Just over a year after the release of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3, Samsung has announced its successor, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4.
The tablet packs a number of small and subtle improvements. It’s got a bigger screen, smaller bezels, and Dex support, which could make it a viable laptop replacement.
Read on for everything you need to know about the tablet, and stay tuned for our hands-on impressions of the tablet in the coming days.
Related: Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 vs Tab S3
Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 price and release date
Unfortunately, Samsung hasn’t announced when the Tab S4 will launch in the UK, but based on an August 10th release date in the US, we’d expect it to be fairly soon.
Price wise, the Wi-Fi model will set you back £599, while the LTE-equipped version will cost an additional £50 at £649.
The optional keyboard cover can be yours for another £119. The S Pen stylus is included with both models.
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Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 specs
The biggest improvement is the display. At 10.5-inches, and with a resolution of 2560 x 1600, the Super AMOLED display is just under an inch bigger than its predecessor, the Galaxy Tab S3, but importantly it’s contained within a device that’s just a little wider and no taller. That’s thanks to the thinner bezels which have eliminated the home button, but still have enough space to include an iris scanner for biometric unlocking.
Audio quality has also seen improvements. The Tab S4 includes four speakers (apparently tuned by the audio brand AKG), which combine to create a Dolby Atmos surround sound experience.
Inside, the Tab S4 is packing a Snapdragon 835 octa-core CPU clocked to 2.35GHz. 4GB of RAM is included, with storage options ranging from 64GB to 256GB, all backed by a 7300 mAh battery (which is advertised as offering 16 hours of playback and fast-charge compatible). MicroSD cards are also supported up to 400GB.
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Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 features
At launch, the Galaxy Tab S4 will run Android 8.1 Oreo, so you can expect a fairly typical Android tablet experience.
However, there are of course a couple of Samsung exclusive features.
The big one is support for the S-Pen, Samsung’s own stylus. As well as being able to use it to sketch or take notes while the tablet is turned on, you can also write on the lock screen when you need to jot down a quick note — a very clever feature.
If you want a more desktop-style experience then the tablet will also support Samsung Dex, which has previously allowed you to turn its flagship phone handsets into a desktop PC by adding an external monitor, keyboard and mouse.
The difference here is that Dex will work on the Tab S4’s screen. You can attach a new keyboard cover to the device, and even pair a Bluetooth mouse to turn the tablet into something approximating a laptop. Alternatively, you can plug the device into an external display using an optional USB-C connector and use it like a graphics tablet. It will be very interesting to see how this feature in particular comes together.
Finally, an optional stand will allow you to turn the tablet into a ‘Daily Board’, which will display information for you to view at a glance including photos, a weather forecast, and a calendar.
What feature are you hoping to see on the Galaxy Tab S4? Be sure to let us know over on Facebook or Twitter @TrustedReviews.
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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.