As expected, Samsung officially unveiled its new Galaxy Tab S tablet duo at the Galaxy Premiere 2014 event, introducing two top-notch slates with Super AMOLED displays.
Just as previously rumored, the new Galaxy Tab S devices "Tab into Color" with high-resolution Super AMOLED displays with a resolution of 2560 x 1600, and come in two models: one with an 8.4-inch screen and the other with a larger 10.5-inch display.
According to Samsung, the new Galaxy Tab S' display has better contrast, a more accurate color range, as well as higher outdoor visibility than an LCD display.
The 'world's first high-resolution Super AMOLED tablet'
"The tablet is becoming a personal viewing device for enjoying content, which makes the quality of the display a critical feature," touts JK Shin, CEO and President of IT & Mobile Division at Samsung electronics. "With the launch of the Galaxy Tab S, Samsung is setting the industry bar higher for the entire mobile industry. It will provide consumers with a visual and entertainment experience that brings colors to life, beautifully packaged in a sleek and ultra-portable mobile device."
"Galaxy Tab S, the world's first high-resolution Super AMOLED tablet, is Samsung's best tablet ever," adds Michael Abary, Senior Vice President at Samsung Electronics America. "Producing innovative displays that immerse and captivate is part of our DNA. So we're leveraging our core competency in display technology to create a new personal visual device optimized for delivering the ultimate viewing experience."
Specs and Features
Billed as Samsung's new flagship tablet, the Galaxy Tab S looks and feels premium, and is the company's thinnest and lightest slate to date. The Galaxy Tab S comes with a built-in fingerprint reader, as well as a "Sidesync" feature designed to mirror one of the Handoff features Apple announced for it new iOS 8. Sidesync will allow Galaxy Tab S owners to answer phone calls routed through a Galaxy S5 smartphone, provided that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Moreover, the Galaxy Tab S will also be able to remotely access a PC, while several Tab S tablets in the same room will be able to connect with each other.
The multi-user fingerprint sensor, meanwhile, allows for multiple users to share a tablet in an easier and more convenient manner. Based on fingerprint, the tablet will load different users, allowing for greater control and privacy. The fingerprint reader also integrates well with a new Kids Mode, allowing children to unlock the Galaxy Tab S using a finger if they cannot enter a password.
Under the hood, the two Galaxy Tab S models are identical in terms of specifications. They pack the same Exynos 5 Octa SoC, which combines a 1.9GHz quad-core chip with a 1.3GHz quad-core chip, or a 2.3Ghz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset. The slates further sport 3GB of RAM and run Android 4.4 KitKat with Samsung's TouchWiz on top. The efficient Super AMOLED display will allow for up to 11 hours of battery life.
Pricing and Availability
The Wi-Fi versions of the Galaxy Tab S will be available in brown and white color options and launch in the U.S. in July, while the LTE versions will follow shortly afterwards. The 8.4-inch model will cost $399, while the larger 10.5-inch version will retail for $499.
Check out the first official Galaxy Tab S video below to get a better glimpse into what the new flagship has to offer.
