Unlocked GSM tablet recommendation with Samsung S-pen like functionality? - Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Questions & Answers

I'm looking for a tablet that can take handwritten notes, draw, annotate ebooks, etc. Ideally 8"+ since anything smaller is difficult to hand write on.
I'm not sure if Samsung is the *only* manufacturer that has S-pen technology? Are there other tablets that also have excellent handwriting capabilities? The S-pen seems to also have been around for quite some time, so an older Samsung tablet might work?
I also need the tablet to be unlockable, rootable, and can take SIM cards for international travel. There have been many times my old 2013 Nexus 7 has saved the day with its SIM card capabilities when my primary phone has died.
I'm really lost when it comes to all the different versions and variants of the Tab series of tablets. Which models should I be considering if I want to have a tablet that can be used around the world on GSM with good handwriting functionality? The Tab S3 is too expensive at $800.
Maybe the Tab A 10.1 P585M? Or the Note SM-P607T?

Related

[Q] Selling my Galaxy Tab 7.7 for a Galaxy Note

I am selling my Galaxy Tab 7.7.
1. Its a little too big to fit nicely in my pockets (that extra .7 was the difference as the original Tab 7 fit better.
2. There is very little development going on for the 7.7
3. I have the international version bought off of Negri that does not have an IR blaster. This was actually a big selling point for me as I have a smart home system that is compatible with this.
I am going to switch to the Galaxy Note.
1. It will fit nicely in my pocket.
2. There are already several ICS Roms available for it.
3. No IR Blaster :-(
My question is how much is the International 7.7 selling for? More importantly what carriers is it compatible with? That is the most important question which carriers can use the 7.7 that I bought off of Negri?
You want some galaxy Note? Where do you live? Country?
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That's funny. I just bought a new 7.7 to go along WITH my Note. I love them both. I guess I'm just a sucker for AMOLED displays.
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I also have both, and if someone made me choose I'd lean towards keeping the Note over the 7.7. But, that's mainly because I have a new iPad at home.
Me too, i also have New ipad, Note and Thema 7.7
The only thing i found **** is The horryble scrolling in Facebook and dolphin Browser:-(
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The Galaxy Note is perfect for those people who just want or can only afford one device. The combination of the large high resolution screen and S-Pen allows it to work well as Tablet and it is portable enough to be used as a mobile phone. If I had to choose between the Note and 7.7 for my only device then I would get the Note.
I bought both and returned the note
This topic caught my eye as just today I returned the note after using it only for a week. I have had the galaxy tab 7.7 for 2 months now. I have the galaxy nexus as my phone.
The reason I decided to purchase the galaxy note:
1) Note taking
2) More portable yet bigger screen than most phones
What I liked during my trial:
1) Ability to write out my notes in the pen memo app
2) More portable than any other tablet
3) Display was quite good (yet not without fault, see below).
4) It was super fast in use. Apps seemed to install and launch much faster than any android device I have ever owned. The browser was silky smooth (apparently stick browser was optimized by samsung). No stutter or lag anywhere. Even with the same CPU, GPU and RAM specs galaxy tab 7.7 feels slower by a bit for the same tasks (due to honeycomb).
The reason I decided to return the galaxy note:
1) Black wallpaper when viewed in dark shows grey banding. This ruins the perception of the Super AMOLED display which is supposed to especially shine for black color due to infinite contrast. This has been widely reported. However I won't say that just this reason should sway you away from it, as the display otherwise is on par with the galaxy tab 7.7 although slightly less bright.
Galaxy tab 7.7 doesn't have this issue.
2) Galaxy note screen is big but not that much bigger than my galaxy nexus screen (5.3" vs. 4.65"). Screen feels small when compared to other tablets. Can't install tablet format of apps, so that negates the slightly larger screen.(There are ROMs available to make it act like a tablet, but you end up with faulty pen support and really small icons).
3) The micro-SD card slot access requires you to take out the battery. Galaxy tab 7.7 has an exposed slot which is very convenient.
I used galaxy note as a tablet (no SIM card) and decided that it didn't offer much beyond what my galaxy nexus already did screen space and app-wise although the pen functionality was extremely appealing. The smoothness and maturity of ICS was lacking and I didn't want to even risk losing the pen functionality by installing some custom ROMs.
