Samsung’s latest series of Galaxy Tab devices was introduced some 2.3 months ago. The first specimens arrived in our country as well. New 7, 8, and 10-inch tablets are here. We will first deal with the Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0. So, this is an 8-inch tablet, which could be a good option for all those who want to go to the world of a tablet with a slightly smaller model.
This is the middle child in a new family and is intended for those who want a slightly larger screen than the standard 7 inches, but do not wander into the waters of less practical 10-inch tablets. At the same time, this is a tablet for a wider range of users due to its affordable price.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 design
This is a typical Samsung style. The tablet is made of plastic with imitation leather on the back. The chrome part covers the edges, only this time the surface covered with a metal part is significantly smaller than usual. The tablet is only 7.95mm wide which makes it very easy to hold. This is especially felt when you work on it a little longer.
If the design is not significantly refreshed, then it is at least improved, because the areas around the screen are now smaller. Besides, the tablet leaves a pretty good impression when holding in hand. This is due to the imitation of leather and the absence of accumulation of fingerprints on the screen.
When it comes to the layout of keys and ports, everything is according to the established pattern. Ahead is a 1.3MP camera. At the bottom is a standard layout of keys led by the classic home key, followed by two capacitive ones, one of which is recent, which replaced the standard one for options, and which is used for multitasking. It is a bit unusual that they glow in the dark, so it is a little harder to find them then.
On the back, apart from the main camera, there is a mono speaker, which is ok, but nothing more than that, when it comes to volume and sound quality.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 screen and interface
This TFT has 800 × 1280 pixels, which do not lift the hair on the head. There are also better screens in this segment, but the picture is quite beautiful. The pixels are pronounced, but due to the beautiful color reproduction, quite solid angles at which you can legibly see the content on the screen, and visibility in daylight, this tablet seems like a very pleasant tool for fun and work.
The 8-inch screen diagonal itself is a compromise and, it seems to me, a good solution. The screen is bigger than the 7, so many things are better seen. At the same time, the tablet is still small enough to be used with one hand most of the time.
Speaking of the screen, we should also praise the visually appealing and practical Samsung user interface, which runs on an Android 4.4.2 KitKat basis. No matter how skilled you are with devices like this, you will manage without any problems. This is especially true if you are using one of Samsung’s devices. Some standard options from this manufacturer are missing, but those like Smart Stay to monitor your gaze, which turns off the screen when you stop looking at it, are there.
There is also a smart energy-saving system. At the same time, the WatchOn option for TV control and a special mode for children have found their place on the tablet. Basically, this is a simplified version of the interface from the Pro line of tablets and the new Galaxy S5.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 Specification and Performance
In conditions when the limits of the possibilities of mobile devices are moving every day, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 may not delight you. The tablet is powered by a 1.2GHz fast quad-core processor with support for 1.5GB of RAM. Despite a slightly weaker heart rate, the tablet works very nicely. In principle, it happens that there is a slight downtime a few times, but having in mind that this is a relatively cheap tablet, everything is quite ok, especially since it is a quad-core processor.
The battery is a real pleasant surprise on this tablet. With one charge and completely normal use, which includes surfing the net, watching YouTube clips and movies, and even playing games, the tablet managed to last up to 3.4 days!
Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 camera
A camera of just over 3MP is basic in everything. The prejudice that 3MP cannot take good photos is confirmed here. Admittedly, decent photos can be taken on a sunny day, but say goodbye to it indoors.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0, as well as its two brothers, is a good refreshment on the market, primarily in terms of price. Samsung has made an effort to make a solid tablet with an improved look, which can sometimes fool you into having a far more expensive model. The manufacturer has failed a bit with the screen, although the thing is not alarming unless you are a “must-have HD” user.
Also, the camera is not famous either, but hand on heart rarely does anyone use tablets for photography. Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 is very practical and functional, equipped with the latest Android OS and a simple interface. Overall, good value for money.