Introducing the Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro Lineup

Samsung Galaxy series of tablets and smartphones have been well received since they first started appearing on store shelves, and with good reason. Not all manufacturers really get industrial design, aesthetics, and the goal of building a cohesive whole that doesn’t cut corners. With the latest Pro series of tablets, Samsung looks to improve on their existing devices, with better performance, some tuning of the industrial design, and some software updates as well. We have the 8.4” and 10.1” Galaxy Tab Pro models in house, though there’s also a larger 12.2” model and a Note version of the 12.2” model that includes a Stylus as well as some other tweaks. Also worth mentioning is the that the Note 10.1” 2014 model appears to be nearly identical to the 10.1” Tab Pro, other than the fact that it has a stylus (S Pen). Here’s the short overview of the current Galaxy Pro product stack:

Overview of Samsung Galaxy Tab/Note Pro/2014 Models
  Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 Galaxy Tab Pro 10.1 Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Galaxy Tab Pro 12.2 Galaxy Note Pro 12.2
Dimensions 128x219x7.1mm
(5.1"x8.6"x0.28")
243x171x7.3mm
(9.6"x6.7"x0.29")
244x173x7.6mm
(9.6"x6.8"x0.31")
296x204x8mm
(11.6"x8.0"x0.31")
295x204x7.9mm
(11.6"x8.0"x0.31")
Display 8.4” WQXGA
(1600x2560)
10.1” WQXGA
(2560x1600)
10.1” WQXGA
(2560x1600)
12.2” WQXGA
(2560x1600)
12.2” WQXGA
(2560x1600)
Weight 332g (WiFi)
(0.73 lbs.)
470g (WiFi)
(1.03 lbs.)
541g (WiFi)
(1.19 lbs.)
751g (WiFi)
(1.65 lbs.)
732g (WiFi)
(1.61 lbs.)
SoC (CPU) Snapdragon 800
(Qualcomm MSM8974)
(4 x Krait 400 @ 2.3GHz)
Exynos Octa 5420
(big.LITTLE up to 1.9GHz,
4+4 Cortex-A15+A7)
Exynos Octa 5420
(big.LITTLE up to 1.9GHz,
4+4 Cortex-A15+A7)
Exynos Octa 5420
(big.LITTLE up to 1.9GHz,
4+4 Cortex-A15+A7)
Exynos Octa 5420
(big.LITTLE up to 1.9GHz,
4+4 Cortex-A15+A7)
SoC (GPU) Adreno 330 Mali-T628 Mali-T628 Mali-T628 Mali-T628
Connectivity 802.11ac WiFi 802.11ac WiFi 802.11ac WiFi 802.11ac WiFi 802.11ac WiFi
Memory 2GB 2GB 3GB 3GB 3GB
Storage 16GB 16GB 16GB/32GB 32GB 32GB/64GB
Battery 25.4Wh (~10 hours) 31.2Wh (~10 hours) 31.2Wh (~9 hours) 36.1Wh (~13 hours) 36.1Wh (~13 hours)
Online Price $399 $499 $549/$599 $649 $749/$849

Many of the core elements in the new line of Galaxy Pro offerings are similar –the displays for example are all WQXGA, and frankly that’s probably the biggest selling point right there. Coming from the world of laptop reviews, it’s awesome – and a little disheartening – to see such great displays on tablets. I’ve been asking for good laptop displays for years, and while we are starting to see a shift in the marketplace, most budget laptops still have lousy displays. Not all tablets come with awesome displays, but just about every tablet out there right now at least uses an IPS panel, and more and more we’re seeing high resolution displays as an added bonus. Worth note is that the 10.1 and 12.2 models are available in either black or white versions, but the 8.4 only comes in white (for now?); I actually prefer the white version, though, so that’s not a problem.

Obviously the size and weight of the three core models differs, and the Note versions with their S Pen weigh a bit more, but somewhat surprisingly the SoCs aren’t all the same. The odd man out here is the Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4, which uses a Snapdragon 800 processor whereas the other four all use the Exynos 5 Octa 5420. (Reportedly the LTE versions of the Pro 10.1 models appear to also use the Snapdragon 800.) What’s ironic about this bifurcation is that in most of our benchmarks the Snapdragon 800 and up being faster than the Exynos 5420. It’s not a major difference in performance, but it is measurable. Battery life on the other hand appears to be better on the Exynos SoC, so it’s not a clear victory regardless. Basically, not all SoCs are created equal in every area.

