Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 - user opinions and reviews
- AnonD-578897
- xjB
Knowell, 18 Aug 2016This from Samsung through Android Authority;
Samsung decided not to use the Android Marshma... moreIf Samsung customers just want to copy files between devices, why are most of the micro SD cards Samsung as large or larger than the entire flash memory on their devices.
I just ordered an unlocked Galaxy s7 Edge directly from Samsung. It had 32 GB of flash built in and they offered a free 256 GB microSD card bundled with it.
The simple fact is that as Apple has proved, phone manufacturers can make much higher profit margins forcing customers to pay a premium for phones with larger built in flash. Customers also tend to upgrade to a new phone with more flash when they fill up their current one. Supporting adoptable storage would hurt Samsung's profits. They only went back to offering SD card slots on their high end phones when it was obviously costing them market share. They aren't going to allow people to make full use of those slots unless it becomes obvious that is also costing them more in lost customers than they gain in profits on selling more high capacity phones.
Personally I havn't run into a situation where I would rather pop a SD card out and put in a different device rather than transferring the files over wifi. It relatively easy to get to the MicroSD on the Samsung devices my family had, but some other devices require prying off the back cover. In any case your data is on a tiny little card that you might have a hard time finding back if you aren't very careful and drop it. It is definitely not a good means of transferring files between devices.
- Buca
- IWa
tps5352, 29 Aug 2016I think the answer may be--it depends. I am still learning. So other comments from experienc... moreThanks bruh. Really helpful.
- tps5352
- shn
Buca, 27 Aug 2016I'd like to buy this tab, which is better either to get it from samsung outlets or from local ... moreI think the answer may be--it depends. I am still learning. So other comments from experienced users might be more valuable. Nonetheless here is my current thinking on how to select a Galaxy Tab S2 (and source), subject to continuing revision:
1. For what follows I am assuming the buyer is in the USA (where I am).
2. Start by choosing between the (2) screen sizes and/or (3) tablet colors you want. (Looks like you want an 8” version.)
3. Choose between a WiFi-only and WiFi+cell-network-available model. The latter offers greater utility and perhaps can be used as a cell phone(?); the former may be somewhat cheaper and less complicated (fine for people who have their own home network and/or do not venture away from a reliable WiFi source). For the remainder of this post assume it will be a network model.
4. Decide ahead of time between getting an initially unlocked device versus one “locked” in to a specific domestic provider (which can probably be unlocked later, after the contract expires). For the pros and cons, see online sources like: http://www.ebay.com/gds/The-Pros-and-Cons-of-Buying-an-Unlocked-Mobile-Phone-/10000000177589885/g.html. In my opinion unlocked devices offer greater flexibility for experienced users. They may be good for frequent travelers and people who for various reasons need/want to use more than one Sim card (and/or corresponding network providers). However, unlocking a phone may cause problems with a network provider and/or void warranties.
5. Think about whether to buy an (unlocked) “international” device versus a domestic model (specifically intended for a particular network provider). Overseas models MAY work perfectly fine with American networks (or not; see below). I think that many overseas devices are intended for GSM networks, correct? (See next item.) Be sure to check on this.
6. If you want to get a domestic model, decide between it being on a GSM or on a CDMA network, and then among the various USA network providers. The big ones include AT&T (GSM), T-Mobile (GSM), US Cellular (CDMA), Sprint (CDMA), and Verizon (CDMA). Assume, for this discussion, that it is to be a GSM phone.
7. You then have the choice of purchasing (a) directly through Samsung (online), (b) another online source (e.g., on eBay, etc.), (c) a network-owned outlet or supplier (brick & mortar store), or (d) at any b&m second-party partner of your preferred network provider (like Costco or Best Buy or any cellular store that offers your provider’s equipment).
8. Considerations, of where to buy, include (a) initial price, (b) purchase incentives (bonuses, like give-aways and free accessories), (c) warranties and long-term hands-on support (may be better at a b&m store?), and (d) control over the specific model you receive. (When you deal with a real person at a store you may [or may not] be able to control EXACTLY what you end up with; not necessarily so with cost-saving online purchases.)
9. Regardless of these decisions, and despite the outward similarities between Tab S2 models, here are some additional variables to consider:
o ROM size: 32GB versus 64 GB. The most recent (2016) WiFi-only models are apparently available with 64GB ROM. That is good, but so far it is hard/impossible to find 64GB on network versions. Why? Is it coming soon?
o Full network bandwidth coverage compatibility. I am not yet sure just how important this is. But in the USA for example AT&T Tab S2 devices may vary somewhat from T-Mobile versions regarding 3G and 4G bandwidth coverage. Likewise among the various CDMA versions. And there are likely differences in the bandwidth covered between "international" versions and devices intended for specific countries or American service providers. Until I learn otherwise, I am going to assume that complete total bandwidth compatibility is important, say for fringe reception areas. So in order to enjoy the absolute best, most comprehensive network coverage everywhere, it may be wise to purchase a device intended for your preferred network. (As opposed to say buying just any GSM device because it happens to be cheaper and then unlocking it and using it on your chosen network.)
o Initial firmware. The 2015 Tab S2 models came with Android 5.0.2 (“Lollipop”) software, but usually can be updated. The newer, 2016 variants are coming with 6.0.1 (“Marshmallow”). I have not tried either of these, but assuming that performance doesn’t suffer it might be nice to get the latest version, if for no other reason than to avoid having to upgrade later.
o CPU chipset. Exynos 5433 octa-core in 2015; Qualcomm Snapdragon 652 octa-core in 2016. (Geek-talk.) Again, I assume that the more recent version may be better(?).
o Samsung has so far released a myriad number of different Tab S2 models, including (just 8”-screen versions):
- SM-T710 – WiFi-only (2015)
- SM-T713 – WiFi-only (2015)
- SM-T715 – WiFi+3G/LTE (2015)
- SM-T713 – WiFi-only (2016)
- SM-T718 – ? (2016)
- SM-T719 – WiFi+3G/LTE (2016)
Model numbers vary among devices intended for different countries and containing different hardware/software. It is a good idea to know what you are buying, as there may be subtle and not-so-subtle differences among the various models.
