Samsung Galaxy The Tab S3 turned out to be beautiful and quite original, as far as possible for a tablet.
The device looks unusual due to its glossy glass back. Beautiful, but rather dubious from a practicality point of view. Otherwise, it is a typical monotonous rectangle - thin, with rounded edges and keys below the screen. One of them is physical, with a built-in fingerprint scanner, on either side of it there are two backlit touch buttons. The back panel is also quite typical - the camera lens is on top in the center and the flash eye. In addition, you can note two speakers on the top and bottom, as well as docking contacts for the keyboard on the side.
Like most tablets, the Galaxy Tab S3 is ergonomically awkward. Due to the wide format of the screen, it is not easy to hold in one palm. The thin body is difficult to grasp with your hands, and due to the narrow frames, you can accidentally press your palm onto the screen. True, all this can be said to one degree or another about any tablet. However, in this case, you can add a glass back to this “standard” set. Not only is it slippery, but it also easily picks up fingerprints and small scratches. In general, the tablet is assembled with high quality, made of metal and glass, but still thin and noticeably bendable.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 can be purchased in two colors - black and white.
Dimensions and weight - 4.3
Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 is one of the thinnest and lightest 10-inch tablets.
In terms of weight (434 grams), the model is comparable to, but heavier than the old one. Dimensions of the tablet: 237×169×6.2 mm. Despite its comparative compactness and lightness, it is not very comfortable to hold in one hand. Due to the wide screen format (4:3), the tablet barely fits even into a wide palm. But you can easily take it with you by throwing it in your bag - you will hardly feel the weight of the device.
Ports and interfaces - 4.7
The tablet has a wide range of ports and communications, the only thing missing is an NFC chip. Otherwise, this is a typical top-end set with fast Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, A-GPS (with GLONASS included) and Bluetooth v4.2. It would be possible to add an infrared port, FM radio and NFC, which is gradually gaining popularity.
The connectors and buttons are in the following order:
- on the right - power key, volume rocker, microphone, slot for microSD and nanoSIM, microphone;
- at the top are the speakers;
- at the bottom there is a pair of speakers, a connector for USB Type-C;
- on the left are contacts for the docking station.
As usual, the Galaxy Tab S3 9.7 can be purchased in two versions: with and without an LTE modem.
Performance - 4.8
The performance of the Galaxy Tab S3 is high and quite comparable to flagship smartphones 2016. The device works quickly and smoothly, but is not always stable.
The tablet is not the latest, but quite powerful Qualcomm processor MSM8996 Snapdragon 820, introduced at the end of 2015. In total, it has four cores, two of them operate at a frequency of 2.15 GHz and two at 1.6 GHz, and the Adreno 530 is responsible for solving graphic tasks. Together with 4 GB of RAM, this is more than enough to solve any problems and applications and games. Nevertheless, there is a desire to save money, which is again strange given the high price for the device.
In various benchmarks, the tablet receives typical flagship scores:
- SunSpider (browser speed) - 378 ms, almost twice as slow, but still fast;
- GeekBench 4 (processor test) - 3927 points, inferior, but only due to fewer cores;
- 3DMark Ice Storm Unlimited (graphics test) - 29915, comparable to .
The results are good, and the tablet itself works quickly. However, during our tests of the Galaxy Tab S3, we noticed problems with the optimization of the device. They manifest themselves either in microlags or in periodic crashes from applications.
Display - 4.7
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 has a high-quality and clear AMOLED display, although it is slightly inferior to the screen.
The screen resolution is high, 2048 × 1536 pixels with a 4:3 format and a pixel density of 264 per inch. This is clear enough. Image irregularities can be seen, but only when you get close to it. There are models on sale with clearer screens, but, as a rule, this is achieved through a smaller diagonal, as, for example, is the case with. But there are also exceptions like . The tablet uses a rich AMOLED matrix with natural black color and high, almost infinite contrast. An interesting feature is support for HDR content - although there is little of it yet, it is a prospect for the future.
The range of brightness measured by the colorimeter is wide - from 2 to 440 nits. The lower limit turned out to be perhaps the best among. The screen is comfortable both in the dark and in sunlight, although it is slightly less readable. The display has a noticeable glare, but this is noticeable either when the screen is turned off or when viewing an image against a dark background. The contrast of the picture tends to infinity - this is one of the main features of display technology. The backlight uniformity turned out to be rather average - 90%. Color gamut varies depending on picture mode. If you select "Adaptive", "Video AMOLED" or "Photo AMOLED", it will cover up to 100 Adobe RGB, and in "Basic" the color gamut narrows to about sRGB, "falling out" of it in places. At the same time, in the first three you will get oversaturated colors and an inflated color temperature. Color rendition was also at a fairly high level, but if you are a designer or enthusiast, you may notice slight deviations.
The screen has an oleophobic coating. It doesn’t protect you from fingerprints, but it’s easy to wipe them off. The touchpad of the device is sensitive, but there is no glove mode. Moreover, due to thin frames You may accidentally touch the screen with your palm and it will stop responding to your finger. As a disadvantage, we note the lack of special protective glass - after all, it is easily scratched. For that kind of money you could expect Gorila Glass, and on both sides.
Battery - 5.0
The autonomy of the device is at a very high level, although it is slightly inferior to the latter.
