Which Size To Get? - Galaxy Tab Pro 12.2, 10.1, 8.4 Q&A, Help & Trouble

Obviously, price matters, and size matters.
Which one to get?

Depends on what you use your tablet for. I like the 10 inch size for movies and Internet, but the 8.4 size is better for use if you do a lot of reading on it. I've had the 10.1 for the last 8 months and loved it. I just got the 8.4 at the $200 price and am loving it, too - I will sell which ever one wins out. Haven't decided yet

Got the 10.1 myself, very happy with the tablet! Just the lack of custom rom support is the negative atm. Looks like that goes for the whole Tab Pro range though...

Really depends on your personal preference, how you will use the device, etc.
Increased screen space will make for more pleasurable web browsing, watching video, etc. However, the larger screen comes at the obvious price of increased device size and weight. A larger device is going to harder to hold with one hand, hold will lying in bed, etc. Although not unmanageable, by any means.
If you travel a lot, or carry the tablet out of the home often; a larger device means more to lug around. A smaller one is easier to shove into your carry-on bag. Again, its all very manageable even with a larger device. But there is a difference. And if the tablet never leaves your house, many of these things won't matter that much.
What I've liked about the smaller devices, is that I can shove them in a coat pocket. Or even into a pants pocket (pants with bigger pockets, obviously) if I move from room to room in my house, and have my hands full.
I've always gravitated towards the smaller tablets. I started in the tablet world with the 7" HTC Flyer. Then went to the Note 8, and not the Tab Pro 8.4. While the size is creeping upwards, these form factors still have the "small tablet" benefits I've mentioned. On the other hand, I have to admit I've enjoyed the slight increases in screen size. So I see the case for the larger form factors as well.
Its a tough decision, I'll admit. But a the same time, I think no matter what size you get, you'll probably be happy in the long run. Enjoy the "pros" and manage the "cons" of whatever size you get.

Dankees said:
Obviously, price matters, and size matters.
Which one to get?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a 10.1" Note, my wife the 8.4 tab pro. Both are quite nice. Her hands are smaller than mine, and she can not palm the 10". 12.2" is too big for me.

Related

Kinda disappointed in the Note 12.2

I've been using a Galaxy Tab 10.1 since June of 2011. It's a little long in the tooth in speed and version of Android. And, it has no SD card slot.
So, I went over to my Best Buy and bought a Note 12.2. There's a lot to love about the Note but there are some things I'm disappointed in.
Things I like...
- It's bigger. Nice to have a larger screen for some of the apps it's a godsend, for others it just more awkward white space.
- Battery life is better than the Tab 10.1 even though it has to drive more pixels.
- Micro-usb. The Tab had a 30 pin connector which was a pain in the butt.
- Camera is a lot better but who takes photos with a tablet? Only iPad nerds do that.
- Speed. It's very, very snappy compared to the Tab but with 8 cores, all of which are faster than the Tab's 2 cores, that's to be expected.
Things I don't like...
- The launcher. (not the Magazine UX part). It's no different than the Tab. In fact, there are no more icons on the screen, they're just larger. With all those pixels I was hoping to have icons at least as small as the Tab. And more of them on the screen. It looks like an interface built for the elderly. Kinda like those telephones with huge buttons. I know, I know, I can use another launcher but then I will lose the Magazine UX.
- Magazine UX. I was really looking forward to this. But, alas, it has so very few apps and widgets available that I find I never use it.
- The weight. It's only 4 ounces more than my Tab but it turns out that is a lot. I find my left thumb aching after a while while holding it. It's not really convenient.
- The Zagg case. I bought the Zagg case as I have a similar full keyboard case by Logitech for the Tab. It's nowhere near as nice as the Logitech case. It's hard to remove and feels very cheap and flimsy compared to the metal keyboard by Logitech. They key placement for special keys isn't very well designed either.
All in all I'd say I'm disappointed in the Note 12.2. I'm still within the 15 day return period for Best Buy and am on the fence about returning it. The problem is that the one I would replace it with is the Tab Pro 10.1 with 32 gig of memory. But, I can't find that anywhere. 16 gig yes, but 32 gig is no where to be found.
Help me out here. Are there features that are compelling that I haven't found? If so, push me into keeping this tablet.
You criticize Magazine UX + Launcher. Well, you´re completely right. But what does it matter ?
You criticize the weight. Yes, it´s "heavy". But hey, it´s the largest screen ever. Anything has its price.
And we should not forget: 750g are not too much. Just put your iPad Air in a regular leather case and you will be very close to 1000g.
The Zagg case .. well... that´s the case. But not the Tab...
Just get another launcher, another case ...
I would complain about other stuff:
- First the yellowish color at the cam-border.... Don´t know if this is just normal or I got a bad unit.
- The pixel density could be better . This is no "Retina" Display anymore since you can clearly see the dots.
- Performance issues ? WTH is this stuttering again and again ? Are 3GB + 8 cores still not enough ? iPad is running on 2 cores / 1GB RAM and is much smoother.
As you say the launcher is a disappointment, therefore I´ll try AWD, should solve it up.
Positive:
- Big, big display, wonderful for movies and especially comics
- No navigation bar at the bottom is great for apps not supporting immersive mode. (SmartQ-Reader!!!)
- Then pen is doing a good job.
Missing:
- Still not intensively tested her battery life and speakers.
Seems a though most of these things could have been seen on a review or playing with it in store before buying it.
You are both correct. I could have see much of this in advance. I really wanted the Tab Pro for $100 less. I have a Note 3 and, before that, a Note 2, and never take the stylus out. It's a non-starter. I believe that the Tab Pro will be out next month so I essentially paid $100 to get the larger Note Pro a month early.
I was running KitKat 4.4.2 on my original Tab 10.1 so immersion is nothing new. In fact, on the ROM I was running it was a toggle. I preferred it to be toggled off as it hid the status bar at the top.
I don't read comics and I watch movies on my 52" TV, not a 12" tablet so those things don't excite me. However, I do watch TV via Slingbox when my wife is watching something else on the large TV.
I'm using Apex as my launcher now, it's been my standard on my phones and tablets for years. I'm able to shrink the icons and fit more onto a screen. In effect I've turned the 12.2 Note Pro into just a larger version that runs smoother than my Tab 10.1. That's nice, don't get me wrong, but it's not a dramatic upgrade, just an incremental one.
I wish that it allowed all apps to be run in multi-window view. That's one thing the ROM on my Tab 10.1 made available. Yeah, some don't look right but then you learn which ones not to use in that mode.
I'm getting used to the Zagg case. I like the larger keyboard as I'm a touch typist. It also shuts off the screen when attached and turns on the screen when removed. Must be a magnet thing.
One thing I've found that I'm not fond of is the hard home button and back button in the center of the screen. I'm used to being able to put those anywhere on the bottom of the screen closer to one of my hands. Turns out that I miss that a lot from the Tab 10.1 maybe the most.
I have to say that the volume from the speakers is significantly better than the original Tab. Very loud and clear. I'm enjoying that quite a bit.
Battery life is very good. I can almost go two days.
It took a week or so for me to get used to the size of the Note 2 when I first got it. Once I got used to it, though, I'd never go back to a smaller screen. It appears that I'm getting accustomed to the 12.2 display also. I'm leaning more and more toward keeping it.