Hope this helps with your decision.
burhanistan said:
I also have both, and if someone made me choose I'd lean towards keeping the Note over the 7.7. But, that's mainly because I have a new iPad at home.
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Click to collapse
I have an iPad as well which is my primary tablet. The Note is going to be my primary phone.
I've had both the 7.7 and Note (both International versions before their US counterparts were released).
I long for the day Samsung and VZW reach a deal on the Note or Note2.
I used straight talk for my Int'l Note and it was good, but I missed 4G speeds.
The thing I find with all my devices is I like development. I really should learn how b/c if a device doesn't have development I get bored quickly.
My razr is amazing so far even with it's locked bootloaders, but OMG the dev work on the Note is second to none it seems. (At least for the international version).
The Note, the longer I haven't had it the more I miss it. It was speedy, great support/development, and could double up as both a phone and tablet.
The 7.7 I haven't missed one bit since I sold it. It was a 6810 (wi-fi) and virtually no development going on at all for the 7.7, especially the wi-fi version. Secondly, it just didn't impress me the way the original Galaxy Tab or 10.1 did. <<<I contribute a lot of that to lack of development and being stuck with stock crappy honeycomb.
OP, I think you will be much happier with the Note than the 7.7, but that's just my opinion. I really miss mine but I just can't bring myself to give up two grandfathered unlimited data plans on VZW.
UPDATE: Verizon will be discontinuing the unlimitted plan for all
got556 said:
I've had both the 7.7 and Note (both International versions before their US counterparts were released).
I long for the day Samsung and VZW reach a deal on the Note or Note2.
I used straight talk for my Int'l Note and it was good, but I missed 4G speeds.
The thing I find with all my devices is I like development. I really should learn how b/c if a device doesn't have development I get bored quickly.
My razr is amazing so far even with it's locked bootloaders, but OMG the dev work on the Note is second to none it seems. (At least for the international version).
The Note, the longer I haven't had it the more I miss it. It was speedy, great support/development, and could double up as both a phone and tablet.
The 7.7 I haven't missed one bit since I sold it. It was a 6810 (wi-fi) and virtually no development going on at all for the 7.7, especially the wi-fi version. Secondly, it just didn't impress me the way the original Galaxy Tab or 10.1 did. <<<I contribute a lot of that to lack of development and being stuck with stock crappy honeycomb.
OP, I think you will be much happier with the Note than the 7.7, but that's just my opinion. I really miss mine but I just can't bring myself to give up two grandfathered unlimited data plans on VZW.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess this news will change your plans:
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/17/verizon-clarifies-shared-data-plans/
Verzion will be cancelling the grandfathered unlimitted plans. The only way you will b e ablet to keep it is if you pay full price for all your phone upgrades or stay with the phone you currently have.
I have your same exact problem!!!
Galaxy tab 7 fits in back pockets while 7.7 dont... but i just think im not putting that in my pockets... that tab is really good! I love it.

OPINION: Galaxy Note 10.1 AND Galaxy Note?

Just got a Galaxy SIII as an upgrade and sold it on Amazon (only online for 30 mins) so I've got £450 sitting in the bank waiting for the Galaxy Note 10.1 to ship.
Do I keep my "Baby" note as a phone and run it alongside the 10.1 or downgrade to a Nexus S or similar?
The Note 10.1 has both the features I value most on the baby Note: S-Pen and big screen.
What would you do?
I plan on getting the note 10 next to the note 5
I think that both Notes are different devices. Having both beats the purpose. The original Note fits both phone and tablet worlds. The new 10" Note will not work as good as a phone.
In other words, both devices are for different market niches.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk
I'm planning on having both as I use it heavily for work, especially note taking. I will probably use the 10" one in the Office and the 5" for when I travel to different locations.
Any idea when Sammy are going to release the damn thing?
HasC said:
I'm planning on having both as I use it heavily for work, especially note taking. I will probably use the 10" one in the Office and the 5" for when I travel to different locations.
Any idea when Sammy are going to release the damn thing?
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Click to collapse
If you have a pc / laptop in the office you won't need a tablet, just my opinion.
Ok, i have a 10" tablet (before the note came) and i have a note. I take a lot of notes and work with plenty of docs. I must say that when i'm on the move i use my note for everything but when i'm at work or home i use my laptop. No need for a tablet... Untill now the tablet is "resting" in the hands of my wife and daughter since i don't need it for now.
