Hello,
I'm thinking about buying a Tab S 10.5 to replace my HP Touchpad.
I recently got a brand new Galaxy S4 phone and was kind of disappointed with the lack of ROM options and that I am limited to using Safestrap as a recovery. Are there similar limitations with the Tab S 10.5 if I were to buy a new one today?
How would you guys compare the 10.5 Tab S to the new Nexus tablet?
Thanks,
ClockerXP
The tab s is different from the nexus is the screen. The tab s has an amoled screen which is way better than nexus. Well if you get the WiFi version of the tab s... We have a cm11 ROM, bliss stalk ROM based on cm11 and a few stock debloated ROMs. We also have one kernel for the tab s 10.5. We also have twrp, and philz recovery. The limitations of this tablet is that we get slight lag in apps like chrome. But battery life on this tablet is awesome and even better with a custom kernel. I once got 9 hours screen on time of watching movies with a custom kernel tweak for battery savings. The tab s should last 8 or 7 hours screen on time.
Another limitation is development. There are more developers on nexus tablets vs samsung tablets. We don't know if anymore developers buy this tablet. But if your happy with cm11 then we have it and most things work.
Another bad thing is touchwiz. Samsung put their own skin into most tablets like these and takes for ever for us to get an update. Touchwiz also lags too.
I'm not looking to have a ton of rom options but would like to have CM available for a while and a nice stock debloated one available. Specifically lollipop versions. Do you think I'll be disappointed?
Thanks,
CxP
Probably not for the tab s. The nexus 9 already has lollipop and a ton more ROMs. I'm not sure if the nexus 9 has cm12 yet. Best to check there first For the tab s were gonna have to wait a bit for a staple cm and lollipop build.
DUHAsianSKILLZ said:
Probably not for the tab s. The nexus 9 already has lollipop and a ton more ROMs. I'm not sure if the nexus 9 has cm12 yet. Best to check there first For the tab s were gonna have to wait a bit for a staple cm and lollipop build.
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Click to collapse
I'm fine waiting as long as it comes eventually!
ClockerXP said:
I'm fine waiting as long as it comes eventually!
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Click to collapse
Yeah lollipop will come! Most likely a developer will make a stock debloated ROM when it comes out.
I actually bought both to compare side by side. I will be honest, the SAMOLED screen is eye-popping. By default the color calibration is set to oversaturate a bit. That said, the SAMOLED even in basic mode still blows the nexus 9's screen away. And then there's the better resolution. However, I prefer the Nexus 9's aspect ratio. I do more browsing than video watching on my tablet and 4:3 is perfect for this. Also, nexus 9 is buttery smooth, even on stock. The speakers are also way better.
So it comes down to this: what do you plan on doing with your tablet? Videos = Tab S. Hands down. Browsing/reading = Nexus 9, so much more comfortable and literally ZERO lag. Games... Either one, though that Kepler GPU is awesome.\
I'm obviously sticking with the Nexus 9 and returning the Tab, though I know that I will really miss that screen sometimes.
The micro SD slot is important to me. I'm glad I went to the store to try them out because now I think I am going to go with the Tab S 8.4. The 10.5 just seems too big and I don't like the position of the home button on the long end of the screen. The 8.4 is great in the hand as well.
Thanks guys... I think I'm going to watch for a good deal on a Tab S 8.4.
CxP
Related
I got an original Samsung 10.1v in the past and was decently pleased with it, then I moved to a Nexus 10. Screen is great but it lags quite a lot now and I'm considering to get a Tab Pro 10 to replace it, as the future of the Nexus line seems uncertain.
I really fear TouchWiz but on the other hand, 4.4 AOSP isn't great for a 10 inch tablet either and I actually think that some of the tweaks Samsung implemented in TouchWiz could be helpful.
Is it worth the upgrade ? I'm also concerned about the lack of custom roms for it, if I'm referring to the current state of roms in these boards.
Thank you !
I have a tab 12.2 pro and I'm very happy with it. TW isn't as laggy as some people made it out to be. Could be smoother but it honestly doesn't interfere with my use for it (browsing, video watching, gaming, etc.)
Development for the tab 10.1 and 12.2 wifi pros are pretty slow right now with all the focus mainly on the 8.4 (there's now a custom rom for the 10.1). All in all, I think you'd be pleased with it coming from the nexus 10.
I still have my N10, the 12.2 is much faster, brighter screen, battery life is much better and charges much faster as well.
