Samsung competes with Apple not only in the smartphone market, but also in the tablet market. Despite the decline in tablet sales in recent years, both companies continue to release new models and Samsung's latest is the Galaxy Tab S3. Two years ago, the company launched the Galaxy Tab S2 in 8-inch and 9.7-inch models, this time only the larger variant was released. With a suggested retail price of $599, this device features a display that supports , a sleek glass-covered body, a fast processor, a fingerprint reader, and an S Pen.
Samsung's new tablet will once again try to convince buyers of the need for high-end models for a variety of Android use cases and that such devices are better than the iPad. Since Samsung Galaxy S smartphones are very popular, this tablet has a couple of features exclusively for them. However, the problem with a sufficient number of applications optimized for Android tablets has not gone away.
The new tablet is very similar to the Galaxy Tab S2, but it looks more expensive. The back side is no longer made of soft plastic, like the models of two years ago. Glass is used instead, which causes more glare. There are more fingerprints on the black version of the tablet than on the silver one in question, but either way, the glass makes the tablet look more luxurious. The Galaxy Tab S3 has the same metal bezel as the Galaxy S2, but the bezels around the 2048 x 1536 pixel AMOLED screen remain unchanged.
The tablet weighs 429g versus 372g for the Galaxy Tab S2. The Nexus 9 weighs about the same (425g), but the iPad Air 2 (437g) and the new iPad (469g) weigh even more. On the side there is a slot for a microSD memory card, a volume control and a power button, a headphone jack and USB type C for recharging and data transfer, as well as two small oval-shaped dents. These are magnetic mounts for connecting a keyboard. The keyboard is optional and not included with the tablet.
But the S Pen stylus is included here. This version of the stylus is longer and thicker than the stylus in the Samsung Chromebook Pro, it has a 0.7mm rubber tip and a button on one side. The tablet recognizes when it is swiped over the screen, pressing the button on the stylus by default also opens its menu. This button also works as an eraser.
The Samsung tablet still has a physical Home button below the screen, next to which are capacitive App List and Back buttons. The fingerprint scanner is about the same as on the Galaxy Tab S2, it's not the best way to unlock the device, although that's what it's designed for. The setup process asks you to twirl your finger on the scanner in portrait and landscape modes, but that doesn't really help the scanner detect your fingerprint if it's placed at an awkward angle. In at least half of the cases, the scanner does not recognize the print the first time.
The screen resolution has not changed in two years, but now it supports HDR. It is unlikely that many will see the difference by eye, but the developers promise richer colors and deeper blacks. In any case, HDR support will not hurt on a tablet that is positioned as a device for watching videos and even artistic images, but this feature cannot be called a necessity.
The tablet has four speakers that can recognize the orientation of the tablet to dynamically change the sound. The speaker grilles are visible at the corners of the tablet, and there is a noticeable difference in sound when using the tablet in landscape or portrait modes. In landscape mode, the sound is amplified, especially for music, when listening to speech, the difference is less noticeable.
Keyboard case and stylus
The improved S Pen stylus has a thin tip and recognizes 4096 pressure levels. The soft material of the stylus makes it comfortable to hold in your hand, and is about a third longer than the Chromebook Pro stylus, which also makes it more comfortable. However, the latency here is not as minimal as on the Chromebook Pro stylus, so you may notice a discrepancy in time as you type. The big plus of the stylus is that it does not have a battery, so it does not need to be recharged.
As mentioned above, if you move the stylus over the screen or press a button on it, a menu will appear on the screen. By default, the menu gives you access to quick note taking, existing notes, selecting a specific part of the screen, screen recording (creating screenshots and notes in a limited space), and translation. You can edit this menu's shortcuts by changing the Air Command settings, and you can add shortcuts to almost any application. This allows you to quickly open these programs with the stylus.
A popular command in Air Command might be Translation. If you want to translate a word from one language to another, move the stylus pointer over the word and the translation will be displayed. The function will be very useful for schoolchildren and students, as well as for those who study foreign languages.
A keyboard case for the Galaxy Tab S3 will cost an additional $130. This is a typical tablet keyboard that attaches with magnets to the strip above the tablet buttons. You need to accurately place the keyboard and get into the connectors, which is easier said than done. This strip connects to the keyboard with six magnetic nodes in the middle and two oval protrusions on the edges. If you don't connect the keyboard correctly, the buttons don't work, even if the tablet is well held inside the case that acts as a kickstand.
There isn't a lot of room on the keyboard, so the Galaxy Tab S3 is a tablet, not a 2-in-1 hybrid. Although the buttons are small, they are quite comfortable to press and the speed of typing is up to the mark. Things are more complicated with numbers: they, along with the symbols, are in the top row and each button is half the size of the letters. It is unlikely that you will be able to dial a number from many digits for the first time. It's also hard to hit the space bar, which is only slightly larger than the others. In general, you can type text here, but it is better to look for a more convenient option for this.
To make up for the lack of a stylus holder, the developers added a special holster to the keyboard. This is a small piece of round plastic with a flat adhesive strip on it that allows you to attach the holster to a special recess on the back of the keyboard. It would be better if the developers just built it into the body of the case. If a user buys a keyboard, then he works with a tablet more than others, so he will probably work with a stylus as well.
