How good is the Samsung S2 tab?

[The Game 161]

how do people rate it compared to the current ipad and ipad mini?

Reason I ask is my dad is trying to decide between the S2 tab 8.0 and ipad mini. He's used to android but wants to know if he should stick with it as he currently has the note 4. Is it any better than the first gen S tab?

 

[Lloydbm41]

how do people rate it compared to the current ipad and ipad mini?

Reason I ask is my dad is trying to decide between the S2 tab 8.0 and ipad mini. He's used to android but wants to know if he should stick with it as he currently has the note 4. Is it any better than the first gen S tab?

I owned the iPad Air 2 and then bought the Tab S2. I ended up selling the Air. The Tab 2 is better in every way imaginable from the slimmer dimensions to lighter feel, better display, better battery life, split screen mode and of course the SD card slot for extended memory.
Only downside is that it is taking forever to get Android Marshmallow, which brings a host of new features like being able to enable specific app permissions, doze mode and Google on Tap.

Just have to decide if your dad is more comfortable with iOS or Android. Because I personally need access to the directory files and I need to be able to download any type of file from emails and websites without the need for multiple unnecessary steps and apps, like iOS requires, just to do simple things. If your dad is just gonna use it for web browsing, email and media, then the software make little difference. Comes down to Hardware, in which case the Tab S2 wins by a mile.

 

[Klyster]

I'm finding it real hard to find a replacement for my tab s 10.5.
Granted, I pretty much use it for watching video (hence the reason I don't have a tab 2) but the screen is the best (imo), I'm yet to see a better screen in a tablet form and I've looked.

The tab 2 screen is also great but I can't do the 3/4 thing...

 

[thunng8]

I owned the iPad Air 2 and then bought the Tab S2. I ended up selling the Air. The Tab 2 is better in every way imaginable from the slimmer dimensions to lighter feel, better display, better battery life, split screen mode and of course the SD card slot for extended memory.

Air 2 has split screen mode. Most reviews tested better battery life for the Air 2. Also Air 2 has more tablet optimized apps. Air 2 has more powerful CPU where it matters (much faster for single thread) and more than double the graphics performance (matters if you play demanding 3D games).

Maybe for you it is better for your needs, but I wouldn't say it is better in every imaginable way.

 

[The Game 161]

I owned the iPad Air 2 and then bought the Tab S2. I ended up selling the Air. The Tab 2 is better in every way imaginable from the slimmer dimensions to lighter feel, better display, better battery life, split screen mode and of course the SD card slot for extended memory.
Only downside is that it is taking forever to get Android Marshmallow, which brings a host of new features like being able to enable specific app permissions, doze mode and Google on Tap.

Just have to decide if your dad is more comfortable with iOS or Android. Because I personally need access to the directory files and I need to be able to download any type of file from emails and websites without the need for multiple unnecessary steps and apps, like iOS requires, just to do simple things. If your dad is just gonna use it for web browsing, email and media, then the software make little difference. Comes down to Hardware, in which case the Tab S2 wins by a mile.

Thanks for that

He uses a lot for work and files so the android way I guess makes more sense. Also cheaper than the iPad I believe with extra storage seems like a good option

 

[jamesrick80]

If you want a file manager and mouse support, the tab S2 is great. Also, the super amoled display is amazing for movies. The issue is that iOS on the iPad does have some applications that you surely will not have on the S2 and it is far more optimized for tablet use. I use the tab S2 as my portable device and I use my 12.9 iPad Pro as almost a laptop replacement.

 

[Lloydbm41]

If you want a file manager and mouse support, the tab S2 is great. Also, the super amoled display is amazing for movies. The issue is that iOS on the iPad does have some applications that you surely will not have on the S2 and it is far more optimized for tablet use. I use the tab S2 as my portable device and I use my 12.9 iPad Pro as almost a laptop replacement.

*** Going a bit off topic here and please note, this is not in any way an attempt to argue or be demeaning in any way. I realize everybody has a different use case and needs. That said;

As a Tab S2 user, how can you replace a laptop with any iOS device? I haven't used the Pro models, so is there some new additions to the software that overcome the usual iOS deficiencies? Or are you just using the normal 3rd party work arounds? Does the Pencil match what a mouse can do? Genuinely curious.

