Tab S died, recommendations for new tablet? - Galaxy Tab S Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

My tab s is officially dead .
It infinitely reboots after 30 seconds of being on in recovery, dl mode, and system. What would be a good priced tablet to buy second hand? Pixel C, s2? I want an android tablet so no iPad for me .
I want to use it mainly for Kodi and watching movies, with some light gaming, so 16:9 or similar is preferred.
Appreciate your feedback!

I don't know about second hand market. It seems like most Android tablets have some kind of a big flaw which begs a question, why pay premium prices for them? I'd look into buying the Amazon Fire HD 10, which may have flaws, but has decent specs, and is actually cheap.

Akopps said:
I don't know about second hand market. It seems like most Android tablets have some kind of a big flaw which begs a question, why pay premium prices for them? I'd look into buying the Amazon Fire HD 10, which may have flaws, but has decent specs, and is actually cheap.
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Can you please elaborate (Android tablets have some kind of a big flaw) What flaw are you talking about ?

Well, I don't know of any well rounded Android tablet on the market right now. For example, Tab S2, updates probably ended with Android N, no stereo sound in landscape mode. Asus Zenpad, same story. Looking at the Tab S3 forums, there is a long list of issues with it too. The new Huawei Mediapad M5 has no headphone port. and so on.. Every Android tablet has some kind of a pain in a butt problem, which makes me wonder, if there is no good mid-level or high-end Android tablet, why pay premium prices for them? The Amazon Fire HD 10 (2017) costs something like 150USD or less and actually has decent specs.

Akopps said:
Well, I don't know of any well rounded Android tablet on the market right now. For example, Tab S2, updates probably ended with Android N, no stereo sound in landscape mode. Asus Zenpad, same story. Looking at the Tab S3 forums, there is a long list of issues with it too. The new Huawei Mediapad M5 has no headphone port. and so on.. Every Android tablet has some kind of a pain in a butt problem, which makes me wonder, if there is no good mid-level or high-end Android tablet, why pay premium prices for them? The Amazon Fire HD 10 (2017) costs something like 150USD or less and actually has decent specs.
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I am not sure what you are looking at in terms of the tab S3. I have one and it is an excellent tablet. I bought it as my old Tab S was getting a little slow after 3 1/2 years. The only issue I have with the tab S3 is the lack of ROMs as while stock is fine, I like to tinker. I also have a Fire HD and it is pretty basic, you get what you pay for.

Related

Should i get a kf or kfhd ? Or yu think theres a better option ?

