One more year, Samsung has renewed its range of high-end tablets: known as the Galaxy Tab S. On this occasion, the company has opted for a somewhat similar strategy to what it has been doing for some time with its flagship mobiles: launch three versions with different screen sizes. In the case of tablets, Galaxy Tab S8, Tab S8 Plus and Tab S8 UltraThey are the new members. One of the most interesting variants, taking into account its specifications and its price, is the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8+a model that I have been able to test in depth.
The intermediate version of the new Samsung tablets shares many of the features of its sisters. It maintains the Snapdragon Gen 1 processor, that design so characteristic of Samsung, support for the S Pen and a double main camera, but It differs in four important features. One of them is the screen size, with the Galaxy Tab S8+ (12.4 inches) being bigger than the Tab S8 (11 inches), but not as big as the Ultra version (14.6 inches). This screen size means that the dimensions also increase compared to the base model, as well as the autonomy and, as expected, the price.
In fact, and except for some superior variant of RAM and storage of the Ultra version, we could say three tablets differ, mainly, in the dimensions of the screen, since each one offers autonomy according to the dimensions and resolution of the panel. . Therefore, choosing between one of the three versions is not a complicated task if you are clear about what size you want to handle in your day to day life. The real question, and the one I usually ask myself whenever I try out a feature device, is if it really meets one of the most important aspects of tablets: productivity related functions. And, furthermore, if it is a worthy rival for Apple’s invincible iPad Pro.
After several weeks of use with the Galaxy Tab S8+, I have come to the conclusion that the device has two important points. One of them is the media area. That is, the fact of using this device to play content, play games or perform any other type of task that has little to do with work and studies. The other point is productivity section. The Samsung tablet has software features and accessories, such as the S-Pen, that can help a lot —now it is— to carry out tasks related to work, studies, etc. Let’s see how this device behaves in these two sections.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ as a device for entertainment
I am going to focus, first, on the multimedia section. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ has aspects that I really liked, and one of them is its screen. It has, in particular, a 12.4-inch Super AMOLED panel with QHD+ resolution and a 120H refresh ratez. These are features that always offer good results, and in this case it is no different. The Galaxy Tab S8+ screen shines like no other tablet, the color calibration is extremely accurate and the brightness is more than enough even outdoors.
The panel of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ also has a 16:10 aspect ratio. This ratio is excellent for watching series and movies on platforms like Netflix, HBO, Prime Video, Disney+, etc. Mainly, because much of the content that we can play on these portals has a similar format. This prevents that digital frame that is located both in the upper and lower area, and that we usually see on other screens, from being so present. Now, to navigate the interface or perform any other type of task that is not focused on entertainment, this proportion of the screen so elongated can be somewhat uncomfortable.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 under the hood
Performance is another of the most important points of the Galaxy Tab S8+ and that, in large part, is related to the multimedia section. Samsung has chosen to include a processor Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, the latest high-end SoC from the American company. In this case, it is accompanied by 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal storage, although there is also a variant with 128 GB. As with the screen, it is a configuration that already anticipates good results.
It is not strange to me that Samsung has opted for this processor instead of its most recent Exynos. Qualcomm’s 8 Gen 1 works great with any game and even in those extremely demanding tasks. I will allow myself to skip my own protocol to emphasize the area related to productivity, because the processor is also an important point. In this case, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 also does a great job of handling multitasking, opening apps simultaneously or running background processes. It does everything with complete fluidity. Special mention also to the support for 4G and 5G networks on the Cellular version of the Galaxy Tab S8+.
Also, storing movies, images or any other content will not be a problem. Not only because 128 or 256 GB of storage is more than enough for it, but because Samsung allows memory expansion via micro SD up to 1TB. It is rare in devices of these characteristics, for which it is greatly appreciated. .
