Current next best model?? - Galaxy Tab S Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi guys!
Ive had my Tab S for a while but was wondering would the next best thing is to it on the market these days??
I really love the 8.4 inch form factor. Its the best for me. But I dont see too many Android alternatives.
I do not use Apple at all.
My 8.4 is just so laggy and slow. Its just not doing well with stream video, high quality games..etc.
What are some alternatives you guys have?
Thanks!

Related

8.4 or 10.1?

I'm looking at the galaxy tab pros as my next tablet, I'm trying to decide between the 8.4 or 10.1. I currently have a transformer tf700, so I'm used to 10.1, but I'm thining the smaller 8.4 being lighter may be more comfortable to use (I've always thought 7" tabs were too small, but 8.4 may be my sweet spot). My main uses are videos, comic books, and browsing.
Does anyone with experience have any opinions? It looks like the 10.1 has a better processor and maybe a better battery. If i get the 8.4 and decide its too small i can always exchange, but thought i would ask here to see if anyone has played with both and their thoughts (i had limited exposure to them at best buy but they are tethered to the displays so really hard to get a feel for them).
Thanks!
I picked up the 8.4 and while it's perfect for me...it probably won't be for you. Browsing and comic books are REALLY small on the 8.4 inch screen, given that the resolution is so high. A lot of the apps do not allow for the system to override the tiny fonts, so it's tough to deal with sometimes. It's perfect for what I need it for...twitter, RSS feeds and some web browsing but if I was looking at magazines or comics, I'd pull out my iPad Air.
dbdynsty25 said:
I picked up the 8.4 and while it's perfect for me...it probably won't be for you. Browsing and comic books are REALLY small on the 8.4 inch screen, given that the resolution is so high. A lot of the apps do not allow for the system to override the tiny fonts, so it's tough to deal with sometimes. It's perfect for what I need it for...twitter, RSS feeds and some web browsing but if I was looking at magazines or comics, I'd pull out my iPad Air.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was what I was afraid of. The app I use on my transformer allows resizing of the page, so I resized to what I measured out to be an 8.4" screen size and it still appeared very readable, but I'm not sure how accurate of a representation that really was.
mattbooty said:
I'm looking at the galaxy tab pros as my next tablet, I'm trying to decide between the 8.4 or 10.1. I currently have a transformer tf700, so I'm used to 10.1, but I'm thining the smaller 8.4 being lighter may be more comfortable to use (I've always thought 7" tabs were too small, but 8.4 may be my sweet spot). My main uses are videos, comic books, and browsing.
Does anyone with experience have any opinions? It looks like the 10.1 has a better processor and maybe a better battery. If i get the 8.4 and decide its too small i can always exchange, but thought i would ask here to see if anyone has played with both and their thoughts (i had limited exposure to them at best buy but they are tethered to the displays so really hard to get a feel for them).
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the Note 2014 and the 8.4. The Note is similar to the Pro 10 without KK. I had the Nexus 7 and the 8.4 is the sweet spot because the Nexus was a bit to small. The Note 2014 is great but not as easily portable. As far as speed of processors, the Exynos is slightly faster CPU and the Snapdragon 800 has a bit better GPU. They are very close speed wise.
nrage23 said:
I have the Note 2014 and the 8.4. The Note is similar to the Pro 10 without KK. I had the Nexus 7 and the 8.4 is the sweet spot because the Nexus was a bit to small. The Note 2014 is great but not as easily portable. As far as speed of processors, the Exynos is slightly faster CPU and the Snapdragon 800 has a bit better GPU. They are very close speed wise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm thinking since i know what a 10.1 is like I'm going to grab the 8.4 with the idea that i can try it out and if I'm unhappy with the smaller size i can exchange it for the 10.1. If i just get the 10.1 i'll always wonder if the 8.4 would have been better.
Thanks!
mattbooty said:
I'm thinking since i know what a 10.1 is like I'm going to grab the 8.4 with the idea that i can try it out and if I'm unhappy with the smaller size i can exchange it for the 10.1. If i just get the 10.1 i'll always wonder if the 8.4 would have been better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a pretty good strategy...one I always live by with technology. Let us know how it turns out!
dbdynsty25 said:
That's a pretty good strategy...one I always live by with technology. Let us know how it turns out!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will do. I'm not sure my time frame on picking it up yet, but when I do I will post my impressions.
How much of a difference will the 2GB vs the 3GB of Ram be between the 8.4 and 10.1? I'm about to the get the 8.4 but I just wanna know if anyone has had the opportunity to check this between the two devices...
And where did everyone get their 8.4? Best buy or amazon or somewhere else offer a better deal?
10.1 also has 2gb ram. Only the 12.2 has 3. I'm used to the 3 in my note 3 so I notice a slowdown
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
I just wanted to update this thread as I said I would. I grabbed the 8.4" last night and so far I'm impressed. The screen seems about the perfect size for comics, yes 10" more closely resembles and actual size, but at 8.4 i can still read everything fine, but its much easier to hold. Very happy so far!
mattbooty said:
I just wanted to update this thread as I said I would. I grabbed the 8.4" last night and so far I'm impressed. The screen seems about the perfect size for comics, yes 10" more closely resembles and actual size, but at 8.4 i can still read everything fine, but its much easier to hold. Very happy so far!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had, just recently, the Note 2014, Note Pro 12.2 and now the Tab 8.4 Out of them all I prefer the tab 8.4. The 2014 seemed was neither that portable or easy to hold. The screen wasn't so large that it made it worth it either. The Note 12. 2 screen was amazing, but it was impossible to get used to due to it's size . You really needed it on a desk, but why not just use a laptop if you're going to do that? I want to hold my tablet ...if I am going to have one.
Which leaves the 8.4. Very light, easy to hold either way. PPI is off the charts. The only thing I am not fond of is 16gb storage and less than stellar battery, but for this size you cannot have everything. So you know there is a but with External SD cards on these new Sammy devices.
I have an SD i put most of my stuff on anyways for my old tablet, so I'm just going to keep using it which should eliminate the storage as any issue. I haven't had it long enough yet to see how the battery stacks up.
I have both and both are great tablets it really comes down to what size you want
I am going to keep the 10.1 and return the 8.4 tomorrow
Sent from my Xperia Z Ultra using XDA Premium HD app
golfinggino said:
I have both and both are great tablets it really comes down to what size you want
I am going to keep the 10.1 and return the 8.4 tomorrow
Sent from my Xperia Z Ultra using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also have both. 8.4 will be a keeper. 10.1 is a little big and awkward. Plus 8 feels a little snappier.
10.1 have Better battery life,8.4 very bad
Does anybody know of a 32gb 8.4 coming out? Or even a 32gb 10.1?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