Galaxy tab s or ipad air

I have ipad air and it is not so bad but I hate ios limitations as Iam an android fan ( I have note 3 ) and since the galaxy tab s is announced I was taken by its screen
The only concern i have is it worth to sell my ipad and buy a tab s or not , also the ipad build quality is a beauty does the tab s will satisfy me in its build quality or I will regret giving away my ipad ?
Last thing is the exynos processor coming with it will be good or we will suffer lagging?
Thanks
I wonder if any tablet is worth it now. What are the benefits of having our carrying a tablet?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Free mobile app
There is a 10.5" and 8.4" since OP didn't say which one, I'd take it the 10.5". I'd sell the Air for the 8.4 and/or 10.5". My bro has the iPad Air, very good tablet, but can't do much without jailbreaking it. Tab S specs is beastly! The exynos will not lag. Air has better built quality. Go to the store and check out the Tab S yourself. Good luck!
I might buy the 8.4" since my budget max is $400, but 10.5" Amoled is epic as hell! Wish I had $499 for it.
You buy Apple for the ecosystem, not for the hw/OS specs, which are behind Samsung/Android. If you don't have a must-have app on the iPad, go with Android. Better value for the $ and freedom to make changes as you wish.
The only issue I have with Samsung Tab S is that it's 16:9 screen ratio. I need the 4:3 for portrait eBook reading. For media consumption, I have a laptop & HT system.
I certainly talk about 10.5 model and the budget is not abig problem since I will sell the ipad and I mostly use my tablet for media like movies or tv series and I love android so go for it or wait for better processor and better build quality
Well the clear advantage of the 8.4 over the 10.5 is physical size and portability. While you can easily zoom small text on the 8.4 you cannot easily make the 10.5 physically smaller. The 8.4 is far easier to hold in one hand and read like a book. The 10.5 is more of a two handed affair.
Based upon people who own the Pro model and have seen the S in person, the reporting is the amoled screen is not sufficiently better or different to justify the $120 price premium over the current Pro model discounted pricing.
Rumor is Best buy may be offering a $100 trade in for any older working tablet when buying a S which could be a difference maker as the S will be thinner, lighter and have longer battery life.
mitchellvii said:
Well the clear advantage of the 8.4 over the 10.5 is physical size and portability. While you can easily zoom small text on the 8.4 you cannot easily make the 10.5 physically smaller. The 8.4 is far easier to hold in one hand and read like a book. The 10.5 is more of a two handed affair.
Based upon people who own the Pro model and have seen the S in person, the reporting is the amoled screen is not sufficiently better or different to justify the $120 price premium over the current Pro model discounted pricing.
Rumor is Best buy may be offering a $100 trade in for any older working tablet when buying a S which could be a difference maker as the S will be thinner, lighter and have longer battery life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just recently bought the 8.4 "Pro" and have been using it for at least 5+hours a day since I got it. I visited my local Best Buy and took a look at the new "S" model as I am still within my return policy. The first thing you will notice is the screen. The amoled screen is very nice but like mitch said I would not buy it just for that.
What I would buy it for, and the reason why I am returning the "Pro" for it, is a number of things. The battery life is better and there is a software feature included that will extend the time of the charge.
The speakers are on alternate sides... this may not sound like much to most but being a guy with big hands I have to hold the "Pro" awkwardly in order to not cover one of the speakers. Having them to one side allows me to hold it like I should and hear what I am supposed to.
The "S" model is smaller and lighter. Now looking at the specs it doesn't look like much until you actually get it in your hand. It is a significant difference and makes it easier to hold and hold for longer periods of time.
The "Pro" functions just as well as the "S" until you start going nuts with the multi-tasking, which I use extensively. The extra 1gb of RAM that you get in the "S" makes a huge difference in what you can have open and how many. Play Order and Chaos with the music player while surfing the web is a wonderful thing.
So to sum it up, the screen is very sexy on the "S", but by itself I don't think "Pro" owners should really worry about that. For those of us that still have opportunity to swap them out, like myself, its all up to you but the rose gold trim on top of the changes I mentioned above are what convinced me to swap.
-Grev
One important point , this topic was created to compare the tab s with the ipad air not with pro and is it worth it to swap from the ipad to the tab s
Thanks
I cannot stand iOS. Just too limited and over simplified.
