HI guys, thanks for reading my post. I just went back to college, and half of my textbooks are online e-books accessible by web browser, android app, or ipad app.
I can get this tablet for $269 on amazon. It's a year old, but the hardware, specifically the screen seems better than the new Samsung tablets, and the nexus 10 is too pricey for me. I'll only use it for textbooks, maybe productivity apps, and a little web browsing.
It seems like a good choice to me, do you guys have any recommendations before I pull the trigger on this purchase?
I personally don't own the 10.1 (have the 8.4). But if you ask me, the 10.1 is probably one of the better value tablets (if not the best) for that size right now.
The current Samsung "Galaxy Tab A" series is just the latest iteration of their "Galaxy Tab" series, which has always been Samsung's budget-conscious (read: low specs and cheap) line mean for the average consumer. As you have already determined, it doesn't hold up in performance against the "Tab Pro" line, even with the latter being a year old.
Samsung hasn't released any "premium" tablets for this year. While its rumored they will be soon announcing the "Tab S2" series; the price for the comparable model in this series is probably going to be around $499. Last years Tab Pro S 10.5 is still selling for $400 on Amazon.
Nexus 10 is def not worth the money. Its a year older than the Pro 10.1, with looks (huge bezels) and specs that show its age.
Nexus 9 is a fine looking device (and I do love HTC's hardware). But its slightly smaller (not sure if that would be ideal for reading textbooks) and over $400.
So honestly, if I was in your position, I'd probably go for the Tab Pro 10.1. The Tab Pro line performs very nicely, especially for the price. There may be some lag to TouchWiz. But you can always root and install CM12 to be rid of that lag!
We have a tab Pro 8.4 and a Note 10.1 (2014) in my house. While great when released, I think they are getting a bit long in the tooth. I agree, if you need a cheap tablet and can get one in the $200(8.4) to $275(10.1) range they are probably the best deal, but if looking for a long-term supported tablet,I would get a Nexus 9 over the Tab Pros. The screens on the tab pros are great. If you are only going to use it to read textbooks, then yes the Tab Pro 10 is a good option.
I have owned two nexus tablets and now the 8.4 Pro. I think the Samsung blows away the nexus tablets.
I had way more issues with the nexus ones. Love my Samsung.
Related
Hi,
I'm going back and forth with this..
I have a budget around $400 to $450... and I basically want to use the table as a replacement of the laptop for basic stuff ( browsing, FB, youtube, videos, movies, email, etc). I like how IOS look right now, my mom has an ipad retina display and look and feel good, but my budget allow me to but the 16gb one... and isn't enought since I'm planning to copy movies on the table and watch them... beside ipads doesnt allow me to watch movies on divx, xvid, mkv, etc... I had to converted to mp4 and thats a hazzle...
I was thinking on buying the Tab Pro 10.1 because of the size, the screen definition and the battery life... but now that the Tab S is around the corner I don't know what to do... I don't care about the fingerprint... the Super Amoled is a nice touch (I have a galaxy S4) but the screen on the Pro look good enought for me... the selling point for me is the extra GB of ram...I don't know if is really work it to pay extra for that GB of ram (assuming that I can go up to $500 for the galaxy S 10.5) or paying the same as the Pro 10.1 ($400 on amazon) for the Galaxy S 8.4 and downgrade the size of the screen...
What do you guys say? Ipad air ($450), Pro 10.5 ( $400), S 8.4 ($400) or S10.5 ($500). Paying an extra $100 for 1GB of ram seem pricy to me if the feeling and performance is similar of the 2gb pro 10.1.... but I don't know if the cost/benefit is really good?
I bought a Tab Pro 10.1. It's not perfect, but I'm pretty happy. Obviously it's what I would do, since it's what I did. Just make sure Tha at you are comfortable doing a root... Of course that's the case with any android device.
Good luck!
Sent from my SM-T520 using Tapatalk
Well, you could save yourself some money by buying the iPad as a refurb straight from apple. It comes down to the ecosystem and os that you prefer. Is ios nice? Sure. But does it work for you? Do you struggle with the 2gb of ram in your phone today? If not then I wouldn't worry about the 2 vs 3gb of ram. If you're worried about ram, I'm pretty sure iPad air only has 1gb.
