Table of Contents
amazon SAMSUNG TAB ACTIVE 2 reviews
Introduction
The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2, launched in October 2017, is a rugged tablet designed for use in demanding environments. This tablet is specifically targeted at professionals who need a durable and reliable device for fieldwork, such as in construction, logistics, and outdoor activities. With its robust build, advanced features, and S Pen support, the Tab Active 2 aims to provide a balance between functionality and durability. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the design, build quality, display, performance, software, accessories, camera, battery life, connectivity, storage options, security features, and overall value of the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2.
Design and Build Quality
The design of the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2 emphasizes durability and practicality. Unlike consumer tablets that prioritize sleekness and elegance, the Tab Active 2 is built to withstand harsh conditions. The tablet features a ruggedized exterior with reinforced corners and a grippy, textured back that helps prevent accidental drops and provides a secure hold even with gloves on.
The device measures 127.6 x 214.7 x 9.9 mm and weighs 419 grams, making it relatively compact and lightweight for a rugged tablet. It is designed to meet MIL-STD-810G standards, which means it can withstand drops from up to 1.2 meters, extreme temperatures, humidity, and vibrations. Additionally, the Tab Active 2 is IP68 certified for dust and water resistance, allowing it to be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes.
One of the key design features is the inclusion of physical buttons on the front, including the Home button, which houses the fingerprint sensor, and the recent apps and back buttons. These physical buttons are particularly useful for users who need to operate the tablet with gloves or in wet conditions where capacitive touchscreens might struggle.
Display
The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2 features an 8-inch TFT display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 189 pixels per inch (ppi). While this resolution is not as high as that of premium tablets, it is adequate for most tasks, including reading documents, browsing the web, and viewing multimedia content.
The display is designed to be used in a variety of lighting conditions, including bright sunlight. It features enhanced brightness and contrast levels, ensuring that the screen remains readable outdoors. The TFT panel provides decent color reproduction and viewing angles, although it does not match the vibrancy and sharpness of higher-end AMOLED displays.
A notable feature of the Tab Active 2’s display is its glove mode, which allows the touchscreen to be operated while wearing gloves. This is particularly beneficial for professionals working in environments where gloves are necessary for safety or hygiene reasons.
Performance
Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2 is powered by the Exynos 7870 chipset, which includes an octa-core Cortex-A53 processor clocked at 1.6 GHz and a Mali-T830 MP1 GPU. This combination delivers solid performance for a rugged tablet, enabling it to handle everyday tasks and applications with ease.
The tablet comes with 3 GB of RAM, which is sufficient for multitasking and running most apps smoothly. While it may not match the performance of high-end tablets with more powerful processors and greater RAM, the Tab Active 2 is designed to prioritize durability and practicality over cutting-edge specs.
In benchmark tests, the Tab Active 2 performs adequately, scoring around 43,000 in AnTuTu and 660 in Geekbench’s single-core test. These scores indicate that the device is capable of handling productivity tasks, light gaming, and media consumption without significant lag or slowdowns.
Software and User Interface
The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2 runs on Android 7.1.1 Nougat out of the box, with Samsung’s custom TouchWiz UI layered on top. While Nougat was not the latest version of Android at the time of the tablet’s release, it provides a stable and familiar environment for users.
Samsung’s TouchWiz UI includes several enhancements and features tailored for the Tab Active 2’s target audience. These include a simplified interface for easy navigation, Knox security for enterprise use, and various productivity tools such as Samsung Notes and the Email app. The UI is designed to be user-friendly and functional, with an emphasis on practicality over flashy design elements.
The tablet also supports Samsung’s DeX mode, which allows users to connect the device to an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse for a desktop-like experience. This is particularly useful for professionals who need to transition between fieldwork and office environments seamlessly.
S Pen and Accessories
One of the standout features of the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2 is its compatibility with the S Pen, which is included with the tablet. The S Pen provides a natural and precise input method for note-taking, drawing, and annotating documents. It features 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity, making it responsive and accurate.
The S Pen does not require charging, which is a significant advantage over some other styluses on the market. It can be stored in a dedicated slot on the side of the tablet, ensuring it is always within reach when needed. The S Pen works well with various apps, including Samsung Notes, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Acrobat, enhancing the tablet’s productivity capabilities.