People for years have been touting the apps but when I tried an iPad mini for a while the app situation was Way worse than android.
The stupid x2 zoom was just totally unacceptable. Android scales everything very well. I don't care if the apps are all totally redone for tablet size or not.
The iOS ecosystem seems like everyone is trying to reinvent the wheel with form over function. Get some buzz with something cool that is less usable than it was. I think it suits the uber hipsters perfectly. But not me at all.
You're going to love holding the Tab S 8.4 at 300 grams, very thin and a nice grippy back.
The Screen..
Battery life, especially if you use a browser with Night mode, darker theme.
I think it has more to do with which OS you like better or which architecture you are invested in at this point as prices are similar. IMO the Tab has some advantages like SD card availability, weight, and size but they are not huge, except the SD thing. Personally I have a deep rooted dislike of Apple from the days when the DRMed music so you couldn't put stuff you purchased on different devices.
salahfathi said:
I have ipad air and it is not so bad but I hate ios limitations as Iam an android fan ( I have note 3 ) and since the galaxy tab s is announced I was taken by its screen
The only concern i have is it worth to sell my ipad and buy a tab s or not , also the ipad build quality is a beauty does the tab s will satisfy me in its build quality or I will regret giving away my ipad ?
Last thing is the exynos processor coming with it will be good or we will suffer lagging?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got a steal on the Mini 2 64gb way under $400 and new. Got it in Feb this year just before 7.1 ios came out. So its jailbroken. The ONLY reason I bought it like so many others say jailbroken is the only way to go. I would never buy one with out it. I can put different icons widgets blah blah. If it was not jailbroken I might sell it for a Tab s.
Yet I didnt and bought the Tab s anyway. For ME there is just more freedom.
Zeblade said:
I got a steal on the Mini 2 64gb way under $400 and new. Got it in Feb this year just before 7.1 ios came out. So its jailbroken. The ONLY reason I bought it like so many others say jailbroken is the only way to go. I would never buy one with out it. I can put different icons widgets blah blah. If it was not jailbroken I might sell it for a Tab s.
Yet I didnt and bought the Tab s anyway. For ME there is just more freedom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My ipad is jailbroken too but enough lies on ourselves android alone without root has much more freedom than jailbroken ios
salahfathi said:
My ipad is jailbroken too but enough lies on ourselves android alone without root has much more freedom than jailbroken ios
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I 100% agree.
Update to my prior post. With the $100 trade in offer I went ahead and got the 10.5 Tab S. Glad I did. Colors amazing on this and like the extra size in portrait.
Get the S 10.5 and stick a 128 Gb sd card in it and save all of your music, videos etc on it so that you always have access to them wherever you go and if you need to do a factory reset then they are still available on the device.
Because the iPad has no sd card is a deal breaker for me.
IPad has a slicker, smoother os and a slightly better app store, but that's about it tbh. You can't use otg usb devices, no sd slot and a more restricted os. I have an ipad3 which I still use, but love the fact I can just plug my usb stick into my tab s and watch a movie or tv episode. Also the amoled screen is amazing. No iTunes to worry about either.
Sent from my SM-T700 using Tapatalk
I only got the tab S 8.4 less than a week ago, was deciding whether to get the ipad mini retina, I wanted the ipad to play one game from teamlava called dragon story, but the developer was more hunger for money with their games which makes player spend alot of money, so I have slowly grown off the game.
With the 8.4 there is more freedom to customize the tab, and with less limitation, and cheap to buy.
You won't be disappointed
bigbrown said:
You buy Apple for the ecosystem, not for the hw/OS specs, which are behind Samsung/Android. If you don't have a must-have app on the iPad, go with Android. Better value for the $ and freedom to make changes as you wish.
The only issue I have with Samsung Tab S is that it's 16:9 screen ratio. I need the 4:3 for portrait eBook reading. For media consumption, I have a laptop & HT system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HW isn't behind with the exception being the OLED panel itself. The CPU in an iPad Air is much faster then what Samsung uses.
HughesNet said:
HW isn't behind with the exception being the OLED panel itself. The CPU in an iPad Air is much faster then what Samsung uses.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Another exception is running two apps simultaneously on the S 10.5 splitting it's 16:10 screen which is great and would not work on the ipad with it's 4:3 aspect ratio screen.

