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amazon Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 reviews
Both Tab S devices have a plastic-styled, Samsung-styled case with a flat, satin-covered back cover similar to the Samsung Galaxy S5. Besides, the rim of the machine is a plastic imitation metal, and designed scratching with the same square lines make the feeling of luxury for the device compared to the previous generation. Although Samsung has always been criticized for using plastic in industrial design, the weight of the Galaxy Tab S is quite light compared to competitors of the same size. However, the 8.4-inch version has some differences in the layout of the navigation pad in the vertical body, while the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 is located on the horizontal edge.
Design
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 boasts a sleek and stylish design that reflects its premium positioning. Measuring 212.8 x 125.6 x 6.6 mm and weighing just 298 grams, the tablet is incredibly thin and lightweight, making it easy to carry around and use on the go. The slim profile and lightweight construction contribute to a comfortable and ergonomic handling experience.
The front of the device is dominated by the 8.4-inch display, surrounded by thin bezels that maximize the screen real estate while maintaining a compact form factor. The bezels are just wide enough to provide a comfortable grip without accidentally touching the screen. The home button, flanked by capacitive back and recent apps buttons, is located at the bottom of the display, following Samsung’s traditional design language.
The back of the Galaxy Tab S 8.4 features a perforated texture similar to that of the Galaxy S5 smartphone, providing a secure grip and a unique aesthetic. The device is available in two colors: Dazzling White and Titanium Bronze. The rear camera and LED flash are positioned at the top center, with the Samsung logo prominently displayed below.
The tablet’s sides are adorned with a metal frame that adds to its premium feel and durability. The power button and volume rocker are conveniently located on the right side, easily accessible with one hand. The microSD card slot and IR blaster are also situated on the right side, while the 3.5mm headphone jack and micro-USB port are located at the bottom.
Display
One of the standout features of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 is its Super AMOLED display. The 8.4-inch screen boasts a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, resulting in an impressive pixel density of 359 pixels per inch (PPI). This high resolution ensures that text is sharp, images are detailed, and colors are vibrant.
Super AMOLED technology is known for its deep blacks, high contrast ratios, and vibrant color reproduction. The Galaxy Tab S 8.4’s display lives up to this reputation, offering an exceptional visual experience. The deep blacks and bright colors make watching videos, viewing photos, and playing games a delight. The high resolution also enhances the clarity of text, making it easy to read e-books, browse the web, and work on documents.
The tablet features adaptive display technology, which adjusts the screen’s color temperature, brightness, and contrast based on the surrounding lighting conditions and the content being viewed. This ensures optimal visibility and color accuracy in various environments, whether you’re indoors, outdoors, or in dimly lit settings.
Viewing angles on the Galaxy Tab S 8.4 are excellent, thanks to the Super AMOLED technology. The display maintains its color accuracy and brightness even when viewed from extreme angles, making it ideal for sharing content with others or using the tablet in various orientations.
Performance
Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 is powered by an Exynos 5420 Octa-core processor. This chipset consists of a quad-core 1.9 GHz Cortex-A15 and a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7, working together to deliver a balance of performance and power efficiency. The processor is paired with 3GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and responsive performance across a variety of tasks.
The tablet comes with 16GB or 32GB of internal storage, depending on the model, with support for microSD cards up to 128GB. This provides ample storage for apps, games, media, and documents, with the option to expand further if needed.
In terms of graphics performance, the Galaxy Tab S 8.4 features a Mali-T628 MP6 GPU. This powerful graphics processor handles gaming and multimedia tasks with ease, delivering smooth and immersive visuals. High-end games run well on the device, with minimal frame drops and stuttering, making it a capable gaming tablet.
In everyday use, the Galaxy Tab S 8.4 performs admirably. Apps launch quickly, multitasking is seamless, and the user interface remains smooth and responsive. The device handles web browsing, social media, productivity tasks, and multimedia consumption with ease, providing a satisfying user experience.
Software and User Interface
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 runs on Android 4.4.2 KitKat out of the box, with Samsung’s TouchWiz UX layer on top. While Android KitKat is now outdated, the tablet received updates to later versions of Android, improving its features and security over time.
Samsung’s TouchWiz UX provides a customized user interface with additional features and enhancements not found in stock Android. The interface includes Samsung’s signature design elements, such as colorful icons, customizable home screens, and a variety of widgets.
One of the key features of TouchWiz on the Galaxy Tab S 8.4 is the Multi Window mode, which allows users to run two apps side by side in split-screen view. This feature enhances multitasking and productivity, enabling users to browse the web while watching a video, take notes while reading an e-book, or chat with friends while checking email.
The tablet also includes Samsung’s suite of proprietary apps, such as S Note, S Planner, and S Health, which add functionality and productivity options. These apps are designed to take advantage of the tablet’s large display and high resolution, providing a more immersive and productive experience.
