Samsung flagship Galaxy Tab S4 tablet brings more desktop-like performance and improved design

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

There's a surge in interest for productivity-focused 10-inch tablets. We have the Apple iPad Pro, Microsoft's upcoming Surface Go 2-in-1 and now Samsung has released the Galaxy Tab S4 which features a 10.5-inch display with Super AMOLED technology, as well as a 16:10 screen ratio with 2560x1600, 287 pixels per inch (PPI).

This tablet, which will cost around CAD $800 with the SPen, runs Android with the TouchWiz overlay but can be used with an optional keyboard cover which brings for the DeX interface which better approximates a desktop PC. You can even add a mouse via Bluetooth for a more complete desktop experience. Hit jump for some first impressions.

First impressions

The Galaxy Tab S4 is every bit the premium tablet one would expect from Samsung. The front and rear are glass with a sliver of aluminum for the ports, buttons and connectors. The display is super vivid and saturated. It is ideal for consuming video. I watched bits of Suicide Squad and Batman Vs. Superman, two movies that are dark and moody, yet the picture quality was superb and ultra detailed thanks to the Super AMOLED display.

The keyboard accessory is well built and the keyboard keys are better than some laptops out there. There's a receptacel for the SPen and the whole kit folds nicely for carrying. Samsung also offers an optional charging dock which turns the tablet into a neat display.

While the hardware, build, and premium quality are beyond reproach. One wonders about the viability of Android, in any form, as a tablet OS. Most of the apps are still blow-up smartphone apps that don't take advantage of the tablet's form factor.

Android tablets are a strange segment because the market is littered with cheap devices that it seems no one is buying. Samsung's going after the high-end, the productivity and creative markets and yes, the Tab S4 looks and feels the part.

So far, it's been an outstanding device to watch Netflix, look at Instagram feeds as well as surf the web. Galaxy Tab S4 also has a whopping 7,300mAh, Fast Charging battery that promises 16 hours of video playback.  Stay tuned for our full review of this intriguing new flagship tablet.