[Q] I'm losing it. Can't decide.

I've been a flight crew member for 35 yrs. so obviously I am a decisive kind of guy. This decision has stumped me. Do I acquire the 8.4 or 10.5.?Seems pretty simple, right, WRONG. I have ordered then cancelled both models numerous times. I commute to work. If not on a jump seat, I may end up in a middle seat if I can't get into business class. I use my note 3 now and it's perfect so I think the 8.4 would be the perfect size for confined spaces. However, I want that big screen but concerned I won't use it and reach for my note when in a confined space.
I went to best buy and played with both but to no avail. I assume maybe some on here have had both and may be able to offer their enlightenment. I have read about the 10.5 being sharper do to the difference in the pixals in the screens. I have to admit I did notice this when playing with them and did find the 10.5 screen just seemed brighter and clearer. This was before I even read that some saw a difference. I'm new here as I just found this site and would like to thank all those who take the time to offer their opinions on these tabs. It has been a great help to me and I am sure others as well. Bill
Get the 10.5. In a confined space you will want to read in portrait and the 8.4 is too small for that. Also 10.5 seems to be having a better amoled screen experience than the 8.4. I owned the 8.4 Pro model and after a while I started to have a "big phone" experience. You want a tablet? Get a proper tablet, not a big phone.
mitchellvii said:
Get the 10.5. In a confined space you will want to read in portrait and the 8.4 is too small for that. Also 10.5 seems to be having a better amoled screen experience than the 8.4. I owned the 8.4 Pro model and after a while I started to have a "big phone" experience. You want a tablet? Get a proper tablet, not a big phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great point Mitch, I actually never thought of that. I do read quite alot on my current tab and phone, finding the phone too small so rarely do so any longer. I read another post of yours where you mentioned the"big phone" experience and I can see that happening to me especially since the note 3 already as an over 5" screen.
ibill1 said:
Great point Mitch, I actually never thought of that. I do read quite alot on my current tab and phone, finding the phone too small so rarely do so any longer. I read another post of yours where you mentioned the"big phone" experience and I can see that happening to me especially since the note 3 already as an over 5" screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are looking for the best possible media experience, get the 10.5. The 8.4 will feel redundant with your Note 3.
I just got the 8.4 and for me it is the perfect size. Reading even in portrait is not a problem at all, text seems plenty big. I really love that I can hold it in one hand easily, it's the perfect size to grip securely with your thumb on one side and your fingers on the other. Honestly it's all up to your personal preference, and budget. Personally I lean on the smaller screen size, my phone is the Galaxy S3 and the 4.8" screen on it is about as big as I want on a phone. A big screen is nice and all but you also have to think about convenience and how your going to be using it. I really expected the 8.4" screen to be smaller than it is, I was looking at the nexus 7 and even the Note 8.0 and thought those screens are a little small for a tablet(the big phone effect), but when I got the Tab S 8.4 and started using it I was like this screen is nice, seems really big especially since I'm used to the S3.
Loving the 8.4 since its more suitable for outdoor usage. Bigger sized is for home use.

