Samsung Galaxy Tab S review

Samsung's latest tablets are just a little bit thinner and a little bit lighter than the iPad, with a slightly better display. But tablets are more than a pile of specs, and a high-resolution Super AMOLED screen doesn't make the software any better.

[@paominaolo]

A review should not be a comparison. Of all the people, you should know that.

[@captainlcm]

The Verge is full of iPad fanboys. I am not saying Samsung is great tho, cuz it's not, but come on, you dont have to say nothing is better than ipad or iphone in every review

[@rocket4223]

you can stop getting angry at journalist and realise apple makes great products

[@heroguides9705]

Who do you think these tablets are trying to compete against? Surface pro 3? Nope, close though Nexus 7? Nope, warmer iPad? DING DING DING! congratulations you figured out why it's compared to it YOU WIN!

[@KypHeM]

samsung sucks man its a cheap korean company that uses the cheapest worst plastic on the market it just sucks

[@FranciscoCamino]

***** Yes they do outside of the US. That's why Apple so nervous :-)

[@CDRiley]

Alex Pana hmmmm

[@karlsuarez5285]

all I hearer in this review was "iPad iPad iPad iPad, get an iPad "

[@kloo_]

wow, you must be a pretty hardcore Apple fanboy then

[@zeex1488]

Even in 2021 ipad is better at gaming but android is better for for work and media consumption it depends on what u want.

[@14supersonic]

You guys can really do without mentioning Ipad every 5 seconds. I doesn't help your case, your basically saying it is not good unless its an Ipad, and it doesn't say anything about the product you are reviewing at all.

[@TOBYmcTERROR]

It's because the iPad is samsung's main competition, and he's saying that 'HE' prefers that iPad, he's not saying "the iPad is better" he said "although the screen is better and it's lighter, I still prefer the iPad" that's all he's saying, you don't have to take it to offense

[@14supersonic]

He did say at the end you are better of getting an iPad, and I'm not taking offense, its just biased.

[@SalmanHusainGplus]

The reviewer also pointed out that they are directly competing with the iPad, so comparing it to its competitors is fair, especially when it's as obvious is it is here.

[@hellseagle21]

A review is supposed to compare it to all the other devices too. All tablets will be directly an iPad competitor. A review is based off of how the device holds up currently in the market Zane if it's worth the buyer to get. If he say you should get a different tablet, then thank the reviewer for saving you from buying a device that's not worth the money.

[@artcasperos]

well samsung intentionally made it look like an ipad. they used physical buttons like the ipad instead of software buttons. they priced it the same as the ipad. it's not hard to compare when samsung makes it so obvious.

[@ParanoidPixel]

The words "Intense Gaming" should never be used when describing a tablet.

[@ILoveWomen]

More like Intense *mobile* gaming

[@ILoveWomen]

Breydon Wilson i doubt it. It would be a stupid idea putting console games on a phone/tablet since its harder to play on a screen and you wont be carrying a controller everywhere with you

[@Daniel-xu8rq]

Breydon Wilson But the Pc´s are also getting better. So after 5 years, the PC´s will be still much better.

[@Daniel-xu8rq]

Breydon Wilson K I thought that you meant that the tablets will be as good as Pc´s in a few years :)

[@georgiyshevchenko]

No lag test for TouchWiz, no burn in information for new AMOLED, no extensive gaming review test, no battery life info, only premium materials bullshit.

[@dracol]

it doesn't matter if it's the most luxurious metal design... most people will get a £20 case cover anyway.

[@AbhiramH]

I dont think the people who work at The Verge are Apple fanboys, but are, just like most other people, fed up with Samsung's lame strategy (that some people actually fall for).

[@foggypete1860]

Another great review from iVerge. There are lots of minuses in Samsung tablets. But they missed the main part which covers all of the cons: ANDROID.

[@mikerzisu9508]

Wow, this didn't age well

[@eveofneverland]

What is with the Verge and Apple products? I can understand if *you personally* prefer the iPad, that doesn't mean it's better for the "vast majority of people."

[@browncoatz]

Bias opinion in a review. It's anoying....

[@Gilleouplus]

Hi , Do you have some feed back dealing with the burn in display issue on this tab ? Thanks for the answer

[@MAILOHANG]

How can I get one ui in this tablet?

[@sski66]

Was this an iPad or Samsung S review ? If u want a great thorough review go watch the Android Authority one, really great unbiased review.