I need a 7" tablet, a cheap one and dnt know wich to get .... you think there gonna be a way to unlock te kfhd bootloadder soon?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777
xXreptar said:
I need a 7" tablet, a cheap one and dnt know wich to get .... you think there gonna be a way to unlock te kfhd bootloadder soon?
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Well I don't know what you're looking for on a tablet, but currently the 1st gen would be the best to get I think considering the price. Don't buy the $160 2nd gen model, you would have to find one on eBay or Craigslist.
The devs on here are coming closer everyday to getting ROMs for the kfHD, so if you want all the new and exciting features that Amazon had to offer go for that.
If you want an open device that is amazing, then I would go with the nexus 7. It has most of the same specs as the kfHD, but is pure vanilla Android with a few bonus features for the same price.
There's my rundown on things. Hope this helps!
xXreptar said:
I need a 7" tablet, a cheap one and dnt know wich to get .... you think there gonna be a way to unlock te kfhd bootloadder soon?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777
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The KFHD is nice as far as specs go, minus the lack of immediate expansion via an SD slot, but KF1 has a robust development community. One problem with the KF1 though is it is aging in a fast moving technological world. It will be hard for it to keep "keeping up" with the ever expanding hardware requirements. Well, any piece of computer related gear is going to be outdated quickly.
If you want something "cheap" without bells and whistles, the KF1 is a good buy currently. The KFHD will be unlocked sooner or later although in a year the KFHD will be old news and something much superior will then take the stage. The Nexus 7 looks pretty sweet and that's what I would buy if I had money lol
Sent from my Fire Kindling A-Pad
guitarman2010 said:
The KFHD is nice as far as specs go, minus the lack of immediate expansion via an SD slot, but KF1 has a robust development community. One problem with the KF1 though is it is aging in a fast moving technological world. It will be hard for it to keep "keeping up" with the ever expanding hardware requirements. Well, any piece of computer related gear is going to be outdated quickly.
If you want something "cheap" without bells and whistles, the KF1 is a good buy currently. The KFHD will be unlocked sooner or later although in a year the KFHD will be old news and something much superior will then take the stage. The Nexus 7 looks pretty sweet and that's what I would buy if I had money lol
Sent from my Fire Kindling A-Pad
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Agreed, wanted the nexus 7 but my gf got me one of the last kf1 for my birthday, I hated it until I found this website.
Barb3r said:
I hated it until I found this website.
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The KF1 stock is a setback compaed with present tablet technology. If one is used to the common features of many tablets currently (camera, mic, BT, copious amounts of memory and being a non-slave device) it sure is hard to grasp the stock Amazon experience. I remember when I first got the KF1 and thought it was pretty sweet as stock.
The reason for me saying this was because the only other tablet I had experience with BEFORE I had the KF1 was a horrible El cheapo WM8650 7" resistive screen running Froyo. That thing claimed to have an 800MHz CPU but sure didn't act like it. If the battery lasted 3 hours I felt lucky. I have a Samsung Android phone that runs Froyo and has 256MB of RAM just like the WM8650 and that phone will out perform that tablet anyday! So when I got a Kindle I felt lucky but eventually was tired of the limitations of the stock software.
Ok....maybe back to the topic at hand. I can understand your frustration with a stock Kindle lol
Sent from my Fire Kindling A-Pad
rebelog chase
please save your money and buy a nexus 7. Its got good hardware and community support.
Yeah get a nexus 7 or if u can save more buy nexus 10
***//'?'\\***
shantam said:
Yeah get a nexus 7 or if u can save more buy nexus 10
***//'?'\\***
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Whats the rsp of the 10 ?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777
I do agree the nexus7 seems to be top of the line, however it does have a few downfalls that would steer me away from it (and did) 1- no rear facing camera 2-no landscape mode and 3 - no sd card slot. I would recommend a samsung galaxy tab 2 7.0 it has all the above features and is priced comparable to the nexus 7 and imho it would be the better tablet also the 8 gb version of the nexus 7 is no longer available forcing you to buy the 16 gb version which is more expensive with LESS FEATURES .....hope this helps i got my daughter the samsung galaxy tab 2 7.0 8 gb version for Christmas and both of us couldn't be happier. the galaxy tab also has a feature on it that's called ir blaster that allows you to use it as a universal remote all of this and the fact i only paid U.S. -175$ (retail i believe is around U.S. -199$) i think the samsing would be a better deal for features and price.
Sent from my Kindle Fire using xda app-developers app
xXreptar said:
Whats the rsp of the 10 ?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777
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Buy what you want, for gaming nexus 7, best quality kindle fire hd? More features samsumg galaxy tab, see that the kindle fire hd is faster than the samsumg.
Sent From My Super Modded KFHD
Personally, I'm kicking myself for not buying a nexus 7. Here's my point of view: the Samsung one has a camera on both sides and an SD card slot. I don't really need either. The KFHD has stereo speakers and an HDMI port. I thought they would be handy but it turns out those features are not terribly useful to me either. The nexus has crap speakers that can be fixed with a free volume app, landscape mode is locked but there's a free app for that as well. You can't plug it straight into the TV but that's also not much of an issue, because you can send it to a Roku box, or a Google TV add on box. What really takes the cake for me is, even the wifi only nexus 7 has GPS. A nexus owner can carry his tablet around the house, doing his reading, texting, and redditing; then walk right out to the car with it and drive across the country with sat-nav powered by tomtom while pumping your mp3s through the car stereo. All the while enjoying having the latest version of android.
PS. Kindles don't natively read epub files, which take up 1/3 the memory of Amazon's mobi format, without downloading a 3rd party app like moon plus or aldiko.
Sent from my KFTT using xda app-developers app
I agree w/ some others on here, nexus7 is a better buy! KF1 is still kind of awesome in its own lackluster way though.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

What tablet would you buy?

