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Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4
...


8.1/10
Informr score
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 currently has an Informr score of 8.1 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 23 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Vibrant and bright display
  • Smooth performance with no lag during basic and demanding tasks
  • Excellent battery life

What's bad

  • Display colors oversaturated
  • Noisy photos in low light

It seems recently that Apple and Samsung seem to be the market leaders for smartphones and tablets, and Samsung continues that trend with its Galaxy Tab S 8.4. Taking its design cues from the Samsung Galaxy 5, the Tab S 8.4 features the same soft-touch, dotted back cover and physical home button on the front. At 8.4 x 4.9 x 0.3, it's a slim piece of hardware, though it's overall size made it difficult for reviewers to use one-handed. Luckily it's relatively light weight of 248 grams make it easy for them to use for long periods of time.

It isn't Samsung's design, however, that will attract potential consumers. It's the 8.4-inch, Super AMOLED display. The 2,460 x 1,600 resolution leads to a pixel density of 359ppi, which is slightly sharper than the iPad Mini. Although it is technically sharper, critics had a difficult time noticing a significant difference between the two. Both, they state, allowed them to easily read small text on web pages or magazines. Like other Super AMOLED displays, the Tab S8.4 delivered vibrant colors and deep blacks though reviewers note that it can be a bit too vivid. In order to combat the oversaturation, Samsung added a feature that allows users to adjust the color balance for a more natural appearance. As well, experts were pleased with the overall brightness with CNET adding, "It's searingly bright, too, doing a great job at countering the worst of overhead office lights…"

Running the device is Samsung's custom processor the Exynos 5 octa-core processor. While it technically has 8 processors, not all of them are running at once. During more basic tasks, the device only uses the 1.3GHz quad core portion with the 1.9GHz quad-core kicking in during more demanding tasks like gaming. This allows it to efficiently manage its 4,900mAh battery for extended life at least in theory. When put to the test reviewers were able to get over 11 hours during battery draining tests and over 24 hours during moderate usage. With a beefy processor and 3GB of RAM, the Tab S8.4's performance is unsurprisingly smooth. Reviewers were able to navigate the homepage seamlessly and play graphically intense games without frame rate drops or slowdowns. App addicts will also be happy with the 16GB/32GB of onboard storage and microSD slot expansion.

Tablets are not known for their strong camera performance, but the Tab S 8.4 delivered decent results. While experts wouldn't compare it to the iPhone 6 Plus camera, they add that it is perfectly capable of quick snap shooting. The 8MP camera was able to provide them with rich and accurate colors and good details in decent lighting situations. As with many tablet cameras, they noticed a drop off in quality in low light with noise in shadowed areas.

Overall, experts are generally pleased with the quality of the Samsung Tab S 8.4. PC Mag states, "…I'm happy to recommend the…Tab S 8.4…If you intend to read, surf or watch on your pocket-sized tablet, it simply shines." NY Daily News adds, "…if you're going to go Android, you simply can't find a better choice."


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1.9 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.9 GHz
8.4"
Screen Size
Screen Size
8.4"
8+ MP
Camera
Camera
8+ MP
4900 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Tablet News
Tablet News

Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 remains a great tablet for productivity and text reading, plus it has great screen colors and bright display. Its battery is not bad and the only drawbacks may be the 4:3 aspect and long charging, but in the end it’s the comfiest 9.7 inch tablet I’ve used. That&...

- James A., Tablet News
Digital Versus
Digital Versus

The Galaxy Tab S series is the cream-of-the-crop of Samsung's recent tablet releases. The Tab S 8.4 has a beautiful display, powerhouse battery life, first rate speed and performance, and a whole bevy of apps and features. The iPad Mini 3 and Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact had better watch out.

- Romain Thuret, Digital Versus
Reviewed
Reviewed

Though the Tab S didn't come through our labs entirely unscathed, it's still one heck of a tablet. It's not perfect, but it's a slate that paves the way for better things down the line. Truth be told, most issues we found with the Galaxy Tab S are easily overcome, and it's got the one key feature ev...

- Chris Thomas, Reviewed
iTechTriad
iTechTriad

This is not only the best Samsung tablet, but probably one of the best tablets available on the market right now. It’s got a great screen, beautiful design, thin profile, and some incredible performance. If a great display is what you’re looking for, the Galaxy Tab S is the best availabl...

- Ben Schoon, iTechTriad
Notebookcheck
Notebookcheck

Just like its bigger brother, the screen is the biggest highlight of Samsung's Galaxy Tab S 8.4. It convinces with a large color space coverage and accurate color reproduction. Additionally, nothing stands in the way of outdoor use. Users who do not like the color intensive OLED screen can switch to...

- Daniel Schmidt, Notebookcheck


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Quick view

Screen Size
8.4"

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4's screen size is 8.4 inches with 1600 x 2560 pixels resolution.

Processor
1.9 GHz

There is a Samsung Exynos 5 Octa core 1.9 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The tablet runs on the Android 4.4 KitKat (Update Available: 6.0 Marshmallow) operating system (OS).

Camera
8+ MP
You can take photos with the phone's onboard 8+ MP camera. There is also a secondary front facing camera with 2+ megapixels resolution.
Storage
16/32 GB

Internal memory is 16/32 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 128 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
4900mAh

The tablet is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 4900 mAh battery. Samsung's performance ratings are 10 hours Wi-Fi surfing.

Galaxy Tab S 8.4 Specs

Overview
Release Date June 27, 2014
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System Android 4.4 KitKat (Update Available: 6.0 Marshmallow)

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Samsung Exynos 5 Octa core 1.9 GHz
Internal Storage 16/32 GB
RAM 3 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
SAR Body: 1.06 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual
Cellular
Networks
No
Mobile / Cellular Data
No (Option available)
Wi-Fi Calling Unknown
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Unknown
SIM card size
No
variations
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared Yes
Bluetooth 4.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HSP, PAN
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC, aptX
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 128 GB)
NFC No
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
8+ Megapixels
Zoom
4x digital
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Main Camera Info
Auto focus, Face detection, Geotagging, Image stabilization, ISO, Panorama, Self-timer, HDR, Dual camera feature, Burst mode, Metering, Exposure value
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, 3G2 / 3GPP2, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV, ASF, FLV
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels), 30 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
2+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology Super AMOLED
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 1600 x 2560 pixels
Pixel density 360 pixels
Size 8.4 inches
Sensors Ambient Light, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope
Backlit Illumination Yes
Zoom / Magnification Yes
Screen Orientation Lock Yes
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 4900 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Battery Charge Time 4 hours
Video Playback Time Up to 12 hours
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 10 hours
Internet Use (Cellular) Up to 9 hours
Standby Time Up to 16 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Material Plastic
Colors Dazzling White, Titanium Bronze
Dimensions [H x W x D] 21.3 x 12.5 x 0.7 cm (8.4 x 4.9 x 0.3 in)
Weight 294 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Touchscreen Yes
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key Yes
Physical keyboard No
Text-to-Speech Yes
Screen Reader No
Keypad/Screen Lock Yes
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor Yes
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA): Samsung SM-T700

Proximity Sensor only available for LTE version.
Built-in Fingerprint Scanner

Related Links Manual (PDF)
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 Reviews
Where to buy Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4
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