The battery capacity is 6000 mAh. This is slightly more than its direct predecessor, but less than the 8827 mAh of the Apple iPad (2017). Nevertheless, the manufacturer promised up to 12 hours of video viewing, and it did not deceive. Our tests showed up to 13.5 hours at moderate screen brightness of 200 nits. The tablet lasts for 5-6 hours in games, and in standby mode at minimum brightness - up to 22 hours. These are high results, but they are still slightly inferior to the autonomy of the latest Apple iPad (2017).
Interestingly, the device charges quite quickly - just over 2.5 hours using fast charging. It seems like a long time, but not for a tablet.
Cameras - 5.0
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 received decent 13 and 5 MP cameras by tablet standards, comparable in photo quality to smartphones. It may be inconvenient to shoot on a tablet, but if the need suddenly arises, it can replace your budget one.
Compared to its predecessor, the camera interface has changed slightly, but still remains quite simple. A swipe on the left takes you to different shooting modes, a swipe on the right takes you to effects. As usual, the main part of the menu is hidden behind the settings gear. Interestingly, the camera has a Pro mode. True, you can only change the exposure metering method, the exposure itself, ISO and choose one of five white balance options. By standards this would be very modest, but for a tablet it’s already good that it exists at all.
We cannot somehow single out the main camera for its high quality. It focuses quickly, reproduces colors fairly correctly, but otherwise matches the camera of an average smartphone. For a device costing 60 thousand rubles, this is not impressive.
The 5 MP front camera can take pictures Full HD video(1920x1080 pixels). She takes selfies quite decently outdoors or indoors with good lighting. The shots come out with good detail and a wide dynamic range, although if you zoom in on the photo you can see some grain. As it should be, front camera received decorating filters, widescreen or panoramic selfie mode, burst and virtual shooting (photos of objects from different angles).
Photo from camera Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 - 5.0
Temperature - 2.7
The Galaxy Tab S3 wasn't all that cool, although it scored average in heating tests.
In standby mode (screen on), the tablet can heat up to 32 degrees, like. This is a comfortable temperature, but noticeably higher than room temperature. Under load, the device heats up to 41 degrees on the back on the top right and up to 41.4 at the top of the display. It's not hot, but it already brings discomfort. For comparison, latest iPad 2017 always remains cool, and of the other current flagships, only the .
Memory - 4.0
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 has 32 GB of permanent memory (approximately 23.7 GB available to the user). Not bad, but for that kind of money you could count on 64, if not all 128 GB. But, unlike, there is a slot for a memory card, that is, you can expand the original volume.
Peculiarities
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 has many features, the main one being its incredibly high price. The tablet runs on the proprietary Grace interface.
A little unusual, but the tablet comes with a stylus, also known as the S Pen. The stylus is lightweight, comfortable and works without batteries. True, it is not clear how to carry it anywhere with you and not lose it. For example, the case had a special connector for a stylus, but this is not the case here. Also special is a four-speaker system, a separately sold Bluetooth keyboard and a glass case, which is still unusual for tablets.
Separately, we note that the device comes pre-installed with a lot of proprietary software that cannot be removed. In addition to them, applications from Microsoft are initially installed, such as Skype, Word, Excel, and so on, but at least they can really be useful in work.
There are also unpleasant features such as unstable operation of the device. The camera periodically refuses to start, there are microlags and short freezes, and once the touchscreen “fell asleep” and did not respond to the fingers until the tablet was rebooted. In general, Samsung still has some work to do. Like the Galaxy S8 Plus, the device is still a bit raw. All this looks almost indecent for his money.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S3, which the manufacturer presented at MWC 2017, went on sale in Ukraine. The new product is expensive, but the high price is due to the powerful hardware and set of capabilities, which has increased significantly compared to the previous flagship from Samsung, which appeared on the shelves two years ago. Let's figure out what technical progress has achieved in tablets during this time.
Specifications Samsung Galaxy Tab S3
- screen: Super AMOLED, 9.7 inches, resolution 2048x1536 pixels
- platform: 4-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 820
- RAM: 4 GB, ROM: 32 GB (microSD)
- Main camera: 13 MP, front camera: 5 MP
- Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, USB Type-C, GPS (A-GPS support), GLONASS, LTE
- battery: 6000 mAh
- fingerprint scanner, accelerometer, light sensor, proximity sensor
- dimensions: 237.3×169×6 mm, weight: 434 g
- OS: Android 7.0 Nougat
Appearance
The design of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 is reminiscent of the company's flagship series of smartphones in recent years: glass on the front and back, a metal frame around the perimeter of the device, a recognizable front panel with the manufacturer's nameplate above the screen and buttons at the bottom edge. Glass at the back is not the most practical option, but definitely the most effective, due to this Galaxy features Tab S3 looks expensive and stylish. In addition, the glass clings to your fingers better, which is important when holding the tablet in one hand; fortunately, the weight allows you to use the device this way for a long time.
The minimum thickness also had a positive effect on convenience, and the solidity was not affected - the body is strong, it is impossible to push the device through the back, even if you try (the same iPad Air 2 was covered with slightly noticeable stains at the fulcrum points under its own weight, although it was 0.1 mm thicker).
Samsung Galaxy Tab S3, like almost all of the company's devices, is controlled by touch navigation keys and physical button“Home” with a built-in fingerprint scanner. This arrangement is recognizable, but everyday use requires getting used to - there are no complaints about the button, but the touch keys are not visible in the dark, and there is a lot of space to the left and right of “Home”, which is why you have to literally grope for them in the first days of use.
Most likely, in future devices, users will receive on-screen keys, as has already happened in - they will be especially useful on a tablet, since they can be adjusted to the screen’s orientation in space.