Software
Galaxy Tab S3 runs on Android 7.0 and has all the latest features. Of these, the most relevant on the large screen of the tablet is the ability to display two applications at the same time, although Samsung tablets have been able to do this before.
A few months ago, Android 7.1.1 came out with new emojis and a new launch option for some apps, Google Allo messenger, Google Messenger and Hangouts got a keyboard with GIF animation. These are small improvements, but they will come in handy on the Galaxy Tab S3. In addition, the variant of the device in question had the Android security update of February 1 installed, so the March update was not yet available.
This version of Samsung's Touchwiz skin is the least intrusive of its predecessors, and it doesn't follow Google's material design principles very strictly. By default, the icon frames option is enabled, in which the icons are outlined in a white square with rounded corners. If this setting is turned off, the icons become more familiar to material design, although they are different from the icons on devices like the Google Pixel. White squares help icons stand out on homepages, the developers assure, especially if you have rich color wallpapers installed.
The obligatory Samsung folder for applications remained in its usual place. Here is the Internet, Mail and My Files, which you can ignore if you want to use Google services. Samsung also included an app called Pen.Up, which is a "social network" for artists to create and share digital images. To use, you need to create a free account before you can draw in it.
Samsung also installed mobile versions of Microsoft Office applications, which are easier to use on the Galaxy Tab S3 compared to the Galaxy Tab S2 thanks to the keyboard. However, the iPad has more app options, not only because of their presence in the Apple App Store, but also because there are more professional-oriented apps that are optimized for larger tablet screens.
One of Samsung's most useful apps is Flow, which allows you to sync with your Samsung Galaxy smartphone to receive and respond to notifications. Similar integration exists on iOS and macOS platforms, Flow should be no less convenient compared to them. It is most useful when dealing with text notifications and others that are not associated with Google. If you sign in to your Google account on your Samsung tablet and smartphone, you will still receive these notifications on both devices.
Performance
The new tablet is powered by a not-so-modern Snapdragon 820 processor, although it is newer compared to the Exynos chip in the Galaxy Tab S2. The performance is better in all tests conducted, as a result we can say that this is a powerful Android device, there are no slowdowns and lags when streaming video or music or working in a browser with numerous tabs.
Regardless, in terms of sheer performance, the iPad Pro is a better buy. In benchmarks like Geekbench 4, the Galaxy Tab S3 performs just as well or better than the Nexus 9, but the latter outperforms browser tests like Google Octane or Kraken.
Samsung is positioning the new tablet as a gaming device, with support for HDR and the Vulkan GUI. In games, it outperforms the Nexus 9 and Nvidia Shield tablets, but lags behind the iPad Pro.
Offline work
The Galaxy Tab S3 has a 6,000 mAh battery and lasts 448 minutes on Wi-Fi, which is almost 7.5 hours. In graphics tests, the tablet lasted 376 minutes, just over 6 hours. This is a good value for tablets and better than the Galaxy Tab S2, but not the best. The Nexus 9 and both iPad Pro models last at least an hour more than the Galaxy Tab S3 on Wi-Fi.
Decent update, but nothing really new
The Galaxy Tab S3 is without a doubt a more capable and flexible tablet than the previous generation. It has better performance, sleeker look and feel, improved S Pen stylus, and offers more options for Samsung Galaxy smartphone owners. The tablet allows you to comfortably use Netflix, Spotify, draw and work in the browser.
The Galaxy Tab S3 is a great multi-purpose Android tablet, but it can't compete with the iPad Pro in terms of performance and battery life. The keyboard case is $20 cheaper than the iPad version, but the keyboard is small and has limited functionality. The inclusion of a stylus is welcome, as Apple sells it for an extra $100. However, if you don't need a stylus and keyboard, you can look into the $329 9.7-inch iPad, which runs on the Apple A9 processor and will save you almost $300.
Most of all, the new tablet is suitable for owners of Samsung Galaxy smartphones who want to get an Android device with a larger screen for work and play. Other than that, it's a typical Android tablet. The developers have put in a lot of effort to improve it over its predecessor, but it doesn't really stand out from the competition.
Standard Android tablets are becoming increasingly difficult to sell, especially at such a high price.
Pros:
- Lightweight tablet with premium design;
- High-quality screen with HDR support;
- The package includes a stylus;
- High performance;
- Samsung Flow app for integration with smartphones.
Minuses:
- The fingerprint scanner;
- Keyboard Case;
- No space to store the stylus;
- Battery life.
- Price.
Tablet Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 9.7" 32Gb LTE Black (SM-T825)
39990 r.
Enjoy even more fun watching movies or listening to music on the Tab S3 with an outstanding audio system. Four speakers located at the corners of the tablet are capable of producing surround sound. And this system, developed by Samsung in close cooperation with the masters of sound from AKG, has fully earned the right to be called smart: it changes the volume of high and low frequencies depending on the position of the device. And this allows you to enjoy movies or music, sitting comfortably and arranging the tablet in any way.
Fun hour
When creating the Tab S3, gamers were not forgotten either! Especially for them, Samsung has added the much-loved Game Launcher feature to the tablet, through which all games are placed in a special folder: this makes it much easier to access them. Based on the user's preferences, Game Launcher gives personalized recommendations and offers to download new games. Among other things, you can set the automatic activation of the Do Not Disturb mode, and then nothing will distract you from the game.
