This Samsung Tablet just what I was looking for and I have owned this for one and a half months now. I usually purchase my Tablets and Smartphones from Amazon, however, it was not yet on Amazon's website at that time. Since I am a techie type, I throughly tested this tablet before I wrote this review.
Below, I list the Pros and Cons that I personally discovered:
+ Screen Resolution/Form Factor:
The screen resolution is excellent at 189ppi. I find that the screen is clearer than my old Tab A 8.0 was. Also, colors are vivid.
+ OS and Preinstalled Apps...The OS is Nougat 7.1.1
+ Regarding Form Factor...I prefer the 16:10 form factor in this Samsung Tab A 2017 over my older Samsung Tab A 2015 with the 4:3 form factor. This Tablet is easier for me to hold and the videos fill the screen better.
+ Internal Memory/ External Memory Card info--this tablet is advertised at 32GB Internal Memory. However, after the OS and Factory Apps were installed, it began with about 25GB of available internal memory. So when I added my many apps, updates, etc, I now have 19.25GB left. This is enough space to future apps, updates etc.
+Memory Card storage...I discovered that I can install an SD Card up to 256GB. However, I installed (for now) a 64GB and still have 20gb left on it.
+ Speed/Responsiveness/Battery Temp/Battery Life...This tablet is very peppy, does not lag or freeze.
Battery is non removable and it has a good amount of power at 5,000 mAh. The battery does not overheat even with downloading apps, watching videos etc. Under normal use it is 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and after downloading apps, watching videos etc, it goes up to 90 to 95 degrees, which is normal, and it quickly goes back down to 80 to 85. I use the free widget called Battery Solo from the Playstore. It shows my battery amount left on my screen and when I tap it, it gives a report of how long the battery has been used and the time left on the battery.
Battery Life: The battery has lasted easily from 8am to about 730pm if I use it moderately to heavy as I am on weather apps, Facebook, email, Internet, YouTube on and off most of the day. *I get about 2 hours longer on this 2017 Tab A than I did on my old Tab A 2015.
+ WiFi...802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band. I use ATT UVERSE and this tablet has superb and fast WiFi. Even outside in my backyard, it still gets 3 bars. I am very pleased with this tablet's WiFi. Also, on the road, it picks up local WiFi wonderfully.
+ Camera...This camera has a flash, I am happy to report. And it has 8MP, not the best, however, the pictures and videos I took with it are quite clear...I was happily suprized about that!
Sound Quality...It is SO SO as there is just one speaker. I tested this watching videos on YouTube, Facebook and music on my SD Card. It was doable in a pinch, however, I use a set of high quality Bluetooth headset and a high quality Bluetooth speaker. With a Bluetooth speaker or headset, the sound is wonderful.
+ Overall Reasons why I love this tablet: Personally, I found this to be a very impressive and love the screen to body ratio which is 70.5, excellent. It is slim and trim, and easily fits into my purse.
My favorite features are the 32GB Internal Memory, my old Tab A 8.0 had just 16GB, too small for today's apps etc and the lo get battery life.
Cons: Just one that I discovered:
- Sound...just one tiny speaker. I use Bluetooth Headset and a Bluetooth speaker so I did not deduct stars.
Would I purchase this tablet again? Yes, because it has many advantages over my older Tab A 2015 Model.
Well, I hope that this review has helped with your decision regarding this tablet. Thank you for reading my review.
Since I am a techie, I will gladly answer your questions in the comment section.
I started to look for a new tablet after my old tablet would no longer run some apps on Android 4.2 and the manufacture had stopped making updates for it. I wanted to find a new tablet under $200 and running the newest Android release available.in that price range. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8" 32 GB had just started to be available at the end of 2017 and is using Android 7.1.1. I believe this will allow tablet to be used for many years before becoming obsolete. The new tablet startup is faster and is able to run all the apps that I want. The only problem I have with the new tablet is the dedicated recent apps and back keys at the bottom of the display. It is almost impossible to see where these keys are and they are not lighted. I found it difficult to hit the keys and would have to try to push them multiple times for them to function. In frustration with this problem, I took a marker and marked the location of the keys on the bezel surrounding the screen.. This did help, but the manufacturer should make these keys more visible.
This is an initial review, can't comment on durability/longevity as I've only had the unit 24 hours. I'll update it if problems crop up.
Functionally so far, it's excellent. Very nice and bright screen, snappy response.
Of particular note: GPS. Several people here have asked if it has a GPS chip, and the answers given were not confidence inspiring. Like many perhaps, one of my primary uses of this device is for navigation - specifically, offline navigation with downloaded maps. An embedded GPS chip is mandatory for this - estimated locations via wifi are useless for this task.
Further, Samsung's web site doesn't mention anything about GPS for this model. Many of their models do have it, and that capability is listed in their tech specs. Other reviews elsewhere indicate it does, so...I rolled the dice and ordered it.