Currently have PA 3.1 Galaxy Nexus. I love it. Thinking I should get a tablet. Even though I just bought a laptop. Which one though. I'm thinking nexus 10. What are your thoughts.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Do you want a big tablet? I personally prefer the 7-8" form factor as it's easier to handle and carry around. Or you can wait a few months, I imagine Google will be releasing a new tablet during I/O in may.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Hmm.. I would compare the latest ipad vs nexus 10.
I think i would go for a nexus 10. Android lover , aka the NEXUS *****
Sent from my Nexus Prime
If I were to replace my Motorola Xoom tablet now, I would get the nexus 10. Although with a tablet its a purchase that lasts you quite a long time. My Xoom is 2 years old and is still functioning perfectly fine for all my tasks.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Galaxy Note 10.1 or note 8.0. Software is good and so is specifications
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note II LTE GT-N7105 using XDA Premium HD
Once you go Nexus....
I got myself a Nexus 10. Felt right. Feels right.
I also share 18t's point of view.
Sent from my Nexus
Tablet Choice
My Xoom is 2 years old and is still functioning perfectly fine for all my tasks.
I also own XOOM (running TeamEos 4.2.1 155 nightly build) and am perfectly happy with it; however, I also got the itch for latest and greatest, and bought an N10 (running stock 4.2.2 stock and rooted) and love it as well.
If you're a GED fan, you can't go wrong w/ N10.
18t said:
Do you want a big tablet? I personally prefer the 7-8" form factor as it's easier to handle and carry around. Or you can wait a few months, I imagine Google will be releasing a new tablet during I/O in may.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
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This is a good thing to keep in mind, if Google keeps with their annual update yearly on Nexus line, the N7 and N10 could be having updated versions rolling out. Or perhaps something completely different. Perhaps they don't plan on updating them at all.
That said, for a tablet you have to consider a few things you want. First what size do you want? Then what do you want to do with said tablet? What accessories do you want for your tablet? What is your budget? What OS do you want (perhaps you want a different OS, to experience different apps from a different ecosystem)? What sort of connectivity do you want (HDMI, 3G/4G...etc)? These all could point you to different options.
cupfulloflol said:
This is a good thing to keep in mind, if Google keeps with their annual update yearly on Nexus line, the N7 and N10 could be having updated versions rolling out. Or perhaps something completely different. Perhaps they don't plan on updating them at all.
That said, for a tablet you have to consider a few things you want. First what size do you want? Then what do you want to do with said tablet? What accessories do you want for your tablet? What is your budget? What OS do you want (perhaps you want a different OS, to experience different apps from a different ecosystem)? What sort of connectivity do you want (HDMI, 3G/4G...etc)? These all could point you to different options.
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All valid points. Very much a nexus fan. Can't put a price limit on great tech. Android os obviously. Doesn't matter which one as root and custom ROM is a must. Size doesn't matter. Haha. WiFi connectivity is fine but 3 or 4g is an option too. Really just wanted to know what the census was out there.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Ask yourself, what you want that tablet for?
After buying mine, i find it kinda under used...
I don't need a tablet, but it would be good for the whole family, especially video call and acting as an HTPC. I've decided that it must be able to play HD videos smoothly and have physical HDMI output. This unfortunately rule out the Nexus 7 which I really like the form factor of. The Nexus 10 is overkill for my needs.
So I probably will pick up the Kindle Fire HD, but seem the rom development progress slowly and Amazon OS seems dreadful from an AOSP user. But the price point and HDMI output make it the main contender.
Maybe I'll just go for the Asus TF300T since it's only $50 more used, but I have Asia tablet in the past, good hardware but the proprietary charging port is a turn off.
I'm not ruling out Chinese tablets with rk3066 cpu as well.
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jmileti said:
Currently have PA 3.1 Galaxy Nexus. I love it. Thinking I should get a tablet. Even though I just bought a laptop. Which one though. I'm thinking nexus 10. What are your thoughts.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
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I use my phone a hell lot more than I use my tablet. My nexus 7 feels like a big phone that cannot make phone calls. I have all my games on it though.
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weeo said:
Galaxy Note 10.1 or note 8.0. Software is good and so is specifications
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note II LTE GT-N7105 using XDA Premium HD
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same here. i at least had the gn10.1 until two weeks ago. sold it and got a ATIV 500t.
i love the spen and the multiwindow is wonderful on the note. i may end up selling my nook hd+ later and get the gn8. i hate that i've become a samsung fanboy, but until someone else makes something better it's what i'll be getting. don't get me started on asus tablets quality control...
so, spen was more important than screen res for me.
Well while looking for a suitable 7" tablet, I went ahead and picked up a Kindle Fire HD and is underwhelmed even after rooting it. Unfortunately the ones on display at WorseBuy are in demonstration mode which lock down everything.. But I didn't want to spend more than $200. Other choices I looked at were:
-Nexus 7 is out of the question due to no HDMI out. I knew this device would be perfect except for this one factor.
-I could order some pretty high performance RK3066 chip Chinese tablet for under $100, but skip them because they have poor built quality, lots of people with battery and charging issues, sketchy to no warranty and probably not much development.
-Other choices available are the Nook tablet which I'm impressed with the high res screen, but quick search shows CM10 currently perform poorly on it and having to fork out $40 for an HDMI adapter.
-Same with Samsung and Asus tablets which also use proprietary ports and needing adapters purchase that I dislike.
-The Acer A110 tablet almost match with what I want with the bonus of microSD slot, except the for horrid screen quality and low resolution. There were the Lenovo tablet which seems to have nice build, but $300.
Main reason to get the Kindle Fire HD was the stereo speaker and standard usb and hdmi ports. Interestingly, this device have the same CPU spec as the Galaxy Nexus, yet the XBMC hardware accelerated test build playback movies smoother on my Nexus than this tablet which stuttered even with 720p MKV videos. This might be a deal killer, but its due to the poor optimization done by Amazon. Probably the only hope of my keeping this tablet would be for a working CM10.1 version for it. My disappoint of the performance of this device is mainly due to the software itself, the hardware are good. Its my first experience with Amazon AppStore and I think its junk compared to the PlayStore(though I know I can side load the PlayStore to this). It seem to be a wall downed garden like Apple, except in this case the interface sucks too.
I am very happy with the quality when connected to the TV however, along with stereo speakers, screen quality and front camera and mic for video calling is nice.
I have a Xoom running cm10.1-nightly now, if I would need to buy a new tablet I would go for a Nexus 10.
Multiple users is probably the best thing that has happened for Android on tablets. The only way to be guaranteed to have this feature is to buy a Nexus.
7" might be too small, but you might get used to it over time.
Well I returned the Kindle Fire HD and got the Nexus 7, naturally. Just fed up with the 'Amazon OS', and even after making my own 'fastboot cable' to be able to boot the device into fastboot mode and install TWRP, installed PlayStore, the device is still very limited and looks like there aren't much developers interested. My chance of ever buying another Amazon device is zero because of their locked down OS design. Too bad because it have a better screen, speaker and seem more durable than the Nexus 7 with hdmi out.
I also saw an Asus Memo Pad Smart 10 for $299 at the store with Tegra3 also, it use standard microUSB port and standard micro-HDMI out and microSD slot, amazing combo, its very rare to find a device with all these standard ports without all the proprietary craps. But being 10" its just not as portable and comfortable for me. I'm just getting the Nexus 7 to be sure I'm happy with the software and developer community, but I'm definitely checking on the development of this device also.