The Tab S3 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor with four cores. Added to this are four gigabytes of RAM and 32 gigabytes of internal memory, expandable with microSD cards.
To make games even better, Tab S3 supports the Vulkan API, which is designed to improve performance and create high-quality graphics. At the same time on a single battery charge Tab S3 is able to work as much as 12 hours.
Rated 5 out of 5 by allenkas from Excellent quality Completely satisfied, everything works as it should. The battery lasts a long time! An excellent workhorse.
Date published: 2018-10-04
Rated 5 out of 5 by Inga from Mobility coupled with good functionality. I have been using the device for more than a month, and during this time I managed to notice both pluses and minuses. Let's start with the positives. . The tablet works well in multi-window mode, which is easily supported by many, if not all, of the apps that come preinstalled on the device. Possibility of personalization. This item can be applied to many Samsung devices, but it’s still nice to have such little things as gesture control and a blue color filter. Holds a charge for 2-3 days lightly, if you do not spend days and nights behind it. The size. Despite the diagonal of about 10 inches, the device does not look bulky; and of course, watching various media content and listening to music on it is just great (plus 4 speakers cannot be closed immediately, no matter how you hold it). A pen, a magnificent pen And minuses, insignificant. . No pen holder. Although the whole tablet is in magnets, and you can find a position in which it does not come off, it still looks ill-conceived. Glass back panel. So far, there are no films or other protective accessories for her except for covers. I understand that all glass is in vogue now and it seems like a gorilla voice, but having a scratched back side on such a bulk of almost 10 inches is not cool at all.
Date published: 2017-06-09
Rated 5 out of 5 by Elena from Excellent performance A good model that copes with any tasks
Date published: 2017-05-19
Rated 5 out of 5 by Yuri from Not available in white Great look. The case is thin, light, with a nice rounded metal edging. Comfortable to hold in hand. Great screen, great aspect ratio. It seemed to me that it was set to colder shades, unlike its predecessor (Tab S2). It will be interesting to see how it will behave over time. For example, after 2 years of operation, the ammoled screen on the Galaxy Note 4 began to noticeably turn green. There is nothing to say about performance in general - everything is fine. Doesn't get dull during normal use. Separately, it should be noted the sound quality - for a tablet it is very good. Well, as a remark, I would like to note a very meager, especially for the flagship tablet model, the available color range of body designs - only black and silver. In this case, the screen frame in both cases is black. Very ... No VERY, VERY upsets the lack of white execution. I hope the manufacturer will be able to correct this annoying nuance.
Date published: 2017-05-18
Rated 4 out of 5 by Dima_LK from Bad Stylus The tablet itself is good, but the stylus is disgusting. After 6 months of use, the tip flaked as if someone had chewed it. Also, the stylus is very small, as if made for a 5 year old child. The tablet has rather large bezels, which looks shabby.
Date published: 2018-12-16
Rated 4 out of 5 by Root from Very good tablet! I recommend to everyone! There is one minus - there is no personalization. I love different themes, but there aren't even wallpapers here. And if you download from the Internet, the quality drops very much. Otherwise, the tablet is excellent, for a month of use there are no more complaints.
Date published: 2018-04-13
Rated 3 out of 5 by Zrya2kupil from Not comfortable Why can't it be done as a NOUT series? Just a rectangular tablet with a camera, headphones, company logo at the top! Why bother with something to play, watch movies, you need to turn it over.
Date published: 2018-10-28
Rated 3 out of 5 by Irmik from Tablet almost! perfect Tablet almost! perfect... BUT! Purchased in April 2017, for my birthday in the official Samsung store. The joy lasted about 3 months, until it fell out of its native case, the screen burst, the glass installed in the Samsung cabin did not save, it darkened completely after a couple of hours ... thank God on the day of purchase they took out insurance, according to which the device went for repair. Having received my priceless tablet back, the joy continued, but already with some bitterness ... ((And after 5 months the main board burned down on the tablet ... there were tears, how so ?! just sitting in the Chrome browser, it hung, a short vibration and the screen went out forever ... and then, the manufacturer's warranty came to the rescue, in the Samsung service they repaired my tablet in almost 4 days ... they said the main board was defective! ! ((Here I am writing with Samsung galaxy tab s3 sm-t 825 I have been waiting for it for so long and to be honest, I regretted the choice ... I don’t know what to expect from this device. Pros: the tablet performs the functions I need, good performance, it is possible to use with a stylus, a good location of the speakers, wonderful sound. Cameras for a tablet are super, there is autofocus and a flash, it's a pity there is no snapshot function in the video.) Cons: fragile, in my case, a marriage! of the main board. There is nowhere to fix the stylus, the holder on the stylus broke... PS Tablet Samsung galaxy t I like ab s3 sm-t 825, the idea is good, but the implementation and cost are 2-ku. Excuse me please, I love Samsung but I was disappointed with this device.
Information about the make, model, and alternative names of a particular device, if any.