In addition to the S Pen, Samsung offers a range of accessories designed to complement the Tab Active 2. These include rugged cases, keyboard covers, and docking stations. The rugged case, in particular, provides additional protection against drops and impacts, making it an essential accessory for fieldwork.
Camera and Photography
The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2 is equipped with an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera. While tablets are not typically used as primary photography devices, the camera capabilities of the Tab Active 2 are sufficient for capturing images and videos in the field.
The rear camera features autofocus and an LED flash, enabling it to capture decent photos in various lighting conditions. The image quality is adequate for documentation purposes, such as capturing site conditions, scanning barcodes, or recording incidents. The camera also supports 1080p video recording, which is useful for creating training videos or documenting fieldwork.
The front-facing camera is suitable for video calls and selfies, providing clear and sharp images. It supports 1080p video recording as well, ensuring high-quality video for conferencing and remote collaboration.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical factor for any mobile device, especially one designed for fieldwork. The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2 is equipped with a 4,450 mAh removable battery, which provides up to 11 hours of usage on a single charge. This ensures that the tablet can last through a full workday without needing to be recharged.
The inclusion of a removable battery is a significant advantage, allowing users to swap out the battery for a fully charged spare if needed. This is particularly useful in remote locations or situations where access to power sources is limited. The tablet also supports fast charging, enabling the battery to be replenished quickly when needed.
In real-world usage, the battery life of the Tab Active 2 is impressive, with the device easily lasting through extended periods of use, including web browsing, media consumption, and productivity tasks.
Connectivity
The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2 offers a range of connectivity options to ensure it can be used effectively in various environments. It includes Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, providing fast and reliable wireless connectivity. The tablet also supports Bluetooth 4.2 for connecting to accessories such as keyboards, headphones, and external speakers.
For users who need to stay connected while on the move, the Tab Active 2 is available in both Wi-Fi only and LTE variants. The LTE model supports a wide range of bands, ensuring compatibility with various carriers around the world. This is particularly beneficial for fieldworkers who need to access data and communicate in remote locations.
The tablet also features a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer, as well as a 3.5 mm headphone jack. The inclusion of a headphone jack is a practical feature, allowing users to connect wired headphones or external speakers without needing adapters.
Storage Options
The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2 comes with 16 GB of internal storage, which may seem limited by modern standards. However, the tablet includes a microSD card slot that supports cards up to 256 GB, providing ample storage expansion options. This is particularly useful for professionals who need to store large amounts of data, such as maps, documents, and multimedia files.
The ability to expand storage with a microSD card ensures that users can keep all their essential files and applications on the device without worrying about running out of space. This flexibility is crucial for fieldwork, where access to cloud storage may be limited or unreliable.
Security and Enterprise Features
Security is a significant consideration for enterprise users, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2 includes several features to address these needs. The tablet supports Samsung Knox, a comprehensive security platform that provides multi-layered protection for sensitive data. Knox includes features such as secure boot, hardware-based encryption, and application sandboxing, ensuring that the device remains secure against various threats.
The fingerprint sensor embedded in the Home button provides a convenient and secure way to unlock the device and authenticate applications. This is particularly useful for ensuring that only authorized users can access sensitive information stored on the tablet.
For businesses, the Tab Active 2 supports various enterprise mobility management (EMM) solutions, allowing IT administrators to manage and secure the devices remotely. This includes the ability to deploy applications, enforce security policies, and track device usage, ensuring that the tablets are used effectively and securely in the field.
User Experience and Ecosystem
The overall user experience of the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2 is shaped by its focus on practicality and durability. The tablet is designed to be easy to use in challenging environments, with features such as glove mode and physical buttons making it accessible in various conditions. The S Pen enhances productivity by providing a precise and versatile input method, and the rugged build ensures that the device can withstand harsh treatment.
Samsung’s ecosystem also adds significant value to the Tab Active 2. Integration with Samsung’s range of services, such as Samsung Notes, Samsung DeX, and the Knox security platform, ensures that the tablet can be seamlessly incorporated into professional workflows. This ecosystem provides a cohesive and efficient experience, allowing users to leverage the full potential of the device.
Comparisons with Other Rugged Tablets
To understand the strengths and weaknesses of the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2, it is helpful to compare it with other rugged tablets on the market.
