Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5" 16GB Wi-Fi $424
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4" 16GB Wi-Fi $362
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4" 16GB Wi-Fi +4G $449
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5" 16GB Wi-Fi +4G $551
Entering SUPER70 Code Takes Off $85 :)
Upgrade to lollipop 5.02, big improvements esp if you are using the stock launcher.
No official AU ROM yet, but I did an official Canadian one and its working fine
I was hesitant about doing this given it has 4G, and I've heard bad things about people messing up their radio. Does it still work for this version?
Don't know if anyone will read this, but about flashing on the LTE version: Australia uses model SM-T805Y. You can find firmware for the Y variant here; there aren't any 5.0.2 versions for us yet :(
Can you link me on how you upgraded to Canadian version lolipop? my tab S wifi-only lags alot although i dont game in it. I am interested in upgrading to lolipop if it brings some performance improvement. Cheers
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-s/general/samsung…
Read everything. Twice. Then again. Don't touch the stock Odin setting, will not wipe your device.
I'm using the wifi version, so LTE connectivity wasn't a concern for me. Took 20 mins in total. Might have to download the samsung usb drivers too, google for them.
@Pesty: i am using the wifi version too. I flashed the Canadian version. Not that much of changes though. Lets hope the battery will last a while. Thanks for the link.
I will offer my review too! I've had it since December last year. I've got the 16gig 10.5'' white WiFi version, because I realised that I didn't need a 4G version for the Internet
Pros:
Stellar screen. LOOVE it. Blacks are exactly that - pitch black. Watching a movie in the dark, is a stellar experience, bar none.
Expandable storage. I've got in a 32GB SD card.
Thinness + lightness. Very light. (Not as light as the Sony Z2 Tablet, but the Z2 Tablet's screen is only 1080p (not good on a big screen); this one is WQXGA, i.e. waaay higher resolution.)
Samsung's Multi-Window. Two apps running, side by side. I use YouTube, and Chrome.
Lollipop (I got the Canadian version as I got fed up waiting for Samsung Australia).
Exterior is very good. Of course, it's not solid like metal (e.g. iPad), because it's plastic. But it definitely feels solid, and does not creak or bend. No moving parts to be of concern.
Cons:
Honestly, nothing much compared to Alzori's review. I use a Nexus 4 (compared to his Nexus 5), and I have no issues. It's as 'fast' or as 'slow' as my Nexus 4.
That being said, browsing on some heavy websites (e.g. Android Authority… seriously, they need to optimise it) can be a stuttery experience. (It may be like this on an iPad as well; not sure).
Gaming: I don't game much… but i've played the Room 2, and other small games… which ran pretty nicely. I've also run Riptide GP2, which is an older, 3D intensive game - ran flawlessly. Haven't tried GTA San Andreas though…
Note: The texture of the white one is slippery compared to the bronze or grey one.
Recommended? Absolutely; there's no better alternative at this point in my humble opinion… and at this price, it's easily a steal.
Alternatives? Nexus 9, Z4 Tablet. (Neither offers Samsung's Multi Window…obviously… which is crucial to me on a tablet).
If you are only using multiwindows to browse and YouTube you can achieve that on any tablet with an app.. Which is better imo. I never used multiwindow on the Samsung because it's too laggy.
hmm…
I got the Samsung, mainly for the Multi Window, because I couldn't find a replacement that could be as good as it. Otherwise, I would have had a harder time choosing.
Now you say that Samsung's one is 'too laggy'… but I am using it right now (like any other night), and it's fine. Yes, there are stuttering when multi windowing (for Chrome scrolling only; video playback is smooth as normal), but compared to any other substitute that I've tried, Samsung's multi-window is by far, the most usable implementation in my experience.
If you can offer alternatives, please say so. (I'll also add that I like the native YouTube and Chrome apps!)
Cheers.
just wondering is there a stylus function?
No special stylus (like the one on a Microsoft Surface, or the Samsung Galaxy Note series). You can use one of those rubber-dome ones that emulate a finger (just like you can on any device) but it would be pretty awful.
