Samsung’s new Galaxy Tab S2, thinner than the iPad

20 Jul 2015

Samsung has released its latest tablet device, the Galaxy Tab S2, which is set to rival Apple’s iPad. It comes in both eight and 9.7-inch versions, both of which are just 5.6mm thick – that’s around 0.5mm slimmer than the iPad.

The Galaxy Tab S2’s 4:3 screen orientation, identical to that of the iPad, is another element of direct competition, although Samsung is playing down its video viewing capabilities, instead lauding how this device “makes it comfortable to read digital content”.

“The Galaxy Tab S2 is not only our thinnest and lightest tablet of its size ever, it also gives users quick, easy access to a wealth of superior viewing and productivity features,” said JK Shin, CEO and president of the IT and mobile division at Samsung Electronics.

“We believe the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 is the most complete personal visual device designed for consumers to carry and use anywhere.”

Packing a punch

Weighing just 265g for the eight-inch model (389g for the larger device), it comes with Microsoft Office, 100GB of OneDrive cloud storage and a fingerprint authentication scanner.

Both devices enjoy 3GB of RAM, with 8mpx rear cameras and 2.1mpx front cameras. They can support recording 30fps video at 2560×1440, which is quite the high standard.

Both are powered by Samsung’s Exynos 5433 SoC. This includes four Cortex A57 cores (1.9GHz), and four Cortex A53 cores (1.3GHz).

Meanwhile, Samsung’s newest phablet devices, the Galaxy Note 5 and the Galaxy edge+, are expected to released much earlier than expected.

While Samsung devices are usually launched at September’s IFA event in Berlin, reports suggest that the Note 5 and edge+ will be unveiled on 12 August, going on sale as early as 21 August.

Gordon Hunt was a journalist with Silicon Republic

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