The USB Type-C connector for power is offset from the center and is located between the area of the Home and Back buttons, which made it possible to play comfortably while charging at the same time without touching the cable.
Display
Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 has a 9.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2048x1536 pixels, which looks great: rich colors, contrasting images, deep blacks, powerful maximum and weak minimum brightness, as well as pleasant calibration.
The settings allow you to switch between several modes, but the default active “Adaptive” seemed optimal for most scenarios, only color accuracy suffers - the colors are slightly oversaturated.
The display does not fade even in direct sunlight, but safety glass There is a lot of glare, which, however, is true for any tablet in general. With average deviations, the screen turns slightly green or pink, but the effect is not strong, so it is not annoying - this behavior is typical of AMOLED, but while on phones you have to look for this feature, on a tablet, due to the large area of the matrix, it is noticeable without excessive zeal.
Everyday use does not cause discomfort, but viewing photographs in their natural state will not work within the provided modes (the quiet option makes non-light areas too dark), although the difference is noticeable only when compared with a reference monitor. Watching movies with the “Adaptive” mode active is usually a little more pleasant than on verified IPS screens, not to mention games, since a kind of HDR is created. The mode with the most calm tones is very close to natural colors, it is also the easiest to read text, but games look darker than you expect.
The display is good, but the AMOLED matrix does not allow it to be called universal: if you use the device as an assistant to a designer or photographer, you will have to switch between rich and quiet modes for entertainment and work, respectively; also, for those who like to read with eyes sensitive to PWM, it is better to look for another option for books. Other users will certainly appreciate the picture.
Performance
The power of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 is provided by last year's flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, which is enough for all existing games and applications, as well as the amount of RAM - 4 GB. The benchmarks don't disappoint either:
Tests have shown that the expensive Samsung tablet copes with online and single games, fast and slow, rich special effects and simply colorful virtual worlds. The software doesn't even hint at slowdowns - everything works very quickly.
The only strange thing is the part third party applications slowly changes orientation when rotated, this is especially noticeable on the Instapaper client and the iA Writer text editor, and also slightly less in the Google Play store. At the same time preinstalled programs from Microsoft are being rebuilt very quickly, as are software from Samsung, the Fenix client for Twitter, and the Telegram messenger.
There is enough power to spare for everyday tasks, and the amount of RAM allows you not to unload even three games, specifically GTA: Vice City, Asphalt 8 and Modern Combat 5. If the area of activity allows you to work on a tablet, then there will be no problems at all - eight main programs for editing images and text, a browser and social network clients do not push each other and allow you to move almost seamlessly from one application to another.
Autonomy
When testing Full HD video playback from the MEGOGO catalog, the tablet worked for 11.5 hours at 70% brightness and 40% volume. An hour and a half of games (Asphalt 8 and GTA: Vice City with the highest possible graphics) discharged the tablet from 97% to 70% - this is a good indicator, which was shown due to the not very high heating of the case.
Mixed use (video, games, instant messenger, mail, text editor) on average provided 8-9 hours of screen operation per day
The device showed uneven charge consumption in standby mode: the tablet either lost 1% per hour, or 10-15%. The latter was observed twice during testing, both cases coincided with moments when games were still running in the background. At the same time, either Modern Combat 5 or Asphalt 8 remained in the memory (and the problem did not appear most of the time), that is, the phenomenon with high consumption can be caused by other reasons. Most likely, this behavior is associated with non-final software; such behavior is unlikely to occur in versions for sale, based on previous generations of Samsung tablets.
The results indicate that the Galaxy Tab S3 is capable of getting through a busy day without needing to be recharged unless used for many hours on end. portable console. Considering the powerful hardware and minimal dimensions (thickness first), the tablet can be called a long-liver.
Features and Accessories
Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 is available in modifications not only with Wi-Fi, but also with a module for working in mobile networks. The signal reception is stable, comparable to the best smartphones for this indicator, which allows you not to give up the Internet in urban conditions in principle. The rest of the wireless protocols also worked well; I was especially pleased with the Wi-Fi range and support for 802.11ac.
The device has a slot for microSD memory cards and supports drives with a capacity of up to 256 GB
The speakers (four!) are also placed well - on the left and right on the upper and lower narrower ends, which not only creates a stereo effect, but allows the sound to almost not “fade out” when the user covers one of the speakers on the edge with his palm. The sound is spacious and detailed, but I would like the volume a little more - in most cases it is enough, but it cannot replace a portable speaker.
The device has cameras, the main 13-megapixel one takes good photos, at the level of middle-class smartphones, which is enough to capture a bright moment when the phone is not at hand, and also more than enough to photograph a document. The 5-megapixel front camera copes with organizing video communications, there are no complaints about the quality.
The device runs Android 7.0 Nougat (with Samsung's proprietary shell), that is, a system familiar to most smartphone users; a set of familiar programs is available on it, including those purchased in the store, which makes potential investments in organizing space cheaper. However, as on all Android tablets, the number of optimized programs is small: most applications stretch the interface for smartphones onto a large screen.
The tablet kit includes a new S Pen stylus, the functionality of which is largely the same as that of the Note series. The main difference is its larger size (it is close to a traditional ballpoint pen) and the lack of a compartment for it in the device body - you will have to carry it separately. Also on the edge of the tablet there is a proprietary connector through which the keyboard case is connected.