[Q] Galaxy Note 8 - is it worth it?

Hello mates.Im still thinking of buying this tab,but why is his popularity so low? I mean not many roms,topics etc about it in forums.. Is there anything wrong with it? Havent seen the tab yet(only reviews),only saw and played with ipad mini,but I think this one is better.Would you advice me to buy it and why?
Thank you
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Yes...go for it. I' ve replaced my Note 2. 7' Tab is small and 10' is too big for me. 8' Note is not mass market product, but just in between Note 2 and Note 10 solution with perfect performance and everyday use/ carry around. I use it as well as my primary phone, navigation, multimedia and personal computer.
The "problem" you see here relates more to the very niche market for a device like this in its price range when compared next to something like the Nexus 7 and even Samsung's other 7 inch tablet. So on price alone, its going to struggle a little when you have so many quality options for half the price in many cases. For example, the iPad mini is $100 less, you could buy 2 Nexus 7 16GBs, or hell, I've seen referb Nook Colors going for $60 so you could almost buy 7 of the damn things. What they all lack, however, and what sets this apart for those that need the feature is the Wacom digitizer. Yes, that little pen is the source of the fuss. If you're the sort of person who values hand written notes or loves to doodle in a way that no other tablet in this form factor is capable of (even with a third party stylus), then thats all the reason you need to pick up the Note 8. Other reasons would include the super thin body or large screen size (or you have some creepy love of IR blasters), but the pen is the point here.
This all means, sadly, that we won't ever enjoy the flood of rom options other devices enjoy. Sure, there will be some in time, but I'm not holding out for a solid, feature filled port of Paranoid Android. Instead, I'm doing with the majority of Android users are and just making due with what I have and honestly, the things I love outnumber the things I hate about TouchWiz.
At this point, I can't see myself ever going back to a "normal" tablet again (which will really suck if they don't make another one lol).
It's awesome. Don't hesitate.
Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk HD
I helped organize a Nexus 7 32gb 3G for my mother, and was suitably impressed with it.
I also own a HTC Sensation... which I was also suitably impressed with 2 years ago when I bought it.
I also have to my name an i5 Desktop + Wacom Cintiq 12wx.
So, yes, you guessed it... I like digital art / image manipulation. I also enjoy keeping journals and 'writing' stories... yes, WRITING, not 'typing'... when I sit infront of a keyboard and see the words spill from my fingertips in clinical neat text, it kinda kills the creative process for me...
So you can understand that the note 8.0 *BLEW ME AWAY*
It's as if someone out there decided to design a device *just for me*. It's the perfect size, perfect weight, so comfortable to hold, handwriting recognition is superb, and the sensitivity of the S Pen is second only to the Cintiq experience...
All i need is a means to fine tune the sensitivity of the S Pen for my drawing style and I believe I would actually prefer the Note 8.0 over the Desktop+Cintiq as a drawing medium.. I've only had the tablet for a few days, so I may still be able to figure out how to do this. If, however, the calibration must stay as it is... it is still an excellent drawing experience and, as I said, second only to using a full-blown Cintiq.
Like others here I'll never be buying a tablet again that doesn't at least match the features and convenience of the Note 8.0.
I'm very excited to see what they do with the Note 8.0 v2 + v3... and if for some odd reason, this is the first and last in the series... I'll be keeping this tablet... and keeping my eyes open for developments in the Surface Pro line (it's still too bulky/heavy to be a concideration for me at this point in time).
Bottom line:
Are you an artist / designer and do you prefer handwriting over typing?
If yes, then I can see no better option for you in this form factor. The price is well justified.
If no, then although it is a superb tablet that trumps the Nexus 7 in every way... the price will be hard to justify. If you're not going to put the Wacom Digitizer to work for you, then only buy this tablet if you have money to burn.
FaeMinx said:
All i need is a means to fine tune the sensitivity of the S Pen for my drawing style and I believe I would actually prefer the Note 8.0 over the Desktop+Cintiq as a drawing medium.. I've only had the tablet for a few days, so I may still be able to figure out how to do this. If, however, the calibration must stay as it is... it is still an excellent drawing experience and, as I said, second only to using a full-blown Cintiq.
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See this page...
http://phandroid.com/2012/12/05/how-to-adjust-s-pen/
Thank you for all your help friends . I currently own a Nexus 7 ,but I dont have 3g and thats killing me. Personally I was viewing Ipad mini and Note 8 . In fact in my country and my calculations for the 3G version price is likely the same.The only thing I love in Ipad mini is the app store (many many apps) and the accesoaries for the Ipad (docks and etc) If we remove this the Note 8 has everything.
I`ll think a little more and maybe decide the Note 8.It will cost me like 450~500$ with a contract for 7$ per month for one year and Im getting 3000MB high speed 3G.
Here the Apple Ipad Mini costs like 500~550$ ,but without any contracts .
linkenhtc said:
Thank you for all your help friends . I currently own a Nexus 7 ,but I dont have 3g and thats killing me. Personally I was viewing Ipad mini and Note 8 . In fact in my country and my calculations for the 3G version price is likely the same.The only thing I love in Ipad mini is the app store (many many apps) and the accesoaries for the Ipad (docks and etc) If we remove this the Note 8 has everything.
I`ll think a little more and maybe decide the Note 8.It will cost me like 450~500$ with a contract for 7$ per month for one year and Im getting 3000MB high speed 3G.
Here the Apple Ipad Mini costs like 500~550$ ,but without any contracts .
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Click to collapse
As others have said. The price of the Note is almost purely based on the Spen / digitizer technology with in it. To decide if it is worth it, you need to decide if the added functionality that technology brings is of benefit to you.
