Surprisingly, Samsung introduced two new tablets shortly before the IFA. The company is continuing to pursue a multi-pronged approach in the tablet market. The Tab S4 is a high-end device for productivity. This is particularly evident in the DeX function. The Tab A devices are primarily mid-range devices for entertainment. But which device can do what and is the significantly higher price of the Tab S4 worth it?

Galaxy Tab S4

The new high-end device from Samsung comes in black and a light grey. The main focus here is on that proproductive work.

Book Cover Keyboard and increased productivity

The new Book Cover Keyboard in particular makes it clear: Samsung wants competition hereproproduct to the iPad Pro. Samsung may well have succeeded in doing so, as the S-Pen is already included in the delivery. Only the Book Cover Keyboard has to be purchased separately for an RRP of €149,99. This can then also be easily attached to the tablet using a magnetic POGO connection. But in terms of productivity, they go one step further. The concept is called DeX (long: Desktop Experience). According to this, you can simply connect a monitor using the Dex Cable (an HDMI adapter) and then work with peripherals such as a mouse and keyboard like on a desktop. This also works without an external monitor on the tablet by starting the function via the status bar.

The book cover with POGO connection. (Image: Samsung)

The new S-Pen for quick notes

The now Bluetooth-enabled S-Pen comes with a 0,7 mm thin, rubberized tip. The support of Bluetooth brings new features such as controlling the camera, music or opening apps at the push of a button. However, the real purpose is to write on the tablet. For quick notes, Samsung offers a very special feature called "Screen Off-Memo". This allows writing to the device while it is in standby mode. This could be useful for a quick to-do list, for example, or as a homework book at school. But writing handwritten messages to friends will also be possible. A very interesting feature for schools is the integrated translator, which recognizes handwriting. You can use this on pictures by marking certain words or sentences with the S-Pen, but also on your own notes.

The new S-Pen in two different colors. (Image: Samsung)

Technical information

While other manufacturers rely on a display in 4:3 format, Samsung supplies a 4″ Super AMOLED display in 10,5:16 format in the new Tab S10. This is particularly positive for watching films or videos, which should look razor-sharp thanks to the resolution of 1600 x 2560 pixels. The 7300 mAh battery, which can be quickly recharged via fast charging on the USB C port, should provide enough power during the day. If you also want to use complex apps or games on the device, the Snapdragen 835 processor is there to help. This is an octa-core processor that clocks at 2,35 GHz and 1,9 GHz. Important for proProductive working with multi-window is above all the main memory, which is sufficiently large with 4 GB. The internal 64 GB memory can be expanded by up to 400 GB using a MicroSD card. That should be enough space to store all the photos taken with the 8,0 MP camera. This offers an aperture of f/1,9 and a 4K video function.

Features

The first thing that strikes you is the lack of a fingerprint sensor. Because with the Tab S4, Samsung only relies on face unlock and an iris scanner, in addition to the established options for entering a PIN, password or pattern. If the device is used for entertainment, four speakers are available. These have been optimized by AKG and offer Dolby ATMOS support. This guarantees a spatial sound experience. If you don't want to charge your device via the normal USB-C cable, you can also purchase the POGO charging station. In this, the tablet is used as a picture frame to display pictures. Useful information such as weather or time can be displayed using the Daily Board.

Prices and availability

From August 24th, the tablet will be available for either € 699 without LTE or € 799 with LTE. The Book Cover Keyboard costs an additional € 149,99. However, if you pre-order a Tab S4 by August 22, 2018, you will receive the book cover free of charge when you register the device. If you want to use the device with a contract, alternatives with contracts with Telekom, Vodafone or O2 are already available on the Samsung homepage.

Galaxy Tab A 10.5

The new Galaxy Tab A 10.5 (Image: Samsung)

"The tablet for the whole family" is how Samsung is currently advertising the device. It really does seem like the little brother of the Tab S4, because here too we find a 10,5" display, a 7300 mAh battery and quad speakers from AKG. However, there is only 3 GB of RAM and an octa-core processor with a clock speed of 1,8 GHz. The display also has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.

Multi-user mode, augmented reality and POGO charging station

This new feature in Tab A allows different usersprofile. You can imagine this as being like a real PC, because every user should be able to experience the tablet in their own way. For example, there is also a children's mode, which can limit the amount of time the tablet is used. Up to 8 different profiles are supported on one tablet. However, one person can also use several profiles. It can make sense to use one profile for work, another for entertainment such as films or videos, and a third profile can be used for reading.

Tab A can also be used on the POGO charging station and shows not only images but also information such as weather or the time. Using augmented reality through Bixby Vision, information about restaurants on the street can be displayed, but also signs or the memory card can be quickly translated. The whole thing is shown on the recordings of the camera, which also has a resolution of 8 MP.

Availability and prices

The Tab A 10.5 is also available in black and a light gray. The WLAN variant costs € 329 here. If you want to use the device on the go via LTE, you pay 389 €. The purchase with a contract is also possible here on the Samsung homepage. There is also a pre-order campaign here, where you can get the POGO charging station free of charge.