Sent from my SM-P900 using Tapatalk
I to am/have been a Nexus fan. I choose the tab over the N. Would love to have the HDMI out on the nexus, but just couldn't go without the extra storage with the sd card. Phone storage was not an issue but want to be able to have movies and music vids and games that you wouldn't necessarily use or want on the phone.
Oh yeah, I just bought the 10.1 pro today, just finished rooting it. Gonna go see about xposed now.
And I forgot to turn off auto update in the play store b4 letting it connect. Had to update all those crappy apps don't even use. I hate when that happens. thankfully we have titanium bu.
I currently have an original Nexus 7, which I love but it's getting increasingly laggy and the battery is awful. Though I'm loathe to lose the lovely stock android interface, I'm considering getting a galaxy tab (with a few tweaks it should be bearable!) as they seem to be some of the best on the market at the moment.
The Tab S and Tab Pro (8.4) are both available at John Lewis for £249 and £199 respectively for the wifi versions, and I can't make up my mind which to get.
Any views on which is a better buy? Is the S worth the extra £50? I mostly use my tablet for media - videos, light gaming, news, reading, web browsing, that sort of thing.
I have an T800, but the fight was the same..
I was in the same dilemma, and tried both (S and Pro version).. my answer was obviously, Tab S!
Much slimmer, way better screen, feel good in hands.
You do have some aosp roms for t700.
All I can say about the Tab S is the screen! Truly awesome in which is why I chose this over the iPad. There is a hitch of lag on stock touchwiz. But installing an aosp ROM makes everything better
Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk
Tab S!
I recently upgraded from Nexus 7 and i loved it, but i wanted something a little bigger with more storage and after trying Samsung Amoled screens there was no question on what to get. Its thin, light, fast and this screen is just amazing for videos. Im typing this on my Tab S 8.4
The main differences between the pro and the s are the scren types (lcd vs Samoled), the ability to use a digitizer pen like the note uses, ram (2GB vs 3GB) and assorted minor differences.
If video is your main thing then the Tab S is amazing. If you like games better the best is the Nvidia Shield (stockish android too). The pro wil do anything the tab S does just with pen support and a screen that while it is nice is just not as nice as the S.
Dose tab pro has stylus support like note ? ... I don't think so
I also upgraded from a Nexus 7 2012 to a Tab S 8.4 (also got from John Lewis).
I was running Liquid Smooth Unofficial on the Nexus 7 and am now running Liquid Smooth on the Tab S. Took about an hour to root, install rom, and restore apps via TB. The Tab S is a nice step up from the Nexus 7. As others have said the main difference is the screen. I prefer the AMOLED screen and the deep blacks. Other people prefer the "truer" colour representation of the LCD screen. Whichever you choose I'm sure you'd be happy with it. Maybe there's a place with both tabs so you can try side by side?
cintaya said:
I currently have an original Nexus 7, which I love but it's getting increasingly laggy and the battery is awful. Though I'm loathe to lose the lovely stock android interface, I'm considering getting a galaxy tab (with a few tweaks it should be bearable!) as they seem to be some of the best on the market at the moment.
The Tab S and Tab Pro (8.4) are both available at John Lewis for £249 and £199 respectively for the wifi versions, and I can't make up my mind which to get.
Any views on which is a better buy? Is the S worth the extra £50? I mostly use my tablet for media - videos, light gaming, news, reading, web browsing, that sort of thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait to TAB S 2
Tab S is also first in line for OTAs (it has lollipop) and has some nice software enhancments
and xda has more support and roms for it.
Xperia Z3 Tab! Great Battery! I mean best battery for a tab! it lasts almost a week!
DUHAsianSKILLZ said:
All I can say about the Tab S is the screen! Truly awesome in which is why I chose this over the iPad. There is a hitch of lag on stock touchwiz. But installing an aosp ROM makes everything better
Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk
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What AOSP ROM did you use for your tablet?
BitSmith said:
What AOSP ROM did you use for your tablet?
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Liquid smooth of course xD
Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk
You still can get the Tab Pro 10.1 from various (over 60 webshops in Germany have it in stock) dealers new in box.
It is sold for 290€
There is obviously the Tab S2 9.7 with a different aspect ratio, but it is more expensive at ~450€.
I would settle with the older Tab Pro 10.1 if it is snappy enough. So how is the performance with stock rom and how is it with CM12.1?
Is it worth getting it in new condition?
I want to use it at home obviously for surfing and social media and maybe to view some photos (picture frame-like).
