The new premium Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 is a 10.5”, Android O, tablet. It is unique in that is uses a sAMOLED screen and works with Samsung DeX that allows you to bring an Android or Windows desktop to a large screen.
DeX can be a game changer (GadgetGuy review here) in that it brings desktop-like productivity to a tablet. Add to this the S Pen, a powerful Qualcomm 835 processor, all the top-drawer goodies and Dolby Atmos support – it is thew supreme Android tablet.
“At Samsung, we believe tablets play an increasingly important role in making lives easier and improving the mobile experience for everyone,” said DJ Koh, President and CEO of Samsung Electronics.
“With the Galaxy Tab S4, we’re introducing a premium tablet. It has Samsung DeX that helps consumers perform their absolute best wherever they go.”
It also announced the budget conscious Galaxy Tab A 10.5″.
Specifications and comments – Samsung Galaxy Tab S4
| Item | Specification | GadgetGuy comments |
| DISPLAY | 10.5” WQXGA (2560×1600) sAMOLED, 287ppi, 16:10, 16M 8-bit, colours, 78.6% S-T-B-R | Due to a high screen-to-body-ratio, it fits into a similar sized body as the smaller S3 it replaces. Great screen – only AMOLED screen in a tablet |
| CHIPSET | Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Octa Core (2.35GHz + 1.9GHz) | This is 2017’s flagship processor that has heaps of power. |
| LTE SUPPORT | LTE Cat.16 DLCA, 4X4 MIMO for up to 1Gbps LTE | There is a Wi-Fi only and a combo LTE version |
| MEMORY / STORAGE | 4GB + 64GB / 256GB, microSD up to 400GB4 | The sweet spot is 4/64GB with a microSD formatted as internal storage. |
| CAMERA REAR | 13MP, AF, Pixel size: 1.12µm, f/1.9, FOV 76°, Large Sensor size: 1/3.06″, Flash, HDR | Tablets usually skimp here, but you have 13MP for great detail. The large sensor and fast aperture should be good for daylight and office light. |
| CAMERA FRONT | 8MP, Pixel size: 1.12µm, f/1.9, FOV 85˚, Large sensor size: 1/4.0″ | 8MP for a selfie is good, but a fast lens and wide FOV means more flexibility. No flash. |
| PORT | USB-C 3.1 gen 1, 5Gbps, POGO | Perfect candidate for a multi-adaptor or desktop dock. POGO Pins are used for the optional keyboard cover or standing charge dock. |
| SENSORS | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, RGB, Proximity, Iris Scanner, Hall Sensor | All the usual plus Iris scanner for security |
| WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY | Wi-Fi AC, MIMO, Wi-Fi Direct Bluetooth 5.0 |
If this uses the Qualcomm chipset then it will achieve at least 867Mbps, Bluetooth 5.0 should include aptX HD |
| GPS | GPS + GLONASS, BEIDOU, GALILEO | A full suite of GPS. If you purchase the LTE model you get traffic information as well |
| DIMENSION, WEIGHT | 249.3 x 164.3 x 7.1mm 482g (Wi-Fi) / 483g (LTE) |
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| BATTERY | 7,300mAh, Fast Charging 16-hour video H.264 1080 playback Full fast charge 200 minutes |
7,300mAh is huge and should give you a full day’s constant use. |
| OS/UPGRADE | Android 8.1 with regular OS and security updates | Likely to receive Android 9. Will receive all Google Android security updates promptly. |
Other features
| DeX support | Either use a USB-C to HDMI adapter (with USB-A etc.) or Dex Pad. Supports up to 1080p monitors and will connect to a 4K screen with upscale Also has Samsung Flow to pair with a Galaxy smartphone. |
DeX could be a game changer for a road warrior. Support Microsoft Office 365 and many popular productivity apps. Can also be concurrently used as a Tablet and DeX desktop. |
| Security | Iris scan unlock and file protect Knox defence grade security |
Enterprise grade security |
| S Pen | S Pen (included), 4096 pressure levels, Pen tip .7mm. 138 x 9.2 mm x 9.1g S Pen app include translate, annotate, screen-off memo, live message |
Samsung says, “Or watch the monitor and use the tablet as a touchpad, digitiser, or touch keyboard.” We are not sure of the digitiser pedigree yet and if it will be precise enough for artists. |
| VIDEO | Recording: 4K@ 30fps Playback: 4K@60fps Also acts as ‘daily board’ for photo gallery, weather, time and OK Google functions |
The daily board function with OK Google could be interesting. A special upright charging dock is available. |
| AUDIO | Four speakers tuned by AKG – 2 x top and 2 x bottom Surround sound and Dolby Atmos Bixby voice/live view and OK Google support coming |
Dolby Atmos means it can decode 7.1.4 sound and presumably play that via HDMI or DisplayPort out to a 4K TV. |
| Colours | Ebony Black and Fog Grey | |
| Options | 64GB or 256GB Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi and LTE $G Book Cover Keyboard Soft fabric protective case POGO Pin charging Dock Multi-Port Adapter (EE-P5000B) HDMI Adapter (EE-HG950) DeX Cable (EE-I3100) |
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| Website | https://www.samsung.com/au/tablets/galaxy-tab-s/ | |
| Price |
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Customers who pre-order the Galaxy Tab S4 from a participating retailer before 24 August 2018 will receive the 256GB model of the tablet for the advertised price of the 64GB model |
GadgetGuy’s take. Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 rules the Android tablet world
I am a fan of the Samsung Galaxy Tab series. Have been right from the original drop-dead sexy bronze/coffee Galaxy Tab S in 2014. It is still going strong as a couch companion.
Its Galaxy Tab S2 went back to the boring black glass slab. But it presented a new take on Android tablets when released in October 2015. It too is still going strong.
The Tab S3 release in October 2017 continued the tradition adding QHD, HDR10, 6,000mAh battery and USB-C. Prophetically I said at the time, “It is not meant to be a laptop replacement. Although I would love to see a DeX dock for this!
Of course, the Galaxy Tab S4 is an upgrade. By reducing bezel sizes, it fits a 10.5 screen into a 9.7” body! And then there is the DeX dock!
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