersive Entertainment with Super AMOLED Display

Super AMOLED Display Delivers Vivid Graphics

Enjoy rich graphics and clear text while you watch movies, play games, or read books on the 8.4-inch screen. With twice the resolution of an HDTV, the Super AMOLED display provides vivid images and extra-crisp contrast.

Use Two Apps Side by Side with Multi Window Feature

Do more on your tablet with the Multi Window feature. It conveniently allows you to use two apps, side-by-side, and drag content from one window to the other. Listen to music and browse for lyrics, type emails while referencing other documents, or compare content on two websites at the same time.

Built-in Cameras for Photos and Video Chat

Equipped with an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 2.1-megapixel front camera, the Galaxy Tab S lets you take high-quality photos and video chat with friends and family members.

Thin, Lightweight Design and Expandable Memory

Lightweight Tablet is Easy to Carry

The Galaxy Tab S is Samsung's thinnest and lightest tablet yet. Measuring just 0.26 inches thin and weighing less than 1 pound, the Galaxy Tab S is easy to carry and hold as you watch movies and play games.

Sleek, Stylish Design
Proudly show off the sleek, polished design of the Galaxy Tab S. Choose between dazzling white or titanium bronze for entertainment with a stylish look.

Expandable Memory to Store Photos, Music, and Videos
The tablet offers 16 GB of onboard memory and includes a microSD card slot that allows you to add up to 128 GB of memory, making it easy to store more songs, videos, photos, and games.

Innovations for Everyday Convenience

Fingerprint Scanner for Security

Keep your tablet and your content secure with the swipe of a finger. The fingerprint scanner captures and stores your fingerprints, so you can easily unlock your tablet and prevent unwanted access. If more than one person uses the tablet, the fingerprint scanner will automatically unlock the specific multi-user profile.

Share Your Tablet with Multi-User and Kids Modes

Great for sharing your tablet with family members, Multi-User Mode lets you add up to eight profiles including your own. This allows up to eight different users to log in separately, so you each see only your own apps, backgrounds, and email. Children can use Kids Mode, a colorful and fun interface that parents can customize with kids' apps and time limits.

Ultra Power Saving Mode Maximizes Battery Life
Avoid draining your battery with the Ultra Power Saving Mode. It turns your screen to black and white and shuts off nonessential apps to prolong battery life when you need it most.

Extra Features for a Seamless Samsung Galaxy Experience

Share, Sync, and Edit with Ease

Make and receive calls, send and receive text messages, and view and control your Samsung Galaxy S 5 directly from your Galaxy Tab S with SideSync. If you're away from the office and need to get work done, you can access, edit, and save documents using Hancom Office. Smart Switch makes it easy to upgrade to a new device by effortlessly moving your contacts, photos, and media.

Listen to Ad-Free Radio with MilkMusic

Choose from over 200 radio stations to hear music you love with MilkMusic, an ad-free radio service exclusive to Galaxy owners and powered by Slacker. Use the interactive dial to surf stations and select genres to play through the tablet's built-in stereo speakers. Adjust preferences and create your own stations for a personalized listening experience, with no lag time between songs.

Magazines Come to Life

Flip through your favorite sports, fashion, and news magazines in Papergarden. You'll easily navigate through your favorite reads and see everything at a resolution that's optimized for your Galaxy Tab S screen, so photography looks stunning and text is easy to read.

Receive Personalized Recommendations with WatchON and Use Your Tablet as a Remote Control

The WatchON feature lets you type in your zip code and cable provider to browse and search current TV listings and get personalized recommendations based on your viewing history. The built in IR blaster allows you to use your tablet as a universal remote control.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 4.5 out of 5 based on 84 ratings. 6 user reviews.