Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 97 Comprehensive Review and Insights

Design and Build

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 is known for its sleek and elegant design. Measuring at 237.3 x 169 x 5.6 mm and weighing just 389 grams for the Wi-Fi model and 392 grams for the LTE version, it is incredibly thin and lightweight. The device features a metal frame with a premium finish, making it one of the more luxurious options in its category. The tablet's slim profile and minimalistic aesthetics give it a sophisticated look, while the quality materials used in its construction ensure durability.

Display

One of the standout features of the Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 is its Super AMOLED display. The 9.7-inch screen offers a resolution of 1536 x 2048 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 264 ppi. This provides vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratios, making it ideal for media consumption. Whether you are watching videos, playing games, or reading, the display renders images with great clarity and detail. The screen's aspect ratio of 4:3 makes it a versatile choice for various tasks, offering more vertical space that is particularly useful for browsing and reading.

Performance and Hardware

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 is powered by the Exynos 5433 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with four cores clocked at 1.9 GHz and four at 1.3 GHz. In some variants, it is equipped with the Qualcomm MSM8976 Snapdragon 652 chipset. The GPU varies between the Mali-T760 MP6 for the Exynos versions and the Adreno 510 for Snapdragon models. With 3GB of RAM, the tablet manages multitasking efficiently, allowing for smooth and responsive performance across most applications.

Storage

Storage options for the Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 include 32GB and 64GB internal memory configurations. It also features a microSDXC slot for expandable storage, accommodating users who require additional space for apps, media, and documents. This flexibility in storage expansions caters to both casual users and power users who may need extra storage capacity.

Camera

The tablet is equipped with an 8 MP autofocus rear camera capable of shooting 1440p videos at 30fps. While it may not replace a dedicated camera, it performs adequately for capturing moments on the go and scanning documents. The front-facing camera is a 2.1 MP shooter, suitable for video calls and selfies. Though it might not have the advanced capabilities of modern devices, it serves its purpose for basic photography needs.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 features a non-removable Li-Ion 5870 mAh battery. The tablet is efficient in power consumption, offering up to 12 hours of multimedia use on a single charge. For those who use the tablet primarily for music, it can play for up to 109 hours. Its battery life makes it a reliable companion for long trips or extensive work sessions where charging might not be convenient.

Software

Initially shipped with Android 5.0.2 Lollipop, the operating system can be upgraded to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, and some versions can go up to Android 7.0 Nougat. The user experience is further enhanced by Samsung's own UI overlay, which introduces additional features and customization options. This ensures that users can tailor their devices to better suit their personal preferences and workflows.

Connectivity

The Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 supports a range of connectivity options including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, and Bluetooth 4.1, A2DP, LE. It includes a nano-SIM slot for LTE models, providing GSM/HSPA/LTE network capabilities with speeds up to 150/50 Mbps on LTE. Although it lacks NFC and radio support, it does feature GPS with GLONASS for accurate location tracking, and a microUSB 2.0 port with MHL TV-out support.

Sound and Audio

The tablet's audio is delivered through built-in loudspeakers, which provide decent sound quality for media consumption. Additionally, it retains the 3.5mm audio jack, a feature appreciated by users who prefer wired headphones. These audio options support a satisfactory media experience whether listening to music, watching movies, or playing games.

Sensors and Additional Features

Samsung has equipped the Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 with several sensors, including a front-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, and compass. These sensors provide enhanced security, better motion detection for games and applications, and improved navigation capabilities. The tablet's fingerprint sensor is especially useful for quick authentication, offering an extra layer of security for users' data and applications.

Variants and Pricing

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 was released in several model numbers like SM-T810, SM-T815, SM-T813N, and others, with variations in connectivity and chipset depending on the market. Initially announced in July 2015 and discontinued thereafter, it was priced at approximately 270 EUR at launch. Available in colors such as white, black, and gold, it offered aesthetic variety to suit personal tastes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 is a versatile tablet that combines high-end display technology, efficient performance, and a sleek design. While it may lack some of the advanced features found in more recent tablets, it remains a competent device for users who prioritize display quality and portability. Despite being discontinued, it continues to be a valuable option for those seeking a balanced tablet experience.