Competitors
Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 is available in two versions: with Wi-Fi for UAH 20,999 and a SIM card slot for UAH 26,999, the amount of permanent memory is limited to a single option - 32 GB, there are black and silver cases to choose from:
Lenovo Yoga Book offers slightly weaker hardware and its keyboard cannot be detached, but the design allows it to be used as a laptop and tablet, albeit with reservations about convenience, which the site talked about in, and to new Samsung product You will have to buy a keyboard cover separately. Power and form factor highlight the advantages of the Tab S3 as a gaming device, and Lenovo's strengths include versatility, practical body materials and a lower price (16,999 UAH and 18,999 UAH for Wi-Fi and LTE versions with 64 GB ROM).
The Apple iPad Pro 9.7 is as close as possible to the Tab S3 in most respects, unless you have to buy the Apple Pen stylus separately. Main feature iPad still has a large selection of tablet-optimized software, unlike Android in general, but the main set of games and programs is almost the same, including office ones Microsoft applications, pre-installed on the Galaxy Tab S3. Another bonus of the iPad is the choice of memory volumes up to 256 GB, but Samsung has a slot for microSD, which covers this advantage and makes memory cheaper for the end consumer. iPad Pro 9.7 with the same 32 GB is sold for 20,299 UAH and 25,999 UAH with Wi-Fi and LTE, respectively, at official retail.
Conclusions
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 offers powerful hardware, a decent screen and a set of accessories that turns it into something like a laptop. Professionals can also use the tablet for work tasks if the Android software suite meets their needs.
Consumer tasks are often solved on the Tab S3 more comfortably than on desktop computer Due to the use of a mobile OS, performance is guaranteed high speed work for the next few years, and the form factor covers more use cases than a laptop, and especially a desktop computer. This is true for many mid- and high-end tablets.
The main stopping factor when buying a Galaxy Tab S3 will be the cost: comparable Android devices from other manufacturers are cheaper, although they do not have such an AMOLED display, the hardware is weaker and, with rare exceptions, they do not support high-precision styluses, but almost the same the expensive iPad Pro offers a more advanced software environment.
You can give preference to Samsung over the latter because of support for memory cards, more impressive appearance, S Pen included and a familiar OS with a familiar set of programs. Again, you won’t have to spend money on applications that you’ve already purchased for your Android smartphone, and data synchronization will also be better covered.
If we ignore the rational approach and look at the new product according to its positioning as a flagship product with maximum capabilities, no doubt arises - this best tablet running Android on the market. That's why it's so expensive.
3 reasons to buy Samsung Galaxy Tab S3:
- powerful filling, good display
- excellent build and nice appearance
- a set of accessories allows you to turn the device into a kind of laptop
2 reasons not to buy Samsung Galaxy Tab S3:
- limited set of software optimized for tablets
- I don’t want the best in principle, but a balanced ratio of price and capabilities
The world's first tablet to support HDR video.
Watching the dark episode of The Man in the High Castle on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3's HDR panel feels like the Apple iPad Pro has gone Android.
The new tablet offers quite a lot. First of all, it is a worthy competitor to Apple from the camp of Android tablets, capable of putting to shame even thanks to its leading characteristics, elegant design in the style of the Samsung Galaxy S7 - as well as a huge range of functions.
Pros:
- Best tablet design from Samsung;
- S-Pen stylus included;
- The screen is ready for future HDR content;
Cons:
- The keyboard is an expensive addition;
- As expensive as the iPad Pro;
- A tablet will not 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 display and included S-Pen. This is not to say that it was difficult for us to choose a new leader in the column of Android tablets, since the aging one remained the only real contender for this role, and the new S3 replaces the cheaper Galaxy Tab S2, which automatically moves them down the ranking.
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What's the real problem is the positioning of the new Tab S3. It costs $599 abroad, which is equivalent to 39,000 rubles in Russia, and while the tablet comes with an S-Pen (Apple's tablet, for example, does not offer a stylus included), the keyboard is sold separately. When you add the cost of a keyboard, a tablet borders on the price tag of an inexpensive laptop, and the cheap 8-inch Tab S3 isn't there to offer you an entry-level, affordable tablet option.
Galaxy Tab S3 in the best possible way is positioning itself in the market for users who travel frequently and have to work on the go, as long as you are willing to pay extra for the 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 meaningfully with the iPad Pro.
SamsungGalaxyTabS3: Price and release date
- A tablet with a stylus costs 39,000 rubles;
- The keyboard is sold separately (about RUB 8,000);
- 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 about 40,000 rubles, which means that the tablet will share the price tags of the iPad Pro 9.7. In addition, while we are discussing Wi-Fi Only, there will also be a cellular version of the Wi-Fi + Cellular tablet, which will cost even more.
The real edge over Apple's tablet comes with the included S-Pen that comes with the Galaxy Tab S3 - Apple Pencil will cost you an additional $99 (about 6,000 rubles). Plus, you don't have to worry about Samsung charger S-Pen, you also get more pressure levels for drawing and handwriting.
The keyboard for the Galaxy Tab S3 will have to be purchased separately. Samsun charges a price tag of $129 (8,500 rubles). You may 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 bundled 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 tablet are open from March 17th.
SamsungGalaxyTabS3: Design
- Elegant tablet design made of glass and metal;
- More comfortable to hold;
- Except for materials repeatsGalaxyTabS2;
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 is a small but attractive design update over the Galaxy Tab S2, even if you could easily confuse the new one with old tablets on the front panels.