[Q] Tab Pro 10.1, Tab S 8.4 or Ipad Air ?

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.
Sent from my SM-T320 using Tapatalk
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 !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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 ?

Galaxy Tab S 10.5

Hi all,
I wish to buy a new tablet but I'm wondering about which one to buy.
At first I was off on a galaxy note 10.1 2014 but after seeing tests on galaxy tab s I am interested, mainly thanks to autonomy.
By cons I read about several who said that the processor was not great and the tablet knew several lags.
My main use will be surfing, a little play and some times few films.
So what tablet choose to have a good flow and very good battery life.
Moreover, I'm French, can I buy my tablet in Canada and install a French ROM ?
Also, do you think the galaxy tab s will receive android L ?
Thanks a lot !!
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YHXahMDDXJ8
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eqlAqk6om2s
florian83260 said:
Hi all,
I wish to buy a new tablet but I'm wondering about which one to buy.
At first I was off on a galaxy note 10.1 2014 but after seeing tests on galaxy tab s I am interested, mainly thanks to autonomy.
By cons I read about several who said that the processor was not great and the tablet knew several lags.
My main use will be surfing, a little play and some times few films.
So what tablet choose to have a good flow and very good battery life.
Moreover, I'm French, can I buy my tablet in Canada and install a French ROM ?
Also, do you think the galaxy tab s will receive android L ?
Thanks a lot !!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't be discouraged by the videos in the post above mine and the negative comments by others. I'm sure those who say they are experiencing serious lag isses actually are. But not everyone is having those issues. My tablet does not come anywhere close to the lag on that video. It's hard for me to believe it's the same tablet. My tab S is the best tablet experience I have ever had and I would not try to turn anyone away from it. My suggestion is purchase it from a company with an easy return policy and give it a try for youself. If you experience the issues like in that guy's video return it for another one or move on to something else.
florian83260 said:
Hi all,
I wish to buy a new tablet but I'm wondering about which one to buy.
At first I was off on a galaxy note 10.1 2014 but after seeing tests on galaxy tab s I am interested, mainly thanks to autonomy.
By cons I read about several who said that the processor was not great and the tablet knew several lags.
My main use will be surfing, a little play and some times few films.
So what tablet choose to have a good flow and very good battery life.
Moreover, I'm French, can I buy my tablet in Canada and install a French ROM ?
Also, do you think the galaxy tab s will receive android L ?
Thanks a lot !!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I would suggest you try it before you buy it or buy it where you can return it without restocking fee or any problems.
While the tablet has a good screen (a bit over saturated and unrealistic colors) it's kinda nice how the colors pops out.
If your main usage will be surfing, I don't know if all of them are that way, but at least mine and 2 others that I tried at different stores had something like stuttering while scrolling a web page, let me explain it. When you are scrolling, instead of the text scrolling with smooth movement, it jumps, sure those jumps are "small" but that jumpy text at least on my case was causing major headaches at the point, that I stop using it and return it (and paying $75 USD for restocking fee). Those jumps are more like it's dropping frames. On my opinion that is not acceptable for a "high end tablet", also when I tried for 20 minutes Asphalt 4 I saw some frames dropped. Also just typing or deleting something it was laggy. So this tablet for web browsing/e-mail, in my case was useless.
If you want to watch movies, I saw some on my 10.5 and yeah it was nice for scenes with vivid colors, but when there are shadows, because the blacks are to deep you loose all detail on the shadows, and instead of shadows you will se only clipped blacks. (not everybody will notice) but my hobby is Photography so I really notice this.
Battery life, well it's ok, not the greatest (comparing to my old iPad 2)
In terms of quality build, imo it's very good.
Well at the end I got a tab pro 8.4 and it has been a pleasure to use. Not a single jittering/lag issue as I was having with the tab s, I would probably say the problem of the tab S is that uses the Exynos combo.
Again, maybe all this issues I had with the Tab S, not everybody may notice, but for those who are sensitive to things like this, is a pain to use. That's why you will read some mixed opinions. So that's why I will suggest you to TRY it before with cold brain and not letting you get blown by the oversaturated colors.
My .2 cents.

[Q] Tab 8.4 (adreno) vs Tab 10.1 (mali) for Gaming? Which is Better?

I have the 8.4 but am very tempted by the larger screen of the 10.1. How much of a gaming hit if any might I see with the change in gpus? I understand the 8.4 has a speed advantage in graphics but maybe not in cpu?
Please weigh in ASAP as I must choose today!
There is a definite difference between my 8.4 and my girlfriends 10.1. While I do not have any benchmarked numbers, I can tell you the 8.4 is considerably faster and smoother than the 10.1.
Sicron said:
There is a definite difference between my 8.4 and my girlfriends 10.1. While I do not have any benchmarked numbers, I can tell you the 8.4 is considerably faster and smoother than the 10.1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the quick response!
Under what circumstances is your 8.4 faster? I have read that the 10.1 lags while multi-tasking, but I'm only interested in gaming performance--i.e. one game running and nothing else ... Have you had a chance to compare the two under that specific circumstance?
Days ago when I was stuck in the decision of which tab to buy, Anandtech's reviews on TabPRO and Tab S series totally swayed me to buying the PRO 8.4. Yeah, just for having the highest performance out of all.
I wonder why great looks, Snapdragon 800 and 3GB RAM can't be fitted into one machine...
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
Well, it's a moot question now, I guess. I just got back from Best Buy to check out the 10.1 and maybe pick one up to compare with my 8.4 ... worst sound from a tablet I think I've ever heard. Yes, I was in the store with all the noise in the background, etc, still ... just terrible sounding. Speakers are in a different position and of an inferior design to the 8.4 and it is just very inferior.

Tab S died, recommendations for new tablet?

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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.

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