Polarfuchs said:
You still can get the Tab Pro 10.1 from various (over 60 webshops in Germany have it in stock) dealers new in box.
It is sold for 290€
There is obviously the Tab S2 9.7 with a different aspect ratio, but it is more expensive at ~450€.
I would settle with the older Tab Pro 10.1 if it is snappy enough. So how is the performance with stock rom and how is it with CM12.1?
Is it worth getting it in new condition?
I want to use it at home obviously for surfing and social media and maybe to view some photos (picture frame-like).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me the stock roms are really laggy. but CM 12.1 is great for me, great battery and no lag at all!
If you ask me, screw all those 4:3 tablets, especially 10/12 inch ones. I only see myself buying one if it's so cheap I can't refuse, but Nexus 9 is still somewhat expensive now, let alone Tab S2.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
The Tab Pro 10.1 is still decent if you can get it for a good price. And @manderspaul is right, CM 12 is pretty good. Better than the other options (stock and other ROMS). I can't think of another tablet I would purchase right now, except maybe the Nexus 9.
I bought it about 2 months ago... Good tab for the money. Use CM 12.1 or, if you would like more customisation, Resurrection Remix. Both are really good, no problems, and very smooth... You'll have tab for a couple of years as minimum...
from SM-T520
I got mine a couple of months ago.
Forget about tab B and S2. This one is the best for the price until LG G Pad 2 10.1 comes around.
The speaker on tab pro is pretty loud and much louder than S.
Got mine six months ago. First Samsung device in a long time as I usually stay away from Samsung's due to their horrible touchwiz UI. Big mistake again. After a few months I found touchwiz almost unusable. So bad. Lag and choppiness all over the place. I felt like throwing the thing out the window. I had not rooted a device for over 3 years until a month or so ago. I had to or else I would have destroyed the thing. It is so much better now. CM11 and CM 12 are both awesome ROMS and work great. I used both. The tablet hardware is awesome. Display, SOC and all around. Its just the terrible utter nonsense touchwiz UI that ruins it.
Now I'm back to stock ROM after some overheating issues I was getting on CM 12. I've stripped down almost all of the Samsung system apps and cleaned the ROM down. So much faster and better to use. All S voice, S planner, flipboard, S so on and so on I've removed. Much much better now.
I purchased my Pro 10.1 a few months ago, I really like it. Running CM 12 now, but I've considered going back to a stripped down version of touchwiz. Really nice tab for the price at this time.
I have owned the Nexus 7 (2013) since early 2014. It's quite nice overall although occasionally the touchscreen becomes unresponsive. It's running stock Marshmallow which is pretty nice. The only shortcoming for me is the 7" screen. I'd like a slightly larger screen but something less than 9". Either an 8 or 8.4 seems about right. I will buy a used tablet and the current 8" S2 models are still more than I want to spend so I'm thinking either a Tab S or a Tab Pro. Leaning towards the S because it's running Lollipop. Just wondering if any 8.4" Tab S owners came from the Nexus 7 and if so, are you happy you made the switch. FWIW, I mainly use it for reading books, web-surfing and a few apps e.g., NYTimes, Flixster, XDA, Facebook, YouTube. I don't play any games. Thanks.
I had a Nexus 7 2012, then a Nexus 7 2013 before coming to the Tab S 8.4. I have had my Tab S since February of last year, and loved it...until the day before yesterday when it bricked. But that is a different story...=(
The Tab S is a great tablet, and was a huge upgrade over either of the Nexus. My only complaints were 1.) the camera is far inferior to the N7 2103's, and 2.) the stock lollipop was so bloated I couldn't stand it. So I rooted it early on, and ran the stock firmware, debloated via Titanium, for well over a year. A couple months ago I switched to AOSP 6.0 because I needed to have adoptable storage. Like any tablet, it is sometimes laggy, etc. But overall the performance, for me, was top notch. I don't play games on my tablet, tho. It is mostly utilitarian for me, websites and spreadsheets, etc. for work, and watching movies and such at home.
I hope this helps.
-A.H.
amateurhack said:
I had a Nexus 7 2012, then a Nexus 7 2013 before coming to the Tab S 8.4. I have had my Tab S since February of last year, and loved it.
I hope this helps.
-A.H.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it does. Thanks.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app
Op, I am curious if you have considered the Nvidia Shield K1 tablet? In USA, the new one is now priced at 200USD. According to a lot of reviews and benchmarks, the K1 has faster internal hardware than either Tab S1 or S2, although its screen colors may be less accurate than those of both Samsung tablets.