Tab S 8.4 Question

Hello,
Im thinking of buying this today, My basic usuage will be for reading books,
Would this screen size be a issue for reading or should i go for 10.1 ?
veenab said:
Hello,
Im thinking of buying this today, My basic usuage will be for reading books,
Would this screen size be a issue for reading or should i go for 10.1 ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my opinion. This is the perfect size for reading. That is one of my primary usages for the 8.4. Larger=heavier=lesser reading experience.
veenab said:
Hello,
Im thinking of buying this today, My basic usuage will be for reading books,
Would this screen size be a issue for reading or should i go for 10.1 ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on what you are willing to read. For e-books, I'd actually aim at a 7" tablet that you can easily hold in one hand, which is not the case of the Tab S 8.4.
In e-books the fonts are scaleable, and an app such as Moon+ reader allows you to scroll the text as you read for optimized reading ergonomy. In my opinion, handling comfort is more important than screen size.
I personally use a 2nd gen Nexus 7, which is not only easier to manipulate but also offers a smoother scrolling than Tab S 8.4, but I beleive Huawei X1 to be an even better option for this usage.
If you are more interested in comics, then a larger screen will be more comfortable. 7" is good enough with scrolling, 8.4" is more comfortable but 10.5" is better for this usage as it allows to decently display a full page in portrait mode.
ukael said:
Depends on what you are willing to read. For e-books, I'd actually aim at a 7" tablet that you can easily hold in one hand, which is not the case of the Tab S 8.4.
In e-books the fonts are scaleable, and an app such as Moon+ reader allows you to scroll the text as you read for optimized reading ergonomy. In my opinion, handling comfort is more important than screen size.
I personally use a 2nd gen Nexus 7, which is not only easier to manipulate but also offers a smoother scrolling than Tab S 8.4, but I beleive Huawei X1 to be an even better option for this usage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 2nd gen Nexus 7 got the same weight as the Tab S 8.4 or to be more precise, it's 290 g against 294 g. Besides that, the Tab S actually feels a bit lighter to me because the weight is more balanced in that slightly bigger device. I bought the Tab S last week after using the Nexus for a year for its better screen as well as the sd slot and the lack of multitouch issues (which plague all N7 2nd gen IMO more or less). Anyway, I did prefer 7" before the purchase but now I thing the (light weight) 8.4 device is a better compromise all around. The handling comfort is really around the same or for me a bit better on the Tab S and it is just as mobile (fits easily in the back pocket of my baggy jeans).
ukael said:
If you are more interested in comics, then a larger screen will be more comfortable. 7" is good enough with scrolling, 8.4" is more comfortable but 10.5" is better for this usage as it allows to decently display a full page in portrait mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, Comixology as well as CBZ/CBR files profit allot from the noticeable size increase (still talking about N7 2k13 against Tab S 8.4). Plus the deep blacks (as well as the vibrant and adjustable colors) help with the large black parts in most comic art and keep the battery usage down.
TheGoD said:
The 2nd gen Nexus 7 got the same weight as the Tab S 8.4 or to be more precise, it's 290 g against 294 g. Besides that, the Tab S actually feels a bit lighter to me because the weight is more balanced in that slightly bigger device. I bought the Tab S last week after using the Nexus for a year for its better screen as well as the sd slot and the lack of multitouch issues (which plague all N7 2nd gen IMO more or less). Anyway, I did prefer 7" before the purchase but now I thing the (light weight) 8.4 device is a better compromise all around. The handling comfort is really around the same or for me a bit better on the Tab S and it is just as mobile (fits easily in the back pocket of my baggy jeans).
Yeah, Comixology as well as CBZ/CBR files profit allot from the noticeable size increase (still talking about N7 2k13 against Tab S 8.4). Plus the deep blacks (as well as the vibrant and adjustable colors) help with the large black parts in most comic art and keep the battery usage down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting points you highlight here. The handling comfort seems to be a matter of personal preference. As far as I am concerned, I use the Nexus 7 without cover, and hold it in one hand when reading.
The Tab S is the same weight without cover, but I find it less comfortable to hold single handed. Worse, I find the samsung touchkeys to be a permanent annoyance when handling the tab without a cover, because its borders are so thin it's though to find a proper place to grip on it. I therefore use it exclusively with its top grade official cover, which is an awesome stand and improves handling but adds 50% weight and doesn't make it thinner for single handed use.
That and the fact the N7 offers a smoother experience on Moon+ Reader lead me to prefer it for ebooks reading. And I can't help thinking about how good the Huawei X1 with its 220g should be for this usage.
Now, I totally agree that the tab S's size is more versatile option. 8.4" is an excellent compromise that led me to completely give up on 10" tablets. But I'm not much of a comics reader, and don't care about the screen size for movies.
ukael said:
Depends on what you are willing to read. For e-books, I'd actually aim at a 7" tablet that you can easily hold in one hand, which is not the case of the Tab S 8.4.
In e-books the fonts are scaleable, and an app such as Moon+ reader allows you to scroll the text as you read for optimized reading ergonomy. In my opinion, handling comfort is more important than screen size.
I personally use a 2nd gen Nexus 7, which is not only easier to manipulate but also offers a smoother scrolling than Tab S 8.4, but I beleive Huawei X1 to be an even better option for this usage.
If you are more interested in comics, then a larger screen will be more comfortable. 7" is good enough with scrolling, 8.4" is more comfortable but 10.5" is better for this usage as it allows to decently display a full page in portrait mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not comics but my basically study material ( programming languagues,etc)
I already ordered a Tab S 8.4 on ebay,

16:10 format: WHY??!!!!

