9 best Samsung tablets

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

In September 2010, Samsung announced its first tablet computer, which then received a 7-inch display and a 1 GHz processor. It was a kind of response to the market iPad. Since then, the South Korean giant has not ceased to improve its devices, offering today several lines of Galaxy Tab tablets – S, A, E, Active, View. The experts of the portal selected the best 9 of them and made the most objective rating.

Ranking of the best Samsung tablets

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best Samsung tablets up to 8 inches	1	Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2 8.0 SM-T395 16GB	RUB 46,090
	2	Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 SM-T719 LTE ​​32Gb	RUB 19,990
	3	Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 SM-T385 16Gb	12 345 RUB
	4	Samsung Galaxy Tab A 7.0 SM-T280 8Gb	8 350 rub.
Best Samsung tablets with large display (up to 10.5 inches)	1	Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 10.5 SM-T835 64Gb	RUB 41,255
	2	Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 9.7 SM-T825 LTE 32Gb	33 170 RUB
	3	Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 SM-T819 LTE ​​32Gb	RUB 23,990
	4	Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T595 32Gb	RUB 19,790
	5	Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6 SM-T561 8Gb	RUB 9,980

The ranking is based on RankQuality data.

Best Samsung tablets up to 8 inches

Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2 8.0 SM-T395 16GB

Rating: 4.9

The first member of our ranking is the Galaxy Tab Active 2 with an 8-inch display. The continuation of the line of 'resistant' gadgets from Samsung has received dust and moisture protection according to the IP68 standard, as well as a durable case that can withstand a drop on a hard surface from a height of 1.2 m. The set includes a special reinforced case and a branded stylus that works even in the rain . The manufacturer positions the tablet as a device for engineers working in difficult conditions (splashes, high humidity, dusty air, etc.).

Biometric authentication is well implemented here: there is both face recognition and a fingerprint scanner. Hidden inside is a nimble eight-core 1.6 GHz processor, but overall the equipment is not impressive. The built-in memory is only 16 GB (of which no more than 10 GB is available), the operative memory is 3 GB. For AR (virtual reality) engineering mode, this is not always enough.

Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2 in the case looks brutal and stylish, fits well in the hand, but it is very difficult to distinguish the second generation from the first. This solution provided several advantages. For example, all accessories and components from the old device will fit the new one without any problems. Including a removable battery, the capacity of which has not changed – 4450 mAh. In active Internet surfing mode, the tablet will work for at least 9 hours.

The gadget earned the first place in the rating, but buying the Galaxy Tab Active 2 for entertainment is impractical, since the tablet costs a lot, and for this money you can find a model much more powerful. It is designed for special use in harsh conditions and does the job perfectly.

Advantages

• dust and moisture protection according to IP68 standard;
• shock protection;
• 'masculine' design;
• case and stylus included;
• compatibility with accessories and components from previous generations;
• good biometric authentication;
• convenience of working with AR;
• eight-core processor;
• improved Pogo Pin connectors.

disadvantages

• high price;
• not impressive 'filling';
• screen resolution.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 SM-T719 LTE ​​32Gb

Rating: 4.9

Introduced in July 2015, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 was at that time the thinnest in the world at just 5.6 mm. Subsequently, he lost the lead, but still looks impressively compact, and therefore got into the rating. The thickness is reflected in the weight (267 grams) – the gadget is hardly felt in a bag or pocket. Externally, the tablet looks like a large smartphone – there are even speakers for phone calls.

The main advantage of the Galaxy Tab S2 tablet and the main reason for its presence in the ranking is the magnificent display made with Super technology AMOLED. Resolution – 2048×1536, dot density – 326 ppi, aspect ratio – 4: 3, five color profiles to choose from. The result is a clear, bright, contrasting picture. The 'stuffing' of the tablet is a proprietary Samsung Exynos 5433 processor (8 cores, 1.9 GHz), 3 GB of RAM, 32 built-in and an LTE module. This is quite enough for watching multimedia content in high quality, launching most modern mobile games, and comfortable surfing the net. You can expand the internal storage with microSD cards up to 128 GB or OneDrive cloud service (up to 100 GB).