The good news is, it absolutely has a GPS chip. I'm using this device with Osmand+ (awesome app), which uses offline maps. I get a very fast, solid and accurate GPS lock with this device - and I'm 100% certain it's not estimating location via wifi, as it works with wifi turned off. Even way out in the boonies, it's providing spot-on accuracy on moving maps as well as recording extremely accurate GPX tracks.
If you're looking for a backwoods navigation device, you'll be hard pressed to find something better at this price point.
The Galaxy Tab A is a great entry level tablet that's great for light web browsing and media use without breaking the bank. The 8" size is, in my opinion the perfect size for a media tablet. It's light and easy to hold in one though it will be tough to use in one hand. This tablet has a solid build quality but despite the aluminum back it still has a light somewhat cheap feel. This tablet is definitely NOT a powerhouse. As I said at the beginning it's great for web browsing and watching movies but don't plan on playing games beyond your basic solitare, cut the rooe, etc. I did have pretty good performance on Asphalt 8 (a pretty good looking racing game) which leads me to believe some higher end games may not work well mainly due to poor optimization. Once again though this tablet is also not equipped with a very high end card. My biggest problem with this tablet is it's price point. While $200 dollars (price at time of purchase) is not a huge amount when it comes to tablets, I would recommend waiting till it goes on sale or the price drops somewhere closer to $150. I personally just dont think it's $200 worth of material. Aside from that I recommend this tablet to anyone wanting a media tablet to take on trips and such when you don't want to lug a computer around.
Screen is beautiful and the aspect ratio is great, but my only peeve (and why I'm knocking it down one star) is the Back and Recent button (on either side of the home button) do not light up in this model. Come on Samsung! You coulda been a contender! But instead you saved a couple of bucks by eliminating this feature. So at night you just have to remember where the buttons are.
Feature Product
- Take in your favorites on a screen that looks good in any light on a sleek metal frame that's comfortable to hold; Digital Optical Zoom: 4x Digital
- Power through movies, games, emails and more with a long-lasting battery that gives you up to 14 hours of video playback
- Get 32GB of Built-in storage and expand your Memory up to 256GB with a Micro SD card (sold separately)
- Get 3 free Months of YouTube red with Google play music, plus enjoy samsung's kid-friendly apps
- Bixby home serves up relevant content like weather and news, and gives you a preview of your day;Main Display Technology :TFT
Description
Doing what you love is easy when the galaxy Tab a does it all. Browse and stream for hours with a long-lasting battery on an HD display that stays clear in any light, from the afternoon Sun to a dim room at night. Keep all your memories right on your tablet, thanks to expandable storage. And with engaging content brought to you by YouTube red and kid-friendly apps, you'll have everything you want all in one place.
Well, had to upgrade from galaxy tab to this one do to charging problems with the port, they did improve it a little and it is a little bit wider. Transfer to new tablet was awesome best ever didn't lose anything I wanted to keep. Still too much junk ( for me kid mode and a lot of the preloads you can't disable are useless) . As others have indicated the speed and the screen are much improved even keyboard seems better to me. I wish they would go back to the wide charger as if my tab gets bumped the carpet etc, it ALWAYS landed on the charging cord end. I never had that problem with my first tablet. So far I am very happy. The reason no five is because the junk slows down stuff and can't take it off and I suspect the charger will still be an issue as it is still too small.
I won't get into an iOS vs Android debate. People prefer one OS over another for their own reasons. I needed an Android device for one specific purpose only: to run a car coding program. For the money, this is a good buy. The processor is reasonably fast, aesthetics are good, the camera is okay, and it can run the latest Android. If you just wanted a good basic tablet to run programs around your house or to keep in the garage, this is a good choice. I wouldn't use it to run any intense programs, but that's not its intended purpose anyway.
Here's what I don't like. I know it's not fair to compare directly the Tab A to a much more expensive iPad, but every iPad I have used is much more responsive to touch. I don't think that's a price issue. The Tab A simply doesn't recognize a touch as easily or responsively. I really need to press the screen to get a reaction. I think this interface could be better. The screen resolution isn't great, but this is also a bargain tablet so that's expected.
It's a great tablet. The screen is beautiful. Fast. Responsive. Honestly, it lives up to the reviews and works as advertised. I am very happy with my purchase.
Samsung knows how to construct an attractive but sturdy tablet, very pleased with the specs, screen, size, and weight. Would definitely recommend this to someone wanting an android tablet.
At the beginning I thought it was to expensive for a tablet only for reading but I realized that it's a very nice tablet for reading and surfing the web. I think the screen is perfect for reading. Not much glare and it's gentle with my eyes. Today is the second day using the tablet without charging it and it is over 50 % of power.
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