Design
Information about the dimensions and weight of the device, presented in different units of measurement. Used materials, suggested colors, certificates.
| Width Width information refers to the horizontal side of the device in its standard orientation during use. | 237.3 mm (millimeters) 23.73 cm (centimeters) 0.78 ft 9.34in |
| Height Height information refers to the vertical side of the device in its standard orientation during use. | 169 mm (millimeters) 16.9 cm (centimeters) 0.55 ft 6.65in |
| Thickness Information about the thickness of the device in different units of measurement. | 6 mm (millimeters) 0.6 cm (centimeters) 0.02 ft 0.24in |
| The weight Information about the weight of the device in different units of measurement. | 434 g (grams) 0.96 lbs 15.31oz |
| Volume Approximate volume of the device, calculated from dimensions provided by the manufacturer. Refers to devices with the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. | 240.62 cm³ (cubic centimeters) 14.61 in³ (cubic inches) |
| Colors Information about the colors in which this device is offered for sale. | The black Silver |
| Housing materials The materials used to make the body of the device. | Metal Glass |
SIM card
The SIM card is used in mobile devices to store data that certifies the authenticity of mobile service subscribers.
Mobile networks
A mobile network is a radio system that allows multiple mobile devices to communicate with each other.
| GSM GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) is designed to replace the analogue mobile network (1G). For this reason, GSM is often referred to as a 2G mobile network. It is enhanced by the addition of GPRS (General Packet Radio Services) and later EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution) technologies. | GSM 850 MHz GSM 900 MHz GSM 1800 MHz GSM 1900 MHz |
| UMTS UMTS is short for Universal Mobile Telecommunications System. It is based on the GSM standard and belongs to 3G mobile networks. Developed by 3GPP and its biggest advantage is to provide more speed and spectral efficiency with W-CDMA technology. | UMTS 850 MHz UMTS 900 MHz UMTS 1900 MHz UMTS 2100 MHz |
| LTE LTE (Long Term Evolution) is defined as fourth generation (4G) technology. It is developed by 3GPP based on GSM/EDGE and UMTS/HSPA to increase the capacity and speed of wireless mobile networks. The subsequent development of technologies is called LTE Advanced. | LTE 700 MHz Class 13 LTE 700 MHz Class 17 LTE 800 MHz LTE 850 MHz LTE 900 MHz LTE 1700/2100 MHz LTE 1800 MHz LTE 1900 MHz LTE 2100 MHz LTE 2600 MHz LTE-TDD 2300 MHz (B40) LTE 700 MHz (B28) |
Mobile technologies and data rates
Communication between devices in mobile networks is carried out through technologies that provide different data transfer rates.
Operating system
The operating system is the system software that manages and coordinates the operation of the hardware components in the device.
SoC (System on a Chip)
System on a chip (SoC) includes all the most important hardware components of a mobile device in one chip.
| SoC (System on a Chip) A system on a chip (SoC) integrates various hardware components such as a processor, graphics processor, memory, peripherals, interfaces, etc., as well as the software necessary for their operation. | Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 MSM8996 |
| Technological process Information about the technological process by which the chip is made. The value in nanometers measures half the distance between the elements in the processor. | 14 nm (nanometers) |
| Processor (CPU) The main function of the processor (CPU) of a mobile device is the interpretation and execution of instructions contained in software applications. | 2x 2.15 GHz Kryo, 2x 1.6 GHz Kryo |
| Processor bit depth The bit depth (bits) of a processor is determined by the size (in bits) of registers, address buses, and data buses. 64-bit processors have higher performance than 32-bit processors, which, in turn, are more productive than 16-bit processors. | 64 bit |
| Instruction Set Architecture Instructions are commands by which the software sets/controls the operation of the processor. Information about the instruction set (ISA) that the processor can execute. | ARMv8-A |
| First level cache (L1) Cache memory is used by the processor to reduce access time to more frequently accessed data and instructions. L1 (level 1) cache is small and much faster than both system memory and other cache levels. If the processor does not find the requested data in L1, it continues to look for them in the L2 cache. With some processors, this search is performed simultaneously in L1 and L2. | 32 kB + 32 kB (kilobytes) |
| Second level cache (L2) L2 (level 2) cache is slower than L1, but in return it has a larger capacity, allowing more data to be cached. It, like L1, is much faster than system memory (RAM). If the processor does not find the requested data in L2, it continues to look for it in the L3 cache (if available) or RAM. | 1536 KB (kilobytes) 1.5 MB (megabytes) |
| Number of processor cores The processor core executes program instructions. There are processors with one, two or more cores. Having more cores increases performance by allowing many instructions to be executed in parallel. | 4 |
| Processor clock speed The clock speed of a processor describes its speed in terms of cycles per second. It is measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz). | 2150 MHz (megahertz) |
| Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) The graphics processing unit (GPU) handles calculations for various 2D/3D graphics applications. In mobile devices, it is used most often by games, consumer interface, video applications, etc. | Qualcomm Adreno 530 |
| GPU clock speed Speed is the clock speed of the GPU and is measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz). | 624 MHz (megahertz) |
| The amount of random access memory (RAM) Random access memory (RAM) is used by the operating system and all installed applications. Data stored in RAM is lost when the device is turned off or restarted. | 4 GB (gigabytes) |
| Type of random access memory (RAM) Information about the type of random access memory (RAM) used by the device. | LPDDR4 |
| Number of RAM channels Information about the number of RAM channels that are integrated into the SoC. More channels means higher data rates. | dual channel |
| RAM frequency The frequency of RAM determines its speed, more specifically, the speed of reading / writing data. | 1866 MHz (megahertz) |
Built-in memory
Each mobile device has a built-in (non-removable) memory with a fixed amount.