Samsung’s Magazine UX, a feature that aggregates news, social media updates, and other content into a magazine-like layout, is also present on the Galaxy Tab S 8.4. This feature offers a visually appealing way to stay updated on the latest news and social media activity.
The Galaxy Tab S 8.4 supports Samsung’s SideSync 3.0, which allows users to connect their tablet to a Samsung smartphone or PC for seamless sharing of content and notifications. SideSync enables users to mirror their phone’s screen on the tablet, transfer files, and even answer calls and messages directly from the tablet.
Features
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 is packed with features designed to enhance the user experience and provide additional functionality:
Fingerprint Scanner: The home button on the Galaxy Tab S 8.4 includes a fingerprint scanner, providing a convenient and secure way to unlock the device and authenticate purchases. The fingerprint scanner is accurate and responsive, adding an extra layer of security.
IR Blaster: The tablet features an IR blaster, allowing it to function as a universal remote control for TVs, set-top boxes, and other IR-compatible devices. Samsung’s WatchON app enables users to control their home entertainment systems and access TV guides and recommendations.
Ultra Power Saving Mode: The Galaxy Tab S 8.4 includes an Ultra Power Saving Mode that extends battery life by limiting performance and disabling non-essential features. This mode is useful in situations where conserving battery life is critical.
Samsung Knox: Samsung Knox provides a secure environment for sensitive data and apps, protecting the device from malware and unauthorized access. Knox features include secure boot, hardware-based encryption, and a secure app container.
Multi-User Support: The tablet supports multiple user profiles, allowing each user to have their own personalized settings, apps, and data. This feature is ideal for families or shared environments, ensuring that each user’s information is kept separate.
Samsung Smart Switch: Samsung Smart Switch allows users to transfer content from their old device to the Galaxy Tab S 8.4 quickly and easily. This feature simplifies the setup process and ensures that important data is transferred seamlessly.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 is equipped with a 4900mAh non-removable battery, which provides respectable battery life for a device of its size and performance capabilities. Samsung claims that the tablet can deliver up to 11 hours of video playback on a single charge.
In real-world usage, the battery life varies depending on factors such as screen brightness, app usage, and connectivity. With moderate use, including web browsing, video streaming, social media, and productivity tasks, the Galaxy Tab S 8.4 can easily last a full day on a single charge.
The tablet includes several power-saving features, such as Power Saving Mode and Ultra Power Saving Mode, which help extend battery life by reducing performance and limiting background activity. These features are useful for maximizing battery life in situations where charging may not be immediately available.
Charging the Galaxy Tab S 8.4 is done via the micro-USB port, and while it supports standard charging speeds, it does not include fast charging capabilities found in newer devices. As a result, fully charging the tablet from empty can take a few hours.
Connectivity
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 offers a range of connectivity options to ensure that users stay connected and productive:
Wi-Fi: The tablet supports dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, providing fast and reliable wireless connectivity. Dual-band support allows for better performance and reduced interference, especially in crowded Wi-Fi environments.
Bluetooth: The Galaxy Tab S 8.4 includes Bluetooth 4.0, enabling wireless connections with a variety of devices, such as headphones, speakers, keyboards, and more. Bluetooth connectivity enhances the tablet’s versatility and usability.
GPS: The built-in GPS allows for accurate location tracking and navigation. This feature is useful for mapping applications, location-based services, and travel-related tasks.
GPS: The built-in GPS allows for accurate location tracking and navigation. This feature is useful for mapping applications, location-based services, and travel-related tasks.
Infrared (IR) Blaster: As previously mentioned, the IR blaster allows the Galaxy Tab S 8.4 to function as a universal remote control for home entertainment systems. This feature can be particularly handy in a household with multiple devices and brands.
Micro-USB Port: The micro-USB port is used for charging the tablet and for data transfer. While it does not support the faster data transfer rates and charging speeds of the newer USB-C standard, it is functional and compatible with a wide range of existing peripherals and accessories.
MicroSD Card Slot: The microSD card slot supports cards up to 128GB, allowing for expandable storage. This is a significant advantage for users who require additional space for media, apps, and files.
Camera
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 is equipped with an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 2.1-megapixel front-facing camera. While tablets are generally not used as primary photography devices, the cameras on the Galaxy Tab S 8.4 are capable and provide decent performance for their intended purposes.
Rear Camera: The 8-megapixel rear camera features autofocus and an LED flash. It can capture detailed and vibrant photos in good lighting conditions. The camera app includes several modes and settings, such as HDR, panorama, and beauty face, allowing users to customize their photography experience. However, in low-light conditions, the camera struggles with noise and reduced detail, which is typical for tablet cameras.
