Hi guys, welcome back guys!
Yesterday, there was one of the readers on this website asked me that he was planning to buy Samsung GALAXY Tab 3, the 8-inch model. However, he was kind of confused whether to pick this tablet or go with the next-gen model - Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 (which actually i just heard recently thanks to his comment).
According to my personal review of Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8-inches, i was really impressed – in fact, amazed – to see a Mali-400-powered tablet like this could handle most of the latest graphically demanding games so great and even in full graphics. I’ve seen this tablet capable to play games like Asphalt 8: Airborne, Modern Combat 4 or Dead Trigger 2, all in full graphics.
But that came at no surprise because i knew that Mali-400 GPU was a powerful graphics chipset and in fact, Archos GamePad 2 – which according to my review, was a great gaming tablet - also uses this same GPU to handle most the graphics-related tasks, especially gaming. So if Mali-400-powered tablets like Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8-inches and Archos Gamepad 2 proved they have great gaming performance, then it’s not that hard for me to say that the next-gen Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 will also be great for that matter.
Anyway, today, i’m really excited to move on from yesterday’s reviews (Samsung GALAXY Tab S series) to the reviews of Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 series. Similar just like the predecessor Tab 3 series, this next-gen Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 series also consists in wide range of models, carrying some different class of specs – from the 7-inch, the 8-inch and the largest 10.1-inch variants, all in 3 sub-categories: WiFi-only, 3G and 4G LTE models. So int total, there will be around 9 new tablets under this series. However, i’m not going to review all the entire 9 tablets on this website.
Given that most of these tablets carry the same type of specs – depend on each screen size -, like for example the 8-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 that is packing the same Snapdragon 400, Adreno 305 and 1.5GB of RAM, then i will wrap the 3 models (WiFi-only, 3G and 4G LTE) into just one review. It goes the same with the remaining 2 variants (the 7-inch and 10.1-inch models).
Today, let me start with the 8-inch model of Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 – the WiFi-only, the 3G and 4G LTE models, then followed by the 7-inch variant and the last final review will go to the 10.1-inch model.
Okay then, if you’re interested to know more about this tablet, especially its gaming performance, then here you go, my personal review of Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0. But as usual, before you go straight to the review, i just wanna tell you that if you think this review is helpful and informative to you, then don’t hesitate to share this post to your friends and family or followers by using the social media icons around this page. That would be awesome guys!
Introduction
In the past few years, Samsung has been gaining such a massive success in tablet industry. Thanks to its brilliant strategy to deliver a wide range of GALAXY devices for different categories of users – not to mention its aggressive marketing in many countries -, this Korea-based manufacturer always managed to sell millions units of its GALAXY devices every quarter of each year. As a matter of fact, every quarter, Samsung usually managed to ship million more units that Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, iPad mini and iPod Touch).
Among all the devices that being offered by Samsung to the users, Samsung GALAXY Tab series is one of Samsung GALAXY series that usually becomes the best selling tablet series across the market. And it’s not so surprising given that this tablet series consists in many different models – from the smallest 7-inch, 8-inch and the largest 10.1-inch models. And lately, Samsung also tries to break this tablet series into 3 different variants: the WiFi-only, the 3G and the 4G LTE models.
This year, after announcing the brand new tablet series in its recent tablet portfolio - Samsung Galaxy Tab S series -, Samsung is also ready to out the next-generation of its most popular tablet series - Samsung Galaxy Tab 4. And as you might have thought, this tablet series also comprises in 3 different models (7-inch, 8-inch and 10.1-inch models), each consists another 3 different variants (the WiFi-only, the 3G and the 4G LTE variants).
Similar just like what Samsung did on its Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 series, the 8-inch model of this Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 also comes with the powerful set of hardware specs, especially in performance department, with things like Snapdragon 400 processor, Adreno 305 and 1.5GB of RAM handling all the performance and graphics-related tasks on this tablet. And surprisingly not, the 7-inch model of Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 still inherits the same class of hardware specs just like its predecessor, although they are now bumped up to a higher level, packing Marvel quad-core PXA1088, Vivante GPU and 1.5GB of RAM (but we’ll talk more about this tablet in my next review).
The good news is, the largest 10.1-inch variant also get the same treatment just like the 8-inch model, with the same Snapdragon 400, Adreno 305 and 1.5GB of RAM. So when it comes to gaming performance, these 2 models will likely be similar in that sector.
Talking about the 8-inch model of Samsung Galaxy Tab 4, this tablet still features the same class of specs just like the predecessor, like a 8-inch 720p display (1280x800 pixels), the same 4450mAh power battery, the same 1.3MP front-facing camera, the same internal storage, the same external storage capability for up to 64GB and some other things that are still similar with the previous-gen Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0.