Memory cards
Memory cards are used in mobile devices to increase the storage capacity for storing data.
Screen
The screen of a mobile device is characterized by its technology, resolution, pixel density, diagonal length, color depth, etc.
| Type/technology One of the main characteristics of the screen is the technology by which it is made and on which the image quality of information directly depends. | Super AMOLED |
| Diagonal For mobile devices, the screen size is expressed in terms of its diagonal length, measured in inches. | 9.7in 246.38 mm (millimeters) 24.64 cm (centimeters) |
| Width Approximate Screen Width | 7.76in 197.1 mm (millimeters) 19.71 cm (centimeters) |
| Height Approximate Screen Height | 5.82in 147.83 mm (millimeters) 14.78 cm (centimeters) |
| Aspect Ratio The ratio of the dimensions of the long side of the screen to its short side | 1.333:1 4:3 |
| Permission Screen resolution indicates the number of pixels vertically and horizontally on the screen. Higher resolution means sharper image detail. | 2048 x 1536 pixels |
| Pixel Density Information about the number of pixels per centimeter or inch of the screen. Higher density allows information to be shown on the screen in clearer detail. | 264 ppi (pixels per inch) 103 ppcm (pixels per centimeter) |
| Color depth Screen color depth reflects the total number of bits used for the color components in a single pixel. Information about the maximum number of colors the screen can display. | 24 bit 16777216 flowers |
| Screen area Approximate percentage of screen space on the front of the device. | 72.89% (percentage) |
| Other characteristics Information about other functions and features of the screen. | capacitive Multitouch |
Sensors
Different sensors perform different quantitative measurements and convert physical indicators into signals that are recognized by the mobile device.
Main camera
The main camera of a mobile device is usually located on the back of the case and is used for taking photos and videos.
| Sensor type | |
| Diaphragm | f/1.9 |
| Flash type The most common types of flashes in mobile devices cameras are LED and xenon flashes. LED flashes give a softer light and, unlike brighter xenon flashes, are also used for video shooting. | LED |
| Image Resolution One of the main characteristics of mobile device cameras is their resolution, which indicates the number of pixels in the horizontal and vertical direction of an image. | 4160 x 3120 pixels 12.98 MP (megapixels) |
| Video resolution Information about the maximum supported resolution for video recording by the device. | 3840 x 2160 pixels 8.29 MP (megapixels) |
Information about the maximum number of frames per second (fps) supported by the device when shooting video at the maximum resolution. Some of the main standard shooting and video playback speeds are 24p, 25p, 30p, 60p. | 30 fps (frames per second) |
| Characteristics Information about other software and hardware features related to the main camera and improving its functionality. | autofocus Burst shooting digital zoom geo tags panoramic shooting HDR shooting Touch focus Face recognition Adjusting the white balance ISO setting Exposure compensation Self-timer Scene Selection Mode |
| Focal length (35 mm equivalent) - 27 mm |
Additional camera
Additional cameras are usually mounted above the screen of the device and are mainly used for video calls, gesture recognition, etc.
| Sensor type Digital cameras use photo sensors to take pictures. The sensor, as well as the optics, is one of the main factors in the quality of a camera in a mobile device. | CMOS BSI (backside illumination) |
| Diaphragm Aperture (f-number) is the size of the aperture opening that controls the amount of light reaching the photosensor. A lower f-number means the aperture is larger. | f/2.2 |
| Image Resolution Information about the maximum resolution of the secondary camera when shooting. In most cases, the resolution of the secondary camera is lower than that of the main camera. | 2592 x 1944 pixels 5.04 MP (megapixels) |
| Video resolution Information about the maximum resolution supported when shooting video with the optional camera. | 1920 x 1080 pixels 2.07 MP (megapixels) |
| Video - frame rate/frames per second. Information about the maximum number of frames per second (fps) supported by the optional camera when shooting video at the maximum resolution. | 30 fps (frames per second) |
| Focal length (35 mm equivalent) - 23 mm |
Audio
Information about the type of speakers and audio technologies supported by the device.
Radio
The radio of the mobile device is a built-in FM receiver.
Location determination
Information about navigation and location technologies supported by the device.
WiFi
Wi-Fi is a technology that provides wireless communication for short distance data transmission between different devices.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a standard for secure wireless data transfer between different types of devices over short distances.
USB
USB (Universal Serial Bus) is an industry standard that allows different electronic devices to communicate.
Headphone jack
This is an audio connector, which is also called an audio jack. The most widely used standard in mobile devices is the 3.5mm headphone jack.
Connecting devices
Information about other important connection technologies supported by the device.
Browser
A web browser is a software application for accessing and viewing information on the Internet.
Video file formats/codecs
Mobile devices support various video file formats and codecs, which store and encode/decode digital video data, respectively.