The best change comes from the round back of the tablet, with the new Tab S3 offering a glass back in black or silver. The back panel looks and feels better than the rubberized plastic body 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 surface of Gorilla Glass, 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 barely noticeable. The Galaxy Tab S2 offered a thickness of 5.6 mm and a weight of 389 grams, so we hardly noticed any difference between the three tablets in practice.
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New Tab The S3 resembles a bloated Samsung Galaxy S7 phone, with a physical Home button that integrates a fingerprint scanner, as well as capacitive Back and Multitasking buttons at the bottom of the tablet. Without a keyboard connected, you get a great entertainment device.
The real difference comes with the HDR panel, which offers a high contrast ratio, as well as four speakers that pump up the sound significantly better than tablets with mono speaker. We've already seen HDR on mobile device with short-lived Samsung Galaxy Note 7. This time making its debut on tablets, the technology promises to truly bring video content to life in the future.
HDR display and four speakers
- AmazingAn HDR panel is waiting to happenHDR content;
- The equipment promises us the firstThe world's HDR-ready tablet;
- Four new speakers promise volume and fine-tuning;
What you can take advantage of right now is four speakers Galaxy tablet Tab S3. They offer high volume, much higher than the mono speakers of the Tab S2 and most other tablets. Even better is the fact that the speakers are motion-calibrated, so rotating the tablet will change the stereo sound layout across the speakers depending on the orientation, so you'll never be holding the tablet the wrong way for audio.
As long as you don't expect deep bass, the AKG-tuned quad speakers deliver rich sound that rivals the iPad Pro 9.7 speakers. You can get some good bases from Tablet Tab S3 with good headphones, which you'll likely use more often in public places.
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And we come to the good news: new tablet equipped with a 3.5 mm 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 3.5 mm headphone jack.
StylusS-Pen
- The new stylus is biggerS-Pen phones and previous tablets;
- The flat design of the stylus with a clip ensures safety;
- There's no stylus holster until you buy the keyboard;
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 transforms the look and feel of a tablet, including a new S-Pen stylus and connected keyboard. These are must-have accessories if you want to unlock the potential of a 2-in-1 hybrid tablet.
The S-Pen is an upgrade from the thin pen we used on Note phones and Samsung Chromebook Pro. At 9.4mm thick, the stylus is thicker, making it easier to hold and making previous S-Pens look like toothpicks. It still uses a thin 0.7mm stem (this time made of rubber rather than plastic0), as well as a side interactive button to activate the Air Command instrument panel.
All the traditional S-Pen tools return, including Notes, Smart Select (cuts out elements from a screenshot and makes GIFs), Screen Write (writes directly to a screenshot). There are also three new features that can be added to the list quick access: Translate, Magnify and Glance (application quick view).
Writing and drawing naturally becomes much better on a tablet, thanks to the thick S-Pen. The stylus is roughly the same width as the , but is shorter and offers four times more pressure levels. The stylus correctly recognizes almost every tilt goal, which is great for shading and other artistic tricks, depending on the application you're using. Samsung includes two apps - Notes and the coloring app PEN.UP. 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 it's not in use. Instead, Samsung includes a hinged keyboard holder - if you buy a keyboard. The good news is that the new S Pen doesn't require charging and won't roll away thanks to its two flat sides. The Apple Pencil likes to roll off the table because there is nowhere to put it and can run out of battery if used regularly.
Connectable keyboard
- Shares the function of a case that covers the tablet from all sides;
- No charging or pairing required - just works;
- The keyboard cover does not turn off the screen and does not have magnetic solutions;
The connected 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 necessity) is still useful, the buttons promise decent action, and all the necessary keys are in place.
What's missing? There are none on the keyboard function keys Along the top row, it's also sorely lacking a Home button, forcing you to reach for the fingerprint sensor in the Home button and maybe knock over your coffee in the process. We'd also like to see a "Search" button for Google Search instead Google Now On Tap, which requires an additional touch tap (on the screen) on the search bar.
The keyboard offers good travel on the plastic buttons.
The accessory fits tightly into the soft plastic case that envelops the tablet. This is a big plus. The problem is that the iPad Pro's keyboard only covers the tablet's screen, while the aluminum back panel is not dent-proof. Samsung, in turn, covers the back panel 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 pins 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 by the screen, the bottom of the keyboard usually comes off (thankfully, the back, where more magnets are located, remains attached). The screen cover should also be magnetic and turn off the screen when closed. Instead, the lid may pop open if you are not careful.
Android 7.0 and applications
- SoftwareSamsung is simpler than ever;
- Multitasking in shapeSplitScreen remains a drawback;
- Can't completely replace a laptop without scrolling through 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 tablet's capacitive keys while gaming. You can also turn off alerts, take screenshots in games, and even record videos, complete with the option to connect images from the front camera.
Features and Performance
- Old chipset from early 2016;
- Easily launches 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 run all the latest 3D games with ease, and it will remain a viable solution for most of this year's new games. The chipset has found popularity in many flagship phones of 2016. No one has canceled market rules.
Now for the sobering news: this is last year's chipset, which is complemented by 4GB of RAM - the same one that debuted on the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge. The new Samsung Galaxy S8 will use .
Pogo contacts provide instant connection and no need for charging, unlikeBluetooth keyboards.
When you buy a tablet whose technology is future-proof, we are now talking about an HDR panel, a first for 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 internal memory on their entry-level tablets, but you can increase the storage capacity from 256 GB, the Galaxy Tab S3 also uses a spill-resistant MicroSD slot. The card allows you to avoid the expensive purchase of a larger tablet, but 256 GB may not be enough in the first year of use.