I've tried 2 different ipads and I keep coming back to android. I just started using a tab 8.4 today and it's smooth. If you keep a ton of apps open at once then it may get laggy, but I'd imagine the iPad would have the same issues. The iPad air has what seems limitless keyboards, cases...while there are significantly less for the tab pro. I think the s line is going to have Samsung accessories.
Don't forget the real file browser, micro sd, USB support, and vast selection of keyboards on androids. You can't really go wrong with any of them, all nice devices. Pick the he one that fits your budget and hits your biggest priorities.
I have a tab pro 8.4 and it is a really good tablet. I am considering getting the pro 10.5. I've also thought about an iPad air too, so I am in a similar situation. I do love the fact that the iPad has a plethora of keyboard case options. Supposedly with the S Series Samsung is going to get more Keyboard cases. Logitech has already announced one for the 10.5.
I am probably going to go with the pro 10.5. If you have a micro SD card it is really simple to expand the storage in which the iPad would not be able to do. If you already have purchased apps on your Android phone, it's much easier just to use an Android tablet then using an iPad and paying more money for apps you already have.
That's how I work things out in my head anyway.
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I am a long time user of apple , I think apple lost me after the 4S, the closed ecosystem is terrible in my view. So I switched to nexus 5 and never looked back. On tablet I bought the tab 8.4 , and put aside my iPad retina . I last week upgrade it to iOS 8 , and have to say I'm disappointed and not impressed . so I'm still loyal to my macbook on the PC side. But as far as tablet and phone no question in my mind that you get better value and better ecosystem in an android device. I also didn't root my tab, only put on it Google now lquncher and I love it , love the density and sharpness of the screen
Sent from my SM-T320 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Jumping in the thread :
So I got 7 and 10.1 tablets in the past. They both have their strengths and weaknesses but I would like to have your opinions on the 8.4/10.1 Pro more specifically.
By default, I'd go with the 10.1 for the bigger screen and battery especially as it seems quite light, especially in comparison to my past 10.1 devices.
However, the 8.4 seems to have more ROM support and looks more powerful. Plus, the 8.4 format allows a better grip with one hand. But I'm afraid the battery won't hold as much as I want to.
So, here my questions :
- Is there any work done on CM11 for the 10.1 ?
- How comfortable is the 10.1 to hold ?
- Is the 8.4 really much more powerful and snappy ?
Thanks !
DannyBiker said:
Jumping in the thread :
So I got 7 and 10.1 tablets in the past. They both have their strengths and weaknesses but I would like to have your opinions on the 8.4/10.1 Pro more specifically.
By default, I'd go with the 10.1 for the bigger screen and battery especially as it seems quite light, especially in comparison to my past 10.1 devices.
However, the 8.4 seems to have more ROM support and looks more powerful. Plus, the 8.4 format allows a better grip with one hand. But I'm afraid the battery won't hold as much as I want to.
So, here my questions :
- Is there any work done on CM11 for the 10.1 ?
- How comfortable is the 10.1 to hold ?
- Is the 8.4 really much more powerful and snappy ?
Thanks !
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You need to be more specific on the 10.1... For the 10.1 LTE (sm-t525 aka picassolte) CM11 is coming along nicely but for the WiFi only 10.1 (sm-t520) there is no known work on it for CM11.
I was thinking about the Wifi version, sorry. I forgot that the LTE model is also Snapdragon and benefits, I guess, of the work done on the 8.4.
Acutally, I need my tablet for some productivity as well. Mostly, taking meeting notes on the go. Is the 8.4 screen big enough in landscape to do so ?
Looking for some help here to push me one way or another. I just can't make up my mind right now based on the current pricing and pros/cons. I am finding the 32GB N7 for $200 new at a local store. The Pro 8.4 is $330 local (+$25 play store credit). I don't have time to wait for the Nexus 8 or to buy online (but I'm not finding much better online).
Can anyone that has experience with both N7 and Pro 8.4 give some thoughts as to what they like better between the two? My main question, is the extra $105/130 worth it? This will be my first tablet so I'm also concerned that the 7" isn't enough to bridge the gap between my Galaxy Nexus and my laptop. The middle point would be 10" which favors the 8.4.
Thanks in advance!