[@JordanDurzi]

After supporting both the iPad and many Samsung Galaxy tab devices for work I can safely say that the iPad is the more favoured device. I'm indifferent to either, but it's obvious that the Tab line up (at this point), and maybe Android in general, just doesn't stack up to the iOS offerings for app-intensive use on tablets... Yet.

[@SmartreviewDe]

Great review!

[@LACuber]

Great review! :)

[@kevincordero6835]

I wanted them to compare this tab s vs the note 10.1. I have the note 10.1 and wanted to know if I'm missing out on anything by not having this tab s instead of my note 10.1. Also just for the people wonder I just bought this note 10.1 two days ago.

[@SethEstrada]

What's a Note Pro 10.5?...

[@aaronthedj12]

The Bronze 8.4 tablet was one of my favourite tablets and I’ve owned many since. It was a beautiful piece and I wish Samsung would make a new one just like it for its 10th anniversary.

[@gk3og]

Is this the 18th tablet they released today?

[@gabili]

I agree that those tablets aren't as good as the iPads but are there really no other tablets to compare them to? Honest question

[@Blackmagic1o0]

Great review iVerge.

[@c3vzn]

The Nexus 9 by HTC will probably get a glowing review. They can do hardware design right and vanilla Android will be a great experience. I definitely would wait for that.

[@Jb4nay]

This was a very well written review

[@damianjohnstone1188]

I'm sorry did you say better Apps???? Not so sure if you noticed Google Play Store yet. Yes it is true that stock apps may not be so useful with Samsung but apps in general are in Androids favor.

[@skifree0]

I think he means third party Tablet optimized apps. for media consumption (the main market for both the tab s and the iPad) it doesn't really matter of the capability of the apps. you can only show content a limited number of ways. What it boils down to is polish and app quality, which is a little lacking on the android tablet front.

[@damianjohnstone1188]

Yeah i did think about it. But purely in general i prefer Android Apps and App store.

[@roybartowski1886]

The Verge has usually been a bit bias towards apple, granted I am a bit too, but anyways here's my thoughts on the tab. Recently I got a 8.4 tab here is what I noticed after two days of using it while being a common apple user. Pros --The Resolution does seem to be significantly better than the IPad --Even though the screen is plastic, it feels and looks pretty amazing, the white does have a slightly, imperceptible sparkly glitter-iness to it though which can be annoying --Very to customize and easy to add things from tablet to PC --As mentioned in the video the size is just right Cons --The battery life should be very long, but due to the screen resolution sucking up too much power and background resources, multitasking it wastes a lot of energy and seems to have less power compared to my Ipad mini 1st gen --The navigation buttons(the ones near the bottom) aren't really buttons, and they are rather sensitive, I find myself pressing them often when I don't mean to. --My new tablet broke after literally 2 days from a drop of ~3 foot, it seems like a common issue to, apparently, the tablet has a few key weak spots which can knock out the LCD connection easily. Its easily fixable, but opening it voids the warranty, and takes around a week for Samsung to fix. As for the camera, don't use a tablet's camera, you'll look like a dumbass. There is a slight lag for things here and there but its pretty negligible. I also don't really like the user interface of Samsung, but that's more or so a preference rather than a con. To the few people who read this long message, congratulations you finished reading this.

[@DaneRossenrode]

Your style of reviews is really great: You're easy to listen to, you've got nice shots and angles of the products, and you're mostly practical and honest. However, your comparison with Apple products is not only unnecessary and unwanted, but it appears to bias your commentary as well. Keep your reviews balanced and consider most people's situation and wants, you'll have the best reviews around.

[@BlueBoyJocks]

I don't have a tablet and I want to buy one. I'm open either iPad or Samsung Tablet and I've seen lot of reviews on both. Unfortunately this review doesn't sound fair and it gives me an impression the reviewer wants to encourage people to buy iPad. The verdict: (drum roll) I pick this bad boy Samsung Tab S!!! Hands down baby!!!

[@blackrippin]

The seasonal allergy comparison made me laugh good review

[@manahilsheikh7166]

I really appreciate the honesty, and that's what I look for in a good review. You are completely entitled to your opinion. Though I strongly disagree, you're still entitled to it.

[@LY121688]

Would really like to see a laptop with a super amoled display

[@hiero.]

I'm more excited to hear about HTC's new tablet~

[@pieterpeter1625]

Is tablet s is pretty nice i like the side sync

[@reefighter]

why don't you let people decide which is good? we don't need your personal preference on a product review

[@Atom-James]

I'm not sure why Samsung believes they can charge the same amount as an iPad. These are not bad products by any means but when you directly compete with the iPad in terms of price, you have to bring more quality hardware to the table.