 

[jamesrick80]

*** Going a bit off topic here and please note, this is not in any way an attempt to argue or be demeaning in any way. I realize everybody has a different use case and needs. That said;

As a Tab S2 user, how can you replace a laptop with any iOS device? I haven't used the Pro models, so is there some new additions to the software that overcome the usual iOS deficiencies? Or are you just using the normal 3rd party work arounds? Does the Pencil match what a mouse can do? Genuinely curious.

With the right applications you can do alot of things...some of the iPad applications are so advanced that it can be a definite replacement. For purposes such as using Microsoft Office, converting pdfs, annotating pdfs, drawing, editing photos...it certainly has it place as a laptop replacement. In some areas, it does need improvement but it's slowly getting there. Add in the smart keyboard and you are set...the iOS ipad apps are far more advanced than anything android has to offer. This is why some of us can nearly replace a laptop with it. Let's not get to how smooth and fast everything flows on the pro....it's faster than my skylake laptop at certain tasks.

The pencil can do almost anything a mouse can do but I don't use it like that. The smart keyboard has plenty of shortcuts to get things done. I use the pencil just for annotations and note taking.

Yes, I work around the issues such as no file manager. I use the Documents app and that acts as a file manager. I also use PDF expert to transfer pdfs, annotate them etc although this can also be done in the Documents app. Also, my onedrive app acts as a file manager as well especially for my microsoft office files.

I love android especially in my phones, but its just not that great for tablets and some tasks really lag behind in comparison to a ipad pro. This is from someone who owns both a 9.7 inch S2 and a 12.9 ipad pro...I certainly see the flaws of both devices and the iPad pro is the better device without hesitation.

 

[admob71]

Stick with gen 1, better screen, plus ratio. 4/3 arrgghh. What were they thinking.....

 

[ajsimeon]

If you want a file manager and mouse support, the tab S2 is great. Also, the super amoled display is amazing for movies. The issue is that iOS on the iPad does have some applications that you surely will not have on the S2 and it is far more optimized for tablet use. I use the tab S2 as my portable device and I use my 12.9 iPad Pro as almost a laptop replacement.

I have the exact same setup and love it. I'm all about Apple and have the whole ecosystem but android has its place and they've come a long way and I'm a tech guy so I'd be bored with two tablets with iOS. The iPad Pro is my laptop replacement and my Samsung s2 tab I carry around the house. It's the first bigger tablet that does not give me any kind of tablet fatigue. Doesn't feel like a million bucks to hold like the iPad but I love the thinness and lightness of it. The amold screen is beautiful as well. I'm impressed with the battery life and heard Marshmallow will make it better. I recommend it.

 

[GadgetSN]

Gen 1 lags like a b1tch. Yes the screen is better but the build is cheap as a kids toy. Did I mention it lags horrendously. I'm surprised you gen 1 folks haven't thrown your device against the wall in frustration.

The gen 2 is basically a big note 4. Battery life is terrible and build whilst better than the gen 1 still feels like a cheap Samsung of old. Stick with the iPad. If you really need Android then the S2 is probably the best from a bad bunch.

I have an S2 but use it as a backup phone sometimes to my Z3 tablet compact which I prefer over the S2 despite it being technically inferior.

My gen 1 is being used by my 3 yr old nephew who plays angry birds transformers on it or watches YouTube. The thing constantly needs charging due to the awful battery life.

 

[Klyster]

It's plastic but the build quality is fine.
I use mine to watch videos. As a screen to watch videos, there is nothing comparable in my opinion.
As far as a tablet goes, it is a little slow but not really as bad as you are making it out to be, I'm sure gen 2 is quicker but the screen ratio sucks (for video)
I have good battery life though it's only for video....

Samsungs new Windows tablet might be a good replacement for me though....

