This is Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra yet, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best – unless you’re a very specific type of user.
Tablets have never felt entirely certain whether they are a separate device category or simply a replacement for laptops, and the Tab S8 Ultra is an example of that uncertainty.
Despite its 14-inch display, this device is a beautiful device for watching media and browsing the web – but at $1,099/£999, it’s hard to imagine many people spending that kind of money just to watch Netflix on the train (after all, how could you afford it with Netflix’s new fees?).
This computer alternative resembles a laptop, especially with the keyboard cover connected, and it is quite capable thanks to Samsung’s DeX interface.
Samsung does include a free stylus with the tablet, but this is too large a tablet to simply hold in one hand while using a stylus.
You’ll be able to tell how the Tab S8 Ultra works based on why it appeals to you – and how much money you’re willing to spend.
Performance
Up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage are included with the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, which has the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset. It appears that Samsung intends the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra to replace a laptop, but specs alone don’t make a laptop. That’s more than what you’d get in most laptops in this price range.
The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra offers more power than you’ll ever need. From heavy games to multitasking, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra will handle it all with ease.
Although Samsung’s DeX platform takes advantage of all of this power, it’s still not a Windows replacement, so it can’t replace your laptop.
Design
If you don’t have room in your backpack or on your desk for this monster, don’t even consider it.
Despite its long and wide dimensions, this slate is thin and surprisingly thin, adding to its fragility. We didn’t try snapping it in half with our bare hands.
The Wi-Fi model weighs 726g and the 5G model weighs 728g, but that’s only fitting for such a monster.
There is only one color available for the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra: Graphite.
The tablet’s USB-C port is on the right edge, while the power button, volume rocker, and SIM tray are on the top edge. There’s also a three-pin connector at the bottom.
There is a small camera bump on the back of the slate, which houses two lenses, and a magnetic streak that you connect the S Pen stylus.
Display and sound
In this case, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra excels and it is precisely why it is such an enjoyable tablet to use. Its 14.6-inch Super AMOLED display has a 120Hz refresh rate and a WQXGA+ resolution. Samsung’s flagship tablet features slimmer bezels than ever before, making the viewing experience truly immersive.
As a result of the notch, the bezels on this tablet are slim. The notch itself is quite small and doesn’t feel like a hindrance at all. There is also a fingerprint sensor embedded in the display. This is the first time we’ve seen a notched display on a Samsung tablet.
You can have multiple apps open at the same time and jump between them with ease due to the large screen real estate. It’s a pleasure to consume content on a large screen.
During our testing, we never felt the need to use the tablet at full volume because Samsung equipped it with AKG-tuned quad speakers. You’re guaranteed top-notch audio quality with no distortion or breakup.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra review: Cameras
The Tab S8 Ultra has two 12MP cameras on the front, able to take both regular and ultrawide photos. On the back, it features 13MP and 6MP shooters. The cheaper Tab S8 and Tab S8+ have the same rear lenses, though only the Ultra sports double front cameras. All of them can shoot video at up to 4K resolution with sixty frames per second. Auto-framing tech ensures you remain in the frame as it pans over time – this worked very well when I had a work meeting via my Ultra.
With Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra’s 12MP front-facing cameras, you’ll look your best during video calls. (Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
Using the front-facing cameras in our office in a well-lit environment, I was impressed by their quality. Since I am not a fan of taking selfies with a tablet – especially one so big – I will only use the front-facing cameras for video calls. In addition, the rear cameras do a good job of capturing details. If you want to take a couple of photos of yourself, you won’t be disappointed.
Conclusion
I was excited about the possibility of the S8 Ultra when Samsung first announced the new Tab S8 lineup. However, after using this big-screen Android tablet for a month, I realized that Google needs to make its core software better for tablets. Even though Samsung has optimized its apps for tablets, not all developers have embraced the big screen.
The hardware is gorgeous and I enjoyed using the massive Super AMOLED display with minimal bezels. The package also offers an S Pen, while the pricey keyboard cover for laptop mode is key to increased productivity. Removing it can be done effortlessly, which comes in handy for gaming and watching videos with its hinged kickstand. It’s too cumbersome to use as a tablet (note-taking, reading ebooks, consuming content casually), plus I don’t like the on-screen fingerprint scanner. It would’ve been helpful to have a 5G option in the US market too.
If you can get over the size of the tablet, I can see people who sketch or draw enjoying the S Pen and the large display. It may not be ideal to store the S Pen on the back, though, since if you set the tablet on a table without a case, it will get knocked off and won’t charge up.
Although the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is an excellent example of Samsung’s technical innovation, many people will find the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus more useful. When you jump to a tablet of this size and price, it is better to use a full-fledged laptop than a tablet with an operating system that isn’t complete and optimized for the tablet form factor.