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Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 NOOK
Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 NOOK
Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 NOOK
Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 NOOK
Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 NOOK
Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 NOOK
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6.3/10
Informr score
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 NOOK currently has an Informr score of 6.3 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 12 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Good color reproduction and viewing angles
  • Fairly lightweight and comfortable to grip

What's bad

  • Slow performance even when launching Nook Apps
  • Nook Apps redundant with Samsung and Android Apps
  • Poor cameras

While Barnes & Nobles might have officially left the tablet-making business, that doesn't mean they've completely given up on the market. Their partnership with Samsung has given birth to the Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 Nook. Even though it carries the 'Nook' descriptor, reviewers agree that the tablet is more of a Samsung effort and the Nook features and apps are relegated to the back seat.

For all intents and purposes the Galaxy Tab 4 Nook looks exactly the same as the Galaxy Tab 4. Like its twin, it comes with a faux leather texture back, rounded corners and some chrome accents. Measuring in at 7.36 x 4.25 x 0.35 inches, it is slightly smaller than competitors like the Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7-inch and also lighter at 276 grams. While not necessarily a breakthrough in the design department, experts note that the details make it look more premium than it is and the textured back offers a decent grip.

Despite its entry level pricing, the Tab 4 Nook surprised reviewers with the quality of its 7-inch, 1,280x800 resolution display. While this translates to a pixel density of 216ppi, they didn't notice any fuzziness around text when using the Nook app to read books or magazines. Sadly, the screen is a step-back from the 2012 Nook HD tablet's resolution of 1,440x900, but ultimately critics describe it as a decent enough display with good color reproduction and viewing angles.

As a Samsung device, the Tab 4 Nook comes equipped with the standard TouchWiz interface complete with the popular multitasking mode. Barnes & Nobles has included a few unique touches to the UI: Nook Search, Nook Shop, Nook Today, Nook Highlights, Nook Settings and Nook Apps. Many reviewers found these apps to be redundant, especially Nook Apps as the device already comes pre-installed with Google Play AND Samsung Apps store. Critics often found themselves ignoring or avoiding the additional Nook apps as they didn't serve a unique purpose.

Samsung and Barnes & Nobles might market the Tab 4 Nook as a reading device, but even with this fair warning, experts were disappointed with its performance. The 1.2GHz quad-core processor and 1.5GB of RAM trailed significantly behind its competitors in synthetic benchmark tests and unfortunately translated to real-world use. Engadget experienced slowdown in almost every aspect from booting up the device to switching the display mode from portrait to landscape. While they note that the device can handle basic tasks they add that the result is not always smooth and, "Another device – even a competing budget tablet – will probably feel faster."

As for the rear camera, critics warn that it's nothing to write home about. CNET states, "both create dull, grainy photos devoid of detail and with washed-out colors."

In general, reviewers have a hard time recommending the Tab 4 Nook. Laptop Mag says, "If you're locked into an existing B&N library, we recommend loading Nook's app onto an Amazon slate." Mashable adds, "With its middling features…the Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 Nook can't compete with the forward-leaning Amazon Kindle Fire or mid-size tablet-market-leading Apple iPad Mini."


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1.2 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.2 GHz
7"
Screen Size
Screen Size
7"
3+ MP
Camera
Camera
3+ MP
4000 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Computer Shopper
Computer Shopper

If you're simply hunting for a 7-inch tablet, the path is far muddier. First, 8-inch tablets are putting severe price pressure on 7-inchers, and some makers of Android tablets are sidelining new 7-inchers altogether. Second, poor performance makes it hard to recommend the Galaxy Tab 4 Nook as a gene...

- Melissa J. Perenson, Computer Shopper
Digital Trends
Digital Trends

The Nook isn’t quite dead, but the uninspired Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 Nook may be its death rattle.

- Brian Heater, Digital Trends
TabletPCReview
TabletPCReview

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 Nook is good, but suited best for those already invested in B&N content.

- Jamison Cush, TabletPCReview
Mashable
Mashable

Barnes & Noble's new Nook won't break the bank, but it also doesn't break any new ground in features or performance. It's a good budget, mid-sized tablet.

- Lance Ulanoff, Mashable
Gizmodo
Gizmodo

Should I Buy It? Nope. What's the point? On its own, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 is a mid-range tablet with mediocre performance. With the addition of the Nook software, it's just plain frustrating to use.

- Adam Clark Estes, Gizmodo


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Quick view

Screen Size
7"

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 NOOK's screen size is 7 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1.2 GHz

There is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 Quad core 1.2 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The tablet runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
3+ MP
You can take photos or capture video with the tablet's onboard 3+ MP camera. There is also a secondary front facing camera with 1+ megapixels resolution.
Storage
8 GB

Internal memory is 8 GB. An external, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 64 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
4000mAh

The tablet is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 4000 mAh battery. Samsung's performance ratings are 10 hours Wi-Fi surfing.

Galaxy Tab 4 NOOK Specs

Overview
Release Date August 14, 2014
Regions Available USA
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 Quad core 1.2 GHz
Internal Storage 8 GB
RAM 1536 MB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
SAR Body: 0.98 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included Data Cable, Manual, USB Power Adapter
Cellular
Networks
Mobile / Cellular Data
No (Option available)
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
No
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
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 64 GB)
NFC No
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
3+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
No
Additional Main Camera Info
Brightness control, Effects, Night mode, Panorama, Self-timer, White balance, Sound & Shot
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, MPEG-4, WMV, ASF, FLV, AVI
Video Recording Parameters
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
1+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel density 216 pixels
Size 7 inches
Sensors Motion / Accelerometer
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 4000 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Battery Charge Time Unknown
Video Playback Time Up to 10 hours
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 10 hours
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Standby Time Unknown
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Material Plastic
Colors Black, White
Dimensions [H x W x D] 18.7 x 10.8 x 0.9 cm (7.4 x 4.3 x 0.4 in)
Weight 276 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 No
Home Key Yes
Physical keyboard No
Text-to-Speech Yes
Screen Reader No
Keypad/Screen Lock Yes
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA):
Related Links Quick Start Guide (PDF)
Manual (PDF)
Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 NOOK Reviews
Where to buy Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 NOOK
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