If you dont draw, or dont think you will be taking hand writen notes, then there may be little benefit of this tablet over a cheaper android alternative. My advice is, if you want to use the Spen, then the Note 8.0 is the perfect companion, if you dont, wait for the new NEXUS to be announced and either buy the older 7 at a discount or wait for the newer one (or do the same with the ipad mini. cant be too long before a newer version is announced).
hertsjoatmon said:
See this page...
http://phandroid.com/2012/12/05/how-to-adjust-s-pen/
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the link! After reading that... I'm a little nervous about possibly screwing up the sensitivity that I have - after all, there's nothing *wrong* with my pen, it's not wonky at all... I just would love to be able to map out the pressure gradient curve like I can do via software for each of my Cintiq pens (I have them all - Airbrush, 6D Artpen, Grip Pen and Classic)... So I'm going to continue looking for a software solution. But if one doesn't turn up, I'll probably buy an extra S Pen to fiddle with mechanically.
Thanks again.
linkenhtc said:
Thank you for all your help friends . I currently own a Nexus 7 ,but I dont have 3g and thats killing me. Personally I was viewing Ipad mini and Note 8 . In fact in my country and my calculations for the 3G version price is likely the same.The only thing I love in Ipad mini is the app store (many many apps) and the accesoaries for the Ipad (docks and etc) If we remove this the Note 8 has everything.
I`ll think a little more and maybe decide the Note 8.It will cost me like 450~500$ with a contract for 7$ per month for one year and Im getting 3000MB high speed 3G.
Here the Apple Ipad Mini costs like 500~550$ ,but without any contracts .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you own any other Apple products? Have you already made significant purchases in the Apple app store you want to use on your tablet?
If not, and it's just a case of which is the better tablet... Go for the Note 8.0.
In my opinion, the iPad Mini and GNote 8.0 are not even in the same class of device.
iPad Mini is appropriate for the mass-market consumer who is primarily concerned with consuming content. It's easy to use, especially for people who are not all that technologically skilled.
GNote 8.0 is aimed at power users, creative professionals, and discerning creative hobbyists who are primarily concerned with *creating* content... but who also want a top class media consumption device as well.
If you have any interest in creating content, then it's a no-brainer.
But like I said, if you aren't really going to use the Wacom Digitizer all that much... then the iPad mini could be the right device for you... even though it makes me cringe recommending an Apple product to anybody.
Ill go for the Note.Ill go and order one.Thank you all
And about thias 25$ gift card - it doesnt depend from what country you are ,right?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
linkenhtc said:
Ill go for the Note.Ill go and order one.Thank you all
And about thias 25$ gift card - it doesnt depend from what country you are ,right?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
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You need to check with whoever you are buying from. As far as I was aware, the gift card was only available to US residents.
As I live in South Africa, I got other extras... such as a free Official Stand Pouch, a 16gb MicroSD card, 2 year warranty, and two months free internet with MWeb (which i'm not using as I'm with another service provider - I bought mine outright, i.e. not on contract).
Juvenall said:
The "problem" you see here relates more to the very niche market for a device like this in its price range when compared next to something like the Nexus 7 and even Samsung's other 7 inch tablet.
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Bingo. The Android tablet market is dominated by low priced, low spec devices (at least in the 7 to 8 inch form factor). And this has worked to get Android tablets into people's hands and steal market share from the iPad. The N8 is targeted towards users who actually value a premium device, and are willing to pay a bit more. Unfortunately, we are in the minority.
Yes, the N8 is not going to sell in huge numbers, and that means less developer interest. But all that is needed is a few good developers. We already have some good looking contributions, and this will continue to grow. My previous tablet was the HTC Flyer, which arguably had a worse market penetration problem than the N8 has. The Flyer was more expensive ($499 US at release), and the tablet market was much less mature at the time (much less people interested in buying tablets). The Flyer sold in very low numbers. But even so, it had a fair number of very good developers, and a decent number of ROMs. More than sufficient, IMHO. In the end, you don't need dozens of ROMs. Just a decent selection of good ones.
I don't see the trend towards cheap Android tablets changing anytime soon. The Note 8 is easily the best Android tablet around in the "smaller" (7 to 8 inch) form factor, and I'm willing to bet that will remain the case for some time.
That is just it. This tablet is NOT just about the pen. It is a really fast tablet too. Much faster then the Nexus 7 or just about any other tablet out right now. It is smooooth. The screen is the perfect size too. I had a Nexus 7 and returned it because I couldn't stand how slow it was. I have a note 2 and it is nice to actually have a screen large enough that the multi window feature may actually get some use too.
As a consumer, I love my Note 8 (speedy, responsive, relatively okay battery life, etc everything else ppl said)
As an Android/Linux dev, I lament the fact that because this thing costs so much, it is just statistically less likely to get huge momentum behind it.
I don't know, from a practical point of view this tablet is a better buy than an ipad mini. It does cost a little more than an entry level mini but does the mini have expandable storage, usb otg support, multi windows and a pressure sensitive stylus. If I were Joe Public I'd certainly consider getting one as it offers quite a bit more value for just a little extra investment.
Sent from the mighty Note 8.0
I sold my Note 2 ans Ipad Mini 64GB and replaced them with a Note 8.0 w/ 64GB SDCard and am much happier now.
As for the $25.00 Play Store credit , That is for the WiFi model only checks serial # ( US Only ? ) . 3G versions do not qualify.