[@peterdoa1]

what is point about what your tablet is made of, you end sticking a case on it anyway so it is going covered leather or plastic at the end of the day.

[@top115]

I like the quality of the video. Great images, nice voice. Until the end its pretty objective too. But I don't get the sense of the last few sentences. So a IPad would be better for most of the users?? Why? For some sure, if you are into the apple ecosystem or feel better if you hold some metal instead of plastic. But the rest? If you don't have to have the last two I think its a great tablet! And I'm pretty sure that's the majority.

[@aerowindwalker]

Definitely a lot of room for improvements.

[@1337likethat]

I've had a couple of iPads which Ive switched from in favor of the more customizable Android OS; but this verge review seems accurate to me. Tablets are more than a pile of specs. If you're looking for customization, movie-esque aspect ratios or stylus usage, then the nod might go to Samsung, but otherwise not.

[@iTekGeniusBar]

I think if they consolidated down to just the note series for larger 10+ and tab for the 7-10 range they would be fine. But until they do that I won't buy one because frankly I don't want a better one to be out two months later and mine to be worth 1/4th what I payed.

[@NYT_KNG]

The best reviews come from Techno Buffalo, no biases. I wouldn't be surprised if The Verge is under a contract with Apple or its affiliates.

[@MegaVSable]

I'll wait for the HTC Nexus tablet.

[@goldmankwezi]

I have the Note 10.1 2014 edition...its just an iPS screen, but at the same resolution as the TAB S, I feel it blows the iPad way out the water...sold my iPad.

[@mdebrow]

I actually love mine! Plus apple has compatibility issues!

[@CopycatBoy]

I am really tired of hearing the Verge remind us of how much they hate plastic.

[@ramikafa]

"Good luck with tablets # 12 and 13, Samsung!!!" LMAO!!!

[@FranciscoCamino]

You still prefer the Ipad, just because it's american?. I had Ipad and changed to Samsung tablet and I love it. My korean device doesn't "fight" with other devices in terms of connectivity, like in the case of the Apple products. Better apps in Android and of course I love the light plastic materials which allow multiple drops with no damage.

[@shynez422]

It is Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 - not 10.5.

[@billann8834]

Unfortunately, he never mentions some of the good things, like the ability to drop in an SD card, and how easy it is to transfer files. I like IPAD too, but Samsung has its place. On the used market this is a great deal and much better for the money than a used IPAD mini.

[@zainayub3657]

Wow that is wicked man I have got one its white and gold man slamm

[@Encraftonline]

most reviews out there of galaxy tab s says what the verge says of it. so quit saying its biased. the only person biased is you, with exceptions not being meet. with this type of faithful and honest reviews, it gives us, an overview to make our decisions, not that you make decisions and then come watch reviews and say they suck.

[@ANIME2020X]

Too much hate, for what? The guy just said his opinion? Nice review, thanks.

[@adrianlutka2456]

I have both samsung note 10.1 tab and The New Samsung Tab S is super comfortable and work well.got as well Samsung S4 and S5 and is satisfied , have tried the iPhone but it did not suit me .get so tired of all the comparisons between different brands.you buy what suits you and not what everybody thinks is cool☺

[@jumpstart8159]

Even if I wanted to get them. Samsung tablets doesn't run half of the Apps I want.

[@darrenloyie3499]

Can someone tell me if dragon ball legends works for this?

[@basscadet75]

I'm guessing that not many people are really trying to decide between a Tablet S and an iPad. If you want an iPad, you get an iPad. For most people, the choice is going to be more between the Tablet S and something like the Xperia Tablet Z2, or the Tablet S and the Note Pro. Those would have been a lot more meaningful comparisons, but they weren't even mentioned. For whatever reason, The Verge just can't accept that most Android users couldn't care less about iOS devices. It's quite literally like reviewing the latest Dell laptop and concluding with "for most users, a Mac is going to be a better option." That's just not the choice most people are faced with. It does make you wonder why The Verge would even mention it.