Battery life
- Battery life is shorter than expected;
- HDR video playback can last up to 12 hours;
- The adaptive charger charges the tablet up to 23% in just 30 minutes;
Yes, this is the first important release from Samsung after the failure of the Galaxy Note 7. No, the tablet will not burn or explode - this is practically the first thing we hear when mentioning the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 review.
Its 6,000 mAh battery is slightly larger than the Tab S2's (5,870 mAh), but it's still behind the iPad Pro 9.7's (around 7,300 mAh) and Google Pixel C's (around 9,200 mAh).
In testing, the impression was that the new Galaxy Tab S3 offers above-average battery life, enough that you can rely on the tablet for a long flight across Russia if you want to watch a movie or two and get some work done. Playing a 90-minute HD video at almost full brightness drains about 13% from the battery, leaving us with 87% charge.
Samsung claims the Tab S3 offers enough power for 12 hours of battery life during video playback, a claim backed up by our testing of the tablet, just 30 minutes apart from the manufacturer's official rating. There's also a power saving mode that will help the Tab S3 last up to the claimed 12 hours.
You can quickly charge your Galaxy Tab S3 (tablet) using the adaptive charger from Samsung, which comes bundled with the tablet (similar units come with new flagship Samsung phones, so you'll be able to get your second charge soon; +1 to brand loyalty). It took 2 hours and 55 minutes to charge the tablet from 0% to 100%, which exceeds Samsung's stated 165 minutes by 10 minutes.
Cameras
- The tablet's photo quality leaves much to be desired;
- Cameras (13 / 5 MP) are suitable for casual shots;
- Excellent camera interface;
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 has a 13-megapixel main camera, which you won't use often. There's auto focus, f/1.9 aperture, and flash in case you want to draw more attention to yourself...photo tablet user.
Photo quality is quite good for a tablet, complete with gesture controls and 4K video recording, but a smartphone camera will always be better. As a rule, tablet users take photographs of some kind of reference information, where the quality of the image does not play a big role.
Much more important for potential buyers The tablet has a front camera, which is used for video chats. And here Samsung offers an adequate 5-megapixel camera with an f/2.2 aperture. As you'd expect, the camera's performance in low-light conditions leaves much to be desired.
Samsung listened to our wishes, the Tab S3 borrows the improved camera interface from the Samsung Galaxy Note 7. Switching between the two cameras is done with a wave of your hand up or down, right on the screen (much better than searching for a tiny camera switch button). The menu is on the left, and the effects are located to the right of the viewfinder.
Summing upresults
Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 is the best Android tablet on the market, it is designed based on the popular 2-in-1 concept, offers S-Pen and keyboard functionality, and its beautiful HDR screen and four loud speakers offer you the best multimedia system.
The iPad Pro meets its competition when it comes to value for money. Samsung fully matches the hardware Apple capabilities, and also offers a stylus included. You'll have to pay extra for the keyboard, but at least it's cheaper than Apple's and also fully protects the tablet. The MicroSD card slot takes Samsung up a notch.
Value for money is not everything, of course. The new Tab S3 can't be recommended for everyone; Android tablets shouldn't cost that much. The iPad still offers the best software and broad app support for tablets. And bye Android Nougat With TouchWiz closing the gap, the multitasking capabilities of a tablet are still not enough to improve the productivity of working 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 heavily on the 2-in-1 hybrid form factor designed to help you get your work done.
Who is it for?
Looking for a good tablet but limited by the Android ecosystem? This is pretty much the right audience for new Samsung Galaxy Tab S3. The tablet boasts a carefully crafted design, powerful features and general characteristics high-end, even if it uses the chipset of 2016 smartphones. The tablet has a panel that supports the HDR10 standard with an eye toward the future, but for now you'll be limited to a limited selection of HDR content.
Should you buy it?
You're paying significant money for future opportunities, 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 tech market, with an eye toward watching HDR content in the future, this is the best tablet you can find. The keyboard will help you stay productive if you're willing to slow down due to Android's poor multitasking capabilities.
Rated 5 out of 5 by Allenkas from Excellent quality Quite 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 have noticed both pros and cons. 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 natively installed on the device. Possibility of personalization. This point can be applied to many Samsung devices, but it’s still nice to have such little things as gesture control and a blue light filter. It holds a charge for 2-3 days easily, if you don’t spend days and nights on it. 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 simply great (plus 4 speakers cannot be closed immediately, no matter how you hold it). A pen, a magnificent pen. And the minuses are insignificant. . No pen attachment. Although the entire tablet is covered in magnets, and you can find a position in which it will not come off, it still looks ill-conceived. Glass back panel. So far there are no films or other protective accessories for it other than covers. I understand that everything glass is in fashion now and seems to have a gorilla voice, but having a scratched back side on such a bulk of almost 10 inches is not at all cool.