There is no reason to hope for high-quality pictures, which is typical for almost all tablets in the rating. But the front-facing 2.1 megapixel camera is enough for video calls and selfies. The main one (8 megapixel sensor) has no flash. The main disappointment was the battery life. To achieve the record thickness, we had to use a 4000 mAh battery, which, for example, lasts only 3-4 hours of gaming.

Advantages

• lightness (267 grams);
• Slim body (5.6mm)
• bright and clear screen (Super AMOLED);
• high-quality assembly, premium appearance;
• great sound;
• acceptable performance.

disadvantages

• weak battery;
• average image quality;
• no flash.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 SM-T385 16Gb

Rating: 4.8

A mid-range tablet that does not claim to be in the first places in the rating, but is able to cope with everyday tasks. In terms of display, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A is inferior in all respects to the Galaxy Tab S2 with the same diagonal. It's not Super AMOLED, 189 ppi dot density, no color rendition settings. But at the same time, the image is quite bright and contrasting, which fully corresponds to the middle segment. And also such a screen consumes much less energy.

The technical characteristics are very modest: a 4-core processor with a frequency of Snapdragon 425 up to 1.4 GHz, 2 GB of RAM, an Adreno 308 graphics accelerator. etc.), but the launch of modern games is possible only at low or medium settings. The same goes for demanding graphics programs. In addition, there is only 16 GB of internal memory (about 10 GB available), and you cannot install applications on a flash drive – OS prohibition.

In terms of design, Samsung tablets often mimic smartphones, and the Galaxy Tab A is no exception. But the gadget sits well in the hand, it has a nice-looking metal body. The cameras are better than those of the Galaxy Tab S2, which is in second place in the rating (8 Mp – main with flash, 5 Mp – front). There are plenty of professional shooting modes here, which pleases. Experts also note the stable operation of the GPS-receiver.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A is an excellent solution for those who do not need to load the device to the fullest. It is convenient to take on a trip thanks to its thin frames and a capacious battery (5000 mAh). A full charge is enough for 14 hours of HD video playback at maximum brightness.

Advantages

• high-quality screen for everyday use;
• LTE support;
• good cameras;
• high-end GPS receiver;
• comfortable ergonomics;
• metal case;
• nice design;
• the presence of a USB Type-C connector;
• capacious battery.

disadvantages

• lack of a fingerprint scanner;
• no button illumination under the display;
• small amount of internal memory;
• modest technical characteristics;
• poor equipment;
• overpriced compared to direct competitors.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A 7.0 SM-T280 8Gb

Rating: 4.7

The most compact representative of our rating. The main material is lightweight plastic. This not only affected the price, but also significantly reduced the weight of the device (only 283 grams). The capacitive IPS display with a resolution of 1280×800 does not cause delight, but it cannot be called bad either. The technical equipment is minimal: Spreadtrum SC7731 processor with four cores and a frequency of up to 1.4 GHz, 1.5 GB of RAM. But Samsung Galaxy Tab A 7.0 does not pretend to record performance indicators – its task is completely different.

For the super-economy class, the tablet generates good pictures, but the video is very low quality. Thanks to the App2SD technology, there is no problem here, typical of the previous rating representative – the inability to install applications on microSD. In this case, the card will be required, since the built-in memory in the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 7.0 is only 8 GB, half of which is occupied by the system.

We recommend the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 7.0 tablet for those who need only basic, undemanding functionality. It is convenient to view documents, personal photos, videos, make calls and use the Internet on it. And thanks to the child mode and built-in educational programs, the device will become an interesting and useful gift for a child.