Just to make life simpler: when i'm working at home or work i have my note plugged in and use the things i wrote before. No problems here.
Hope that it helps you in making a decision, 450$ in the bank is always welcome for a rainy day..........
becosemsaida
becosemsaida said:
If you have a pc / laptop in the office you won't need a tablet, just my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That maybe true for some, I tend to make a lot of handwritten notes as I feel more comfortable this way. The note taking is just one of my main uses however, when I am at home I like to use a tablet for browsing etc especially when lying in bed, it's more comfortable than using a laptop and the battery lasts a lot longer.
I also read a lot of PDF documents that I annotate, for this I would prefer the larger display and the s pen. I am currently using the Asus transformer for this but a friend of mine will be buying this off me when I get the 10.1 note so hopefully won't be paying the full whack for it.
The attraction for me is all that space to write notes and see a page full at a glance without scrolling around. I've been using Lecture Notes for a week or so and it's perfect for my needs if only the screen were bigger. I wouldn't type on a laptop in a customer meeting as it would be inappropriate but writing on a screen is unobtrusive and feels natural.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA
Having purchased 7 different tablets and 3 different phones in the last year, I can say that the note is the perfect device. I do still have a 10 inch tablet but rarely use it now.
The note is a great phone and a great everyday tablet. I tried lugging around a 7 inch tablet, but the reality is that it is still too cumbersome.
You should find a tablet you like and stick with the note imo.
You won't find a device this portable and powerful.
The only other device that makes sense is the padfone.
Good luck.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA
Both. I love my current Note as a phone.
I often use my Tab 10.1 when I want a tablet - the Note 10.1 is the first device with the potential for making me want to ditch it.
Is a separate cell necessary?
Would it be possible to use a bluetooth-enabled headset with the Note 10.1 to make calls? In other words, do you really have to have a separate cell device? Does any major carrier support cell service on a pad?
I know the Note 10.1 isn't near as portable as a cell phone, but, I rarely go anywhere without a bag, and I really like the idea of having a device like the note easily available. It seems a bit redundant to have both the pad and the phone (especially for the cost).
theMountinman said:
Would it be possible to use a bluetooth-enabled headset with the Note 10.1 to make calls? In other words, do you really have to have a separate cell device? Does any major carrier support cell service on a pad?
I know the Note 10.1 isn't near as portable as a cell phone, but, I rarely go anywhere without a bag, and I really like the idea of having a device like the note easily available. It seems a bit redundant to have both the pad and the phone (especially for the cost).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't imagine carrying a 10" tablet everywhere. The idea of the Asus Padfone sounds good but it seems from recent reviews that it's not that good in it's initial offering.
A pad is smaller than a laptop...
sparkyxda said:
Can't imagine carrying a 10" tablet everywhere. The idea of the Asus Padfone sounds good but it seems from recent reviews that it's not that good in it's initial offering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should see my kids. They carry their laptops everywhere they go.
The Note 10.1 is going to be absolutely brilliant with the pen. Even the 5.3 Note is not bad and some of the new feature like Formula Match are really nifty. Imagine all that on a 10.1 device. I hope Samsung pushes the software hard and makes paid versions of their S-Memo and S-Note apps with more features while still keeping pre-installed free versions. I think there is a huge potential for domain-specific apps with pen-support for maths, photo-editing, diagrams etc.
Despite all this I will probably hold out for Windows 8 convertible tablets. What I really want is something like the Samsung Hybrid, recently announced at Computex, which works as a regular Windows laptop and also a removable tablet with pen support. This could be the machine I have been dreaming about for years.
Depends on your needs. I hate carrying two devices with me so my Note is a phone and a tablet for me. But if you have no problem with carrying 10" device with you, then get a smaller phone, you probably won't need 5,3" screen when you have 10" one right beside.
You shoud be able to do this as long as Note 10.1 enables this function, it's not related to the carrier. Take the HTC Flyer as an example, HTC seals its function as a phone, but developers bring this function back in the custom ROM.
theMountinman said:
Would it be possible to use a bluetooth-enabled headset with the Note 10.1 to make calls? In other words, do you really have to have a separate cell device? Does any major carrier support cell service on a pad?