Battery
Mobile device batteries differ from each other in their capacity and technology. They provide the electrical charge they need to function.
Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)
SAR levels refer to the amount of electromagnetic radiation absorbed by the human body while using a mobile device.
| Body SAR (EU) The SAR level indicates the maximum amount of electromagnetic radiation that the human body is exposed to when holding a mobile device at hip level. The maximum allowed SAR value for mobile devices in Europe is 2 W/kg per 10 grams of human tissue. This standard has been established by CENELEC following the 1998 ICNIRP guidelines and IEC standards. | 0.993 W/kg (watt per kilogram) |
| Body SAR (US) The SAR level indicates the maximum amount of electromagnetic radiation that the human body is exposed to when holding a mobile device at hip level. The highest acceptable SAR value in the US is 1.6 W/kg per gram of human tissue. This value is set by the FCC, and the CTIA controls whether mobile devices comply with this standard. | 1.1 W/kg (watt per kilogram) |
The world's first tablet with support HDR video.
When you watch the macabre episode "The Man in the High Castle" on the HDR panel of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3, it looks like the Apple iPad Pro has moved to Android.
The new tablet offers quite a lot. First of all, this is a worthy competitor to Apple from the camp of Android tablets, able to put even Apple to shame thanks to its leading characteristics, elegant design in the style of the Samsung Galaxy S7 - as well as a huge set of functions.
pros:
- The best tablet design from Samsung;
- S-Pen included;
- The screen is ready for future HDR content;
Minuses:
- The keyboard is an expensive addition;
- Just as expensive as the iPad Pro
- A tablet won't replace a laptop for multitasking;
The new Galaxy Tab S3 is without a doubt the best Android tablet you can buy right now, thanks to its updated all-glass design, HDR screen and included S-Pen. This is not to say that it was difficult for us to choose a new leader in the Android tablet column, since the aging one remained the only real contender for this role, and the new S3 replaces the cheaper Galaxy Tab S2, which automatically shifts them in the rating.
—
What's the real problem is the position of the new Tab S3. It costs $599 overseas, which is equivalent to 39,000 rubles in Russia, and while the tablet comes with an S-Pen (Apple's tablet doesn't offer a stylus, for example), the keyboard is sold separately. When you add the cost of the keyboard, the tablet borders on the price tag of an inexpensive laptop, and the cheap 8-inch Tab S3 is out to give you an entry-level and affordable tablet option.
The Galaxy Tab S3 is best positioned in the market for users who travel frequently and have to work on the go if you're willing to pay extra for a keyboard. The new tablet is thinner and lighter than the Samsung Chromebook Pro, which doesn't have a detachable keyboard and also uses a smaller S-Pen, and we could now expect the Tab S3 to compete with the iPad Pro.
SamsungGalaxyTabS3: Price and release date
- A tablet with a stylus costs 39,000 rubles;
- The keyboard is sold separately (about 8000 rubles);
- In stores from March 24;
As mentioned earlier, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 costs $599 abroad, and will come to Russia with a price tag of around 40,000 rubles, which means that the tablet will share the price tags of the iPad Pro 9.7. Also, while we're talking about Wi-Fi Only, there will be a Wi-Fi + Cellular cellular version of the tablet, which will cost even more.
The real edge over Apple's tablet comes with the bundled S-Pen that comes with the Galaxy Tab S3 - the Apple Pencil will cost you an extra $99. Plus, you don't have to worry about charging your Samsung S-Pen, you also get more pressure levels for drawing and handwriting.
Keyboard for Galaxy Tab S3 will have to be purchased separately. Samsun is charging a $129 price tag. You can find a tempting offer from Samsung that includes a free keyboard for pre-ordering the tablet. But this offer is not found everywhere, in some regions, instead of a keyboard, the manufacturer offers a complete 64 GB MicroSD memory card, a much less generous offer, don't you think?
As for the release date of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3, the tablet will be available in Russian stores on March 24, while in some regions it will appear only on March 31. Regardless of regions, pre-orders for the Tab S3 are open from March 17th.
SamsungGalaxyTabS3: Design
- Elegant tablet design made of glass and metal;
- It is more convenient to hold in hands;
- Except materials repeatsGalaxyTabS2;
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 becomes a small but attractive design upgrade over the Galaxy Tab S2, even if you can easily confuse new and old tablets by their bezels.
The best change comes with the tablet's round back, with the new Tab S3 offering a glass back in black or silver. The back panel looks and feels better than the rubberized plastic casing of the Tab S2 and, surprisingly, the glass is more comfortable to hold. And while the glass panel becomes a magnet for every fingerprint on the Gorilla Glass surface, we like this solution much more.
Technically, Samsung can claim that its new Tab S3 is thinner and lighter than the iPad Pro, measuring 237.3 x 169 x 6mm and weighing 429 grams (the iPad Pro measures 6.1mm thick and weighs 437 grams). But don't be fooled, the difference is hardly noticeable. The Galaxy Tab S2 offered a thickness of 5.6mm and 389 grams of weight, we hardly noticed the difference between these three tablets in practice.
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The new Tab S3 is reminiscent of a bloated Samsung Galaxy S7 phone, with a physical home button that houses a fingerprint scanner, and capacitive back and multitasking buttons on the bottom of the tablet. Without a keyboard connected, you get a great entertainment device.
