Samsung Galaxy Tab Active Features Pricing Pros & Cons Revealed

Specifications Overview

The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active is a rugged tablet designed for people who need a durable device to handle harsh environments. Announced in September 2014 and released in December of the same year, this tablet stands out due to its water, dust, and shock-resistant features, which are highly appreciated in industrial and outdoor environments.

Design and Build

One of the distinguishing factors of the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active is its rugged design. The tablet has dimensions of 213.1 x 126.2 x 9.7 mm and weighs approximately 393 g, making it relatively light for a rugged device. The build includes a thick plastic exterior which helps protect the device from drops and shocks. It's specifically engineered to withstand drops from up to 1.2 meters with the protective cover. The Tab Active has no SIM slot, emphasizing its design mainly for Wi-Fi use in demanding conditions.

Display

The device boasts an 8.0-inch LCD with a resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels. While the display's 16:10 ratio provides a decent viewing experience for its intended usage, it's not designed for those expecting high-end graphics and vivid display capabilities. The compact screen serves well in improving portability in challenging environments.

Performance

Under the hood, the Tab Active is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 chipset and a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, coupled with an Adreno 305 GPU. While these specifications indicate robust performance tailored for standard tasks, it's important to note that this tablet is not designed for heavy-duty computational needs or gaming. The performance suffices for industrial applications, location tracking, and other business operations.

Memory and Storage

The Galaxy Tab Active includes 1.5GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, which is expandable via a microSDXC slot. This additional memory capacity is particularly useful for users who require storage for large datasets or specific applications pertinent to work environments, ensuring the device continues to operate smoothly without constraints caused by storage limitations.

Camera Functionality

Photography is not the primary focus of the Tab Active; however, it includes a 3.15 MP rear camera with LED flash and autofocus capabilities, capable of shooting 720p videos at 30fps. It also has a 1.2 MP front camera. These features are adequate for basic photographic needs, such as scanning documents or capturing images in fieldwork scenarios, where detail-intensive photography isn't required.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 4450 mAh battery. This significant battery capacity ensures that the tablet can maintain long operational times, which is crucial for workers spending extended periods away from charging facilities. The removable battery feature also allows users to swap out batteries in the field—extending usability significantly.

Connectivity

For connectivity, the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, and hotspot capabilities, but it does not come with cellular connectivity. It includes Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, and NFC for versatile connectivity options, although it lacks radio functionality. The inclusion of a microUSB 2.0 port allows for charging and data transfer needs.

Additional Features

In terms of additional features, the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active is equipped with essential sensors like an accelerometer, gyro, and compass, further supporting its utility in field operations, where such tools can aid navigation and geolocation tasks.

Software

Initially shipped with Android 4.4.2 (KitKat), the tablet can be upgraded to Android 5.1.1, complemented by Samsung's TouchWiz UI. While it might fall behind newer devices in terms of operating system advancements, its software supports essential applications and operations suitable for its intended use.

Durability Features

Built with durability in mind, the Tab Active is both IP67 certified, ensuring it is dust and water-resistant, and MIL-STD-810G compliant, meaning it can withstand temperature extremes, transport shock, and operational shock, making it a reliable option for industries like construction, logistics, and public transport.

Market and Use Case

Despite being discontinued, the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active holds relevance in particular market niches seeking rugged and reliable mobile solutions. Industries such as construction, logistics, and emergency services have incorporated it as a part of their operational toolkit, benefiting from its durability and functional design.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active is a rugged and reliable device that offers essential functionalities tailored for use in challenging environments. Its durability, sufficient for most industrial tasks, alongside its connectivity and long battery life, makes it a vital tool for professionals requiring a resilient mobile solution. While technology has undoubtedly progressed since its initial release, the core values that the Tab Active brings to its specific user base remain appreciated, proving its legacy as a significant addition to Samsung's lineup.