I know the Note 10.1 isn't near as portable as a cell phone, but, I rarely go anywhere without a bag, and I really like the idea of having a device like the note easily available. It seems a bit redundant to have both the pad and the phone (especially for the cost).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would probably switch the baby note for an S3, the main reason i got the note was to be able to read ebooks on confortable screen, having 10.1 would cover that aspect, so i could get back to using my smartphone confortably with only one hand
I'm going to wait for the Windows 8 Tablets. Samsung already do the Slate, but with Win 7.
Something similar, but lower cost and maybe 10.1 inch would suite me. Having Office etc. make it better for work and I still have Note for when on the move.
It does depend on how good and how expensive the Windows 8 Tablets are, when they start coming out...
Zuber
I think a win8 pro tablet with stylus and Onenote is simply too much for the note 10.1, and the possibility of launching desktop programs like ansys and catia is a deal breaker for me ( engineer student)
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I was very tempted by the Note 10, and by the Asus Zenbook, but now that the Surface has surfaced I think it's a clear winner.
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A bit premature, don't you think?
While the Surface does present an impressive array of features, I reserve final judgement until I see the price.

Note 10.1 2014 Edition vs Galaxy Tab Pro 10.1

I picked a 32GB Note 10.1 2014 Edition. Picked it up because I used to have the original note. I wasn't sure if I should have purchased the tab pro instead.
So you guys have an opinion?
I like the s pen but I don't need it.
Thanks guys
Tab Pro is newer
S-Pen is critical when I need to use it
I see SS will use Super Amoled on new Tab/NotePro line up in late 2014
It's almost the same tablet, same SoC, screen and (almost) the same body. The only hardware difference I found was whether or not the S-Pen is included.
All about the S-pen
If you like handwriting recognition, then you need the note. If you never use the S-pen, then what is the point? Individual decision based on useage case mate.
le0.br4zuc4 said:
I picked a 32GB Note 10.1 2014 Edition. Picked it up because I used to have the original note. I wasn't sure if I should have purchased the tab pro instead.
So you guys have an opinion?
I like the s pen but I don't need it.
Thanks guys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Note10.1Dude said:
If you like handwriting recognition, then you need the note. If you never use the S-pen, then what is the point? Individual decision based on useage case mate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've played with a couple of N12's and after the 4.4 update the N10.1-14 is faster. M-UX apparently uses a boat load of resources. When M-UX was first announced I was excited because it appeared to be thorough enough to be an alternate UI. It ended up being My Magazine de-constructed and on steroids and takes up a mandatory home page. For those that appeals to it's a potential plus. I'm glad we didn't get it because I like how my home pages are laid out. Don't forget the Tab Pro 10 only has 2GB of RAM. That may or may not be a big deal depending on how much RAM the active digitizer and S Pen/Note use. Speaking of the display it's not the same as ours because it's a standard conductive display. I have no idea what that translates in to performance wise. One benefit the Tab Pro 10 has is that it's newer and shares s/w with the other Pros. For all we know 4.4 may be our last update.

New Galaxy tab s better than note 10.1 2014?

i was wondering if we leave alone the s pen feature , whether the newly launched galaxy tab s be a better option than the note 10.1 2014. ? in terms of screen , battery , performance etc.
I always prefer SuperAMOLED screen. (oversaturate color)
I think next Note Pro series will use SuperAMOLED display soon.
(CPU /RAM / GPU / Battery may be not much different) :silly:
rkoforever90 said:
i was wondering if we leave alone the s pen feature
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
People who "leave alone" S Pen probably shouldn't have bought a Note-series in the first place.
Whether the newly launched galaxy tab s be a better option than the note 10.1 2014?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As a consumption device? Yes. Its display alone makes it a better consumption device. As a productivity device? Highly doubtful because of the many S Pen-related features unique to the Note-series. It comes with a pretty cool keyboard accessory which will be intriguing to people but also (as of now) only comes in a 16GB version which is a fail with 4.4's external SD card limitations (for the unrooted).
screen , battery, performance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Tab S' aren't using S-801 (like the SGS5 they're patterned after) so it's highly likely their using the same h/w all Samsung's tablets starting with the N10.1-14 are using which mean S-800/Exynos 5420 (with HMP disabled) .That means outside whatever the display impacts it'll perform exactly the same as our device and the Pro's. Energy usage wise, AMOLED does better on blacks and LCD does better on whites. Our battery is larger at 8,220mAh vs. the Tab S' at 7,900mAh. For people that watch a lot of video the Tab S should last longer than the N10.1-14 with the opposite occuring on web browsing.