Wrapping up our quick overview, the amount of RAM varies slightly; the 8.4 and 10.1 "Tab Pro" models come with 2GB, but the 10.1 Note and 12.2 models come with 3GB memory. Battery capacity also varies, with the larger devices having larger batteries – presumably to help power the larger displays, though in practice it often means the larger tablets also get better battery life. The cameras are the same 8MP rear/2MP front, with a flash on the rear camera as well. There are of course different storage capacities available, though they’re more limited than what you might see with, e.g. Apple, as some of the devices only have one eMMC size. The 8.4 and 10.1 Tab Pro models we received have 16GB, with the 10.1 Note 2014 having 16/32GB options; the 12.2 Tab Pro gets bumped to 32GB (only) while the 12.2 Note has 32/64GB options. At least all the models come with an SD card slot (up to 64GB SDXC supported), though that doesn’t necessarily help with (all) applications.

In terms of pricing, the 8.4 is the least expensive of the devices, with an MSRP of $399. The 10.1 costs $499 ($50 extra for the S Pen in the Note, and another $50 to go to 32GB eMMC storage) and the Tab Pro 12.2 costs $649 while the Note Pro 12.2 costs $749 ($849 with 64GB eMMC). LTE versions of the 10.1 and 12.2 devices will typically add another $100 or so (off contract), but there’s no LTE 8.4 option. While none of these are inexpensive tablets, I do have to say that after using the 8.4 and 10.1-inch models, I find myself gravitating towards the 8.4-inch form factor. It’s small enough to be easily transportable and you can hold it with one hand, but it’s significantly larger than any smartphone so it doesn’t overlap that use case. I also generally like using the 8.4 in portrait mode, though some of that is certain personal preference. The fact that it also happens to be a bit faster in many cases doesn’t hurt either, though it would be nice to have a 32GB option.

Let’s move on to a subjective overview of the two devices we received for testing.

Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 Subjective Analysis
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  • TestKing123 - Thursday, March 27, 2014 - link

    "Well that was a waste of time since you obviously lack the minimum nerve, decency and intellectual capacity to understand my points."

    What points? All you've done is make blanket statements of YOUR OPINION with NOTHING to back it up with, NOT EVEN A SINGLE EXAMPLE as I've asked you to do countless times.

    Now let's take a look at your LONELY opinion (again YOUR opinion NOT SHARED BY OTHERS) regarding hybrids:

    "-you are talking a 13.3 inch, 1.4kg ultra book is a good thing to use as a tablet
    Anyone with a half sense sees how idiotic proposition this is.. but not you!"

    Who's anyone? Are you that delusional? If you think "anyone with a half sense" would rather use an inferior, limited android/ipad over a full fledged hybrid than WHY IS THE HYBRID MARKET SO SUCCESSFUL??

    Yoga 2 Pro
    Sony Vaio Flip
    Dell XPS 12
    Acer Aspire S7
    Razer Blade
    etc..

    I guess the bigger question is, HAVE YOU USED ONE YOURSELF? Rather than continue to talk out of your ass?

    The point is, people can use these devices as a tablet WHEN THEY WANT TO and a laptop WHEN THEY WANT TO. Is it that hard to understand or are you that plain stupid? You're opinion of "how a person should use a tablet" yada yada is the minority, and if you think otherwise please post in the Notebook section of Anandtech so we can all see just how narrow minded and deluded you are.

    "- if we actually take a usable tablet form windows (8-10" and a 500-700grams) and try to use it for your idiotic propositions of playing pc games, programing (lol) or ANY use that you can benefit from a laptop form factor..so we need to hook up a keyboard and a mouse to a 10" screen, put it on a table and squint onto it."

    Why are you hung up on the Surface 2 Pro? You have YET to truly point out this argument with hybrids. Do you even know which market the Surface 2 Pro is aimed at? Like other PC centric tablets and hybrids, it's aimed at people who need the versatility of a tablet and the power/software of a regular PC...usually professionals in their line of field....HENCE why it's given the "Pro" monikor. Understand?

    "Office, again only a professional who is living offa doc editing will have a real benefit in MSOffice ..and ypu thik those proffesionals will not therefore use a real laptop?!?!
    Average people that need to write something on their TABLETS will be more than served by the likes of Kingsoft office.
    You ever even used it or are you the one talking out of your ass!
    It can do spreadsheets, power point, pdf files, and more word and excel than anyone will ever need on a touchscreen."

    Again, you don't have a DAMN clue about who the Pro market is aimed at, or why it's even a large market to begin with. There is not a SINGLE office facsimile for android/ipad that offers the same level of versatility that a desktop application offers (not Kingsoft office that you ignorantly keep referring to), and PLENTY of people would prefer working out of a lower profile machine on the go rather than a full fledged laptop, hence why they're selling so well. Again, this is YOU NOT UNDERSTANDING the market and just forcing your OWN ignorant opinion. LOL!

