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Samsung Galaxy Tab S4
Samsung Galaxy Tab S4
Samsung Galaxy Tab S4
Samsung Galaxy Tab S4
Samsung Galaxy Tab S4
Samsung Galaxy Tab S4
Samsung Galaxy Tab S4
Samsung Galaxy Tab S4
...


7.7/10
Informr score
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 currently has an Informr score of 7.7 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 36 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The "1-Minute" Review

Verdict

If you are willing to wait for more apps to support the Dex desktop mode, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 offers one of the most compelling Android tablet experiences today -- although it comes at a premium price.

What's good

  • Beautiful display
  • S Pen included
  • Quad speakers with Dolby Atmos
  • Plenty of storage
  • Lightweight, attractive design

What's bad

  • Dex app support so-so
  • Mediocre cameras
  • Small keys on keyboard case accessory
  • Price

Android tablets are a mixed bag these days. For most, getting a productivity-friendly, high-end tablet means jumping over to Apple’s iPad lineup . Samsung’s latest release hopes to challenge this trend with its large display, included stylus, and interesting desktop mode. But does it all add up to a great experience worth the premium price?

The tablet uses an aluminum chassis with glass front and rear panels reminiscent of a giant smartphone. Reviewers loved the sleek lines and glossy panels -- apart from fingerprints. The thin, lightweight design is also comfortable for one-handed use if you’re reading magazines or browsing the web. However, if you’re planning to use the tablet on the go, you’ll want a case to protect it from the occasional drop and to improve grip.

Around front, you’ll find the star of the show -- a 10.5-inch 1600-by-2560 pixel Super AMOLED display. Like most Samsung displays, it offers deep, inky blacks and punchy colors. Reviewers found the display plenty sharp for text and images while the HDR support makes video content -- such as Netflix -- look great.

Since there’s no fingerprint scanner or home button, Samsung’s trimmed the bezels and reviewers liked the added immersion. But this means that the table uses face and iris recognition instead of the more secure fingerprint security. If you’re worried about security, you might stick to password mode.

Powering the tablet, you’ll find last year’s 2.35Ghz octa-core Snapdragon 835 processor with 4GB of RAM. From launching a half dozen apps in Dex mode to playing the latest games, reviewers found the tablet snappy and responsive no matter how hard they pushed it. Sure, if you open 15 apps things bog down a little, but they don’t crash and the tablet stays cool to the touch at all times.

Depending on your model, you’ll find 64 or 256GB of internal storage with microSD card support up to 400GB to expand storage when needed.

The tablet runs Android 8.1 Oreo with Dex mode support -- Samsung’s interesting hybrid desktop mode. You can link up a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard and use your apps in windows like a desktop or laptop. There’s even support for connecting to an external monitor -- though the software only clones the display so you can’t have separate apps open on both screens.

While the basics of Dex mode received high marks. Many reviewers ran into issues with app support. Some questioned how long it would take for apps to adapt -- if at all.

On the photography front, you’ll find a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front-facing lens. While good for basic snapshots or the occasional video chat, they’re not the same powerful cameras you’ll find in Samsung’s smartphone lineup.

On the audio front, the quad stereo speakers from AKG with Dolby Atmos support crank out plenty of volume -- even in noisy environments. If you’re looking for a private listening experience, there’s also a 3.5mm headphone jack

The included S Pen active stylus is another perk to the tablet. Completely redesigned, the new chunkier stylus reminded many reviewers of a real pen. It was responsive, accurate, and doesn’t require batteries. Overall, it was one of the most talked about features.

Finally, we come to battery life. The monstrous 7300mAh battery with USB Type-C Quick Charge support lasted two days for mixed use or a single day of heavy use on a single charge. Just remember, while the tablet supports Quick Charge, the added size of the battery means full charges will take a while. Still, if you need a little extra juice to get through a task or to watch a quick video, plugging in for a few minutes should get the job done.

Overall, reviewers liked the tablet. While some questioned the validity of Android tablets compared to iPads , most found the tablet a joy to use. There are questions about the future of Dex. However, this is due to app support, not due to any failing on Samsung’s part. 