As for dimensions the Tab S is thinner and lighter. It's also bigger but you get a 1/2 inch more display area in the process. It has a lower PPI but it may not be PenTile so we'll have to see after it's reviewed how, outside being AMOLED, it holds up in comparison. I have a N3 and am constantly bouncing back-and-forth between its AMOLED display and my N10.1-14's LCD display. I'm fine with either.
Is it worth moving from a N10.1-14 to a Tab S? I guess that's an individual determination. I'd never give up S Pen so I have no interest in it. The 16GB limitation is also a turn-off. I do like everything else about it but wouldn't pay the difference on what I'd be able to sell my N10.1-14 for against it's purchase price for the display and other new features. To each their own.
Best Buy claims to have an exclusive 32gb edition for pre-order...
Samsung - Galaxy Tab S 10.5 - 32GB
I love my Note tablet and rarely use the pen!
Spec wise its a top android tablet, that you can also write on
...Although I do want to check this new out.
rkoforever90 said:
i was wondering if we leave alone the s pen feature , whether the newly launched galaxy tab s be a better option than the note 10.1 2014. ? in terms of screen , battery , performance etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well leaving out the S-pen seems to make the question of "which is better" kind of an obvious answer. But regardless if you already own the N10.1 it's definitely not worth the upgrade. The specs are superior, but ever so slightly. And seriously what is with Samsung releasing a new line of tablets like every goddamn month? Weren't the Tab PROs supposed the be the flagship tablets of he first half of 2014? Now we have a summer line of flagships in the "S" line before we get the new Notes in the Fall? Not to mention the plethora of budget tablets they have too. This is starting to get ridiculous. Speaking of the Note though, that's the one you'll want to wait for if you're considering upgrading IMO. The next Note 4 phablet is rumored to have beastly specs (including the snapdragon 805) and since the Note version of the tablets are basically blown up versions of the phone, you can expect similar specs on those too.
If it's for a 2.7ghz SD805, 3-4gigs of RAM, a SuperAMOLED (possibly 4k?) display, and the small things like the charging port on the side, and the micro USB 3.0 port that our 2014 version is stupidly missing then it's worth the upgrade I guess.
Do we detect...
Sent via my Note 8
rkoforever90 said:
i was wondering if we leave alone the s pen feature , whether the newly launched galaxy tab s be a better option than the note 10.1 2014. ? in terms of screen , battery , performance etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
S-pen is the reason we bought Notes. Otherwise the Tab Pro would have been the way to go, and the S is just a slicker version of that with a better screen.
BarryH_GEG said:
People who "leave alone" S Pen probably shouldn't have bought a Note-series in the first place.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welllll ... that, like so many other things, is answered by "it depends".
I bought the OG Note 10.1 (N8000) grey-market 'cause of the features: AT&T-capable 3G WAN, 4 Exynos cores, 2GB RAM, Micro-SD expansion and a bright, 10" screen; in my case to get those features (that nobody else had at the time on any tablet easy to get in the US) I also got this "S-Pen" thing- which I used once or twice when I bought to try out, and never used it again.
So now comes the 2014 version, with a faster Snapdragon CPU, 3GB RAM, LTE on nearly every US carrier's band, 32GB of internal storage and expandable storage- couple that with T-Mobile US giving it to me for $0 down and 0% financing and a discount on data, and it was again a great deal for me- except this time I don't think I've even pulled the S-Pen out once
But I do know people with OG Note 10.1s that use their S-Pens quite often, even as an extension of their touch finger.
kcrudup said:
Welllll ... that, like so many other things, is answered by "it depends".
I bought the OG Note 10.1 (N8000) grey-market 'cause of the features: AT&T-capable 3G WAN, 4 Exynos cores, 2GB RAM, Micro-SD expansion and a bright, 10" screen; in my case to get those features (that nobody else had at the time on any tablet easy to get in the US) I also got this "S-Pen" thing- which I used once or twice when I bought to try out, and never used it again.
