Samsung Galaxy Tab S 105 LTE Specs Price Pros & Cons

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 LTE features a sleek and modern design that was quite ahead of its time when it was released in July 2014. Measuring just 6.6 mm thick and weighing 467 grams, it’s one of the thinnest and lightest tablets available in its era. The device sports a plastic back with a dimpled texture, mirroring the design language of other Samsung devices at the time, like the Galaxy S5. This dimpled back not only provides a good grip but also adds a unique touch to its aesthetics.

Display

The highlight of the Galaxy Tab S 10.5 LTE is its stunning 10.5-inch Super AMOLED display. With a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 288 ppi, this screen offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles. The display is perfect for media consumption, such as watching movies and playing games, providing an immersive experience. The screen-to-body ratio of approximately 72.9% ensures minimal bezels for a more modern look.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Galaxy Tab S 10.5 LTE is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset (28 nm for LTE variant) with a Quad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400 CPU, making it quite powerful for its time. It also came with another variant featuring the Exynos 5420 Octa (28 nm) chipset, combining a Quad-core 1.9 GHz Cortex-A15 & a Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU. These processors, combined with 3GB of RAM, allowed the device to handle multitasking and resource-intensive applications smoothly.

Storage Options

The tablet offers two internal storage variants: 16GB and 32GB. Additionally, it features a microSDXC card slot, which allows users to expand storage as needed. This flexibility is particularly useful for users who store a lot of media and apps on their devices.

Camera Capabilities

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 LTE is equipped with an 8 MP rear camera with autofocus and an LED flash. The camera supports features like panorama and HDR, and it can record videos at 1080p at 30fps. While the camera performance might not compete with high-end smartphones today, it was adequate for capturing decent photos and videos at the time of its release. The front-facing 2.1 MP camera is suitable for video calls and basic selfies.

Battery Life

One of the strong points of the Galaxy Tab S 10.5 LTE is its battery life. It houses a non-removable Li-Ion 7900 mAh battery, providing up to 11 hours of multimedia usage and up to 48 hours on 3G talk time. Additionally, users can enjoy continuous music playback for up to 132 hours, making it a reliable companion for long trips or extended use away from power sources.

Connectivity and Network

Offering a wide range of connectivity options, the tablet supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, making it versatile for use in various regions. The inclusion of a Micro-SIM slot allows users to utilize cellular data, enhancing mobility. Other features include dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, GLONASS, BDS positioning systems, and an infrared port which was quite useful for controlling electronic devices.

Operating System and UI

At launch, the tablet came with Android 4.4.2 KitKat, upgradable to Android 6.0 Marshmallow, augmented by Samsung’s TouchWiz UI. The customized interface offered additional features and applications from Samsung, such as Multi-Window for enhanced multitasking, allowing users to operate two apps simultaneously on the screen.

Audio and Multimedia

The tablet features stereo speakers that offer a decent audio output, enhancing the multimedia experience. It also includes a 3.5mm audio jack, providing users with the flexibility to use traditional headphones or connect to external speakers. The overall audio quality is satisfactory for both media and voice calls.

Sensors and Additional Features

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 LTE is equipped with various sensors including a fingerprint sensor located on the front, an accelerometer, gyro, and compass. These sensors contribute to a variety of functionalities, from enhanced security with fingerprint unlocking to improved navigation and motion-based commands.

Color Variants and Model Information

The tablet was made available in two color variants: Dazzling White and Titanium Bronze. It was marketed under the model number SM-T805, and despite being discontinued, it left a significant mark as a premium tablet offering during its time.

Conclusion

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 LTE was a standout device in its era, offering a premium design, impressive display, and robust performance. Though no longer available on the market, it remains a reference point for evaluating advancements in the tablet segment. Its blend of features and power made it a worthy contender in the competitive landscape of tablets, and it still holds value for users appreciating its unique capabilities and form factor.