[@EricMFreeRunningFish]

Watching your videos and +mkbhd makes me want to stop making videos! I shall try to be as great as you two in making videos

[@modemmack]

I'm rocking the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4. It's a great tablet that I would never trade for an iPad. 128gb of additional storage only cost me $40. To hell with that 'it feels cheaper, because it's plastic' crap. I prefer the plastic to the always to hot in the summer and always too cold in the winter metal cases. I fear that if the industry was to get too caught up in the metal case hype, none of the future phones will have replaceable batteries. I'd hate that so hard on a phone. Not that bad on a tablet though. I love the correct aspect ratio that virtually all other tablet use, except for iPad. I'll never understand why the letterbox shape is fine for the iPhone, but a no go for the iPad. Not gonna deal with that power trip. lol

[@LamesJowery]

Idk why people hate on the Verge for praising Apple and disliking Samsung... lol they keep it real. They give THEIR opinions. I am a Galaxy S4 user! lol. But Samsung's build quality and software is simply not the best. I'd rather have an iPad than a Samsung touchwiz tablet... anyways I wonder if there will be a new Nexus 10 ever and I wonder how cool the new Nexus 7 will beeeeee

[@HowToVideos]

*I might get one to SMASH UP !!!*

[@sneedfeed3179]

m8 you are everywhere

[@HowToVideos]

So are you, hows things dude ?

[@AndrewMackoul]

Wow, every video

[@HowToVideos]

Not quite but almost, lol :P

[@user-kj6iq9hu6f]

the mos biaset review ive ever seen in my life

[@sidhantkhatri9901]

Lol. The guy just said the Tab S is better than the iPad but he thinks the iPad is better.

[@Benjovi2305]

May not be a fair review but I do agree with it

[@kokowin]

It's obvious that there's a certain biasness in the reviews and the words chosen to describe the tablet. I give props to Samsung for their innovation.

[@zoro2266]

Hatin on a this tablet for no reason,this is the best tablet on the market yet, I dunno if thia was a review or an apple commercial

[@Livemnmls]

The verge, you're right! Common people will prefer the iPad, it's really better. The people who are saying that you are sponsored by Apple, they just hate apple so they can't be fair.

[@terrylam4787]

Heating issues have been reported, major lags have been confirm. Go ahead and buy one I bet these new tablets won't last 3 months without problems.

[@GregoryCunningham]

The Verge is hard to take seriously with reviews like this.

[@scottholtzapple]

Well, we all know The Verge is payed by Apple, but this review is actually one of their kinder android bashing ads.

[@iftycent]

Wow! The Verge has finally stopped hiding the fact that they are a bunch of Apple fan boys. Congrats on "coming out"!

[@adamhakeem]

I prefer the iPad Mini. Not the retina display, just the normal one.

[@FranciscoCamino]

I always see the same problem. Many Americans seem not to show a bit of generosity when accepting other countries can make fine products as well. It's not a question of bashing anyone but buying the product which suits the most. That simple. Being Ipad a good product it's not for me.

[@AbhiramH]

I dont know who makes samsung tablets, but I do know that it is one person who makes the design for all of samsung's mobile products. Also, he's probably just trolling samsung by convincing them that it is a big change every time.

[@T3chno1d]

everything was fine at the start of the video, even shared it on Facebook.. but things start to get a little nasty at the end so decided to remove it from my wall..

[@johnkang2000]

I think the reason people claim that verge is getting paid by Apple is quite obvious, but I do not think this is the case. The guy is clearly more used to with iPads and finds some of Samsung's features inadequate. The reason I say this is: He is clearly highlighting each aspect that this tablet does worse than iPad. The format: "compared to ipad, it doesn't...feel as nice, etc etc." For an example, this tablet have much better battery life than iPad, but the whole battery section was covered in few seconds, whereas iPad's metal and glass build texture against Samsung's plastic build took quite a lot of time. The review...lacks proper benchmarks and quantifiable information. I can get equivalent information by just taking a look at the tablet at a store. He made 5 seconds comment on the screen, not the color gamut, brightness, nor the sub pixel pattern-which is important because many high density displays add white or not full RGB pixels to make the numbers look better. He didn't mention how he tested the battery. What does casual use mean? You can literally take a snapshot at the settings menu which shows how many hours you spent doing different activities. For all I know, he could have left the S tablet in his bag while playing with his iPad whole day. Another thing that makes me think he is a heavy iPad user is that he is not at all familiar with other Android tablets. Making comparison with iPad? That's nice, but what about other Android tablets? There are whole new array of tablets that you could compare it to, but kept on with iPad entire video. This is not a proper review if you ask me.

[@skifree0]

"Still not better than an iPad"- incoming butthurt comments. Not that I agree with the verge, but seriously any comparison with an apple product ends up in nuclear weapons fired below the video

[@effahthebest]

Wait, why are people getting angry at this? Where is the lie in what he was saying?

