Samsung Galaxy Tab S 105 Full Specs Pricing & Review

Design and Build

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5, released in July 2014, boasts an elegant design marked by its slim profile and lightweight build. Measuring just 6.6 mm in thickness and weighing 465 grams, the Tab S is easy to handle, making it a great option for long-term media use and productivity tasks. Its dimensions, 247.3 mm x 177.3 mm, offer a substantial screen size that enhances the viewing experience without being cumbersome. It comes in two color options, Dazzling White and Titanium Bronze, providing users with a touch of personal style.

Display

One of the standout features of the Galaxy Tab S 10.5 is its 10.5-inch Super AMOLED display. Offering a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels with a pixel density of approximately 288 ppi, this screen provides vivid colors and deep blacks, delivering an immersive viewing experience. The screen-to-body ratio stands at about 72.9%, ensuring that bezels do not impede the display area, which is ideal for streaming videos, reading, or playing games.

Hardware and Performance

Under the hood, the Galaxy Tab S packs an Exynos 5420 Octa chipset with an octa-core CPU configuration of 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A15 and 4x1.3 GHz Cortex-A7. The Mali-T628 MP6 GPU further enhances the device’s capability to handle graphic-intensive applications and games seamlessly. With 3 GB of RAM, the tab can handle multitasking efficiently, although it might not perform as robustly with extremely demanding applications of today. It originally ran on Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) but is upgradable to Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), enhanced by Samsung's custom TouchWiz UI.

Storage Options

The Tab S 10.5 was available with two internal storage choices: 16 GB or 32 GB, both expandable via a microSDXC slot. This feature allows users to increase storage capacity according to their needs, which is useful for storing media files, documents, games, and apps without consistently managing storage space.

Camera Capabilities

Equipped with an 8 MP rear camera that includes autofocus and LED flash, the Galaxy Tab S 10.5 captures decent quality images, suitable for snapshots and basic photography needs. It supports video recording at 1080p@30fps and comes with HDR and panorama features to enhance photography capabilities. The 2.1 MP front-facing camera suits video calls and basic selfies, although it might not match the quality expected in contemporary devices.

Audio and Multimedia

The Tab S 10.5 features stereo speakers that deliver clear sound, making it a good device for multimedia consumption. With the inclusion of a 3.5mm audio jack, users can easily connect headphones or external speakers for an enhanced audio experience. Additionally, the loudspeaker has reasonable volume levels with voice volume at 70dB, noise at 65dB, and ringing at 75dB.

Connectivity and Communication

The device includes comprehensive connectivity options such as Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, and hotspot capabilities. Bluetooth 4.0 support allows easy pairing with various devices, and other connectivity features like GPS, GLONASS, BDS, and an infrared port are included. However, the absence of cellular connectivity and NFC might limit certain functionalities requiring SIMs or contactless communication.

Battery Life

The Galaxy Tab S 10.5 houses a non-removable 7900 mAh Li-Ion battery, which offers impressive longevity. With a multimedia use time of up to 11 hours and a music playback life of up to 121 hours, users have the flexibility to use their tablet confidently throughout the day without frequent recharges.

Sensors and Additional Features

Samsung integrated several sensors into the Tab S 10.5, including a front-mounted fingerprint sensor for enhanced security, along with accelerometer, gyro, and compass sensors, which cater to various application requirements, particularly in navigation and gaming. It lacks radio capabilities but compensates with other sensor-based utilities.

Price and Availability

When introduced, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 was priced around 370 EUR. Though it has been discontinued, it remains a viable choice in the second-hand market for users seeking a balance between performance and display quality, considering its extensive feature set and durable design.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 still holds its ground as a commendable tablet, particularly for users focused on display performance and battery life. While it might not meet the requirements of high-end gaming or ultra-fast processing demanded by some modern applications, its build quality and functionality continue to serve well in various multimedia and productivity contexts.