Date published: 2017-06-09
Rated 5 out of 5 by Elena from Excellent characteristics Good model, which copes with any tasks
Date published: 2017-05-19
Rated 5 out of 5 by Yuri from Not available in white Great looks. The body is thin, light, with a pleasant rounded metal edge. Comfortable to hold in hand. Great screen, great aspect ratio. It seemed to me that it was tuned to cooler shades, unlike its predecessor (Tab S2). It will be interesting to see how it will behave over time. For example, the ammoled screen on the Galaxy Note 4 began to noticeably turn green after 2 years of use. There is nothing to say about performance in general - everything is excellent. It does not dull during normal use. Separately, it should be noted the sound quality - for a tablet it is very good. Well, as a note, I would like to note the very meager, especially for the flagship tablet model, available color scheme Case versions - only black and silver colors. Moreover, the screen frame in both cases is black. Very... No, the lack of white version is VERY, VERY disappointing. I hope the manufacturer can 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 split as if someone had chewed on it. Also, the stylus is very small, as if made for a 5 year old child. The tablet has quite large frames, which looks poor.
Date published: 2018-12-16
Rated 4 out of 5 by Root from Very good tablet! I recommend it to everyone! There is one drawback - there is no personalization. I love different themes, but there aren't even any wallpapers. And if you download from the Internet, the quality drops greatly. Otherwise, the tablet is excellent, after a month of use there are no more complaints.
Date published: 2018-04-13
Rated 3 out of 5 by Zrya2kupil from Not convenient Why can't it be made like a NOTE series? It’s just a rectangular tablet with a camera, headphones, and the company logo at the top! Why bother with something to play or watch movies, you need to turn it over.
Date published: 2018-10-28
Rated 3 out of 5 by Irmik from Almost a tablet! perfect Almost a tablet! perfect...BUT! Purchased in April 2017, on my birthday, in the official Samsung store. The joy lasted for about 3 months, until it fell out of its original case, the screen burst, the glass installed in the Samsung interior could not save it, it completely darkened after a couple of hours... thank God, on the day of purchase, we took out insurance, according to which the device was sent for repair. Having received my priceless tablet back, the joy continued, but with some bitterness...((And after 5 months the main board of the tablet burned out... there were tears here, how can this be?! just sitting in Chrome browser it froze, there was a short vibration and the screen went out forever... and then the manufacturer’s warranty came to the rescue, Samsung service In almost 4 days they fixed my tablet... they said the main board was defective! Burnt out! She blew the dust off him, didn’t play any games, but he burned out! ((I’m writing from the Samsung galaxy tab s3 sm-t 825 I’ve 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 a stylus, the speakers are well located, and the sound is wonderful. The cameras for the tablet are super, there is autofocus and flash, it’s a pity there is no photo function in the video.) Cons: fragile, in my case, a defect! main board. There is nowhere to attach the stylus, the holder on the stylus is broken... P.S. I like the Samsung galaxy tab s3 sm-t 825 tablet, the idea is good, but the implementation and cost are second to none. Please excuse me, I love Samsung but I was disappointed with this device.
Recently, the tablet race has almost completely stopped. The market is oversaturated, and demand is not growing, but only falling. For a long time The most powerful Android tablet remained the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2, which was introduced back in 2015! “It’s already 2017, and there’s still no worthy competitor to the iPad Pro” - it seems to me that this is exactly the thought that came to the minds of Samsung engineers, and they decided to kill two birds with one stone. And so the most powerful, most stylish and overall “iPad Pro killer” tablet was born.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 case design and materials
Flagship tablet - flagship design! It would even be strange if the Koreans took a different path. In the external Galaxy Tab S3's design touches are easily recognizable Galaxy smartphones S7 and A-series 2016.
The main body materials are glass and metal. The front and back parts are covered with glass, and the glass is not ordinary glass, but tempered gold glass. To be more precise, the Tab S3 uses fourth-generation Corning Gorilla Glass. The frame is made of aluminum.
In terms of color, there are two options on the market: black and gray. But no matter what color you choose, the front will always be black. We received a multi-colored gray and black version for testing.
Let's walk along the edges, because unlike others Samsung devices, there is something to see here. Let's start with the right side. At the top there is a power button and a double volume rocker. Below is a slot for installing a MicroSD memory card and a SIM card. Well, two microphones will be the icing on the cake.
There are two speakers on the top edge. On the right side there is a connector for connecting a keyboard, more on that later. On the bottom edge there are two more speakers, an audio output and USB port Type C for charging and synchronizing the device.
On the front panel everything is pretty standard. Samsung inscription on top of the screen and three keys below the screen: a physical “Home” key with a built-in fingerprint scanner and two touch-sensitive “List” keys running applications”, and “Back”. On the back, everything is also quite familiar: a camera and a flash, as well as a couple of “useful” inscriptions.
Display
The display on the Galaxy Tab S3 is typical for Samsung, but not quite standard for Samsung. Android tablets. As in the previous generation, the display aspect ratio remains 4:3. The screen size also remains the same - 9.7 inches with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels.
The display itself is of course Super AMOLED. Color rendition, contrast and colors are all at the highest level. If you're not happy with one of these options, they're easy to adjust. You can select one of four screen modes, and manually adjust the white balance.
Another cool feature that I started using in the Tab S3 is the blue filter. When this mode is activated, the display makes the image warmer. Thanks to this, your eyes are much less tired when using the tablet in the dark. This mode can be turned on manually, or you can configure activation by time.
Interface
Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 runs on Android 7.0 on top of which is installed branded shell- comfortable, nimble and laconic. IN new version Samsung shell Significantly corrected and sped up animations. In the screen settings, you can choose the style of the icons: leave them as the developers intended or reduce everything to a single style that Samsung came up with.
The curtain has been redrawn and contains eight icons for quick access. If you pull the curtain down, a full list of icons will open. The type of settings has also been changed; now all settings are divided into sections.
