Note: We may earn commissions (at no cost to you) if you buy through links on our site. Learn more.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5
...


8.6/10
Informr score
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 currently has an Informr score of 8.6 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 21 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Excellent display
  • Plenty of battery life
  • Light weight
  • Thin, comfortable to hold design
  • Multi-user mode with parental controls

What's bad

  • Finicky fingerprint scanner
  • Simple Clicker case attachments are tricky
  • Occasional performance delays

While there are plenty of budget Android tablets available, the premium market for Android has been a tough place for manufacturers to find success. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 (and it’s 8.4-inch sibling) is the latest, and according to reviews, possibly most successful attempt at a high-tier Android tablet to date. Let’s see why reviews think this device is so hot.

If you’re familiar with the Galaxy S5, the S 10.5 is essentially an expanded version of the device, with a few subtle tweaks. Due to it’s size, the home key and ports are arranged for the tablet to be used comfortably in a landscape orientation. The plastic case features a grippy treatment and two “Simple Clicker” attachment points for upcoming accessories. If you’ve used a previous Samsung tablet, you’ll be pleased to know that CNet calls the new design “a definite improvement over the glossy, plastic feel of previous models.”

At 2560-by-1600 pixels, the screen on the tablet is one of the sharpest available. Samsung’s popular Super AMOLED technology helps boost colors and contrast as well. Reviews for the display were exceptional across the board. Engadget says, “the screen is clearly, indisputably the star of the show.” As more content pushes past 1080p toward the 4K barrier, the tablet should age well and provide an even better viewing experience. Forbes summed up reviews of the display well, stating that it “will blow you away.”

Battery life for the tablet received equally positive reviews. The Exynos 5 processor is designed to optimize power use. According to reviews, Samsung’s tinkering paid off. Spec listings quote 12 hours of use on a single charge, most reviews found that the tablet was capable of this and a little more. Advanced power savings features also allow you to take advantage of the AMOLED display to get significant boosts to standby times. TechRadar tested the battery and said, “You can get at least a working day out of it with pretty much constant use”

With the high-resolution display and long lasting battery, you might question performance. For most reviews, performance appears to be outstanding. From gaming and multitasking to checking email and watching your favorite videos, no one mentions any serious issues with performance. TechRadar states, “the Tab S was able to cope very well with everything I threw at it.” However, some reviews did note slight delays in launching new apps. Engadget points to the Exynos processors’ unique design and predicts this will be fixed in the future with software updates. However, even with the delays, Engadget says, “performance here isn't bad by any means; it's just not as brisk as I expected it to be.”

If there was a weak point to the Galaxy S 10.5, it would appear to be the camera. Though throughout the market tablets aren’t exactly known for powerful cameras. The tablet does feature a LED flash, a feature commonly omitted on other tablets. However, most reviews noted a lack of detail in general and poor performance in low lighting. TechRadar states, “The Tab S will cover the basics and very little else.”

By offering a powerful processor, plenty of RAM for multitasking and a high-resolution display, reviews contend that this could be the tablet to finally challenge Apple’s iPad series of tablets. If you’re looking for a tablet, but wanting to stick to Android, TechRadar says, “the Galaxy Tab S doesn't have much competition.”


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1.9 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.9 GHz
10.5"
Screen Size
Screen Size
10.5"
8+ MP
Camera
Camera
8+ MP
7900 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


G Style Magazine
G Style Magazine

Using the Galaxy Tab S, I actually enjoyed it more than I expected. The display looks great, response time is nice and its battery life is impressive. Dual speakers on the sides make it more useful as a media consumption device. Adding optional cases also feels like you have to be cautious snapping...

- Jason Million, G Style Magazine
TabletPCReview
TabletPCReview

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 is not just a great tablet; it’s arguably the best tablet on the market today. Only the iPad Air and Samsung’s own Galaxy Notes come close, and even then the Tab S easily wins in screen quality and memory expansion.The included memory is a little scanty, but...

- Adama D. Brown, TabletPCReview
Android and Me
Android and Me

When it comes to the Galaxy Tab S 10.5, it performs nicely against the competition. Sure, there are a few things that I’d like to see refined, but in its current state, it’s one of the best tablets on the market. With that, we can highly recommend the Galaxy Tab S 10.5 in the search for...

- Nick Sarafolean, Android and Me
Digital Versus
Digital Versus

In the burgeoning crowd of 10" tablets, to which Samsung has contributed significantly, the Galaxy Tab S 10.5" has shown itself to be the best overall performer, thanks largely to fantastic battery life and an excellent screen. The Korean manufacturer still needs to work on its Exynos Octa processor...

- Romain Thuret, Digital Versus
Notebookcheck
Notebookcheck

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 is without any doubts an excellent piece of technology. Performance however shows slight flaws. The Exynos Prozessor cannot keep up entirely with the current Qualcomm bolides. Graphics performance also slightly falls behind an Adreno 330. Nevertheless, the tablet perfor...

- Daniel Schmidt, Notebookcheck


Prices (Where to Buy)





Resources


Manuals / User Guides Helpful Links Share / Embed

Maybe one of your friends will find this review helpful? Please help us spread the word.


Quick view

Screen Size
10.5"

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5's screen size is 10.5 inches with 2560 x 1600 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: 6.0.1 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
7900mAh

The tablet is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 7900 mAh battery. Samsung's performance ratings are 9 hours Wi-Fi surfing.

Galaxy Tab S 10.5 Specs

Overview
Release Date June 27, 2014
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System Android 4.4 KitKat (Update Available: 6.0.1 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: 0.773 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, White balance, HDR, Dual camera feature, Sound & Shot, Exposure value
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, 3G2 / 3GPP2, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV, ASF, FLV, AVI
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 2560 x 1600 pixels
Pixel density 287 pixels
Size 10.5 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 7900 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Battery Charge Time 6 hours
Video Playback Time Up to 12 hours
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 9 hours
Internet Use (Cellular) Up to 9 hours
Standby Time Up to 16 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Material Plastic
Colors Titanium Bronze, Dazzling White
Dimensions [H x W x D] 17.7 x 24.7 x 0.7 cm (7 x 9.7 x 0.3 in)
Weight 465 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-T800
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 Reviews
Where to buy Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5
Suggest a correction