However, on this latest-gen tablet, Samsung decides to sacrifice its rear-facing camera from 5MP to just 3.15MP, probably to keep the cost low. Meanwhile, as far as the the performance goes, there are Snapdragon 400 processor, coupled with Adreno 305 and 1.5GB of RAM on this tablet.
For you information, there are not many tablets that use this processor. In fact, i haven’t seen any tablet that is powered by this Snapdragon 400 processor. There are some devices with this processor, but they are all smartphones – mostly mid-end smartphones like Moto G, Xiaomi Redmi 1S and some other more. So in term of gaming performance, this tablet is probably slightly better than the predecessor (the one with Mali-400 GPU). But we’ll get more on that later.
But the questions are, with all of these goodies, does Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 have what it takes to compete around the 8-inch tablet market? Does this tablet deserve to be called as an iPad mini killer? Is it worth upgrading to this tablet if you already own the previous-gen Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0?
Well, hopefully, we’re about to find out about the answers of these questions at the end of this review. So you better stick around.
Design
If there is one sector that Samsung has put a lot of works on Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 LTE, then it’s definitely the design of this tablet. Compared to the predecessor with its chubby looks especially on the bezels and rounded corners, now Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 LTE has more mature and more elegant design, plus more premium looks all over it. I believe this tablet takes some design cues from Samsung’s latest flagship smartphone - Samsung Galaxy 5S, with its sharper and elegant looking design.
Overall Specs
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4G LTE
Micro-SIM
Released 2014, June
Weight 320 g (11.29 oz)
8.0 inch TFT capacitive touchscreen, 800 x 1280 pixels, (~189 ppi pixel density), 16M colors
Android OS, v4.4.2 (KitKat)
Quad-core 1.2 GHz ARM Cortex-A7 Qualcomm Snapdragon Processor
Adreno 305 GPU
1.5 GB RAM
microSD memory Card slot for up to 64 GB
16 GB Internal Storage
3.15 MP rear-facing camera, 2048 x 1536 pixels
720p@30fps Video recording
1.3 MP front-facing camera
GPRS
EDGE
HSDPA, 42.2 Mbps; HSUPA, 5.76 Mbps; LTE
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Bluetooth v4.0
Infrared port
microUSB v2.0
Accelerometer Sensor
HTML5 Browser
No Radio
GPS
Java MIDP emulator
White, Black Colors
HDMI port
Non-removable Li-Po 4450 mAh battery
Up to 141 hours for Music play
When it comes to specs, Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 LTE is actually still not very far different with the predecessor. It still features the same 8-inch TFT capacitive screen sporting the resolution of 720p or 1280x800 pixels, the same 4050mAh power battery, the same 1.5GB of RAM and the same 1.3MP camera on the front. The upgrade actually takes place on the performance sector of this tablet, with the Exynos 4212 processor and Mali-400 processor on the predecessor being ditched for more powerful Snapdragon 400 processor and Adreno 305 GPU.
So as the results, this tablet will perform much even faster and smoother, plus the battery life will likely last much longer given its “snappy” Snapdragon 400 processor inside this tablet that is not power-hungry (despite using 2 more set of cores than on Exynos 4212 processor). Unfortunately, the downgrade takes place on the rear-facing camera of this tablet, with the 5MP camera of the previous-gen model being replaced with lower 3.15MP camera for this tablet.
Overall, this tablet is still pretty similar with the predecessor in term of spec sheet. But this latest-gen model is definitely a much better device than the predecessor. And in fact – despite the downgrade on the camera -, Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 LTE is still worth upgrading if you currently own the 8-inch model of Samsung Galaxy Tab 3.
Screen
In the display department, Samsung leaves it untouched on this tablet. Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 LTE still features the same 720p display just like the predecessor – with the same TFT capacitive display. So there’s probably not much difference - especially in term of quality – with the previous-gen Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0.
The good thing is, now this tablet is powered by a more powerful but less power hungry Snapdragon 400 processor. So i believe there are many great advantages to reap from this new processor, like much improved power saving management, much longer battery life, much smoother experience and of course, more powerful gaming and overall performance – especially for doing basic tasks.
Gaming Performance
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From the hardware standpoint, this tablet interestingly comes with some similar specs just like some low-end smartphones such as Motorola Moto G or Xiaomi Redmi 1S – which both sport the same Snapdragon 400 and Adreno 305 GPU, not to mention, 720p display. So for doing any basic tasks – like controlling UI, watching HD movies, using live wallpaper, reading books, editing videos or docs -, this tablet is more than adequate to execute all of these tasks in buttery smooth performance – even all at once, thanks to its 1.5GB of RAM.