The rear camera can also record Full HD 1080p videos at 30 frames per second. Video quality is good, with smooth motion and accurate colors, making it suitable for casual video recording and sharing.
Front Camera: The 2.1-megapixel front-facing camera is designed for video calls and selfies. It performs adequately in well-lit environments, providing clear and usable images. While the resolution is lower compared to modern front cameras, it is sufficient for video conferencing and occasional selfie-taking.
Audio
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 features stereo speakers located on the bottom edge of the device. The speakers deliver clear and loud audio, making the tablet suitable for watching videos, playing games, and listening to music without the need for external speakers.
The tablet also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to connect wired headphones or external speakers for an enhanced audio experience. The inclusion of a headphone jack is a welcome feature, as it provides versatility and compatibility with a wide range of audio accessories.
Samsung’s SoundAlive audio enhancement technology is included, providing various sound profiles and equalizer settings to customize the audio experience. Users can adjust the sound to suit their preferences, whether they are listening to music, watching movies, or playing games.
Durability and Build Quality
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 is well-built, with a design that balances elegance and durability. The metal frame and textured back panel provide a solid and premium feel, while also offering a secure grip. The build quality is impressive, with minimal flex and creaking, indicating a well-constructed device.
While the tablet is not rugged or water-resistant, it can withstand typical daily use and handling. Users should take care to avoid drops, spills, and extreme conditions to maintain the tablet’s longevity.
Ecosystem and App Compatibility
The Galaxy Tab S 8.4 benefits from being part of the larger Samsung and Android ecosystems. Users have access to the Google Play Store, which offers a vast selection of apps, games, movies, books, and music. This extensive app ecosystem ensures that users can find and install the software they need for productivity, entertainment, and communication.
Samsung’s proprietary apps and services also enhance the tablet’s functionality. Apps like S Note, S Planner, and S Health are tailored to take advantage of the tablet’s features and display, providing added value and utility.
Despite its age, the Galaxy Tab S 8.4 remains compatible with most apps available on the Google Play Store. However, users may encounter limitations with newer, more demanding apps and games that require more powerful hardware. For everyday tasks and commonly used apps, the tablet continues to offer a smooth and reliable experience.
Accessories
A variety of accessories are available for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4, allowing users to enhance and customize their tablet experience:
Protective Cases: There are numerous third-party protective cases available, ranging from slim and lightweight covers to rugged and durable options. These cases provide protection against scratches, drops, and impacts while also offering additional functionality, such as built-in stands or keyboard integration.
Keyboard Covers: Keyboard covers are available for the Galaxy Tab S 8.4, transforming the tablet into a more productivity-oriented device. These covers often include a Bluetooth keyboard and a protective case, making it easier to type documents, emails, and messages.
Stylus Pens: While the Galaxy Tab S 8.4 does not come with an S Pen, it is compatible with various capacitive styluses available on the market. A stylus can be useful for note-taking, drawing, and navigating the tablet’s interface with precision.
Screen Protectors: Screen protectors are available in tempered glass and plastic film options, providing additional protection for the tablet’s display. These protectors help prevent scratches and reduce the risk of damage from drops and impacts.
External Storage: The microSD card slot allows for expandable storage, and users can also connect USB flash drives and external hard drives using an OTG (On-The-Go) adapter. This expands the tablet’s storage capabilities, making it easier to manage large files and media libraries.
Value and Conclusion
When the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 was released, it was positioned as a premium tablet with a price to match. Over time, as newer tablets have entered the market with more advanced features and improved hardware, the Galaxy Tab S 8.4’s value proposition has evolved. Today, the tablet can be found at significantly lower prices in the second-hand market, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
Despite being an older device, the Galaxy Tab S 8.4 still offers a solid user experience for everyday tasks such as web browsing, media consumption, productivity, and gaming. Its Super AMOLED display, slim design, and powerful performance make it a compelling choice for users seeking a high-quality tablet without breaking the bank.
However, potential buyers should consider the limitations of the Galaxy Tab S 8.4, such as its aging hardware, outdated software, and lack of fast charging capabilities. For users who prioritize the latest features, performance, and long-term support, exploring newer tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6, Apple iPad Air, or Google Pixel Slate might be a better option.
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 is a testament to Samsung’s ability to create premium tablets that deliver exceptional performance and user experience. While it may not compete with the latest tablets in terms of hardware and features, it remains a capable and reliable device for those looking for an affordable entry into the world of high-quality Android tablets. Its blend of premium design, stunning display, and solid performance ensures that it continues to be a worthwhile option for many users.
where can you get a Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 online
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4-Inch Tablet (16 GB, Dazzling White): Buy it now
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4-Inch Tablet (16 GB, Titanium Bronze): Buy it now
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4″ Tablet (Titanium Bronze SM-T700NTSEXAR 32GB SSD): Buy it now