Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 80 Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 showcases a premium build with a sleek and lightweight design. The dimensions of the tablet are 198.6 x 134.8 x 5.6 mm, making it one of the thinnest tablets available at the time of its release. Weighing in at just 265 grams for the Wi-Fi model and 272 grams for the LTE model, it is incredibly portable and easy to hold for extended periods.

The device features an aluminum frame with a plastic back, providing a good balance between durability and weight. Its front is dominated by an 8.0-inch Super AMOLED display, which has made a significant impact on the tablet's visual appeal and the quality of its display experience.

Display

Samsung's choice of a Super AMOLED display in the Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 ensures vibrant colors and deep blacks, providing an excellent visual experience for users. The 8.0-inch screen boasts a resolution of 1536 x 2048 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 320 ppi. This resolution and screen size combination delivers sharp images and text, making it ideal for reading, watching videos, and detailed graphics work.

The display's aspect ratio of 4:3 suits web browsing and e-reading better than a 16:9 ratio, which is commonly found in other tablets. It's particularly optimized for portrait mode use, making it a versatile choice for various tasks.

Performance

Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 is powered by the Exynos 5433 chipset for the T710 and T715 models, while the T719N model features the Qualcomm MSM8976 Snapdragon 652 chipset. The CPU inside is an octa-core configuration, providing smooth multitasking capabilities. The Exynos versions have a combination of four 1.9 GHz cores and four 1.3 GHz cores, while the Snapdragon 652 variant incorporates four 1.8 GHz Cortex-A72 cores and four 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 cores.

Graphics performance also varies between models, with the Exynos versions sporting a Mali-T760 MP6 GPU, and the T719N variant featuring an Adreno 510 GPU, both offering sufficient power for most multimedia applications and moderate gaming.

The device comes equipped with 3GB of RAM, ensuring that it can handle everyday apps and multitasking without significant lag. Storage options include either 32GB or 64GB of internal capacity, expandable further via a microSDXC card slot, which is a crucial feature for users who need extra space for media and applications.

Software and Interface

The Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 initially launched with Android 5.0.2 (Lollipop) and was later upgradeable to Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow) on the T710 and T715 models, with the T719N model going further to Android 7.0 (Nougat). Samsung's proprietary TouchWiz UI overlays the Android OS, adding several useful features and customization options that enhance user experience.

Camera

The tablet is equipped with an 8MP autofocus main camera, capable of delivering decent image quality for a tablet, with video recording supported at 1440p@30fps. While not intended to replace a dedicated camera, the rear camera is adequate for casual photography and video calls.

On the front, there's a 2.1 MP camera, sufficient for video conferencing and basic selfies. Although these cameras may not compete with those on high-end smartphones, they fulfill the essential needs of tablet photography.

Battery Life

A non-removable Li-Ion 4000 mAh battery powers the Galaxy Tab S2 8.0, providing satisfactory battery life for day-to-day use. The device promises up to 27 hours of talk time on a 3G network and up to 74 hours of music play, catering well to users who require long-lasting battery performance for media consumption.

Connectivity and Features

The Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 supports various connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band support, and Wi-Fi Direct for versatile internet connectivity. Bluetooth 4.1 is present for connecting peripherals, and a GPS and GLONASS module is built-in for accurate location tracking.

In terms of ports, the device features a microUSB 2.0 for charging and data transfer, along with a 3.5mm audio jack for headphones. Notable sensors include a front-mounted fingerprint sensor, an accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass, enhancing the tablet's functionality and security.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0, with its lightweight design, bright display, and decent performance, appeals to users looking for portability without compromising on key features. Although discontinued, it remains a noteworthy option in the mid-range tablet segment, particularly for users who prioritize screen quality and ease of use.

Whether you're a casual user needing a reliable device for media consumption and browsing or a professional looking for a portable work companion, the Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 provides a well-rounded experience with a sound blend of performance and features.