Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8-inch Review

Introduction

Samsung has always been the one to offer diversity in its portfolio. Complementing its full-sized tablet offering, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7-inch, the 8.0-inch model is naturally there for the taking if you prefer something that’s more compact in size. Steep competition is everywhere we look, including this space where 8-inch tablets can be fetched for under $300 at this point, so the $400 cost slapped to the 8.0-inch Galaxy Tab S2 might seem too high to some folks. Regardless, we’re certain a few won’t mind paying the extra premium just as long as Samsung’s tablet proves to be a strong performer.

The package contains:

Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8-inch
microUSB cable
Wall charger
Quick start guide
Safety & warranty documents

Design

You’ll love its slim profile and lightweight feel.

Just like the 9.7-inch model, this 8-inch Galaxy Tab S2 takes its design cues from last year’s Galaxy Note 4 – exhibiting a slightly cleaner and more uniform design. Gone is the dimpled plastic chassis from last year’s Galaxy Tab S 8.4, replaced instead by a matte plastic – one that’s available in black, white, or gold. It looks good, and feels good too, especially when its svelte, 0.22-inch (5.6 mm) profile and 9.59 oz (272 g) weight ensure it’s comfortable to hold in the hand.

While many of the ports and buttons are positioned in the same locations as before, Samsung replaced the fingerprint sensor with the same one employed by its newer smartphones – so unlocking the tablet is easier and quicker than ever before. What’s unfortunate, though, is that they’ve removed the IR blaster. By now, we’re not too surprised by this, seeing that the Galaxy Note5 and Galaxy S6 edge+ don’t have one either, but we’re nonetheless sad to see one less feature in this new model that was something accessible by its predecessor.

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Display

Yes, its screen resolution is lower, but it still packs some favorable qualities.

In addition to seeing its screen size go from 8.4-inches to 8.0-icnhes, it’s also shockingly accompanied with a reduction to its resolution as well. Sammy impressed us when they slapped a pixel crunching 1600 x 2560 resolution with last year’s 8.4-inch model, but this time around, it’s now an 8.0-inch 1536 x 2048 Super AMOLED display. Even though it’s sporting a lower resolution than before, its 320 ppi pixel density is still more than effective enough to produce sharp-looking details that are pleasing to the eyes.

Despite the shortcomings with its lower screen resolution, they’ve managed to make some marked improvements to other aspects of panel itself,thus proving that it’s better in overall quality. In particular, its 6800K color temperature and 2.18 gamma value are improvements over its predecessor, but even better is the fact that the ‘basic’ display mode produces even more realistic, true-to-life colors than before. However, its maximum 337 nit luminance makes it challenging to view outdoors.

Love it or hate it, the display has all of the necessary qualities to make it favorable – like its good details, realistic color tones, and decent visibility. We just wish they kept up with the resolution, and for some people, we understand that it lessens its value.