In conclusion, there may not be a simple answer to your question. Since these devices cost, at a minimum, several hundred dollars, and are intended to last for a number of years it is worth doing your research and getting EXACTLY what you need and want with no surprises in order to ensure full compatibility with your chosen network and to delay, to the extent possible, the inevitable obsolescence. (It is no wonder that many people turn to Apple where consumer control at purchase time and after may be somewhat less, but so too can be the associated stress of decision-making.)
Good luck.
- wkshai
- tZ4
Hi everyone, Samsung A9 Pro and Samsung Tab S2 8.0" so which one suggest me to buy?
Cause im more on Surfing Net, FB & Gaming.
Thanks n cheers.
- Buca
- uC0
I'd like to buy this tab, which is better either to get it from samsung outlets or from local mobile shop? What's the pros and cons?
- tps5352
- shn
Anonymous , 26 Aug 2016I used mine as cellphone. Work just fine. But not really convenient due to it's size. If you have used the Tab S2 as a cell phone, could you supply the:
- model #?
- country/region?
- network?
Thanks for additional info.
- Anonymous
- M20
AnonD-576096, 24 Aug 2016FYI, I just added a (long) comment on the Tab S2 9.7" conversation (may be delayed for moderat... moreI used mine as cellphone. Work just fine. But not really convenient due to it's size.
- Anonymous
- M20
Anonymous, 25 Aug 2016Hows it working? I postponed my installation since ive read a lot of issues with this marsmall... moreI bought it in June & it straight auto update to marshmallow. So far so good.
- Nimehs
- wYx
AnonD-39727, 01 Jul 2016Updated mine yesterday to 6.0.1 (Philippines) Nothing for my note 4 though.. :(How was it so far? I downloaded the OS but have not installed it yet. Pls share me hows it going? Got same tab s2 t715y also from the Phils. Thanks!
- Anonymous
- wYx
Nishantha, 10 Aug 2016Today I got Marshmallow 6.0 OTA update for my Samsung Tab S2 - SM-T715Y. very beautiful interface. Hows it working? I postponed my installation since ive read a lot of issues with this marsmallow? Pls share me how its going on your tabs2 t715y, thanks!
- AnonD-576096
- shn
FYI, I just added a (long) comment on the Tab S2 9.7" conversation (may be delayed for moderator review). Basically asking to hear from anyone who has successfully (or unsuccessfully) tried to use their Tab S2 LTE version (or other tablet?) as a cell phone. I have an (now old) Galaxy S-3 with AT&T in the USA but would love the added size of a tablet for ease of interacting with the full range of smart phone applications, including phoning and texting.
- Zed
- NuP
M.Habeeb, 14 Jul 2016I have got this tab earlier this month and upgraded to android 6.0.1 and worked flawless till ... moreClean your charging port. A bit of dirt might have gotten in side
- Knowell
- t7X
Notsoglad, 17 Aug 2016Got android 6, installed it, bought a SD card, and discovered, no possibility to turn SD card ... moreThis from Samsung through Android Authority;
Samsung decided not to use the Android Marshmallow “adoptable storage” model. We believe that our users want a microSD card to transfer files between their phone and other devices (laptop, tablet, etc), especially the photos and videos they shoot with the camera.
With adoptable storage, first of all the card may be erased the first time it is inserted into the device. This behavior may be unexpected by many users and we don’t want our users to lose their files. Second, once Marshmallow starts using a card for adoptable storage, it cannot be read by other devices, so it loses this ability to be used for file transfer. Adoptable Storage is also primarily targeted towards emerging markets where devices with only 4-8GB of onboard storage are common. We think that our model of using microSD for mass storage is more in-line with our owner’s desires and expectations for how microSD should behave.
- Notsoglad
- mKA
Got android 6, installed it, bought a SD card, and discovered, no possibility to turn SD card into internal memory. There you go.
- AnonD-149732
- Ui%
AnonD-98168, 08 Jul 2016I have a non-Samsung book-cover and when I close it it does dot shut off the display, also whe... moreCover problem, nothing to do with authentic or non-authentic.
Most likely the workmanship of your cover, there is a certain working distance/material used to enable the proximity sensor to work.
If not, 3rd party covers like Mercury or Goosperry won't work even.
- Nishantha
- w9K
Today I got Marshmallow 6.0 OTA update for my Samsung Tab S2 - SM-T715Y. very beautiful interface.
- cdrov
- 3A1
So to sum up, in the same price (today both 715 and 719 cost the same) which one is better?
- Anonymous
- MIJ
9x10 = 91, 21 Jul 2016you cant use the tablet whille charging. you need to turn it offBecause you are using a low powered 500mah charger. Swap it for a proper USB charger and you can charge and use at the same time.
- Air
- 3Y1
macky2green, 12 Jul 2016So what's the DIFFERENCE between the 2016 and 2015 versions aside from their product model cod... moreThe specs explained it all... 2015 has exynos CPU and mali GPU while the 2016 has Snapdragon CPU and adreno GPU. Performance wise, you can google it.
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