14 DAY TRIAL // Albeit unveiling the premium Galaxy TabPRO tablet lineup at CES 2014, Samsung is putting them aside and is giving the flagship tablet throne to the newly launched Galaxy Tab S.
The Galaxy Tab S family consists of two models, an 8.4-inch one and a 10.5-inch one and as you can recall, the Galaxy TabPRO bunch also offered an 8.4-inch model too. So what’s the difference, you might be asking? And is it worth it saving up for a new Galaxy Tab S, while forgetting all about the Galaxy TabPRO?
The display difference Both Samsung Galaxy Tab S and Galaxy TabPRO offer an 8.4-inch variant capable of delivering 2560 x 1600 pixel resolution (359 ppi).
However, the difference is revealed in the technology used to support the panel, the Galaxy Tab S uses Super AMOLED while the TabPRO has a TFT LCD.
This means you should be seeing brighter, more vibrant colors and the blacks should be deeper on the new tablets. On the other hand, some users might feel the colors look fake and unnatural. It’s more a matter of taste, to say the least.
Size and Weight
As we highlighted in our previous article, the new Galaxy Tab S is so skinny it even takes the iPad Air in this department. Its overall measurements are 212.8 x 125.6 x 6.6 mm / 8.3 x 4.9 x 0.2 inches and weight set at 294 g / 0.64 lbs, while the TabPRO comes at 219 x 128.5 x 7.2mm / 8.6 x 5.03 x 0.28 inches and is 331 g / 0.72 lbs heavy.
Processing Power
Because the Galaxy Tab S is newer, of course it comes sporting a more advanced processor, in the form of an octa-core Exynos processor (made up quad-core 1.9GHz processor and 1.3GHz processor) fitted with 3GB of RAM.
Comparatively, the Galaxy TabPRO only has a 2.3GHz quad-core processor with 2GB of RAM. So basically, you should expect the Galaxy Tab S to run smoother and perform tasks much easier.
In terms of battery, the newer model takes advantage of a 4900 mAh battery which should be enough for 10 hours of life juice, while the Galaxy TabPRO has a lesser 4800 mAh one. Note that the Tab S also takes advantage of Ultra Power Saving tech.
Cameras
The new Galaxy Tab S arrives with two cameras, as any self-respecting tablet, an 8MP rear camera with LED flash plus a 2.1MP frontal one.
The same can be said of the Galaxy TabPRO, so you won’t be seeing any consistent difference if you want to use the cameras in this department. Both models offer Sammy-specific features such as Beauty Face to help you shoot better pictures.
Software
Both Samsung Galaxy Tab S and Galaxy TabPRO come equipped with the latest Android 4.4.2 KitKat out the box with Samsung’s own user interface plastered on top.
The difference is the Galaxy Tab S brings about a number of extra feats, including SideSync 3.0, Kids Mode software, Paperdragon and provides support for 1080p content from Netflix.
Pricing
The new Samsung Galaxy Tab S is available in Titanium Bronze and Dazzling White, while the Galaxy TabPRO comes in black and white.
You can pick up both with 32GB of storage onboard, and the Galaxy Tab S also has the 16GB version. The new device will start selling with $399 / €294, but only for the Wi-Fi model.
On the other hand, the Galaxy TabPRO is a little cheaper, taking you back with $329 / €243.