Advantages

• compact dimensions;
• lightness (283 grams);
• 'moderate' technical characteristics;
• good pictures for their class;
• excellent build quality;
• nice display;
• the presence of a children's regime;
• price.

disadvantages

• low quality of filmed videos;
• weak processor;
• the minimum amount of built-in and RAM;
• lack of automatic brightness control;

Best Samsung tablets with large display (up to 10.5 inches)

Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 10.5 SM-T835 64Gb

Rating: 4.9

Galaxy Tab S4 is the top model, the flagship tablet of Samsung and the leader of the current rating. According to the manufacturer, this gadget is aimed at business users who would like to devote their free time to multimedia entertainment. High-end 10.5-inch Super AMOLED display (2560×1600 resolution), 4GB RAM, Snapdragon 835 octa-core processor, Adreno 540 graphics accelerator, 64GB internal memory (expandable up to 400GB) – the equipment here is of the highest standard. Although it may seem strange to some that the flagship tablet uses the 835 processor series, and not the 845. But its resource today is more than enough to solve all tasks.

Other features of this Samsung model include decent cameras (13MP and 8MP), an LTE module, an excellent battery (7300 mAh with fast charging function). The tablet has 4 loud AKG speakers with Dolby Atmos option for surround sound at once. A well-developed navigation and positioning system (GPS, GLONASS, BDS, Galileo are supported). The representative of the top of the rating still had minor drawbacks. We highlight the glass back surface, which quickly becomes covered with fingerprints and minor scratches (not essential with a case). Also, there is no protection against moisture and dust.

It is worth returning to the fact that Samsung is positioning the tablet as a gadget for business users. And all thanks to the DeX mode, which simply has no analogues. When activated, the tablet turns into a full-fledged laptop (but you need a keyboard, and you can use the included S Pen stylus as a mouse). The location and functionality in this mode is very similar Windows, so you don't have to get used to it for a long time. Useful office software is included.

Advantages

• large, bright, crisp Super screen AMOLED;
• high performance;
• built-in DeX mode;
• stylus included;
• LTE support;
• high-quality sound, many additional effects;
• excellent indicators of autonomy;
• comfortable dimensions;
• large amount of internal memory and the ability to expand with microSD cards;
• the latest operating system.

disadvantages

• easily soiled rear glass, which is quickly covered with scratches;
• lack of protection against moisture and dust;
• the price is not for everyone.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 9.7 SM-T825 LTE 32Gb

Rating: 4.8

If the S4 model seems too expensive for you, then there is a great alternative – the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 tablet. The silver medalist of the rating is less (9.7 inches diagonal), is not endowed with an NFC module, has rather thick frames compared to flagships and buttons at the bottom, which many are already abandoning. But all these minor quibbles pale in comparison to the tablet's merits.

Like the S4, it has a Super AMOLED display, but the resolution is different – 2048×1536. A powerful processor (Snapdragon 820 with four cores up to 2.15GHz) and 4GB of RAM allow you to run any demanding application with high graphics settings. Users are offered 32GB of internal storage, but it is easily expandable up to 256GB via cards. Speakers from AKG with Dolby Atmos, 6000 mAh battery (fast charging), LTE module – it's all there. The S Pen stylus will help you to fully reveal the capabilities of the tablet.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 is a truly versatile tablet and one of the best in our ranking. Its capabilities are more than enough to solve everyday household or office tasks, but gamers will definitely not be bored either.

Advantages

• excellent display, natural color rendering;
• good performance for everyday tasks and entertainment;
• capacious battery;
• fast charging capability;
• high-tech stylus S Pen; gro
• small speakers (4 pieces);
• LTE support.

disadvantages

• easily soiled and impractical back surface;
• lack of NFC;
• thick display bezel.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 SM-T819 LTE ​​32Gb

Rating: 4.8

The tablet often has to be used on the go, so its dimensions play an important role. If you feel the same way, the 9.7-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 is perfect. Its thickness is only 5.6 mm (like the 8-inch version we reviewed above) and weighs 386 grams. A significant difference compared to the 'older brothers' – S3 and S4.

The display of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 is the same as the second place in the rating – Super AMOLED with a resolution of 2048×1536. At the same time, the processor is weaker (8-core Snapdragon 652, up to 1.8 GHz) and less RAM (3 GB) – some 'heavy' games and programs will have to be run at medium or low graphics settings. A 5870 mAh battery is responsible for the power supply, which is quite enough even with such a thin case (the gadget will last for 8 hours of active work at maximum brightness).