8" is the sweet spot I think, granted you won't get the latest updates at the same speed like the Nexus will, but I "personally" think the Samsung Tab is the one to go for, I got mine as I wanted a newer tablet than my Note 8.0 (which I sold my 10.1 to buy) the only device I would swap mine for, is if Sammy made an 8.4 Note. The tab has a way better screen and expandable memory, just those 2 things alone are enough to sway me.
I just bought the Tab Pro 8 (instead of the newer Tab S) this morning.
I have also looked at the Nexus 7 and the LG G Pad. I think you get more bang for your buck with the Sammy. It has a better looking screen too.
Thanks for the replies, guys. :good:
I also didn't consider the other "Galaxy Perks". The Go-Go and Sirius XM perks have a little value to me too. While I missed the hell of a deal $250+$50 GC a few weeks back, comparatively speaking (edit: with the 7) I'm probably only looking at about a $75 difference in the end. It would be nice if I could find one for sub $300.
Rooting and knox-ing the Pro would be a given but just like my Galaxy Nexus, the dev support seems to be focused on the N7 - not so much the Pro. With 6 months left on the official support of the N7, it's hard to tell what device will last me longer. In the end, I'd be upgrading devices sometime next year probably.
Is the battery life manageable? I'm used to being tethered (or having 5 spare batteries around) with my Galaxy Nexus but still battery life is a concern. At the same time, I don't really plan on relying on this thing having both a phone and a computer handy 99% of the time.
Once again, thanks for your thoughts.
I have the LTE version so it constantly has a connection, battery lasts all day at least, with my usage (mainly business)
On my unrooted pro 8.4, battery lasted me a day. I use mine for internet and netflix. I got around 6 hours of screen time with about 40% battery left. that was the last time I checked it's battery.
I have just rooted my pro 8.4, and will see what happens.
I have hesitated to ask this here but after searching for answers think it is relevant. I am going to buy the Tab S 32GB for myself after much research. I am going to get my 3 kids tablets for Christmas for Minecraft, email and texting etc. They will be used on wifi only. I would like to spend $200 for each. I think they would be best suited with smaller tablets and have looked at the Nexus 7. I see the 2013 model has 2GB ram. I have been using Samsung phones and have been rooting them mainly with stock rooted ROMs. I don't anticipate rooting the kids tabs unless the bloat and space makes it necessary. I like sd slots and removable batteries but realize they might not be necessary for the kids. If you have a Tab S or other Samsung tab, what would you get for 11 and 12 year old kids? Minecraft and YouTube are the most likely uses.
Thanks -
Nexus7 2013 is a perfect choice, no bloatware, snapdragon onboard, updates from google and from xda.
Also LG 8.3 is nice and comes at a compettitive price.
There are several physics games I like for kids,doodle physics for example.
The galaxy tab s is too fragile. 1 drop and this thing breaks! Get an galaxy tab 3 or 4 if you want a Samsung tablet. But the nexus 7 2013 is a good choice as well.
DUHAsianSKILLZ said:
The galaxy tab s is too fragile. 1 drop and this thing breaks! Get an galaxy tab 3 or 4 if you want a Samsung tablet. But the nexus 7 2013 is a good choice as well.
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Thanks for the replies. I was thinking Nexus 7 and your replies confirm it is solid for the use intended.
The Samsung Pro 8.4 is on sale this weekend at BB. Still has a great screen compared to most other tablets and you'll be able to link all together to share stuff with each other.
Sent from my SM-N910P
My current devices are... Nexus 5, Note 3 (broken radio ), Nexus 7 2013 LTE and a aging transformer 300. I am mainly looking at a replacement for my T300 which is my main media consumption device.
I want something 8 inches or more so its mainly between the Samsung Pro 8.4 and a LG G pad 8.3. I like the LG more in the closer to stock skin but not the out of date CPU. I'm also sorta considering the Acer 840fhd but it seems to have zero developer support. I am also considering the Samsung S 8.4 but don't like the CPU either as it won't have much support most likely either.
So is it a waste to buy the Samsung Pro 8.4 at this point as its getting old all ready for 220 as a refurbished unit? I missed out on the 199 new units sadly. I'm wondering how long until a really good cm12 build and how long it will maintain CM support. I need to keep it for 18 months or so from now for it to be worth it.