It goes the same when playing games. Thanks to the power provided by the Snapdragon 400 quad-core processor with the clock speed of 1.2GHz per core, coupled with Adreno 305 and 1.5GB of RAM, this tablet will also be excellent in gaming performance. In fact, this tablet is capable to perform smoothly when playing even the most graphically demanding games like Asphalt 8: Airborne, Modern Combat 4, Need for Speed Most Wanted or N.O.V.A 3 – all in full graphics.
However, for games like GTA San Andreas, i don’t think this game will run smoothly in full graphics setting. I’ve actually already seen Moto G play this game and it doesn’t run smoothly in full graphics. So it’s probably similar with Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 LTE.
But for the most part – or most of the games released today on Google Play Store -, i believe this tablet has an adequate power to play these games – even in full graphics.
Anyway guys, if you want to know more about the gaming performance of Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite 7.0, including what games that will run on this tablet, check out my YouTube video playlist or Pinterest page. :)
Camera
Surprisingly, on this tablet, Samsung decides to ditch the 5MP camera on the predecessor for a much lower 3.15MP camera on the back. It’s probably because Samsung wants to keep this tablet at low price point, in favor of the upgrades like Snapdragon 400 and Adreno 305 GPU. But that’s probably not gonna create such a huge impact the the quality that Samsung provides on the camera of this tablet.
It may not deliver the best looking photos that look as good as Samsung’s other flagship devices, but at least, it still gets the job done and the photos are still worth sharing to your social media accounts. And if the previous-gen Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 – according to reviews – is capable to deliver some decent shots with the same 3.15MP camera, then you probably can expect the same on this next-gen model.
Battery Life
Similar just like the predecessor, Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 LTE is still packing the same 4050mAh power battery. However, in term of battery life, this tablet is probably not very far difference with the predecessor. Even though this tablet now comes with a more powerful Snapdragon 400 quad-core processor – as opposed to dual-core Samsung Exynos 4212 processor on the previous-gen Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 -, Samsung probably has made some tweaks on its software and improved its power-saving management in order to make its battery life last as long as – or even much longer than the predecessor.
So with that 4050mAh battery inside this tablet, you can expect to see this tablet survive probably around 10 hours in moderate usage – or one solid day overall, of course in one full charge of 100%. However, if you’re gonna use this tablet in heavy intense usage without resting the screen at all – like for watching HD movies in marathon or playing games in the row -, then this tablet maybe could only last around 6 to 8 hours, which is great for an 8-inch media-consumption tablet.
My Personal Opinions
Overall, i’m really impressed with the whole thing about this tablet. I like its 720p display, i like the Snapdragon 400 processor and Adreno 305 inside this tablet (which are improvements from last-year’s Exynos processor and Mali-400 GPU), i like its gaming performance and the most importantly, is definitely its design that now looks more mature and elegant than the predecessor.
Too bad Samsung has to replace the 5MP camera on the predecessor with the lower 3.15MP camera. Not to mention, this company also still uses the same 4050mAh battery of this tablet, meaning that its battery will not be long lasting in heavy intense usage – although it’s still capable to last all day.
In the sector of gaming performance, this tablet will also be good for that matter – if not the best. Thanks to its Snapdragon 400 processor, Adreno 305 GPU and 1.5GB of RAM, there’s no doubt that any games that you see on Google Play Store today, even the graphics intense ones like Asphalt 8: Airborne, Modern Combat 4, N.O.V.A or Need for Speed Most Wanted, will all run so great on this tablet, plus in full graphics.
So long story short - Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 LTE is great for playing games (the most importantly, although it’s not the best), watching HD movies, browsing the web, reading digital contents like books or magazines, checking emails, editing documents, and even making a phone call or text messages – of course only for the 3G and 4G LTE models.
To end this review, i'll try to answer some of the questions i asked earlier above (in the ‘introduction’ section):
No – this tablet doesn’t have what it takes to compete with other 8-inch high-end tablets on the market right now – especially due to lower-grade specs. However, it's still relevant to be placed on mid-end tablet market alongside HP Slate 7 Extreme, HP Slate 7 Plus, etc.
No – this tablet also doesn’t deserve to be called as an iPad mini killer – due to the same reason on the answer number 1, plus lower quality performance.
Yes - Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 LTE can be worth upgrading to your current-gen Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0. It has more powerful set of hardware specs, it has much improved software and the most importantly, it has much cooler design than the predecessor. Of course, there are some other things to be liked on this next-gen tablet. Not to mention the things to not be liked like lower 3.15MP camera than predecessor and the same unimproved 4050mAh power battery.
Disclaimer: Hi guys, bear in mind that this is not some in-depth review. This is Read more...