So now comes the 2014 version, with a faster Snapdragon CPU, 3GB RAM, LTE on nearly every US carrier's band, 32GB of internal storage and expandable storage- couple that with T-Mobile US giving it to me for $0 down and 0% financing and a discount on data, and it was again a great deal for me- except this time I don't think I've even pulled the S-Pen out once
But I do know people with OG Note 10.1s that use their S-Pens quite often, even as an extension of their touch finger.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those are great niche examples where other features drove the decision. I'm getting a SM-P605M the next time I'm in Latin America to replace my 3G N10.1-14 so I can get LTE data and the phone features you gave up when you got a carrier N10.1-14. Just goes to show everyone has different needs and priorities.
The subject of this thread is about choosing between the Tab S and N10.1-14. For those without unique needs (like ours) and who have no need for S Pen it's pretty much a no brainer decision. It's only a matter of time before the U.S. carriers start selling the LTE version(s) so, without the dialer, folks wanting LTE without S Pen will have the same no brainer decision.
Once you start to use S-Pen and its very hard to change others devices without S-Pen. Even I rarely use S-Pen, but still I want a device with it and it can be very handy whenever I need it. :victory:
BarryH_GEG said:
... so I can get LTE data and the phone features you gave up when you got a carrier N10.1-14 .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can see where that could be a deal-breaker for some, but I ended up going from Straight Talk for my OG Note's service (which has talk and text) to an AT&T iPad data-only plan; while it was good to know that I had the ability to make calls, I just never used it (even when abroad- all my handsets are unlocked, and I'd just used those).
But I have hope that someone's going to find a way to allow the bootloader to modem down/side-grade the flash, then I'm all good, mostly so's I can say I have the feature, even if I don't use it
kcrudup said:
But I have hope that someone's going to find a way to allow the bootloader to modem down/side-grade the flash, then
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No one could figure it out on previous gen 3/4G G-Tabs with unlocked bootloaders so it's a long shot.
I'm all good, mostly so's I can say I have the feature, even if I don't use it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a 3G N10.1-12 too and am kind of hooked. Not that most here will care but here's some benefits I've found...
Talk time is like a month. I use my N10.1-14 for all my multi-hour conference calls just for battery security and to keep my phone alive for other routine calls.
It's great being able to have the phone function and S Note on one device when you're in a call. You don't have to fumble around with different devices to mute or conference other's in. In Pen Window the dialer can be made a pinhead so it's always available quickly.
Action memo works the same way it does on my N3 and the extra screen area of the N10.1-14 makes it more useful.
MMS is great with a keyboard and mouse; especially when setting up and sending group messages.
This stuff doesn't work without MMS and the dialer...

Did anybody switch to MediaPad from Galaxy Tab S?

I've been using a Galaxy Tab S 8.4 for a couple of years and I've been mostly happy with it. My tab has developed hardware problems and now crashes a lot. I'm thinking of switching to a different 8" pad with more recent firmware. Did anybody switch from a Tab S to an M3? Can you tell me the pros and cons off the M3 compared to the Tab S?
The Galaxy Tab S is the best tablet I've ever had. The only cons that I had with it is that the Exynos chip, unless you got the better Snapdragon variant. What largely disappointed me with the M3 is how the screen was calibrated, this is a bit subjective but I prefer the look of the basic mode on the Galaxy Tab S. If you've been in the adaptive mode then I doubt you'll dislike how the display looks. The M3 has bit of heft on weight in comparison to the Galaxy Tab S. The OS is purely disappointing and the DPI isn't similar to a tablet, so the UI of the M3 looks like it's a big phone. GPU performance isn't that big of a leap. What's really great on the M3 is its speaker. It's an absolute bliss listening to it. Also, build quality is a lot premium than the Galaxy Tab S. In my opinion the only route you'll have is to purchase the expensive Galaxy Tab S3 or a cheaper 1080p tablet from Lenovo, the Lenovo Tab 4 8 plus which has a snapdragon 625. You probably have the same dilemma as mine, I was spoiled by the 16:10 aspect ratio of the Tab S that I couldn't purchase any tablet with a 4:3 aspect ratio or I could be wrong.