 

[mi7chy]

Depends on what it's used for. For light consumption an iPad or even a $35 Amazon Fire tablet side loaded with Cyanogenmod will do. If you want something more like a laptop alternative that you can plug a keyboard and mouse into, for heavier media playback with h265, productivity, coding, file/media server, etc. and with better tech like AMOLED display the 8" Galaxy Tab S2 is better. Unlike the iPad the Galaxy Tab S2 WIFI version even has built in GPS so you can use it with offline GPS navigation apps like Google Maps and Nokia HERE. Better if you catch it when it goes on sale for $299. The only time my iPads get used is when children come over.

 

[macfacts]

Gen 1 lags like a b1tch. Yes the screen is better but the build is cheap as a kids toy. Did I mention it lags horrendously. I'm surprised you gen 1 folks haven't thrown your device against the wall in frustration.

The gen 2 is basically a big note 4. Battery life is terrible and build whilst better than the gen 1 still feels like a cheap Samsung of old. Stick with the iPad. If you really need Android then the S2 is probably the best from a bad bunch.

I have an S2 but use it as a backup phone sometimes to my Z3 tablet compact which I prefer over the S2 despite it being technically inferior.

My gen 1 is being used by my 3 yr old nephew who plays angry birds transformers on it or watches YouTube. The thing constantly needs charging due to the awful battery life.

Try installing the Google Now launcher from the play store on the tab s. The Samsung default launcher can be laggy.

 

[jamesrick80]

The S2 does not lag but the S is known to lag......

 

[phpmaven]

I owned the iPad Air 2 and then bought the Tab S2. I ended up selling the Air. The Tab 2 is better in every way imaginable from the slimmer dimensions to lighter feel, better display, better battery life, split screen mode and of course the SD card slot for extended memory.
Only downside is that it is taking forever to get Android Marshmallow, which brings a host of new features like being able to enable specific app permissions, doze mode and Google on Tap.

Just have to decide if your dad is more comfortable with iOS or Android. Because I personally need access to the directory files and I need to be able to download any type of file from emails and websites without the need for multiple unnecessary steps and apps, like iOS requires, just to do simple things. If your dad is just gonna use it for web browsing, email and media, then the software make little difference. Comes down to Hardware, in which case the Tab S2 wins by a mile.

I completely agree. I also had an Air 2 and although it's a great tablet, I just found that I rarely touched it after I got the Tab S2. It felt like lead by comparison. Sold it on Swappa a couple of months ago.

 

[billy the fish]

The S2 does not lag but the S is known to lag......

If it's a matter of luck, I'm one of the lucky ones. Mine flies, and I've had it nearly a year now..
[doublepost=1464339718][/doublepost]

Gen 1 lags like a b1tch. Yes the screen is better but the build is cheap as a kids toy. Did I mention it lags horrendously. I'm surprised you gen 1 folks haven't thrown your device against the wall in frustration.

The gen 2 is basically a big note 4. Battery life is terrible and build whilst better than the gen 1 still feels like a cheap Samsung of old. Stick with the iPad. If you really need Android then the S2 is probably the best from a bad bunch.

I have an S2 but use it as a backup phone sometimes to my Z3 tablet compact which I prefer over the S2 despite it being technically inferior.

My gen 1 is being used by my 3 yr old nephew who plays angry birds transformers on it or watches YouTube. The thing constantly needs charging due to the awful battery life.

Sounds like you have a dud one, if I cud be bothered I'd upload a video of my generation 1 performing like a champ. And build quality is good, I know it's all about opinions but I think you are wrong on this one. It's a very nice moulded resin plastic which feels light but strong.

 

[three]

I've had my Tab S2 8.0 for a good number of months now, and I LOVE it. Overall I'm so much happier with it over the iPad Mini 2 it replaced. I haven't had any issues with it and Marshmallow (I got tired of waiting, so I installed it using these instructions) made the tablet / software experience even better.

My sister has a first generation Tab S 10.5 and the few times I've used it, I've had zero issues with lag and UI stuttering.

 

[The Game 161]

tempted to get the smaller version as my on the go device for sport. price wise it's £290 generally but can't see many cellular models available to buy

 

[mackie8]

tempted to get the smaller version as my on the go device for sport. price wise it's £290 generally but can't see many cellular models available to buy

guys how is the battery life? and gaming experience? planning to use it for travel and gaming..

 

[Kiezpirat80]

Would not buy it now, tab s3 is just around the corner.