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 earned a Bronze rating for its premium looks and still-relevant technical capabilities. At the same time, buyers have a difficult choice: to save now and buy S2, which will soon be unable to cope with the latest applications, or still overpay for S3, but provide themselves with a high-performance device for several years at once.

Advantages

• high-quality assembly, materials pleasant to the touch;
• high-end screen;
• long-term work offline;
• compact and ergonomic body;
• lightness (386 grams);
• thinness of the tablet (5.6 mm);
• LTE support;

disadvantages

• no flash;
• no NFC module and no FM radio;
• there is no fast charging function;

Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T595 32Gb

Rating: 4.7

Presented to the public in 2018, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 tablet could well have been in the third line of the rating, but it was inferior to S2. One of the reasons is the display, which is not made using Super technology AMOLED (here an IPS-matrix is ​​used, the resolution is 1920×1200 with a diagonal of 10.5 inches). Also, the processor is slightly weaker – Snapdragon 450. It is inferior to Snapdragon 652 in terms of the speed of RAM and the number of channels. Also, the 450 series does not have big.LITTLE technology. By the amount of RAM and built-in memory, we note the similarity – 3 and 32 GB, respectively.

At the same time, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 looks modern – without wide frames and buttons on the bottom. The back panel is made of aluminum. This added strength to the case, but many will find the tablet heavy (534 grams) and not as mobile as the S2. The experts note good sound coming from 4 speakers, an optimized operating system Android 8.1 Oreo and an excellent 7300mAh battery. In terms of autonomy, the Tab A surpasses even the flagship S4 tablet from the first place in the rating (about 15 hours of video viewing).

The aluminum Samsung Galaxy Tab A is cheaper than the ultra-thin S2. But when you consider the separate purchase of the S Pen, which the Model A does not come with, the difference does not seem so big.

Advantages

• large and bright screen with thin bezels and no buttons at the bottom;
• two pairs of speakers with surround sound support;
• powerful battery with fast charging technology; under
• holder for micro SD cards up to 400 GB;
• the presence of a children's regime;
• face recognition;
• good price-performance ratio;
• LTE support;
• new operating system;
• aluminium case.

disadvantages

• no fingerprint scanner;
• low quality of shooting;
• the amount of RAM and the processor does not allow running resource-demanding games and applications;
• heavy weight (534 grams).

Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6 SM-T561 8Gb

Rating: 4.5

The most affordable tablet ranking. The Samsung Galaxy Tab E line belongs to the budget and is equipped only with the necessary. Specifically, we included the 9.6 SM-T561 modification in the TOP thanks to the large 9.6-inch screen and the ability to connect to the mobile Internet (but there is no 4G support – only 3G). Despite belonging to the economy class, the tablet looks pretty. In particular, the back surface is embossed, which does not leave finger marks and scratches are not so noticeable.

A TFT display with a resolution of 1280×800 is installed here. Of course, it should not be compared with IPS and especially Super AMOLED, but the picture quality is quite acceptable. The tablet is powered by a 1.3 GHz quad-core processor, 1.5 GB of RAM and 8 GB of built-in memory. Average characteristics, designed for viewing photos and videos, editing documents, launching simple applications. Bonus: the Hancom Office suite is pre-installed on the Samsung gadget. The battery capacity is 5000mAh. This is a good indicator, especially for a tablet that is not geared towards running 'heavy' games. True, users note a long charging of the device up to 100%.

Samsung Galaxy Tab E was included in our rating because it is ideal for schoolchildren, students, young children (there is a special children's mode). It is designed for comfortable working with documents and solving simple multimedia tasks.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• large screen for a budget class;
• good indicators of ergonomics;
• stylish design;
• high-quality assembled and fitted body;
• capacious battery;
• support for memory cards up to 128 GB.

disadvantages

• poor performance (not for gamers);
• no LTE support;
• long charging;
• little internal memory.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.