S Pen stylus
Galaxy Tab S3 is the first tablet to come with the proprietary S Pen stylus. In terms of functionality, it is almost the same as in the Galaxy Note line of smartphones. Only now the pen is not inserted into the device body. The stylus is attached to the right side of the tablet magnetically. But this is not particularly reliable; the stylus can be easily lost. The stylus has become thicker, its dimensions are comparable to a regular pen, and it has become more comfortable to hold in your hand.
On the stylus itself there is a key to open context menu. In addition, this menu can be accessed through the icon on the tablet screen. The icon appears only when you move the stylus closer to the display. From the context menu you can: create a quick note, show all notes, select a part of the screen and save it to a file, take a screenshot, view the translation of a specific word, access a protected folder, and you can also add any application for quick access.
Now let's talk about everything in order. Quick note - everything is clear by the name, you can quickly create a text note, write something by hand or sketch a drawing. You can also create a quick note even when the tablet is locked and the screen is turned off. Just bring your pen to the screen, press a key on the stylus and start writing.
Select and Save - You can select a specific area on the screen and then interact with it. Screenshot takes a screenshot of the entire work area, after which you can edit it, leave some notes, etc.
But I especially liked the “Translation” mode. You select the translation language and point the stylus at the word. The tablet will not only show the translation of this word, but will also pronounce it correctly in any language.
To fully work with the S Pen, you can use the standard Samsung Notes application. Essentially, the application replaces your notepad. In it you can do everything the same as in a regular one. notebook. Write by hand, make hand-drawn notes, notes, sketches of paintings for the Louvre, and so on. If for some reason you are not satisfied with the possibilities standard application, welcome to Google Play.
Performance
In terms of characteristics, it is almost impossible to find fault with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3. Powering this mighty machine is a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor clocked at 1.6 and 2.15 GHz, depending on load. The Adreno 530 accelerator copes well with graphics. But in terms of memory, everything is not so rosy. RAM 4 gigabytes is enough for even the most demanding user. But the permanent memory is only 32 gigabytes and there are no other versions of the tablet. Yes, the memory can be increased by installing a MicroSD memory card up to 256 gigabytes.
Well, why couldn’t you install at least a 64 GB drive in the tablet? Now 32 GB is 2-3 films in good quality and that’s it. Of course, someone may argue “why download movies, watch online,” but that same “online” becomes irrelevant when you are traveling by train or flying by plane and want to watch a movie on the road.
In terms of wireless technologies Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 has LTE support, 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS and GLONASS.
In tests, the Galaxy Tab S3 performs very well. The tablet scored 137 thousand points in AnTuTu. In Geekbench 4 - 3903 and 1801 points in the CPU test and 4742 points in the Compute test. The indicator is quite at the flagship level.
There are no problems with games in the Tab S3 either. Asphalt 8 runs at maximum graphics settings without any hint of slowdowns. Dead Triger 2 is also great.
Sound
Sound is a separate issue and the Galaxy Tab S3 really deserves attention. When describing the appearance, you may have noticed that the tablet is equipped with four speakers and they are located in the corners of the device. Thanks to this solution, the user receives high-quality and surround sound when watching movies or videos.
Well, the icing on the cake is that AKG is responsible for the production of these speakers. In the settings you can adjust the sound exactly the way you want to hear it.
To do this, there is a full-fledged equalizer, additional adjustment of low and high frequencies, all sorts of software sound enhancers and an Adapt Sound setting, which helps you customize the ideal sound.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 was the first tablet in which I really liked the sound of the speakers and watching movies didn’t start with quickly turning on the headphones. I preferred to watch films without them - I enjoyed the sound and was completely satisfied.
Accessories for Samsung Galaxy Tab S3
The first accessory of the Galaxy Tab S3 can be called the proprietary S Pen stylus. But we've already dealt with it, so let's move on.
The tablet has two branded book-cases: a regular case and a keyboard case. The first is a simple white book that protects the tablet from scratches quite well. It is worth noting that this case is quite compact and does not add dimensions or weight to the tablet itself.
The inside of the case is made of fabric, which provides protection for the Galaxy Tab S3 glass. The tablet itself is attached to the case using magnets and holds well. As is customary, the book cover can be folded. The case from Samsung does not cover the rear and can also be transformed, while it has not one, but two operating modes. The only negative of this case is that it is white and easily soiled.
The second case is the keyboard. It is suitable for people who need a compact typewriter. To connect the keyboard to the tablet, there is a special connector on the left side of the latter. The keyboard is powered by the tablet and the advantage is that it does not need to be charged separately.
The keyboard for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 is compact and takes some getting used to. Since the keys are smaller than a standard keyboard, it will be difficult for you to type the first texts. But literally after two days of active use, you will be typing on it as fast as on your laptop. This is largely achieved thanks to the larger and clearer travel of the keys themselves. The downside of this case is that it has only one working position and not everyone may find it convenient.
Autonomy
Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 is equipped with a 6000 mAh battery and has support Fast technologies Charge. This battery will last you for one and a half to two days of active use of the tablet. And the fast charging feature allows you to fully charge the device in just over an hour and a half.
Bottom line
Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 - flagship tablet, without a doubt, this is the best Android tablet and, of course, it is the direct and only competitor to the iPad Pro 9.7. The Galaxy Tab S3 is an excellent device that can handle any task you throw at it. Its appearance will show others that you have taste. And complete with a keyboard, the Tab S3 can easily replace your laptop during business trips or travel.
Prices in online stores
It is possible to display similar models if this one is not in the catalog for your region.