The real difference comes with an HDR panel that offers a high contrast ratio, as well as four speakers that pump out sound much better than tablets with a mono speaker. We've already seen HDR on mobile with the short-lived Samsung Galaxy Note 7. This time making its debut on tablets, the technology promises to truly spice up video content in the future.
HDR display and four speakers
- amazingHDR panel awaitsHDR content;
- The equipment promises us the firstHDR-ready tablet in the world;
- Four new speakers promise volume and fine tuning;
What you'll be able to take advantage of right now is the Galaxy Tab S3's four speakers. They offer high volume, well above the mono speakers of the Tab S2 and most other tablets. Even better is the fact that the speakers are calibrated for motion, so rotating the tablet will change the stereo layout of the speakers depending on the orientation, so you'll never hold the tablet the wrong way around for sound.
As long as you don't expect deep bass, the AKG-tuned four speakers deliver rich sound that rivals the iPad Pro 9.7's speakers. You can get a good base out of the Tab S3 with good headphones that you'll probably use more often in public places.
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And here we come to the good news: the new tablet comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack at the base of the tablet, and the Galaxy Tab S3 also supports Bluetooth 4.2. As you can see, none of the manufacturers are in a hurry to get rid of the 3.5mm headphone jack.
StylusS-Pen
- New stylus moreS-Pen phones and previous tablets;
- Flat stylus design with clip, keep safe;
- No stylus holster until you buy a keyboard;
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 transforms the look and feel of a tablet, including a new S-Pen and plug-in keyboard. These are must-have accessories if you want to unlock the potential of the 2 in 1 hybrid tablet.
The S-Pen is an update to the fine pen we used on Note phones and Samsung Chromebook Pros. At 9.4mm thick, the stylus gets thicker, making it easier to hold, and makes previous S-Pens look like toothpicks. It still uses a thin 0.7mm stylus (rubber instead of plastic this time) and a clickable side button to activate the Air Command toolbar.
All the traditional S-Pen tools are back, including Notes, Smart Select (cuts out elements from a screenshot and makes GIFs), Screen Write (writes directly onto a screenshot). There are also three new features that can be added to the quick access list: Translate (Translate), Magnify (Increase) and Glance (quick view applications).
Writing and drawing naturally becomes much better on a tablet, thanks to the thick S-Pen. The stylus is about the same width as but shorter and offers four times the pressure levels. The stylus correctly recognizes just about every tilt goal, which is great for toning and other artistic tricks, depending on the app you're using. Samsung includes two apps - Notes and the PEN.UP coloring app. You will find many more applications in the Google Play Store.
The S-Pen doesn't have a slot inside the thin tablet, so you can't easily hide the chunky stylus when not in use. Instead, Samsung equips the keyboard with a hinge holder - if you buy a keyboard. The good news is that the new S Pen doesn't need to be charged and won't roll, thanks to the two flat sides. The Apple Pencil likes to roll off the table because there is nowhere to put it and if used regularly it can run out of battery.
Pluggable keyboard
- Shares the function of a case that covers the tablet from all sides;
- Does not require charging or pairing - just works;
- The keyboard cover does not turn off the screen and does not have magnetic solutions;
The plug-in keyboard for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 is worth the extra expense if you plan to replace your regular laptop with a tablet. Its cramped layout (a must) is still useful, the buttons promise decent travel, and all the keys you need are in place.
What is missing? The keyboard doesn't have any function keys on the top row, and it's also sorely lacking a home button, forcing you to reach for the fingerprint sensor in the home button and possibly knock over a coffee in the process. We would also like to see a "Search" button for Google Search instead of Google Now On Tap, which requires an additional touch tap (across the screen) on the search bar.
The keyboard offers good travel of the plastic buttons.
The accessory is tightly fitted to the soft plastic case that envelops the tablet. This is a big plus. The fact is that the iPad Pro keyboard covers only the screen of the tablet, while the aluminum back panel is not protected from dents. Samsung, in turn, covers the back of its tablet.
And another positive feature is that there is no need to charge the keyboard or pair the accessory with the tablet via Bluetooth. The keyboard has six Pogo contacts above the top row of keys, along with the Tab S3's magnetic clasps. Samsung offers its own version of the Smart Connector.
We just wish the magnets were stronger. If you lift the device off the screen, the bottom of the keyboard usually comes off (thankfully, the back, where there are more magnets, stays in place). The screen cover should also be magnetic and turn off the screen when closed. Instead, the lid can swing open if you're not careful.
Android 7.0 and Apps
- SoftwareSamsung is easier than ever;
- Multitasking in the formSplitScreen remains a disadvantage;
- Cannot completely replace a laptop without scrolling apps;
Bonus: Game Launcher, which first debuted on the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge, makes gaming on your tablet much easier. The important thing is that it allows you to disable the capacitive keys of the tablet during the game. You can also turn off alerts, take screenshots in games, and even record video, complete with the option to connect a front-facing camera image.
Characteristics and performance
- Old chipset from early 2016;
- Easily launch all modern 3D-games;
- Memory card slotMicroSD (256 GB);
The heart of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 is the Snapdragon 820. This is a new chipset for this series of tablets, but it was already used by several dozen Android phones in 2016.