[Q] Lack of Custom ROMs, Kernels for Tab 8.4

Hi,
I was planning on buying nexus 7, but then prices for tab pro 8.4 have dropped, if google nexus 7 lte costs 350$, then why not add some and buy samsung tablet with better performance, better screen and micro sd slot and many more advantages.
But from what i see, modrianlte is very short on customization,wifi version has some support at least, but lte has like 1-2 custom rom available, no custom kernels. Is the reason for such lack of customization because its too early ? Or the tablet isnt just popular enough ?
I'd like to know the same. The galaxy tab pro 8.4 looks like the closest thing to the perfect tablet to me, with the nexus 8 being somewhat a little further away. I'd love to get it asap as the price here in Sweden is almost identical to the "big" nexus 7 while being significantly better spec'd . so I'm hoping the lack of development (and dedicated forums for the different gtab pro iterations) is due to the young age of the device. Maybe someone with some more insight can shed some light on this
Keep in mind this tablet is having a bit of a short lifespan unfortunately. Blame Samsung.
Here in Canada, it's no longer available for purchase anymore and I had a HELL of a time finding the "white" Samsung OEM case for my white Tab Pro 8.4
I live in the largest city in Canada and only ONE store still had the white cases, and they only had 3 or 4 of them left, all for full MSRP price...
It's a great tablet, but IMO Samsung is a bit of a foolish company. I don't know which idiot (maybe someone in marketing) thought it would be good to release the Tab S just 3 months after general availability of the Tab PRO.
This is my first Samsung product since the Nexus S and probably my last (not due to product quality, but due to Samsung being a foolish company).
well that **** my upgrading plans. Good for them. New Revision, slightly worse specs, higher price. Now what. I love the N7 but its just a little bit too small and apart from the T320 there isnt really anything that compares by a long shot in the 8-9" range.
thanks anyways, guess the only thing to do is wait for the N8 or an upgraded N10.
audiosmurf said:
well that **** my upgrading plans. Good for them. New Revision, slightly worse specs, higher price. Now what. I love the N7 but its just a little bit too small and apart from the T320 there isnt really anything that compares by a long shot in the 8-9" range.
thanks anyways, guess the only thing to do is wait for the N8 or an upgraded N10.
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don't get me wrong, i love my Tab Pro 8.4, but i think i just have to get accustomed to using it stock (or stock + root) rather than having a HUGE selection of ROMs/kernels like my Nexus 4
my thoughts exactly. Im coming from 1st gen n7 and the n4 and im addicted to flashing sth new almost weekly so of course im used to a lot there and id never expect anything close to the variety of roms and generaly development on a the galaxy tab series. But as it is probably the most bought tablet series out there i was hoping for there atleast to be a certain amount development for it. With Google taking so long and this being such an incredible deal for the money i had hoped that that would stoke development for the tab pro here on xda.
Can you think of any alternatives offering atleast a FHD screen, not too old A15 processor and 2 gigabytes of ram for under 450 USD in a <9.9" package?
well new nexus, htc nexus 8 or 9, seems to be not the thing we are looking for, word around says it is going to expensive.
Tab S is a scam, i don't know what kind of idiot would buy that piece of crap over iPad mini.
From my point, i want to buy a tablet and use it for a long time, just like my galaxy nexus phone of which im very happy, i'm not planing on to buy, try and sell.
audiosmurf said:
Can you think of any alternatives offering atleast a FHD screen, not too old A15 processor and 2 gigabytes of ram for under 450 USD in a <9.9" package?
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Nope. Your criteria is very similar to my own! Before this tab became widely available, I was going to get the LG g pad 8.3,but its hardware is worse than the tab pro obviously. Especially the screen, ugh.
Basically, for 8" tabs it's either this or the Tab S.
BTW I think from a "sales" point of view, there are more galaxy tab 3's and 4's out there... But let's be honest even if more people have those (which in turn causes more development) their hardware is pathetic for anyone over the age of 10, lol
I'd say stick with this one and try to get all your friends to get one too, boost sales
Most unpleasant situation would be would be if idiotic samsung sold all Tabs and stopped producing.
Buy used one from swappa or CL. Then sell it when Nexus 8/9 comes out. I traded my N7 2012 for $50 GC and after all the deals/coupons/perks the tab pro cost me $240. I don't care about custom roms on tablet , all I care about is root. But on my phone I need latest the Android version so my next phone is going to be a Nexus.
I think that once you change the launcher and freeze a few apps the tab runs pretty good and you can even root it if you want. Nexus 7 is good but still smaller screen, lower resolution and slower CPU. There are a couple stockish ROM and CM for the models using a Qualcomm CPU, I find the situation not so bad looking at how young the tablets are,
Sent from my SM-T320 using Tapatalk
Well, what do you guys say about the new nexus, if its starting price would be 400 $, then the LTE version might go out the same price as iPad mini/Air, then why not to buy a iOS tablet rather than android if they would cost the same ? If the new nexus is going to be that expensive it must have all the other extensions that nexus series don't have, like micro sd slot, IR blaster and the other luxury toys
brutalsam said:
Well, what do you guys say about the new nexus, if its starting price would be 400 $, then the LTE version might go out the same price as iPad mini/Air, then why not to buy a iOS tablet rather than android if they would cost the same ? If the new nexus is going to be that expensive it must have all the other extensions that nexus series don't have, like micro sd slot, IR blaster and the other luxury toys
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All just rumor for the time being, but if the Nexus 8 is going to be at the $400 price point, I would wager it would be with impressive specs and features. Yes, the Nexus 7 had a "budget" set of specs and features, but also appeals to a much lower price point (currently $229, release was $299 I believe?). Rumor also has it that its being made by HTC, which makes arguably the most beautiful smartphones around, and briefly did so with tablets. So the build quality may rival or even surpass the iPads (in my opinion the HTC M7 and M8 easily surpass the current iPhones).
I for one am happy to see the "race to the bottom" on price for small form factor Android tablets started by Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire has somewhat cooled down. Manufacturers are started to recognize that some folks actually want quality, not just cheap.
redpoint73 said:
All just rumor for the time being, but if the Nexus 8 is going to be at the $400 price point, I would wager it would be with impressive specs and features. Yes, the Nexus 7 had a "budget" set of specs and features, but also appeals to a much lower price point (currently $229, release was $299 I believe?). Rumor also has it that its being made by HTC, which makes arguably the most beautiful smartphones around, and briefly did so with tablets. So the build quality may rival or even surpass the iPads (in my opinion the HTC M7 and M8 easily surpass the current iPhones).