However, Does this large screen and this power affect the battery? The Galaxy Tab S8+ has a battery life of 1090 mAh. It allows approximately 6 hours of intensive use (applications, playback of multimedia content, etc.) without a problem. More can be achieved by adjusting some parameters, such as screen brightness or resolution. Also applying the dark mode, since the blacks of AMOLED screens are actually off pixels. Regarding charging, the Galaxy Tab S8+ supports fast charging up to 45W. Unfortunately, the tablet does not include a charger in the box.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ as a tablet focused on productivity
As I have mentioned, the productivity section is another of the most important areas of the new Samsung tablet. This focuses mainly on the software and functions that the company has included in order to offer a better experience when using multitasking or applications with a preview very similar to what we get on a laptop. But also in accessories.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+, like its predecessor, the Galaxy Tab S7+, is compatible with the Samsung S pen. In this case, the company’s digital pen has a larger size than the one found in the Galaxy S22 Ultra. Its size, in fact, is very similar to that of a pen, which allows better handling and more writing. In terms of precision and functions: nothing new. It seems that Samsung has wanted to apply that if something works, it is better not to touch it. The S Pen maintains that excellent precision and features that are so characteristic of the S Pen. Among them, the possibility of writing, selecting specific areas of the screen to take screenshots. It is also possible to use the pointer as a remote control to switch between images or slides.
Now, is it useful? It all depends on the use. The S Pen on the Galaxy Tab S8+ can help boost those tasks related to productivity. For example, I have used it a lot to navigate between applications, take some notes or take screenshots. I’m not a student, and to work all I need is a monitor and a keyboard, so I’m not the user who can get the most out of this accessory.
However, for people who study or work with tasks related to design, it can be useful. Also, we must not forget that the accessory is included in the box, so you do not have to buy it separately. On the other hand, and as in the iPad, the S Pen can rest and charge through a magnetic system that is located on the back. The location where the pencil is housed, yes, is not the most comfortable.
The interface of the Galaxy Tab S8 plus
Leaving aside the S Pen, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ arrives with Android 12 under One UI, the company’s personalization layer. It is a beautiful and intuitive interface, but the important thing, in this case, is what it offers in terms of use and productivity. The truth is that Samsung has devised a very convincing multi-window system. The company includes a dock that is hidden in one of the sides and that allows you to drag applications to activate a split screen view or floating windows. In this case, the proportion of the screen weighs down the experience a bit. Its very elongated appearance means that less content is displayed and that it is necessary to scroll continually. The One UI design, in addition, does not help the experience to be better, since it limits some areas that could be used to expand the applications.
Another point that I also liked a lot about the Galaxy Tab S8+ is how to use floating windows. These can be placed anywhere on the screen, regardless of whether an app is open. To apply them, it is only necessary to drag an option through the side dock that Samsung includes in its devices. On the other hand, the Galaxy Tab includes a Dex mode that adapts the interface to look very similar to Windows. The apps appear in windows and the different desktop modes are activated, which include more functions. This mode is very useful as long as we have the keyboard, which is sold separately, and although it can give that extra productivity that we do not see when using the conventional interface.
Is it worth the new Samsung tablet?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ available by €949 (WiFi) or 1,098.99 euros (WiFi + 5G) for its version with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal memory. The variant with the same RAM capacity, but with 256 GB of storage, will be available soon, according to the company in its online store.
Let’s go to the important thing. Does the Galaxy Tab S8+ meet in the multimedia area? Is it a good option for those users looking for a device focused on productivity? Answering the first question, there is no doubt that the Galaxy Tab S8+ is one of the best tablets currently on the market. It has an amazing display, excellent performance, and more than enough battery life for most users. Therefore, if you are looking for a multimedia device that stands out for its screen and power, this is probably the best option. In addition, the proportion of the screen and its slim design help to improve the experience in this area much more.
Regarding the second question: options focused on work and productivity They are also very well thought out. It does, however, have some minor software bugs that are likely to be improved in future updates. It should also not be forgotten that Samsung confirmed a future update to Android 12L, the version of Google’s operating system adapted to devices with these characteristics. Therefore, in the coming months we could notice a considerable improvement in this section. The S Pen, on the other hand, helps to increase those productivity functions and the keyboard, although it is sold separately, can also be a good ally.
Now, we must take into account that the iPad -and more specifically, the iPad Pro-, offers software, in my opinion, much more mature and adapted for this type of tasks. Therefore, and if you don’t mind paying a little more and using iPadOS is not a problem for you, it may be better to opt for the Apple model. Its price, remember, is around 1,200 euros for the 12-inch base model. If, on the other hand, you prefer to use Android and you think you’re going to take advantage of both the multimedia area and the section focused on productivity, the Samsung tablet will undoubtedly be up to the task.