Samsung has added new devices to its popular line of tablets with the S-Pen. The Galaxy Tab S8 comes in three versions and sizes. They range from 8 to an incredible 14.6 inches on the newly introduced Ultra model.
In addition to the Galaxy Tab S8 and Tab S8+, the new tablet generation also includes the new Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra as the direct successor to the Tab S7 and S7+. This model puts Samsung in the spotlight and expands it with many practical functions. This begs the question of whether the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra can even compete with Apple’s iPad?
The iPad is the undisputed top dog on the tablet market. A big plus here is the operation with the Apple Pencil. But there are also such solutions for creative people in the Android area – above all the new Galaxy Tab S8 models. With their different sizes and the extremely slim format, they address very different needs of the user. However, there are also some similarities.
Galaxy Tab S8 with powerful Snapdragon chip
For example, the three tablets are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, a very powerful and up-to-date octa-core chip. In addition to a prime core in the form of the Cortex X2 with up to 3.0 GHz, it also offers three Cortex-A710 performance cores with up to 2.5 GHz and four more energy-saving Cortex-A510 cores with up to 1.8 GHz . Overall, the architecture is strongly reminiscent of the in-house Exynos 2200, which is used in the Galaxy S22 models. The integrated graphics unit Adreno 730 belongs to the processor.
Compared to its predecessor, the jump in performance of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is rather moderate, but it works much more efficiently and has better AI (artificial intelligence).
All three Galaxy tablets are available either as a WLAN-only or as a 5G version. The memory ranges from 8 to 16 GB RAM and 128 to 512 GB Flash, whereby the latter can be expanded by up to 1 TB using a microSD card.
The camera on the back of the Galaxy Tab S8, S8+ and S8 Ultra is also identical. Samsung has installed a dual camera with 12 megapixel wide angle and 6 megapixel ultra wide angle. However, the front camera is different. Instead of just covering an 80-degree range like its predecessors, it now covers a 120-degree range. With this, Samsung wants to create an advantage in the increased video telephony. During a call, several people can be captured with the camera at the same time, and thanks to “Auto Framing” it automatically zooms in on the person who is currently speaking. Three built-in microphones with noise reduction, which filter out unwanted background noise, ensure good sound during the video conference. There are also four front-facing speakers.
Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra with huge display
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is still comparatively handy. It has an 8-inch display with up to 120 Hz, which, however, only has to make do with LTPS technology. Only starting with the Galaxy Tab S8+ does Samsung use the more colorful and high-contrast SuperAMOLED display. With a diagonal of 12.4 inches, the Plus model is about the size of an A4 sheet. Samsung offers the so-called “Note View Cover”, a case with a transparent front flap that allows you to write like you would on paper when closed. Special Paperlike display foils are therefore superfluous.
The Ultra model is new in the series, and it comes with a full 14.6-inch display. It is larger than some laptops and difficult to hold, especially for small hands. Added to this is the high weight of over 720 grams, which makes it difficult to hold for a long time. The Ultra model is therefore particularly suitable as a laptop replacement with a stand case and keyboard.
Tablets score with high connectivity and S-Pen
The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra in particular offers enough space for the new multitasking functions that Samsung is introducing with Android 12 and One UI 4.1. Thanks to “Multi Windows”, for example, users can divide the screen into different areas and thus work with several apps and applications at the same time. A practical feature here is one that the iPad also offers. The devices connected via a Samsung account, such as smartphones or tablets, allow a smooth and effortless exchange of files with each other. For example, if users make notes with the S-Pen or take screenshots, these can be seamlessly transferred to the Galaxy smartphone. Galaxy Book owners can also use any Tab S8 model as a portable secondary monitor with touchscreen capabilities.
Samsung promises four years of Android updates and five years of security updates for the tablets.
Unlike Apple, Samsung supplies the S-Pen with every Galaxy Tab S8. The manufacturer has once again reduced the latency here compared to the predecessors, so that users can use the pen even more naturally. Whether painting or writing – the S-Pen allows a much broader use of the tablets and their functions.
Galaxy Tab S8 models in comparison
Prices and Availability
Depending on the equipment and size, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 can be had for as little as 749 euros. At least 1149 euros are due for the Ultra model, so the tablet is in the price range of a laptop. The S Pen is included with all models, but a 45-watt charger and a (keyboard) cover must be purchased separately.
Also Read: 5 Cheaper Alternatives to the Apple iPad Pro
The tablets will be available in stores from February 25th. Pre-orders are already possible with immediate effect, although Samsung is luring you with extras here. For example, if you order by February 24, you can get the Galaxy Book Cover Keyboard Slim (Galaxy Tab S8 and S8+) or the Book Cover Keyboard (Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra) as a free gift. If users also exchange their old tablet, they receive an exchange bonus of 200 euros plus up to 500 euros for the old device.