    "As that's what I am talking about from the start..understanding what a TABLET really is and what people are needing it for.
    And that is a causal, comfortable media consumption in something they can easily handle, hold in one hand and carry around in a purse or even a pocket."

    Who the hell are YOU to determine for everyone how to "use a tablet" or what tablet to use, just because of what YOU think it should be? The people use 7" tablets are NOT the same people buying Windows 8 Pro tablets and hybrids. They aren't using these machines for simple media consumption to carry around in their purse like you do.

    HOW RETARDED ARE YOU to not even understand that you CAN do gaming (PC gaming at that) on a tablet, WITH OR WITHOUT a keyboard/mouse (you can plug in a controller, and many games work well with touch interface)....and a 10" or 13" screen is more than good enough to game on...especially with a QHD display.

    "Starting to sink into that tiny clouded mind of yours now??"

    That's funny, coming from you. You are the one that's narrow minded and incapable of understanding the different market segments. Your statements have proven this through and through, and everyone sees it.

    "And further proof of your prejudiced stupidity is that you you fail to realize
    that the games I mentioned are in fact a pc games, and a great pc games at that.
    I only and merely answered to your callout because it technically was off.
    You lack a basic understanding and reading comprehension.
    And you waste other people's time!"

    Again not addressing my point after exposing your flawed arguments. All you've done is mentioned mobile versions of games, not even recent, and somehow the fact that you can run the LATEST PC games on much more powerful hardware in a Windows 8 tablet/hybrid than that found in a dinky ipad/android SOC. To MANY people (and this clearly shows on this website), this is a MAJOR selling point for these devices. Your single minded, single voice OPINION means NOTHING.

    LOL!
  • darkich - Thursday, March 27, 2014 - link

    Geez, this is by far the most ironic and sad discussion I ever had in my life.

    Let md draw out the freaking obvious to you and end this. Do not expect me further answering you, nutcase:

    HUNDREDS OF MILLION OF PEOPLE USE TABLETS.
    They buy and use them because they want a portable, light, manageable touch interactive devices for easy to use casual media consumption, social networking, intuitive entertainment for their kids, reading, and gaming.

    The ridiculous fact screaming into your face is that compared to tablet market, hybrid ultra book market is miniscule!
    Hundred million people will buy an iPad this year.
    The whole hybrid market COMBINED will barely, if at all, reach 10 percent of that!
    Now ask yourself why exactly is that so, you lunatic!

  • TestKing123 - Thursday, March 27, 2014 - link

    What an absurd line of reasoning. The hybrid market is just now emerging, how the hell can you compare it to millions of EXISTING users in a tablet market that's been ongoing for YEARS?

    That's basically the equivalent of comparing the early HDTV market to the larger regular TV market segment. Or touch phones to the much larger button phone market in the early days.

    Of course, this is a line of understanding you've proven yourself countless times over and over, and yet again here, that you know NOTHING about.

    Hybrid sales and market presence is increasing rapidly because current technology allows it to be so. Compare CES this year to last year, there are literally DOZENS of new high profile hybrid models and more being released every month. People are buying them, and the market is growing. Hell, you just need to read this damn site every now and then to understand that, especially their Surface 2 Pro review (not to mention, the huge number of users in the anandtech forums).

    So please continue to pretend this market doesn't exist, like some kind of fanboy, and make statements that truly showcases your ignorance.
  • TestKing123 - Thursday, March 27, 2014 - link

    Let me respond specifically to this as well:

    "HUNDREDS OF MILLION OF PEOPLE USE TABLETS.
    They buy and use them because they want a portable, light, manageable touch interactive devices for easy to use casual media consumption, social networking, intuitive entertainment for their kids, reading, and gaming."

    You just gave a list of general reasons people use a small profile tablet for. Now, do you understand what people who buy a PRO tablet or hybrid for? If you don't, then your presence in this discussion was absolutely a waste because you're too ignorant of basic principals and factors for the pro hybrid/tablet market. I outlined those reasons quite clearly above, yet you're not any closer to understanding. LOL.

    Again....
    The people who use 7" tablets are NOT the same people buying Windows 8 Pro tablets and hybrids. They aren't using these machines for simple media consumption to carry around in their purse like you do. The point is, people can use these devices as a tablet WHEN THEY WANT TO and a laptop WHEN THEY WANT TO. Is it that hard to understand??
  • darkich - Thursday, March 27, 2014 - link

    Average tablet use case(in the overwhelming majority of the cases)..picking one up while sitting back on the couch after work, or laying down in bed before sleep, or after waking up.
    Checking the Internet, posting, commenting, watching YouTube, playing candy crush or Clash of Clans (heres a fun piece of info for you..that single game earned more than billion $ last year(!!)..and of course, you can't play it on windows at all, like hundreds of thousands of other casual touchscreen games)..and that is pretty much all people are using tablets for.