Thanks, that's just the kind of information I was looking for. You're right, I like the aspect ratio on the Tab S and I don't want to switch to a tablet with a 4:3 ratio. It's really a shame that tablets don't seem to get much attention and that there are so few to choose from. I couldn't get by without my tablet.
Guess I'll have to compromise one way or another.
I loved my Tab S and when it took a nose dive off the kitchen side I instantly went to buy the same model for two reasons. Firstly, tablets haven't evolved much in the past couple of years and I didn't like the ratio of the Tab S2 and S3. However, when I saw that the Tab S was still north of £200 and not far south for second hand I decided to research into something newer. Main requirement was the screen ratio of the Tab S
Agree with everything mentioned above but will also add that the bonus of the bulk is 3 days battery versus 1 day on the Tab S along with a premium feel.
Overall I am really happy with the M3. The Nougat update removes the over sized phone GUI and improves the feel of the tablet massively. That said if I'd bought the M3 as an upgrade to the Tab S if think I would have been disappointed as it's not a marked improvement but certainly didn't want to return it once I started playing. BTW if you leave it in phone mode Google Assistant apparently !!
Development is limited but the Firmware Finder app does a pretty good job of releasing beta firmware and providing tools to install them.
Got a decent screen protector, case (although, dodgy colour) and hard tip stylus if you need recommendations
Tough call. I'm still hoping I can get my Tab S working well again, but if I can't, I may give the M3 a try. Thanks for the suggestions. I may be back soon.
I never had a Tab S but i did and still have a Tab Pro 8.4. The M3 is a great replacement honestly. The screen is bright and responsive. The speakers are a huge upgrade. The new UI 5.0 is decent. I wish there was more development for linage or similar builds, but you can still root this tablet if you want. I currently don't have mine rooted, and only reason I would right now is to enable the 5mhz AC band in the US. Otherwise, the original build is fine. Compared to the Pro 8.4 the finger print access is huge and the overall speed of the tablet make it night and day. I was able to get the 64gb internal storage one on sale from Amazon for a little over $275 so feels like a huge value to me compared to similar samsungs. I would wish there was not only more development but more 3rd party cases and such. Otherwise it is an amazing tablet and the only real option in the 16:10 situation. The new tab pro 8 4 has been gimped for all us models with only 16gb and 2 gb of ram.
oh hey
I'm in a similar position - I've had my Tab S 8.4 since it launched 2014, and since the S2 came out as 4:3 I've been looking for a "better" tablet, and not been able to find one.
(Why do Samsung always do this - First Galaxy Note 16:10, everything else 16:9, first Galaxy Tab S 16:10, everything else 4:3, why, why, WHY)
Reading a lot of reviews and opinions on this M3 when the S3 came out, didn't leave me overly impressed. But it's nearly 2018 and there STILL isn't a better tablet (eye heart amoled), and this is the closest it comes if you want an 8.4 inch, 16:10 Tablet that takes SD cards. 32GB & 3GB RAM is starting to ware thin so I'm going to take the plunge. Wish me luck.
EDIT: Actually, scratch that. I'm used to (circa-2010) HTC and current Samsung forums full of roms and changes - there doesn't even seem to be any customs ROMs for this tablet? If we hit Jan 2019 and this is still the only option, then I'll go for this. I seriously hope not.
Samsung loads useless software you can't disable. Huawei is a much cleaner. I stay away from Samsung now. Had a galaxy tab pro, yes the big one. Samsung makes good hardware, just buy the package disabler on play store. I like the Huawei, I can hold in one hand & read easily.
I had and still have the Tab S, well my daughter and son-in-law use it now. Development on this tablet is the only negative that I see. That and I am not a fan of the UI, but I just load Nova and bam, best tablet ever. I used to Root and Rom all the time, but android mostly does everything I want now, and you can remove most of the programs you don't use anymore. I was waiting to see if Google was going to release and 7 or 8 inch tablet and they didn't so this is perfect for me. Powerful, good battery and fits in my back pocket when I head to Starbucks.
I originally bought the Tab S to use as a light-weight alternative to a laptop while traveling, but then I found that with the long battery life, I was using it every day. I'm traveling now, but I'm going to take the plunge and get an M3 when I'm back home.
woody1 said:
I originally bought the Tab S to use as a light-weight alternative to a laptop while traveling, but then I found that with the long battery life, I was using it every day. I'm traveling now, but I'm going to take the plunge and get an M3 when I'm back home.