T3 summed up opinions well, saying, “Seriously consider the iPad Pro 10.5 , but if you’re set on Android ... the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 will suit you just right.” MobileSyrup offered more, saying, “The Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 pleasantly surprised me. It functioned well and allowed me to get through a day of work. I can say I was definitely productive on the Tab S4, especially in comparison to other Android tablets I've used in the past.”


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
2.35 GHz
Processor
Processor
2.35 GHz
10.5"
Screen Size
Screen Size
10.5"
13+ MP, f/1.9
Camera
Camera
13+ MP, f/1.9
7300 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Expert Reviews
Expert Reviews

The Galaxy Tab S4 is an ambitious device, and it’s exciting to try out a tablet that seeks to push the boundaries of what Android can do. It feels like a long time since we’ve seen that. And there are several things about this tablet I like very much. The screen is great, the S Pen works brilliantly...

- Lauren Johnson, Darien Graham-Smith, Expert Reviews
Gadgets 360
Gadgets 360

The Galaxy Tab S4, once again, is neither a smartphone killer nor a laptop replacement, but fits quite neatly between the two categories as a device meant purely for fulfilling your entertainment needs.

- Ankit Chawla, Gadgets 360
Pickr
Pickr

There are things Samsung could improve, and we’d start with the optional extra, the keyboard, but if you want a tablet in your life that isn’t made by Apple and doesn’t run Windows, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab delivers an alternative take on tablets alongside what you’ve come to expect. Recommended.

- Leigh :) Stark, Pickr
Android Guys
Android Guys

Unfortunately, the actual experience of using the Tab S4 the past couple of months left a bad taste in my mouth. Questions of how well the glass back is going to hold up over the years combined with the buggy software experience left me disappointed.

- Jason England, Android Guys
Gadgets Now
Gadgets Now

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 comes with all the high-end specifications that one would want and need in an Android tablet. The device packs a powerful performance, bright display, S Pen support and Dex Mode. Apart from the tablet mode, the device also works smoothly in the laptop mode and its mobility...

- Heena Gupta, Gadgets Now


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Quick view

Screen Size
10.5"

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S4's screen size is 10.5 inches with 1600 x 2560 pixels resolution.

Processor
2.35 GHz

There is a Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 Octa core 2.35 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The tablet runs on the Android 8.1 Oreo (Update Available: 10) operating system (OS).

Camera
13+ MP
You can take photos or capture video with the tablet's onboard 13+ MP, f/1.9 camera. There is also a secondary front facing camera with 8+ megapixels resolution.
Storage
64/256 GB

Internal memory is 64/256 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 400 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
7300mAh

The tablet is powered by a Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol), 7300 mAh battery. Samsung's performance ratings are 10 hours Wi-Fi surfing.

Galaxy Tab S4 Specs

Overview
Release Date August 10, 2018
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System Android 8.1 Oreo (Update Available: 10)

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 Octa core 2.35 GHz
Internal Storage 64/256 GB
RAM 4 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
SAR Body: 1.065 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included USB Power Adapter, Manual, Data Cable, Stylus
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 USB Type-C
USB OTG Support Yes
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 400 GB)
NFC No
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
13+ Megapixels, f/1.9
Zoom
8x digital
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Main Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, Face detection, Geotagging, Image stabilization, ISO, Panorama, Self-timer, White balance, HDR, Time lapse mode
Video Recording Formats
MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels), 30 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
8+ 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 288 pixels
Size 10.5 inches
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, 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 Polymer (Li-Pol)
Battery Capacity 7300 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging Yes
Battery Charge Time Unknown
Video Playback Time Up to 16 hours
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 10 hours
Internet Use (Cellular) Up to 10 hours
Standby Time Unknown
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Material Aluminium
Colors Black, Gray
Dimensions [H x W x D] 24.9 x 16.4 x 0.7 cm (9.8 x 6.5 x 0.3 in)
Weight 482
Water Resistant / Waterproof No
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Stereo
Input / Navigation
Touchscreen Yes
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key No
Physical keyboard No
Text-to-Speech Yes
Screen Reader Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock Yes
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA): Samsung SM-T830, SM-T837, SM-T835

SIM card only available on LTE version.

Related Links Manual (PDF)
Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 Reviews
Where to buy Samsung Galaxy Tab S4
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