The Tab Pro 8.4 is a decent enough tablet. But I'd be inclined to wait and see what Sammy has coming, with the Pro 8.4 being a year old at this point. Unfortunately, whatever does come out, will be at a high price point (assuming they give us "premium" options like the Pro and Pro S; instead of just their lowball budget line like the "regular" Galaxy Tab series). And then the price will likely drop soon thereafter (due to lack of sales), so it doesn't benefit you much to be an early adopter.
It depends a lot on whether you value "the next big" thing more, of if the price point is your main concern. But the Pro 8.4 has a fairly common charging bug (mine included) that is very annoying, and makes me want to say "wait".
I would wait for the Nexus 9 to drop in the $299 brand new range. I miss the 4:3 form factor as I almost always use the tablet in portrait. The N9 will also likely receive an upgrade to Android M in the fall, whereas the Pro 8.4 might not even get Lollipop...
btvranger said:
I would wait for the Nexus 9 to drop in the $299 brand new range. I miss the 4:3 form factor as I almost always use the tablet in portrait. The N9 will also likely receive an upgrade to Android M in the fall, whereas the Pro 8.4 might not even get Lollipop...
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If I did it over again right now, I'd get the N9 as well. The only reason I bought the Pro 8.4 was that I broke my Note 8, couldn't wait to replace it, (use my tablet too much) and the Pro 8.4 was the best thing around at the time (N9 not released yet).
redpoint73 said:
If I did it over again right now, I'd get the N9 as well. The only reason I bought the Pro 8.4 was that I broke my Note 8, couldn't wait to replace it, (use my tablet too much) and the Pro 8.4 was the best thing around at the time (N9 not released yet).
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Click to collapse
Yep! Same here, couldn't wait until N9, but to our benefit they didn't release the thing (N9) for a LONG time
btvranger said:
Yep! Same here, couldn't wait until N9, but to our benefit they didn't release the thing (N9) for a LONG time
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Click to collapse
Yeah, now that I look it up, the N9 didn't release until October 2014. I though it was much earlier than that. I busted my Note 8 (and needed a replacement tablet) in April 2014. So no way I could have waited that long!
First world problems, I know. But its one of those things you can't do without, once you have it!
I certainly think it's worth it. After much research looking into most other (including more expensive options), I concluded the Tab Pro 8.4 is pretty much the perfect tablet for me. Awesome screen, still speedy Snapdragon 800, official CM support (plus some other ROMs). Plus the current $215 (certified refurb) price is truly great!
When comparing it to other options, the Tab S, I'm not sure about the PenTile AMOLED panel, but it has an Exynos SoC which is slightly slower than the Snapdragon and doesn't work as well with custom ROMs (although the Tab S 8.4 recently got official CM support too). The Nexus 9 apparently has some build quality issues, no SD card support (32GB only is not ideal since I'd want much storage for media) and the 4:3 aspect ratio which to me doesn't seem as good as Pro's 16:10. Now Samsung is rumored to announce another tablet soon, but it is rumored to also have a 4:3 screen, plus it too will probably have an Exynos SoC...
(TL;DR) I'm not sure why everyone in this thread is complaining about the Pro 8.4, it seems to be a perfect device that has everything I would want in a tablet for a great price, and is therefore the one I'm intending on getting! (unless you guys here have counter evidence that explains why this is actually a horrible tablet...)
Well, I bought a Tab Pro 8.4 the week of Black Friday at Best Buy for $199 and I love it. As a matter of fact, here it is over four months later & I still smile every time I pick it up. The form factor is perfect in my eyes. 8.4 inches is not too big and not too small. The 16:10 aspect ratio is crazy awesome. My PC monitor is 16:10 as well so it's a great match-up as it is what I'm used to. Oh, and you can't mention the screen without saying something about the 2560x1600 resolution with a 359 dpi. I would not mind having an AMOLED screen to match my Galaxy S5, but the IPS screen is still top-notch. I would *not* want a 4:3 device. With an aspect ratio like that you may as well go back to CRTs, IMO.
Some people may prefer a 4:3 screen or a bigger or smaller form factor. That's cool as everyone is different and has different tastes. However, if I were buying today I'd buy a Tab Pro 8.4 all over again.
