Samsung Galaxy Tab S8, Ultra & Plus: Here’s What You Need To Know
February 9, 2022Samsung has gone “all-out” with the launch of its new tablets. Debuting alongside the newly released S22 flagships, are the trio of Tab S8 tablets that aim to take the fight to Apple’s venerable iPad Pro. The devices come in three different screen sizes: 11-inch (Tab S8), 12.4-inch (Tab S8+) and 14.6-inch (Tab S8 Ultra) units.
These devices take on the similar industrial design language that was incorporated into S7 devices, but like the S22+ and S22 are little more refined with less angular contours. They are being marketed as both PC companions as well as pseudo-laptops meant to take mobile computing to a whole new level.
They use the thinnest and toughest armor aluminum body ever fitted to a Samsung tablet, which helps with portability and robustness. The frame is over 30% more scratch-resistant and 40% less prone to bending than the Galaxy Tab S7. These new tablets are designed to be more versatile than the devices that they replace, which should put them on par with the current crop of iPads.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
They are powered by the same Snapdragon 8 Gen1 in the S22 line of devices, which is supposed to offer far superior computing and graphical prowess than the previous generation chipset of the Tab S7+ and Tab S7 devices. Depending on the model you choose, the Tablets come with either 8,12 or 16GB of RAM as well as either 128, 256 or 512GB of storage space.
The trio come with improved ultra-wide front cameras, a three-microphone setup, and intelligent auto-framing technology. Multi-active Windows and Samsung DeX, safe and easy file sharing with password-protected Quick Share.
For the Ultra, there are 12MP front cameras that offer 4K video quality, which should offer clear and crisp video conferencing sessions for the WFH crowd. Samsung’s new auto framing technology helps the tablet keep focused on the subject by spooning in and out based on movements and number of participants in the room.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
The high-resolution capability will also allow for better recording of tutorials or gameplay sessions. In addition, to this, Selfie videos are now embedded within the Screen Recorder feature. That’s not all, with the LumaFusion app slated to be released for these Galaxy devices, you’ll soon be able to use your tablet to make proper 4K video edits.
The aforementioned three precision microphones use advanced noise reduction technology to prevent unwanted background chatter. The quad speakers with Dolby Atmos, found on all three Galaxy Tab S8 models, ensure that the audio quality remains as immersive as possible to match what’s happening on screen.
The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra and S8+ both come with a new and improved S Pen. The software uses a prediction algorithm to ensure that the pen strokes offer very low latency inputs. Improvements to its construction will help its behavior mimic that of an actual pen gliding across a sheet of paper, but we are unable to verify this without conducting the proper tests.
Samsung has partnered with Clip Studio to help the Tab S8 appeal to your inner artist. Your compatible smartphone can function as a digital color palette, while the Tab S8 and S Pen are used to focus on the actual artwork.
Besides this, the Korean giant is also making it easier to share content between your tablet and smartphone via what improved Samsung Notes app as well as Quick Share functionality. As such, you can share photos, videos, and files between devices twice as fast as before.
The Galaxy Tab can be used as a portable second monitor with touchscreen functionality when connected to a PC for better multitasking capabilities. In addition to this, the enhanced DeX features now allow for transparent app windows and DeX mirroring.
If you purchase one of the Tab S8 tablets, Samsung is promising to support up to four generations of Android OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates. These bold claims will allow these devices to remain relevant for at least 4 years, which is on par with the lifespan of a regular laptop.
Preorders for the tablets begin today but should be available on store shelves on February 25th. Users who pre-order the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra will receive the new Book Cover Keyboard, and those who order the Tab S8+ or Tab S8 will receive a Book Cover Keyboard Slim