Am I the only one who thinks that whoever decided to revert to 16:10 for Samsung's tablets should hang by his/her/xer tongue?!!! Who was the idiot? Did the S2 and S3 not sell well enough? So let's break it down: 16:10 is useless in portrait mode. The only thing this might (might(!)) be good for would be media consumption, specifically movie watching. Why provide the S-pen then? Is this solely a media consumption device? Or is this a productivity tablet? Pen says it's a productivity tablet. 16:10 format says media only. Clearly Samsung doesn't know what it wants, so it decided to screw up both--I mean, who in his right mind would pay upward of $650 to just watch movies (and little else)?
Why, Samsung, why?
Wanna watch movies on Android? There are plenty tablets out there for much less than half of this. No need for fancy pen-compatible screens to watch movies. And why would one need top-notch Dolby quad speakers to watch movies on the train (or on the toilet)?! You want to watch movies in style? Get a man cave, with 150" OLED screens with subwoofers, tweeters, and all that jazz! What loser buys tablets to do professional movie watching? Non-professional movie watching can be done very well on a 4:3 tablet: you don't need a 16:10 screen to watch movies on a plane, or YouTube cat videos!
Well, I'm in the other camp, and basically ask "Why oh Why in The Wide Wide World of Sports" does someone want a 4:3 tablet? If you want something the same aspect ratio as your computer monitor... Then Use Your Computer Monitor!!!
To me, the first and foremost reason for a tablet is ... Portability.
To accomplish that we want lightweight, thin, and NOT cumbersome. They need to be easily handled as they are constantly picked up, put down, held in one hand, etc etc.
The 16:10 aspect ratio is easier for that. It's easier to set on the edge of a table, it's easier to (as you say) be a media consumption device. I don't think they are meant to be your 'do everything' computer, that's why we have laptops, desktops, mobile phones, etc.
They are a niche product, yes, to be used sitting on the couch, lawn chair, etc. Where you don't put them down (when using) but hold they device. The 4:3 format is just unwieldy in that regard. And besides, the interface isn't usually a browser, it's an app, which are much more 16:10.
If you want something for productivity, get a laptop, that's what they're for.
I don't think 16:10 has much to do with practicality as its lower surface area than 4:3. Lower surface area means less OLED panel, less wacom digitizer, and thus lower costs for competing with the larger 4:3 ipad pro 10.5 in the marketing department.
The fact that the Tab S4 has 16:10 format is the only reason I consider buying a new tablet from Samsung. I still use my Galaxy Tab S 10.5 and I like it but it's getting a bit old and the battery has been better. I never considered the S2 or S3 due to it's awful screen format. A tablet for me is 99% for watching videos, so what I want is a great screen (oled) and widescreen format. If I need a portable device to be productive, I'll use my laptop. But that has nothing to do with the screen format anyway, since nearly all computer screens today are 16:10 or 16:9 aswell.
I do mostly watch movies at home of course, on my oled tv and surround sound system, but when I travel I still want a nice oled screen with the right format to carry with me to get the most out of whatever I watch on the go also. I prefer not to use a crappy 4:3 or LCD-screen for that.
And what was said about losers buying tablets to watch movies could also be said about productive work I guess (what losers use a tablet to do professional work?)
Hellberg said:
And what was said about losers buying tablets to watch movies could also be said about productive work I guess (what losers use a tablet to do professional work?)
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Totally agree. There's no need to be insulting just because you disagree. Discussing the pro's and con's is the way to go. Thinking you're going to influence mfg's by slinging insults... well, those that do that will get it right back, or just ignored for immaturity.
I have a Galaxy Tab Pro 8" model, and love the screen. Sadly the device was buggy like all androids of that age and slowed down, due to programing and lack of memory/storage space. I enjoyed the 16:10 format it had.
Fast forward to 2015 I got a S2 8" model. While I disagreed with the screen display change to 4:3 and reducing the resolution it worked out well overall and have been happy with the device for the past 3 years. Its getting older and wanting something a little snappier a hence why I'm looking at the S4.
That said the screen size change back to the 16:10 format for the S4 is because it reduced the bezels on the top/bottom. With that they could lengthen the screen and still pack the larger battery in the device, as well they increase the screen resolution because its longer. Personally screen ratio doesn't bother me as much as how does the device function, it could have a 4:3 or 16:10 and still I'd be potentially looking at it. Really can't wait to see one in person hopefully next week.
graphic designer here. appreciate the 16:10 choice -- my main display is a 34" ultrawide, and i appreciate the extra real estate. was a big fan of the Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 as well, so i'm happy Samsung ditched 4:3.
I still had my original Tab S 8.4, had some iPad and minis, and I still prefer 16:10.
Let's keep things friendly in here.