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Do it do it!! BTW I wanted the LTE version but Amazon only had it from 3rd party resellers in Spain. Amazon Germany have it sold by Amazon and will ship to the UK (providing that's where you are based)
telsims said:
Do it do it!! BTW I wanted the LTE version but Amazon only had it from 3rd party resellers in Spain. Amazon Germany have it sold by Amazon and will ship to the UK (providing that's where you are based)
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No, I'm in the US. I'll have to see where I can buy it here.
woody1 said:
Tough call. I'm still hoping I can get my Tab S working well again, but if I can't, I may give the M3 a try. Thanks for the suggestions. I may be back soon.
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Seriousle, the M3 is the best tablet that I had. I also have the Samsung Tab S3 and the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2014. The M3 is much faster than the Tab S3, by a substantial margin. Both are excellent tablets, and the Tab S3 targets different uses and users but for sheer compatibility and speed, the MediaPad M3 cannot be beat.
I also have a Tab S 8.4 and I love it. But it's a 2 years old tablet and the battery capacity is not as good as the first times.
So my first choice is M3. But I also have a OnePlus 3. I don't want to carry 2 charger so I'm looking for a type-c tablet. M3's micro usb charging slot is the only negative thing for me.
I'm also looking for a tablet that will go for 2-3 years at least.
kamajikaciya said:
I also have a Tab S 8.4 and I love it. But it's a 2 years old tablet and the battery capacity is not as good as the first times.
So my first choice is M3. But I also have a OnePlus 3. I don't want to carry 2 charger so I'm looking for a type-c tablet. M3's micro usb charging slot is the only negative thing for me.
I'm also looking for a tablet that will go for 2-3 years at least.
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Can't you just use the same charger with a different cable? I use a dual USB charger that I use to charge multiple devices. I can charge either my Android devices or my wife's Apple stuff just using the appropriate cable.
Helllo !
My previous tablet was a tab S 8.4. Media pad M3 is much better but I only miss the amoled screen .
woody1 said:
Can't you just use the same charger with a different cable? I use a dual USB charger that I use to charge multiple devices. I can charge either my Android devices or my wife's Apple stuff just using the appropriate cable.
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I cannot use the Dash Charger (DS) with my Samsung TabS 8.4
I tried many different cables but DS do not charge it. I'm not sure if I'll be able to charge any other devices with DS bye th way.
My main reason for switching away from the Tab S 8.4 was the internal storage. Since it was upgraded to Marshmallow, updating apps became a pain because of the low space. Apart from the faster CPU, I thought the S2 & S3's were more of a downgrade. I've since switched to the Mediapad M3 64GB version and love it. I rarely travel with my laptop nowadays.
I like the fact that Huawei allows you to unlock the bootloader and rooting wasn't very hard. I haven't upgraded to nougat yet. I wasn't sure if the rooting procedure changed but mostly because Xposed wasn't available for Nougat yet. Now that Xposed is now available (https://www.xda-developers.com/official-xposed-framework-android-nougat/), I'll look into upgrading.
One caveat about the US version. For some reason, the 5GHz wifi radio was disabled. However, I was able to re-enable it via a tweak to a configuration file but it required root to do it. I'm not sure if it's still disabled with Nougat.
I made the jump and got the Mediapad a few days ago. One of the reasons I decided on the Mediapad was that I read that Huawei allowed the bootloader to be unlocked. As I've discussed in some other threads, I've been unable to get an unlock code from the Huawei website. Yesterday, I sent Huawei an email requesting an unlock code and I got a reply back saying that Hauwei US does not provide unlock codes and that unlocking would invalidate my warranty. WTF? They have a website to provide unlock codes, but they say that they won't allow it? Does anybody know what this means?
woody1 said:
I made the jump and got the Mediapad a few days ago. One of the reasons I decided on the Mediapad was that I read that Huawei allowed the bootloader to be unlocked. As I've discussed in some other threads, I've been unable to get an unlock code from the Huawei website. Yesterday, I sent Huawei an email requesting an unlock code and I got a reply back saying that Hauwei US does not provide unlock codes and that unlocking would invalidate my warranty. WTF? They have a website to provide unlock codes, but they say that they won't allow it? Does anybody know what this means?
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