I waited quite a while before doing a review on my new Samsung tab S3 tablet. I wanted to give it at least a week of use in my office and in daily activities. I have had many tablets, including and using Microsoft tablets, the Samsung tab S2 8 and Samsung tab A 10.1 inch tablets.
I am a person who prefaces this review by noting that I am not a gamer. I use if for work, for e-mail correspondence, updating myself on new and current features, and also using Android apps. I need to be able to perform light editing on papers, interact with an online office system that allows access to a data base, and get access to multiple web sites without a problem. Also, I use my tablet to watch movies when I travel.
I tend to be a little OCD in my desire to read other reviews. I also am an editor of several publications, so I look at these reviews with an editor’s eye. I always try to figure out if their biased, or if they represent a view point that may not reflect my needs. That does not dismiss the other reviews, it merely points out that some people have different expectations and demands.
And, I dismiss outright any review from someone who has neither purchased nor used the item. You cannot evaluate a product on the basis of the specifications.
So, here is my opinion and finding;
1.) The screen is much brighter than the Tab S2. I have used it outside with a Phantom 4 drone. The S2 is almost useless in the sun. This one is absolutely more visible. The brightness based on critical reviews finds it one of the brightest screens, brighter than the Apple and second only to the Google Pixel C.
2.) The GPS is very sensitive. One of the reasons I didn’t choose the Google Pixel C is the google tablet has no GPS.
3.) I have not found any lag with any application. I have read the reviews about problems with certain games. I agree, they may not run as well on this processor as with the Apple. However, for me this is a non issue.
4.) Flawless video streaming from all services including Netflix, Amazon and Hulu.
5.) I can connect to a office networking system using a Citrix receiver and not have delay or lag issues. With my Tab S2 the processor was inadequate to load the system. I have never had any Android system that would load the Citrix receiver and load the connection to the main system.
6.) Excellent and extremely stable and fast WIFI.
7.) The SD card does not load or hold all programs. The tablet is only 32gb of ram. However, having downloaded all of my prior Android apps, my photos (which do go to the SD card), and with daily use, I have over 19GB of storage.
8.) All downloaded files can be stored on the SD card
9.) I actually like the 8 inch Tab S2 as it fits in my jacket pocket. However, the added size of this tablet offsets the inconvenience. And, as phones get bigger, there isn’t much difference between my 6 inch phone display and my 8 inch tablet.
10.) I got the silver. It matches the cover and only the back is silver, the entire front is black. For those who have noted over and over about the black back being a fingerprint magnet, get the silver. There are no fingerprints to be seen on this color.
I also got the Keyboard, purchased separately at Best Buy as it was out of stock on Amazon.
I honestly think that there is an expectation by some to have tablet keyboard to be the best most wonderful keyboard in the world. It is functional and does a good job. It is for a tablet that is 9.7 inches and cannot be a full sized keyboard. Having had many tablet keyboards, including ones from Samsung, here is my opinion and update to correct or add previous information.
1.) When detaching the tablet, it turns off the tablet. Someone noted this was a disadvantage, claiming he/she then had to turn the tablet back on. I find this turn off function when taken out of the dock and advantage. I'm done with the task,remove the tablet, and it's off.
2.) The comment that it has no magnetic "off" contact when closing the cover does not happen on my cover. If the tablet is on and I put it in the keyboard cover and close it, it turns the tablet off.
When using the keyboard cover, place it in the dock, and it turns on the tablet. Remove the tablet, it turns off. Turn the tablet on while outside the cover, put it in the cover, close the cover, it turns the tablet off.
3.) It runs off the Tablet power. I can't tell you how frustrating it is to have a keyboard need charging independently from the tablet. One less thing to have to charge.
.4.) The lack of blue tooth hook up, noted in another review is a plus. The direct connection eliminates the independent power need of the keyboard.
And, for anyone who has ever used a tablet blue tooth keyboard, the constant lost bluetooth connection and need to resync is a big problem.
5.) The keyboard has a nice feel
6.) The cover has a holder for the pen.
7.) I have not had the problem of the tablet sliding out of the cover. I have tried to reproduce the tablet sliding out, described by the other review. I have to either hard drop it into a knapsack, or smack it on the side. Maybe I'm more careful, or less abusive. In either case, in one week of daily use, the tablet has never slipped out of the case.
What the tablet keyboard is not, is a full sized keyboard. It is cramped. But the key detention and feel is good.
Remember, this is not a lap top or a full sized keyboard. It is for use with a 9.7 inch tablet. Big enough to be useful, too small for full productivity.
What it isn't is a big, comfortable keyboard. However, it functions perfectly without a hitch. No bluetooth delay or need to sync.
Someone noted the color. I got the silver Tab S3, the grey cover is perfect.
What I don't like is that It is kind of pricey.
I'm giving it five stars because honestly think it is about as good as any tablet keyboard I have had and does the job. I have read multiple criticisms on review sites. I do think many reviewers believe that applying an unrealistic standard and expectation to a device elevates the reviewer's standing among those who believe that every device must provide a quantum leap in technology. This is a tablet keyboard. It turns the device on when connect, off when disconnected, and off if the device is placed in the cover.
Ok, lots of words.
Short and sweet. Bright, light, fast, fully capable Android tablet. It meets my needs better than any other Android on the market. And for the people who point out the slightly brighter and faster Google Pixel C, remember, no GPS and it’s heavier.
The keyboard integrates perfectly and works.
If you want more processing power and more RAM, you need to go Apple. But, they have no SD card and you are stuck in the Apple system.
I give the entire system five stars. For the moment, although pricey, this is one of the best out there.
Update on 4/29/17
Many reviewers note that the tablet does not have a pen holder. There is one on the keyboard. I just got the yueton 5pcs Self-adhesive Leather Pen Holder with Elastic Loop for Notebooks, Journals, Planners and Calendars
yueton 5pcs Self-adhesive Leather Pen Holder with Elastic Loop for Notebooks, Journals, Planners and Calendars
https://www.amazon.com/yueton-Self-adhesive-Notebooks-Journals-Calendars/dp/B01N8X33Y9/ref=cm_rdp_product
Here's my review. It works very well.
I got the Samsung tab S3 with the pen. The cover has a pen holder, but the tablet does not.
What to do?
I got this and placed it on the tablet. Now, my tablet has a pen holder. It is the perfect size.
What don't i like, it would be nice if there was a color other than black, and the elastic holder for the pen is not totally flush to the leather making it a little "proud."
But, as they say, lots of bang for the buck. And easy to put on and use.
| Standing screen display size | 9.7 Inches |
|---|---|
| Screen Resolution | 2048x1536 |
| Max Screen Resolution | 2048 x 1536 Pixels |
| Processor | 2.2 GHz Snapdragon |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Hard Drive | Flash Memory Solid State |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Adreno 530 |
| Card Description | Integrated |
| Wireless Type | 802.11abg |
| Average Battery Life (in hours) | 12 Hours |