The good news is that this Qualcomm chipset is powerful enough to easily run all the latest 3D games and will continue to be a good fit for most of this year's new games. The chipset found popularity on many flagship phones in 2016. Market rules have not been canceled.
Now for some sobering news: It's last year's chipset, which is paired with 4GB of RAM, and debuted on the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge. The new Samsung Galaxy S8 will use .
Pogo contacts will provide instant connection and no need to charge, unlikeBluetooth keyboards.
When you buy a tablet whose technology is future-oriented, we are now talking about an HDR panel, for the first time on tablets, it becomes curious why the chipset lags behind the manufacturer's flagship phones. However, the performance is quite decent, at least for now.
Samsung prefers to use 32GB of internal storage on its entry-level tablets, but you can go up to 256GB of internal storage, and the Galaxy Tab S3 also uses a spill-resistant microSD slot. The card avoids the expensive purchase of a larger tablet, but 256 GB may not be enough in the first year of operation.
Battery life
- Battery life is less than expected;
- HDR video playback can last up to 12 hours;
- Adaptive charger charges your tablet up to 23% in just 30 minutes;
Yes, this is the first major release from Samsung since the failure of the Galaxy Note 7. No, the tablet won't burn or explode - that's pretty much the first thing we hear about the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 review.
Its 6,000 mAh battery is slightly larger than the Tab S2's (5,870 mAh), but it still falls short of the iPad Pro 9.7's (about 7,300 mAh) and Google Pixel C's (about 9,200 mAh).
During the testing phase, I got the impression that the new Galaxy Tab S3 offers above-average battery life, enough for you to rely on the tablet for a long flight across Russia if you want to watch a couple of movies and get some work done. Playing a 90-minute HD video at almost full brightness drains about 13% of the battery, leaving us with an 87% charge.
Samsung claims that the Tab S3 offers enough power for 12 hours of video playback, a claim that backs up our testing of the tablet, with only a 30-minute difference from the manufacturer's official estimate. There's also a power saving mode that will help the Tab S3 get up to its claimed 12 hours.
You can quickly charge your Galaxy Tab S3 (for tablet) using the Samsung adaptive charger that comes with the tablet (similar units come with new Samsung flagship phones, so you should be able to get a second charger soon; +1 brand loyalty) . It took 2 hours and 55 minutes to charge the tablet from 0% to 100%, exceeding Samsung's claimed 165 minutes by 10 minutes.
cameras
- The photo quality of the tablet leaves much to be desired;
- The cameras (13 / 5 MP) are suitable for casual shots;
- Excellent camera interface;
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 comes with a 13-megapixel main camera that you won't use often. There's auto focus, an f/1.9 aperture, and a flash just in case you want to draw more attention to yourself…photo tablet user.
Photo quality is good enough for a tablet, complete with gesture controls and 4K video recording, however, a smartphone camera will always be better. As a rule, tablet users take pictures of some reference information, where the quality of the picture does not play a big role.
Much more important for potential tablet buyers is the front camera, which is used for video chats. And here Samsung offers an adequate 5-megapixel camera with f / 2.2 aperture. As you'd expect, the camera's performance in low light conditions leaves a lot to be desired.
Samsung heard our wishes, the Tab S3 borrows the improved camera interface from the Samsung Galaxy Note 7. Switching between the two cameras is done by swiping up or down right on the screen (much better than looking for a tiny camera switch button). The menu is on the left, and the effects are on the right of the viewfinder.
Summing upresults
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 is the best Android tablet on the market, based on the popular 2 in 1 concept, it offers S-Pen and keyboard functionality, and its beautiful HDR screen and four loud speakers bring you the best multimedia experience.
The iPad Pro meets its rival when it comes to value for money. Samsung fully corresponds to the hardware capabilities of Apple, and also offers a stylus in the kit. You'll have to pay extra money for the keyboard, but it's at least cheaper than an Apple keyboard, and it also fully protects the tablet. The microSD card slot puts Samsung up a notch.
Value for money is not everything, of course. The new Tab S3 isn't recommended for everyone, and Android tablets shouldn't cost that much. The iPad continues to offer the best software and wide support for tablet apps. And while Android Nougat and TouchWiz are bridging the gap, tablet multitasking is still not enough to boost the productivity of work users who can buy a laptop for the money.
On the other hand, this is the best Android tablet on the market, just remember that the price increase relies more on a 2-in-1 hybrid form factor to help you get the job done.
Who is it for?
Looking for a good tablet but limited by the Android ecosystem? That's pretty much the right audience for the new Samsung Galaxy Tab S3. The tablet boasts a meticulously crafted design, powerful features and high-end overall performance, even if it uses a 2016 smartphone chipset. The tablet is equipped with a panel that supports the HDR10 standard with an eye on the future, but for now you'll be limited to a small selection of HDR content.
Should you buy it?
You're paying a lot of money for future features, some of which you won't be able to use today. However, if you're looking for a tablet that will help you stay on the cutting edge of the technology market, looking forward to watching HDR content in the future, this is the best tablet you can find. The keyboard will help you stay productive if you are ready to slow down the overall pace of work due to Android's poor multitasking.