[@cs09812]

So basically everything that was objective you mentioned are good in not better than an ipad, but all the subjective things make it worse than an ipad? Smh

[@n3o3x]

Run mine on google now launcher. Runs buttery smooth with zero lag

[@tizben]

I would have rather had it compared to other android tablets that have recently come out than ipad this ipad that...

[@bamqadem]

if the plastic suck this much why Apple made there cases for iPad from plastic. They should give us only metal cases for the iPad.

[@horiaandrei24]

again.... apple fans

[@nortexoid]

I refuse to buy Samsung stuff on principle. I wish a Nexus 8 or even 9 would come out with 3gb RAM and a sufficinently fast SoC. Quite pleased with my LG G Pad (with kitkat) though for nearly half of what the Samsung stuff goes for.

[@exetramqqgameandmore9786]

I'm have Samsung Tab S

[@abrahamgalaviz9265]

He is just comparing the competitive relationship against the iPads. These tablets were obviously a direct competitor to the Air and mini and was just citing their differences. Pros and cons.

[@einnoka]

Keep up with reviews like this Verge, and you won't have any users watching your reviews. It's obvious you like apple, but no need to keep dissing other products. Tired of the Samsung dissing. When apple is able to make washers, dryers, TV, refrigerators, stove tops, tanks, ships, and there own chippers then I would recognize apple for the innovators they are, but while there's are Samsung powered Iphones, I pads out there, forget apple. There Macs are awesome though.

[@jefurikun]

more of an apple vs android tablet war than strictly a review for one single product..

[@AdvaitX]

He said "Super high res screen makes things hard to tap" while he showcased the web browser, I would never ever ear that in a Apple video. Even he said something like "usual set of Samsung features" if it was for Apple they would have gone for all even the ridiculous ones. See I am nor against Apple nor I am a Samsung fanboy(Seriously) but nowadays whenever I see a review from verge I can say it has two things hell lot of praise for Apple and I think cool videography. WTF VERGE!

[@Axelsypkenssmit]

jesus samsung, I really don't know what your best tablet is I mean your flagship smartphone is kind of distinguishable its either the S or the Note depending what time of year it is. But for tablets I have no idea

[@boy_named_niel]

This video is basically how the Tab S isn't an iPad.

[@chaz8652]

haha agree

[@christophmunch4796]

The conclusion is bull! If the availability of tablet apps is the criterion to say: "You're better off with an iPad", then The Verge should stop reviewing Android tablets altogether, because NO android tablet has a chance to be recommended over an iPad! Guys, stop this! Or areyou getting money from Apple?

[@norbertjasonvillaluna952]

I am watching dis on my 32gb 10.5 version

[@venkypandu]

Decent review if you discount the underlying Apple fanboyism :p

[@OrbitalSP2]

That's it, I'm done with the verge's fanboyism. No more reviews from you guys for me.

[@azirish73]

I reviewed both the ipad air and this tablet, prior to making a decision. To the Apple mindless zombies, both are similar. The Samsung doesn't require buying a new tablet to upgrade the memory..and not heating like the ipad did, nearly identical.

[@JackpotJoe94]

Google (android) = better phones apple (ios) = better tablets Microsoft (windows) = better PC's everyone has their strengths and weaknesses

[@northcode_]

Bitch please. android is Linux. best PCs and phones!

[@BaronVonTrousers]

"apple (ios) = better tablets" I'll have to disagree with you there. My parents have iPads and I own a 2013 Nexus 7 and have used both. I'd prefer the Nexus 7 over the iPad any day.

[@JackpotJoe94]

BaronVonTrousers I'd say the iPad air is much better although its more expensive its the best tablet experience

[@Marios5556]

This is a far better product than the ipad, Why? Better OS that takes advantage of the bigger screen, the android ecosystem of tablet apps has improved, AMOLED screens put the ipad screen to same, slimmer, lighter, faster and overall better for multimedia. It's just better.

[@BaronVonTrousers]

Bellooo I'll respectfully disagree.

[@dikomukanali]

I have an iPad(with Retina) and I dont think is something as special as people say! And as for you site I think you are prejudiced about Apple products! Like the video where you said iPhone 5S is the best smartphone and now iPad is the best tablet! I am sure you use iPhone and iPad in your everyday life!

[@ryandunne123]

Samsung really needs to stop with the crappy software add-ons they just don't do it well.

[@ValiiCuca]

okay verge we know you are apple fanboy we don't need to hear that in every single video

[@blocksatjoe]

I hate I when people put up a review then turn it into a competition. If they want to compare then then call it a comparison, not a review. If your doing a review focus on that tablets specs not the other ones