I'll stop writing now...all this talk about my tablet makes me want to go use it. See ya later.
Howdy, folks.
I'm in the market for a tablet, and not familiar with the Samsung lineup, so I could use some guidance here.
First, I'm not sure I understand the difference between the A and S series. I assume it's a CPU issue, and I seem to recall a Tab A that I played around with didn't have an accelerometer and/or GPS, which are both critical for me.
Then we get to the firmware. I need to run Xposed and Xprivacy. Obviously that means I'll need to be able to root the machine. Would I be correct in assuming that I'm stuck with getting an S2, or is it possible to downgrade an S3 so I can benefit from the better hardware specs?
My choices seem to be an S2 at $480 or an S3 at $550 except that the S3 ships with a pen and LP, if I'm not mistaken, which knocks me out of the box in terms of running Xprivacy unless I can downgrade the OS.
Anyway, your input here would be helpful, and any pointers on unlocking / rooting would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
I think since late 2014, the Samsung tablets were split into just two lines, the Tab S, the high-end line, and the Tab A, the low cost line. In my humble opinion, the Tab A line is utter crap and it hasn't been updated effectively since 2015. If you want a cheap low end tablet, you might as well just buy one of those sub-100 dollar Amazon Fire tablets. Their specs are in the neighborhood of those Tab A tablets, but Fire tablets are much cheaper. Quite sadly, I think Samsung's high end line Tab S has also lost its way. I mean, I certainly love the idea of a high end Android tablet, but not at 500-600USD, specially when it comes with outdated flagship SoC, like the Snapdragon 820.
I love my Tab S 10.5, but if I am forced to replace it tomorrow, I'll probably get the Huawei Mediapad M3. Its hardware specs are high end enough to check nearly every box, and it costs under 300USD.
Excellent suggestion. I was wondering about alternatives to Samsung.
How would you compare the M3 to the S3? Can it be rooted? The new Samsung got excellent reviews for both construction and performance, and I confess the pen has appeal. I also wanted a 10"-ish screen, and the Huawei comes in at 8, so while the price is right, you give up a fair amount of screen.
I can pick up the S3 32 gig with a keyboard case for $550, which was more than I wanted to spend, but i can live with it since I'm not the type to buy a new device every year. Or even every two or three years, for that matter.
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I have purchased 5 Tab A devices, 3 T280 and 2 T555. Me the missus and little one have the T280, my mother and I have the T555. Both have an accelerometer and GPS. I don't know of a Samsung tablet that doesn't unless you meant gyroscope?
The Tab A T280 is stuck on Lollipop and the T550 runs Nougat.
I don't have issues with either for how I use them.
I also own the Tab S, but I use the Tab A T555 far more as it's light, comfortable to hold and runs just fine.
BillTheCat said:
Excellent suggestion. I was wondering about alternatives to Samsung.
How would you compare the M3 to the S3? Can it be rooted? The new Samsung got excellent reviews for both construction and performance, and I confess the pen has appeal. I also wanted a 10"-ish screen, and the Huawei comes in at 8, so while the price is right, you give up a fair amount of screen.
I can pick up the S3 32 gig with a keyboard case for $550, which was more than I wanted to spend, but i can live with it since I'm not the type to buy a new device every year. Or even every two or three years, for that matter.
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The first thing I do when looking for a new tab is xda support, if you can't get a custom rom for it, forget it!
M3 support is thin to non-existant, they are just getting it to root, and no TWRP ( I think) , other than that its the best hardware for the price. Tab s2 is good, Tab A fair, s3 just starting.
Xposed is now officially on NU, the main framework has been released, modules compatibility varies.
For that amount of cash, your in ultrabook / chromebook territory.
A tablet that does not fit in a pocket, and costs the same as a dell ultrabook with 256 gb hdd and an i5, is a bad choice maybe?
I use my t705 as a pocket device, with the aspect ratio it just fits, and the fact that's its also a very cool phone makes it a nobrainer.
Also remember the folding screens are just months away, once they are out most of the current tabs will be obselete real quick.
I want something larger format (~10") for use when doing demos for customers, casual browsing or web work away from my desk or when traveling for short spans. An 8" screen is not of interest.
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