Akopps said:
Op, I am curious if you have considered the Nvidia Shield K1 tablet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have not but I'll give it a look. My impression was it's aimed at the serious gamer which I am not. Thanks.
lmacmil said:
Yes it does. Thanks.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app
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Click to collapse
Don't forget to click that "Thanks" button, then. =)
amateurhack said:
Don't forget to click that "Thanks" button, then. =)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Done!
Btw, I found your comment "Like any tablet, it is sometimes laggy" very interesting. I have noticed this both on my Nook HD (whether it was running CM11 or CM13) and to a lesser extent, on my Nexus 7 (currently on Marshmallow.) I'm not sure why that is. Sometimes when the Nook first wakes up from sleep, it is sluggish for several minutes until it "warms up." Not sure if this is due to hardware or software or both. FWIW, I never notice that kind of behavior on my Moto X phone.
I had the Nexus 7 (2012 and 2013) and the Tab Pro 8.4 before I got the S 8.4. The AMOLED screen on the S 8.4 is the best feature, so skip the Pro 8.4. Since you're used to AOSP (Nexus 7 and Moto X) you'll probably hate Touchwiz, but that's easily remedied with custom AOSP ROMS on the S 8.4. I love the S 8.4 and I don't plan on upgrading for a while. I don't play games on my phones/tablets either.
Here's a comparison the S 8.4 vs Nexus 7 2013
HKSpeed said:
I had the Nexus 7 (2012 and 2013) and the Tab Pro 8.4 before I got the S 8.4. The AMOLED screen on the S 8.4 is the best feature, so skip the Pro 8.4. Since you're used to AOSP (Nexus 7 and Moto X) you'll probably hate Touchwiz, but that's easily remedied with custom AOSP ROMS on the S 8.4. I love the S 8.4 and I don't plan on upgrading for a while. I don't play games on my phones/tablets either.
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Click to collapse
Good info on the Tab Pro vs S. Had been looking at the Pro mainly because they are cheaper, being a little older. Since it will be mainly a reader, websurfer and YouTube video watcher, the older screen may not be a big issue for me. I just bought a Tab S 10.5 for my wife to replace her Nook HD+. I should have it on Saturday so I'll play with it some and see how Touchwiz is. You're right, I'm not a fan of the manufacturers' overlays in general. When it comes to Android, less is more, imo. I'm not averse to flashing a new ROM as long as it's pretty stable. I have only used CM on the Nooks.
lmacmil said:
Good info on the Tab Pro vs S. Had been looking at the Pro mainly because they are cheaper, being a little older. Since it will be mainly a reader, websurfer and YouTube video watcher, the older screen may not be a big issue for me. I just bought a Tab S 10.5 for my wife to replace her Nook HD+. I should have it on Saturday so I'll play with it some and see how Touchwiz is. You're right, I'm not a fan of the manufacturers' overlays in general. When it comes to Android, less is more, imo. I'm not averse to flashing a new ROM as long as it's pretty stable. I have only used CM on the Nooks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I forgot the Tab S has 3 GB of RAM versus 2 on the Tab Pro.
Yes. I've made a spreadsheet comparing specs. The RAM and the screen appear to be the main differences, other than the Android versions.
Sent from my Nook HD running CM13 (Android 6.0.1)
Samsung is supposed to announce the availability of the Tab S3 some time soon which means that the prices on the Tab S2 (even brand new one), should start coming down any moment now. That's just my theory.
Akopps said:
Samsung is supposed to announce the availability of the Tab S3 some time soon which means that the prices on the Tab S2 (even brand new one), should start coming down any moment now. That's just my theory.
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Click to collapse
I'm in no hurry so I will just wait until the S3 is released. I would actually prefer the 8" to the 8.4" screen anyway so if S2 prices do come down, that would be good.
lmacmil said:
Done!