I returned my S3 the other day because of the 4:3. I didn't research but also wouldn't have ever thought there would be a 4:3 display. So I ordered the S4 and am picking it up today.
I just picked a S4 up to replace my S3. I am very happy they got away from 4:3. It is however a perssonal preferencr for every one. Most computers are 16:9 so the 16:10 is better for me.
Aqua1ung said:
Am I the only one who thinks that whoever decided to revert to 16:10 for Samsung's tablets should hang by his/her/xer tongue?!!! Who was the idiot? Did the S2 and S3 not sell well enough? So let's break it down: 16:10 is useless in portrait mode. The only thing this might (might(!)) be good for would be media consumption, specifically movie watching. Why provide the S-pen then? Is this solely a media consumption device? Or is this a productivity tablet? Pen says it's a productivity tablet. 16:10 format says media only. Clearly Samsung doesn't know what it wants, so it decided to screw up both--I mean, who in his right mind would pay upward of $650 to just watch movies (and little else)?
Why, Samsung, why?
Wanna watch movies on Android? There are plenty tablets out there for much less than half of this. No need for fancy pen-compatible screens to watch movies. And why would one need top-notch Dolby quad speakers to watch movies on the train (or on the toilet)?! You want to watch movies in style? Get a man cave, with 150" OLED screens with subwoofers, tweeters, and all that jazz! What loser buys tablets to do professional movie watching? Non-professional movie watching can be done very well on a 4:3 tablet: you don't need a 16:10 screen to watch movies on a plane, or YouTube cat videos!
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Look at EVERY book you see at the store, comics too, they're closer to 16:9/16:10 aspect ratio than 4:3 or 3:2. Same with TV and Movies. Most websites are catered for Smartphones which opt for the elongated aspect ratio over the squat 4:3 one.
4:3 is good for PDFs and digitized textbooks/informational books like DIY books, great for retro games/emulation
3:2 is great for note taking and a bit better at displaying PDFs since it's closer to 8.5x11 inch paper that the US uses and A4 that other places use.
16:9/16:10 great for comics, novels, movies, games and websites.
Either way, the beauty of OLED is that it's amazing at displaying the aspect ratio you want and hiding the cut off bit since it doesn't require backlighting so you don't get those annoying grey (trying to be black) bars on things. Also none of that weird LCD dim screen shimmer issue.
Though, my Note Pro 12.2 (yes that old tablet) is approximately the same size as the margins of loose leaf ruled paper. Which made note taking on it a dream. I still use it for that reason alone. Also because that version of S Note is one of the best versions ever. I'm not a fan of Samsung Note. And I like that size for drawing too. Though their 4 sub-pixel screen really messes with color accuracy and causes pastel colors to look terrible due to that added white sub-pixel.
Got to say the 16:10 ratio on the screen while some complain about it, really works incredibly well for DeX mode.
Actually I don't think I've had my tablet out of DeX mode since I turned it on! I just like the function of it considerably more considering the screen size at least for me its worked out very well.
For me, 16:10 is a mistake. Love the 4:3 on my Tab S2 8" and can't imagine you could every hold a 10" 16:10 for anything more than a few minutes especially in portrait mode.
Each to there own I guess.
Masteryates said:
For me, 16:10 is a mistake. Love the 4:3 on my Tab S2 8" and can't imagine you could every hold a 10" 16:10 for anything more than a few minutes especially in portrait mode.
Each to there own I guess.
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That's funny, in that portrait mode is the easiest way to hold a 16:10 tablet. Yes, the bezel does need to be wide enough to put your fingers underneath and a thumb on top, but most tablet makers realize this and make the bezels wide enough.
This is of course with one hand. With 2 hands any of the tablet sizes can be held comfortably. But with one hand, it's more awkward with 4:3 than 16:10 (in portrait mode).
Yes, ea to their own, no doubt there. But holding something, a rectangular shape is easier and takes less leverage, than something that is virtually square. That's not really opinion, that's a bio mechanical fact.
AsItLies said:
But holding something, a rectangular shape is easier and takes less leverage, than something that is virtually square. That's not really opinion, that's a bio mechanical fact.
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I have to disagree with you here AsItLies;77335736. With both 16:10 and 4:3, our tablets are too big to get our hands totally around the device, and therefore we end up having to hold them essentially in the bottom corner, if we chose to hold one handed.
With a 4:3, the centre of gravity is closer to the holding hand than it is on a 16:10. That means the a 16:10 tablet puts more stress on the holding hand, even if the weights of the tablets are identical, as the lever arm is more. The structural engineer sat beside me confirms this.
If you go back to the days of 7" tablets, you would be correct as the your hand could get right around a 7" 16:9 tablet, (like the Nexus 7 2013,) but maybe not a similar 4:3 tablet.
Samsung gets a lot of criticism for the small battery on the Tab S2 8", but for me, its the best of both worlds as its unbelievably light and website don't feel cramped or cut off.
Like I said, each to there own.
Masteryates said:
I have to disagree with you here AsItLies;77335736. With both 16:10 and 4:3, our tablets are too big to get our hands totally around the device, and therefore we end up having to hold them essentially in the bottom corner, if we chose to hold one handed.
With a 4:3, the centre of gravity is closer to the holding hand than it is on a 16:10. That means the a 16:10 tablet puts more stress on the holding hand, even if the weights of the tablets are identical, as the lever arm is more. The structural engineer sat beside me confirms this.
If you go back to the days of 7" tablets, you would be correct as the your hand could get right around a 7" 16:9 tablet, (like the Nexus 7 2013,) but maybe not a similar 4:3 tablet.
Samsung gets a lot of criticism for the small battery on the Tab S2 8", but for me, its the best of both worlds as its unbelievably light and website don't feel cramped or cut off.
Like I said, each to there own.
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See, here's the thing (and I'm glad you describe it clearly), when ** I ** hold a tablet, it's with one hand, in portrait mode, and you are correct, they are (now) too wide to get your hand completely around it like a phone.
So? and that's what I said earlier; The Device Has To Have A Bezel Wide Enough For Your Thumb!
By placing your thumb on the top part of the bezel and fingers underneath (of course not all the way to the other side, too wide), then, as I said, the center of gravity (thus the weight and difficulty to hold the device) is easier, it's less fatigue, it has to be as it's less cumbersome. and unwieldy.
So no, it's not really 'ea to their own', it's simple bio mechanics. If you don't mind it being heavier to hold that way, and you like 4:3, go for it. But the fact remains, one handed, on the long side, is easier with 16:10 (again! as long as the mfg has enough sense to include a wide enough bezel - I returned a huawei mediapad m5 for just that oversight by the mfg... no bezel at all, big mistake on a tablet - although perfect for a phone - narrower, one hand goes all the way around).
AsItLies said:
See, here's the thing (and I'm glad you describe it clearly), when ** I ** hold a tablet, it's with one hand, in portrait mode, and you are correct, they are (now) too wide to get your hand completely around it like a phone.
So? and that's what I said earlier; The Device Has To Have A Bezel Wide Enough For Your Thumb!
By placing your thumb on the top part of the bezel and fingers underneath (of course not all the way to the other side, too wide), then, as I said, the center of gravity (thus the weight and difficulty to hold the device) is easier, it's less fatigue, it has to be as it's less cumbersome. and unwieldy.
So no, it's not really 'ea to their own', it's simple bio mechanics. If you don't mind it being heavier to hold that way, and you like 4:3, go for it. But the fact remains, one handed, on the long side, is easier with 16:10 (again! as long as the mfg has enough sense to include a wide enough bezel - I returned a huawei mediapad m5 for just that oversight by the mfg... no bezel at all, big mistake on a tablet - although perfect for a phone - narrower, one hand goes all the way around).
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Ok I'm getting you now. If you are holding in Portrait, the 4:3 has its centroid nearest your hand. What you describe though by saying holding it along its long side, is landscape, which means the centroid is nearest your hand on the 16:10 tablet.
So it's each to there own with respect to tablet ratio and if they use it in Landscape or Portrait. Agreed that bezel size is vital though. :highfive:
Masteryates said:
Ok I'm getting you now. If you are holding in Portrait, the 4:3 has its centroid nearest your hand. What you describe though by saying holding it along its long side, is landscape, which means the centroid is nearest your hand on the 16:10 tablet.
So it's each to there own with respect to tablet ratio and if they use it in Landscape or Portrait. Agreed that bezel size is vital though. :highfive:
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It's kind of funny Really, and I guess many would say tedious also, but hey, to make things clear sometimes this is what u need to do!
To make the point again, I'm not holding it with one hand on the long side with it in landscape mode, that would mean having your hand ** underneath ** the device.
I'm referring to holding it in portrait mode ** with your one hand on the side ** ... not on the bottom underneath. So it's portrait, not landscape
And when I pick it up and carry it, hand stays in much the same place, just screen off and pinch both sides, easily done with one hand. But that's really not the case with 4:3, as it's like a ** box **. There's really no side to carry it with 1 hand, or hold with 1.
Yes, it's individual, no doubt. But factually speaking, the 16:9 is easier to use and carry around. As with everything, one has to decide what's important to them.
Cheers, glad we clarified it with only having to write 1 chapter of a book, it could have been worse!
I just got my Verizon S4 and I'm loving everything about it. It is so much easier to type in, handle, carry than my S3. I love this aspect ratio. It way better for reading and running apps on portrait and watching videos on landscape. The thin bezels and lack of physical buttons is great. Also performance is top notch.
The only reason I haven't upgraded from Tab S 8.4 to Tab 2 or 3 was aspect ratio. I'm glad they switched back to wide-screen. Can't wait for mine to arrive.

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