I for one am happy to see the "race to the bottom" on price for small form factor Android tablets started by Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire has somewhat cooled down. Manufacturers are started to recognize that some folks actually want quality, not just cheap.
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Yep, let's hope for prices that won't compare with iPad air/mini, android always has been cheaper than apple products, so changing this thing will only brings failure,
brutalsam said:
Yep, let's hope for prices that won't compare with iPad air/mini, android always has been cheaper than apple products, so changing this thing will only brings failure,
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I didn't mind paying $399 for the Pro 8.4 soon after release. The exterior design isn't quite as high-end as the Ipad Mini, but it has a higher resolution screen, MicroSD, etc.
More importantly, I'm not interested in the closed Apple ecosystem. The iPad was never a real contender for me.
But I also realize and agree that the mass market is not going to see it that way. To many, a tablet is a tablet (many don't distinguish or even understand the difference between Android and iOS); and furthermore Apple has more brand recognition and respect than Android (to the masses). Android tablets need to either carry more features and/or come in at a lower price point than the iPad in order to sell.
redpoint73 said:
I didn't mind paying $399 for the Pro 8.4 soon after release. The exterior design isn't quite as high-end as the Ipad Mini, but it has a higher resolution screen, MicroSD, etc.
More importantly, I'm not interested in the closed Apple ecosystem. The iPad was never a real contender for me.
But I also realize and agree that the mass market is not going to see it that way. To many, a tablet is a tablet (many don't distinguish or even understand the difference between Android and iOS); and furthermore Apple has more brand recognition and respect than Android (to the masses). Android tablets need to either carry more features and/or come in at a lower price point than the iPad in order to sell.
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Indeed, that's exactly what i want to say.
Anyway, iOS has more exclusive content than android, some fine games, apps first come out in the AppStore, then Android, but sometimes developers refuse to make an android version, or crappy android port.
For example, a fun app called ElfYourself was first to come out in iOS then it was ported to android, but to compare both official apps android version looks crappy, laggy, lacks some features, it was probably ported by some other developers.
That's why i want iOS tablet.
brutalsam said:
Anyway, iOS has more exclusive content than android, some fine games, apps first come out in the AppStore, then Android, but sometimes developers refuse to make an android version, or crappy android port.
For example, a fun app called ElfYourself was first to come out in iOS then it was ported to android, but to compare both official apps android version looks crappy, laggy, lacks some features, it was probably ported by some other developers.
That's why i want iOS tablet.
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If you want to talk about very particular apps and games, than yes iOS has more "exclusive" content. But there are plenty of apps for any purpose on Android, whether it be games, utilities, etc. Seriously, both iTunes and Play Store currently boast over 1.2 million apps. It used to be a big deal for iTunes to tout there number of apps when it was 50,000 or 60,000 etc. But honestly, once it went into the tens of thousands, why does it even matter? A few dozen good ones is enough. You don't even hear Apple or Google mention the total number of apps anymore, because its now irrelevant.
Yes, the quality is not always there (and there is a lot of crap to dredge through on the Play Store), but its getting better. Fact of the matter is that iOS users spend more money on apps. But on the other hand, developers can no longer ignore the fact that Android now has more market share (at least for phones) than iOS in the US (and its not even close globally). They simply can no longer ignore that customer base.
If you like iOS, then fine. Apple makes fine devices. But I personally can't stand how Apple dictates what the customer wants; instead of listening to what the public wants. How the OS looks, how it works, the device form factor (Steve Jobs "Nobody is going to buy a big phone"). iOS has hardly changed since it began. And the biggest changes to the OS appearance have actually largely stolen from HTC Sense, of all things (talk about coming full circle!). It took what, 3 or 4 years for Apple to even let folks change their wallpaper background on the iPhone? Come on!
I'm not a fan of iOS, im just trying to make point for myself, maybe you are right, maybe my infos are outdated. I just don't do much gaming or surfing or even use many kind of apps, cuz of tiny screen of the phone, that what i want to change by buying a tablet
brutalsam said:
I'm not a fan of iOS, im just trying to make point for myself, maybe you are right, maybe my infos are outdated. I just don't do much gaming or surfing or even use many kind of apps, cuz of tiny screen of the phone, that what i want to change by buying a tablet
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I'm not saying you are wrong about the apps (at least particular apps or ports). iOS certainly does get more attention from software developers. And if your goal is particular apps, games, etc. than you might not be happy with an Android tablet. As you mentioned, they don't all come to Android. And if they do, they sometimes don'r run as smoothly or get updated as often as the iOS counterparts.
But for me, there are plenty of great apps to keep me busy. I'm not a big gamer (but play a few sometimes) and most often use my tablet to web browse, read books, comics, and watch Netflix and other videos.
I'm also a big user of various Google services (Gmail, Calendar, Google Maps), and their integration into Android simply has no comparison.
redpoint73 said:
I'm not saying you are wrong about the apps (at least particular apps or ports). iOS certainly does get more attention from software developers. And if your goal is particular apps, games, etc. than you might not be happy with an Android tablet. As you mentioned, they don't all come to Android. And if they do, they sometimes don'r run as smoothly or get updated as often as the iOS counterparts.
But for me, there are plenty of great apps to keep me busy. I'm not a big gamer (but play a few sometimes) and most often use my tablet to web browse, read books, comics, and watch Netflix and other videos.
I'm also a big user of various Google services (Gmail, Calendar, Google Maps), and their integration into Android simply has no comparison.
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Well, then the android tablet is my bet.
I'm not a big gamer as you said it yourself, i plan on reading, surfing, watching movies

Help Me Decide

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.
Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk
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.
Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk
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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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