Sections
- Page 1 Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 Review
- Page 2 Screen, Software & Performance Review
- Page 3 Battery Life & Verdict Review
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.5: Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.5 scores another big win here. We ran the same, high-quality BBC iPlayer video on loop as we did on the Tab S 8.4. It lasted a good 10 hours, but the Tab S 10.5 went on for an outstanding 14.2 hours.
Increasing the brightness a little will bring this down, but we had it at 50% and at it was clear in a bright office environment. Moreover, we left Wi-Fi on for this test. Turning it off would help add a little more life, making this a great tablet for long flights and other journeys.
Other things to consider
Like the 8.4, the Tab S 10.5 has an 8-megapixel camera on the back and 2.1-megapixel camera on the front. The rear camera has an LED flash as well, which is handy. We couldn’t detect any different in image quality between the two, so look at the Tab Pro 8.4 camera section to see how it performs. The short version is it’s an above average camera for a tablet, but a 10-inch tablet isn’t a practical camera.
The Tab 10.5 also uses the same speakers, which is a little disappointing. They’re stereo speakers and they create a decent stereo image, but they lack the mid and low-end punch of better tablets. They’re good enough for dramas as dialogue is crisp and clear, but we hoped for better.
Should I buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.5?
If you want a 10-inch Android tablet, yes. This is the best there is by a comfortable margin. Choosing between it and an iPad Air is trickier, but if you’re not interested in the iPad then this is best alternative.
We recommend taking a long hard look at the Galaxy Tab S 8.4 as well before deciding. It can’t match the incredible battery life of the 10.5 and its screen isn’t quite as good, but it’s cheaper and just as good in every other way. Its 8.4-inch size also creates a nice balance between portability and comfortable viewing.
Whichever you choose, though, you can’t lose.
Verdict
This is the best 10-inch Android tablet available. If that’s what you want, go buy it.
Next, read our Tablet Buyer’s Guide or pick from our best tablets round-up
How we test tablets
We test every tablet we review thoroughly. We use industry standard tests to compare features properly and we use the tablet as our main device over the review period. We’ll always tell you what we find and we never, ever, accept money to review a product.
Trusted Score
Score in detail
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Performance 8
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Value 8
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Design 7
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Software & Apps 7
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Sound Quality 6
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Screen Quality 10
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Battery Life 10
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Build Quality 8
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
