Detailed Review of Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus
Overview of Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus
Samsung’s latest tablet line features the Galaxy Tab S8 Plus, which, unfortunately, has been overlooked in favor of its pricier and bigger sibling, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra. However, this underrated tablet deserves more attention, and in this review, we’ll explain why. With its sleek design and a 12.4-inch display, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus is the perfect middle ground between a larger tablet and a more portable one. It’s a great option for people who want a tablet that’s big enough to work and watch movies on but also easy to carry around. The display is sharp and bright, and the slim bezels give it a modern and premium look.
Under the hood, the Galaxy Tab S8 Plus packs a powerful Snapdragon 888 processor, which makes it a speedy and efficient device. It also has a large 10,090mAh battery that can last for hours, making it great for work or entertainment.
Design specs of Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus is a sleek and sturdy tablet that closely resembles the Apple iPad Pro range, with its flat side edges and clean metal rear panel. Samsung has upgraded the materials to Armor Aluminum, which is also found in the Galaxy S22 smartphones released in the same year. According to Samsung, this adds a 40% boost in strength and 33% boost in hardness to the tablet compared to the Tab S7 series.
The tablet’s display glass is made from Gorilla Glass 5, which offers scratch and damage protection. Although the device does not have an IP rating, this is a common feature omission for tablets. Overall, Samsung claims that the tablet is strong, and it certainly feels durable in the hand.
In terms of design, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus carries over the basic shape of the Tab S7 Plus. It is a sizable slate in terms of width and height, measuring 285 x 185mm. However, it is incredibly thin, measuring just 5.7mm in thickness. The tablet weighs 567g (1.27lbs), which is average for a tablet of this size.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus is a sleek and sturdy tablet that boasts impressive build quality and design. While it closely resembles the Apple iPad Pro range, Samsung has made notable improvements to the materials used, providing a more durable and robust tablet. Despite its size, the tablet is incredibly thin and lightweight, making it easy to handle and use on the go.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus Software pros
The Android platform has long been criticized for its lack of app optimization for tablets. While Samsung has done a decent job of optimizing its own apps, many commonly-used apps like Slack and Instagram still look like stretched-out versions of their smartphone counterparts. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the Samsung Tab S8 Plus and how it performs in terms of app optimization and software experience.
Although some apps like Microsoft Outlook and Google Drive perform well on the Tab S8 Plus, many still fall short in terms of optimization. However, Samsung is committed to improving this experience and has promised that the tablet will soon receive Android 12L, a version of the operating system optimized for larger screens. The changes look promising, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for the update.
One advantage of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus over other Android tablets is Samsung’s five-year update policy. While it’s technically four years of major OS upgrades and five years of security patches, this is still a generous commitment that makes the tablet more reliable in the long run. In terms of software, the Tab S8 Plus runs on One UI Tab 4 based on Android 12, providing a smooth and intuitive user experience.
While the lack of app optimization on Android tablets is still an issue, Samsung has done a commendable job with its home-grown apps and is committed to improving the experience. The Tab S8 Plus is a reliable choice for those looking for a tablet with a long-term update policy and a smooth software experience. With the upcoming Android 12L update, the tablet’s app optimization is likely to improve even further, making it an even more attractive option.
Performance of Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus
With a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and 8GB of RAM, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus is a powerful device that can handle anything you throw at it. Whether you’re using it as a media player, secondary monitor, or on-the-go computer, the tablet is more than capable of running all your apps smoothly. While the Tab S8 Ultra offers 12/16GB RAM configurations, I found the 8GB on the Plus to be more than sufficient for my needs.
Specifications
| Dimensions | 285 x 185 x 5.7 mm |
| Weight | 572 g (1.26 lbs) |
| Display | 12.4” Super AMOLED (2,800 x 1,752) at 120Hz |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
| Memory | 8GB RAM with 128GB/256GB (expandable via MicroSD) |
| Camera | 13MP wide, 6MP ultra-wide, and a 12MP front |
| Battery | 10,090 mAh with up to 45W fast charging |
| Operating system | One UI Tab 4 based on Android 12 |
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus is an exceptional tablet that delivers impressive hardware and unique software features, particularly when it comes to the stylus. With up to five years of software support and the upcoming release of Android 12L, there’s a lot to be excited about with this mid-sized Galaxy tablet. If you’re in the market for a powerful and feature-rich tablet, the Tab S8 Plus is definitely worth considering.
