14 DAY TRIAL // In what can be considered the biggest news of this week, Samsung has launched the Galaxy Tab S set of AMOLED tablets, coming with 8.4-inch and 10.5-inch form factors.
Coming with a nice design and appealing specs, the 10.5-inch model could be an apt choice, for those considering the 10-inch tablet form factor. So, let’s see how it compares to another flagship device, this time coming from Sony, the Xperia Z2 Tablet which got unveiled at MWC 2014.
Screen Differences
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S arrives with a 10.5-inch AMOLED display, while the Xperia Z2 has a 10.1-inch TFT screen, so if you go with Sammy you’ll be getting a more spacious display.
Sony’s slate offers only 1920 x 1200 pixel resolution, while the Galaxy Tab S comes with 2560 x 1600 pixels, so the images delivered by the Samsung tablet should appear sharper.
The difference in display tech should also allow brighter colors on the AMOLED slate, but Sony’s TFT panel is equipped with Triluminous and X-Reality tech, which isn't half bad either.
Weight, Bulk and Feel
Sony has used tempered glass, aluminum trim and square edges when building the Xperia Z2 Tablet, while Samsung has opted for a textured back and smooth curved metallic tapered edges.
Of course, the Sony tablet borrows design cue from the Sony Xperia Z2 smartphone and Samsung does the same taking from the Galaxy S5 flagship.
Also note that the Xperia Z2 Tablet is waterproof, whereas the Tab S is sadly not.
If you want to make a comparison based on numbers, the Galaxy Tab S measures 247.3 x 177.3 x 6.6 mm / 9.7 x 6.9 x 0.25 inches and weighs 456 g / 1 lbs while the Xperia Z2 Tablet is 266 x 172 x 6.4mm / 10.4 x 6.7 x 0.25 inches and 439 g / 0.98 lbs.
Sony has stated this is the slimmest and lightest waterproof tablet on the market and it appears the company was not over exaggerating.
Cameras
The Xperia Z2 Tablet comes with two cameras, in the form of an 8MP on the back and 2.2MP as the frontal snapper. The Samsung slate also has an 8MP on the back and a slightly less impressive 2.1MP camera up in front.
But Samsung has added LED flash to the back, something Sony has failed to do.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S has an Exynos octa-core chipset fitted with 3GB of RAM, which means you should see smooth performance.
On the other hand, Sony has opted for a 2.3GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon quad-core chipset and Adreno 440 graphics with 3GB of RAM.
The Galaxy Tab S bundles a loftier 7900 mAh battery, while the Xperia Z2 Tablet brings only a 6000 mAh one to the tablet.
Last but not least, Samsung offers 16GB and 32GB of internal storage options, while Sony only awards 16GB. Both products have microSD.
Software
Both tablets make use of Android’s latest 4.4 KitKat out of the box, but the pre-installed software differs a little.
In addition, the user interface bears each company’s distinctive mark and they have their specific features, too. For example, the Galaxy Tab S will let users take calls, multi-task and take advantage of Ultra Power Saving mode.
On the other hand, Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet can be used as PS3 controller and is equipped with Stamina mode (reminiscent of the Xperia Z2 smartphone) to boost battery life.
Pricing
Sony’s tablet is available in black and white and sells for $499 / €368, which is exactly the same price that Samsung will be selling the 10.5-inch Galaxy Tab S for. You have a tough choice here!