    Overwhelming majority of people that buy tablets DO NOT NEED, do not care, or even know about things like special features of ms office, and they wouldn't ever trying to bother with playing a pc game, let alone trying to play it in such convoluted way.

    And you call me narrow minded..damn.

    The mere example alone that tablet gaming is a business of billions of dollars while gaming on laptops is an exotic activity (huge majority of gaming happens on consoles and desktop) ..that fact alone perfectly reflects just how beyond clueless you are in actual understanding of the market and products.
  • TestKing123 - Thursday, March 27, 2014 - link

    "And you call me narrow minded..damn."

    LOL...look at your own statement:

    "Overwhelming majority of people that buy tablets DO NOT NEED, do not care, or even know about things like special features of ms office, and they wouldn't ever trying to bother with playing a pc game, let alone trying to play it in such convoluted way."

    What about the overwhelming majority of people that buy PRO tablets, knowing SPECIFICALLY it is installed with a desktop OS and equipped with PC hardware, costing nearly 2x - 3x as much as a regular tablet?

    Not only are you narrow minded, but you are so bluntly stupid to understand different market segments. People who buy $299 tablets to sit back on their couch after work to play Candy Crush are not the people going to spend $1000 or more for a hybrid.

    For the people that DO, you're making yourself a moron by commenting how they should or should not use their device. That's the point of a such a device isn't it....to use as a tablet WHEN THEY WANT and a laptop WHEN THEY WANT, otherwise they wouldn't have bought it wouldn't they?

    And guess what, more and more people shelling out the extra cash to purchase hybrids because they function exceptionally well....it literally lets people HAVE their cake AND eat it too. The power of a full PC in the form factor of a tablet/ultrabook/tent/etc...

    Why on earth would you force a $199/$299 casual audience into that segment? Because you're too ignorant to understand the different market segments and factors of each, and every time you make a post stating the same thing over and over again you show everyone how foolish you are.

    LOL.

    Now, back to these points that you keep running away from:

    - Have you used a hybrid yourself?
    - Explain why the hybrid market is so successful with dozens of new models being introduced every month.
    - Explain the different market segments and the target for each
    - Give SPECIFICS (instead your ignorant "simple as that" exclamations) of why Windows 8 Pro hybrids are "POOR", in your own words.
    - Explain the rising popularity of hybrids right here @ anandtech.com and in general (personally, I think the trend is all ultrabooks will be hybrids as processes mature and prices continue to drop).
  • darkich - Thursday, March 27, 2014 - link

    Of course I DO UNDERSTAND that one can technically do more on a hybrid with windows than on a typical tablet.
    That was never the question..what I responded to was your claim that windows hybrids are making those tablets useless and obsolete.

    And reality is completely defying that statement.
    People who need windows hybrids will buy windows hybrids, people who need tablets will keep buying Android tablets and iPads.
    First group are tiny minority and second group is huge majority.
  • R. Hunt - Monday, March 24, 2014 - link

    13.3 inch vs 9.7 inch
    1.4 kg vs 0.5 kg
    19:9 landscape vs 4:3 portrait

    Seems to me you're comparing two vastly different things. There's plenty of use cases where the iPad Air form factor is simply superior (and the market keeps reflecting that, by the way).
  • darkich - Tuesday, March 25, 2014 - link

    Not just the form factor but the OS also.
    There is simply no comparison in the number of touch oriented apps between iOS and Windows
  • darkich - Thursday, March 27, 2014 - link

    Average tablet use case(in the overwhelming majority of the cases)..picking one up while sitting back on the couch after work, or laying down in bed before sleep, or after waking up.
    Checking the Internet, posting, commenting, watching YouTube, playing candy crush or Clash of Clans (heres a fun piece of info for you..that single game earned more than billion $ last year(!!)..and of course, you can't play it on windows at all, like hundreds of thousands of other casual touchscreen games)..and that is pretty much all people are using tablets for.

    Overwhelming majority of people that buy tablets DO NOT NEED, do not care, or even know about things like special features of ms office, and they wouldn't ever trying to bother with playing a pc game, let alone trying to play it in such convoluted way.

    And you call me narrow minded..damn.

    The mere example alone that tablet gaming is a business of billions of dollars while gaming on laptops is an exotic activity (huge majority of gaming happens on consoles and desktop) ..that fact alone perfectly reflects just how beyond clueless you are in actual understanding of the market and products.

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