Panasonic Toughpad FZ-M1
The Panasonic Toughpad FZ-M1 is another popular rugged tablet aimed at professionals working in demanding environments. It features a 7-inch display, Intel Core processors, and runs Windows 10 Pro. The Toughpad FZ-M1 offers a higher level of customization, with various configurations available to meet specific industry needs.
While the Toughpad FZ-M1 provides more powerful hardware and the flexibility of a full desktop operating system, it is significantly heavier and bulkier than the Tab Active 2. The Samsung tablet offers better portability and is easier to carry around in the field. Additionally, the inclusion of the S Pen and the Android ecosystem make the Tab Active 2 a more versatile tool for certain use cases, particularly those that benefit from stylus input and Android apps.
Dell Latitude 7220 Rugged Extreme Tablet
The Dell Latitude 7220 is another rugged tablet designed for harsh environments. It features a 12-inch display, Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, and runs Windows 10 Pro. The Latitude 7220 is built to withstand extreme conditions, with MIL-STD-810G and IP65 certifications.
Compared to the Tab Active 2, the Latitude 7220 offers a larger display and more powerful hardware, making it suitable for more demanding applications. However, it is also heavier and more expensive. The Tab Active 2 provides a more compact and cost-effective solution for professionals who do not require the full power of a Windows device but still need a rugged tablet for fieldwork.
Pricing and Value
At the time of its release, the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2 was priced at around $420 for the Wi-Fi model and $520 for the LTE model. This positions the tablet in the mid-range segment, making it more affordable than many other rugged tablets on the market.
The value proposition of the Tab Active 2 lies in its combination of ruggedness, portability, and productivity features. For professionals who need a durable device that can withstand harsh environments, the Tab Active 2 offers a compelling option. The inclusion of the S Pen, glove mode, and Samsung’s ecosystem enhances its versatility, making it a practical tool for various industries.
Real-World Use Cases
To illustrate the versatility and practicality of the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2, here are some real-world use cases where the tablet excels:
Construction and Fieldwork
In the construction industry, professionals need devices that can withstand rough handling and harsh conditions. The Tab Active 2’s rugged build and MIL-STD-810G certification make it ideal for use on construction sites. The glove mode and physical buttons ensure that the tablet can be operated with gloves, and the S Pen allows for precise note-taking and blueprint annotation.
Logistics and Warehousing
In logistics and warehousing, efficiency and reliability are crucial. The Tab Active 2’s barcode scanning capabilities, combined with its durable design, make it a valuable tool for inventory management and tracking. The LTE model ensures that workers can stay connected to the network, even in remote locations.
Outdoor Activities and Environmental Monitoring
For professionals working in environmental monitoring, forestry, or other outdoor activities, the Tab Active 2 provides a reliable and rugged solution. The IP68 certification ensures that the tablet can withstand exposure to dust and water, while the long battery life and removable battery make it suitable for extended fieldwork. The tablet’s GPS capabilities and support for various mapping applications enhance its utility for outdoor navigation and data collection.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2 is a well-rounded rugged tablet that strikes a balance between durability, performance, and functionality. Its robust design, MIL-STD-810G certification, and IP68 rating make it an ideal choice for professionals working in demanding environments. The inclusion of the S Pen and support for Samsung’s ecosystem further enhance its productivity capabilities.
While the tablet’s hardware may not match that of high-end consumer tablets, its performance is adequate for the tasks it is designed for. The glove mode, physical buttons, and removable battery are practical features that cater to the needs of fieldworkers.
In summary, the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2 offers significant value for professionals who require a durable and reliable device for fieldwork. Its combination of ruggedness, productivity features, and affordability make it a compelling option in the rugged tablet market. Whether you are in construction, logistics, environmental monitoring, or any other industry that demands a tough and versatile tablet, the Tab Active 2 is worth considering.
where can you get a SAMSUNG TAB ACTIVE 2 online
Samsung SM-T390NZKAXAR Galaxy Tab Active2 8″ 16 GB Wi-Fi Ruggedized Tablet, Black: Buy it now
Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2 8.0″ 16GB, 3GB RAM (WiFi + Cellular) SM-T395, IP68 Water Resistant, 4G LTE Tablet & Phone GSM Unlocked w/ S Pen – International Model: Buy it now