Btw, I found your comment "Like any tablet, it is sometimes laggy" very interesting. I have noticed this both on my Nook HD (whether it was running CM11 or CM13) and to a lesser extent, on my Nexus 7 (currently on Marshmallow.) I'm not sure why that is. Sometimes when the Nook first wakes up from sleep, it is sluggish for several minutes until it "warms up." Not sure if this is due to hardware or software or both. FWIW, I never notice that kind of behavior on my Moto X phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've always attributed that to background processes that sometimes wake up while you're using the device. Every "computer-type" device I've owned in the last 30+ years has had some level of lag at times. The only way to eliminate that would be to eliminate multitasking, and who wants that? I did find, after a year or so of heavy use that the lag was getting to be pretty bad, and I realized that I was always running critical on internal storage. I have the 32gb model, and I initially had a 32gb sd card, so I had plenty of storage, but the cache would almost instantaneously take up more than 1gb with all the apps I have installed. So that's why I switched to the AOSP 6.0 ROM, and I upgraded to a 128gb sd card, and adopted it all as internal storage. It hasn't eliminated the lag, but it hasn't been nearly as bad. If you look at some of my previous posts, you can see some of my history with that, if you like.
I'm also happy to say that my tab s miraculously uh-bricked itself today. Minutes ago, in fact. I am one super-happy camper at the moment.
Thanks for the thanks!
amateurhack said:
...and I upgraded to a 128gb sd card, and adopted it all as internal storage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have not heard of this. Is this an Android feature or a feature added to a custom ROM?
It's a feature of Android 6, but you will need a custom ROM to enable it as it is expected that the Samsung stock 6.0 ROM will have it disabled. Just search for "adoptable storage."
Dear XDA
thanks for reading. I saw a similar post regarding whether to buy the Tab S4. I am an android fan, switched from IOS a few years ago. I have S9 phone, Tab A tablet, and want to upgrade to a better samsung tablet now.
My question is... based on rumors, pipeline, etc, should I get the Tab S4 (699CHF currently in Switzerland for LTE version), or wait for the new tablet (will there be one from samsung?) since I have a current one that is still functional?
Thank you so much
Cheers
gp
Which version of the Tab A do you have, 10.1 or the newer 10.5? The 10.1 will have physical buttons.
The main differences would be improved performance and the amoled display. A little lighter maybe and better materials\construction?
I would have upgraded from my Tab S 10.1 now, I use it 90% for watching videos, but decided to wait while the issues with HDR playback fixed.
Also, not happy the mounting holes for cases have been dropped, I don't like the way a case will need to wrap around the edges to attach. Because the back is glass not using a case isn't an option either, maybe a skin will work.
Mujja said:
Which version of the Tab A do you have, 10.1 or the newer 10.5? The 10.1 will have physical buttons.
The main differences would be improved performance and the amoled display. A little lighter maybe and better materials\construction?
I would have upgraded from my Tab S 10.1 now, I use it 90% for watching videos, but decided to wait while the issues with HDR playback fixed.
Also, not happy the mounting holes for cases have been dropped, I don't like the way a case will need to wrap around the edges to attach. Because the back is glass not using a case isn't an option either, maybe a skin will work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Mujja
it's the 10.1 with physical buttons, the bargain one.
When you say "I would have upgraded from my Tab s 10.1..." do you mean that you didn't?
Thank you
Still have the Tab S 10.1. I'm using a lightweight 7.1 ROM with Viper4Android to boost and tweak the audio. In combination with MX Player it's a very capable device for playing movies and I still get 6+ hours screen on time.
I skipped the Tab S2 and S3 due to 4:3 screen ratio and was excited when the S4 was released but will wait until better HDR playback support.
It doesn't look like the Tab S5 isn't coming out this year, at least from what I've read. They tend to keep the flagship tablets a bit longer than their phones. The Tab S4 is worth it, in my opinion. I have the LTE version through Tmobile. I wish they had bumped up the entry-level storage but 64 GB is still more than enough, especially since I have the 512 GB Note 9 and my main device.
Don't wait, buy a S4 on sale or second hand. Let's get realistic. Android Tablets are endangered, almost extincted. The next product will be either under ChromeOS or won't be at all.
It's a good product and users seems happy with it (it was not the case of Tab S3). It was too expensive when release but now, it's half the price of an Ipad Pro 11 but it's not half of its quality an feature.
papopato said:
My question is... based on rumors, pipeline, etc, should I get the Tab S4 (699CHF currently in Switzerland for LTE version), or wait for the new tablet (will there be one from samsung?) since I have a current one that is still functional?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
New tablet just announced
Mujja said:
New tablet just announced
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice find!
aspexil said:
Nice find!
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https://youtu.be/M1YXDvb6P0M ...nice but with snapdragon 670...
It doesn't woth to wait. I would have expect Chrome OS instead of Android. Better to buy the S4 with the dropped price rather this tab..