Yeah I sold mine because of the lag. If it's anything like my note 4 lollipop improve the performance.
Yea saw heaps unopened ones on eBay T805Y @ $450-$500…
I got the Tab S 10.4 during the last Ctech. After 6 months I think I would prefer the 8.4 for one handed operation. My hand always seems to slide and hit the touch sensitive buttons accidentally.
Disappointing!
I was going to get the 10.5" 16GB Wi-Fi Only in Bronze but no delivery and no stock at any stores near me
Any comments on comparing Tab S 8.4 with Nexus 7 2013 (I know the Tab has a bigger screen). Mainly want to know which one people thing will hold onto longer. Is the Nexus 7 showing its age and the Tab S is better performing, or are they similarly performing and the S has a bigger screen.
I can read spec sheets, personal experiences please :-)
I bought the Tab S 8.4 4G recently after much internal debate as I much prefer the unhindered stock Android. But I have to say the flexibility of having an expandable SD slot and better camera made my decision easier. Plus I wanted to give Samsung a chance as I'd never purchased any of their products before.
Hardware wise I don't really have any deal breaking issues with the Tab S. I haven't noticed any major lag so far, but the touch screen can be a bit too sensitive sometimes for my liking (I just came off an iPad3, which is super smooth compared to the TabS when pinch, zooming and diagonal scrolling). Then again it could just be the pdf software I'm using (Xodo). The screen, which almost stretches to the edge of the device is quite nice, with vibrant colours.
Software wise, Samsung's UI hasn't won me over yet and I am tempted to replace the OS with a custom rom (but to be honest, I'm afraid of brick-ing it). I use a Nexus 4 as my everyday phone and even though the phone is getting to 3 years old, it can still run Lollipop on it like nobody's business! I reckon the extra crap that other manufacturers put on top of the Android UI most definitely slows things down. Luckily for the Tab S it has decent processor/ram.
I would expect the Nexus 7 to run just as smooth, but physically heavier, smaller screen and no expandable slot… plus, it's likely to be replaced by a newer model later this year by Google. It really depends on what you want to use the tablet for, but for me the expandable memory was a must as I intend to load it up with media when I go travelling. And if you think price is a point of difference, get onto e-bay. I bought an unopened 4G 8.4 from a private seller for $375! That's almost the same price as the wifi version in this Op's deal.
In short:
I reckon the Tab S will outlast the Nexus 7, mainly due to newer processor and expandable memory. The thinner, lighter form factor with better screen is just the icing. The Samsung UI, I could do without.
Just my two cents:
I am living with Samsung's TouchWiz tablet UI… and I also have a Nexus 4!
I don't think Samsung's UI is 'the best'… Stock (Nexus 4) is definitely easier to customise.
However, Samsung's UI isn't too hard once you know how to use it.
I am sold on Samsung's software, e.g. TouchWiz and Quick Connect, and so will definitely not replace the OS.
The nexus 7 is smoother, doesn't have lag like the tab s. The problem for the tab s the processor isn't powerful enough for the screen resolution, and TouchWiz just seems too resource hungry.
I personally think Samsung next flagship tablets could be great. Combine the beautiful screen with a powerful exynos SoC and lollipop then you have a nice tab with no lag hopefully.
Cyanogenmod. Our any of the other roms that are around, this was one of the main reasons I went with a Samsung lots of options. I have a T700 and am very glad I dumped the stock rom asap.
Yeah but then you lose warranty.
I know that is their stance, but I don't think it's actually legal under Australian consumer law for them to deny hardware related issues based on the software you've chosen to install.
And it's just a setting, getting it back to stock is something that has been done with Samsung devices for ages: http://www.androidsgs3.com/2012/10/how-to-get-your-warranty-…
@OZB Al: I think it's their "get out of jail" card.
Though be fair, if you root, you cannot use KNOX solution because it triggers KNOX trigger (which is physical and cannot be reversed). The only way you can reverse it is by changing the entire board. Any devices with the KNOX solution (after S2? S3? I cannot remember), therefore cannot be reversed to "stock condition".
There are ways to root by bypassing the trigger, but it's hard to do so and usually those get blocked fairly quickly.
lighter by 1g.
For a fair comparison, you need to be cognisant that it's lighter per inch of screen.
dupe
JUst get the Tab S. Miles ahead of the Nexus 7
3 best things about Tab S over N7?
screen, performance, features.
Overall it looks better, feels better and is better.
(4. Expandable storage.
5. Camera, if you care about that)
http://www.phonearena.com/phones/compare/Samsung-Galaxy-Tab-…
Thanks everyone for the comments and feedback, much appreciated. Bought Click&Collect - will ponder some more before collecting/cancelling. Pity only white available.
@norkle:
Bronze is available for click and collect in Melbourne (in Prahran to be precise).
I've decided to go with white option as it's available in Melbourne CBD ;-)
TabS 10.5 (4G) with official keyboard case and S Mouse rocks!
The bluetooth keyboard case acts as a stand for the tablet, and also locks together flat when you want to put it away. Just a like a laptop.
Even better when using the bluetooth S Mouse. Running Vmware Horizon app, I can access Windows 8.1 virtual machine. You need a mouse especially for Windows and this setup works flawlessly giving you the best of both the Android and Windows worlds
Great tablet obviously
Got the wifi 8.4 32gb version the other day new for $300 delivered from a big seller on ebay a few days ago
Tried to post but it woudnt let me and they are now sold out.
Loving it so far!
Thanx, just ordered the Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 10.1" 16GB Wi-Fi with a SHARP EL-233SB Pocket Calculator for $255.99 pickup..
I was going to get the 8.4 myself, but apparently the Tab S2 will be released in late June/early July…
I think if you are going for movies, Tab S is an alright choice. Even though there will be performance increase from better SoC, the screen is going to be 4:3 for Tab S2.
At least according to rumours: http://www.gsmarena.com/97inch_samsung_galaxy_tab_s2_has_spe…
Love my Tab S. Screen is awesome for photo and movie watching, and with Lollipop is now smooth as butter.
Did you get OTA for the lollipop? Mine still have not get the update yet, still on 4.4.2.
He/she probably used the official firmware from other countries.
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/SM-T800/
At least lollipop update for Australia is not available on there.
I bought mine from eGlobal, so it is international version but I really don't know where it is from, maybe HK likely. Anyway, I don't really have any issue with Kitkat for now as I don't find any lag for my daily use.
@stargalaxy: You can check what country's firmware it is on by using Kies 3. CSC tells you what country it is from i.e. XSA is Australia. I'd be careful with flashing… I ended up soft bricking my phone, had to try 6 different firmwares from different countries to unbrick the phone.
@AznMitch:
My Samsung Tab 1st edition was bricked few years ago when I try to flash and never able to recover it, gives to my nephew and he actually managed to unbricked it after spending a lot of time doing that. Will not try to flash it because it is still working well.
Yeah it can be a pain in the ass if you make a mistake. I prefer trying to live with everything as stock.
@stargalaxy: Though, be fair, if you are just flashing it with the stock firmware, the KNOX counter doesn't get triggered. As long as you know you know what firmware you started using and as long as XDA is there, I think you'd probably be able to recover if you just soft brick it. Though as with all flashing, YMMV.
@stargalaxy: FWIW flashing an OEM stock ROM is very easy and virtually foolproof. Having said that Samsung seems to be rolling lollipop out at a decent rate. China and Taiwan firmwares are out now.
@atlas:
Not need now, I just connected to Kies 3 on my laptop and the updates is available, now on 5.0.2, the update is 3GB, luckily I have data limit of 75GB per month. Seem to be faster now in opening websites.
No I flashed the korean firmware. Very easy and does not affect warranty.
Quick review on the 10.5 (got a 4G version recently):
Overall I like it. Should be great for reading through PDFs.