The world of Android tablets has witnessed a significant surge in recent years, and Samsung has been at the forefront of this revolution. The South Korean giant has been consistently pushing the boundaries of innovation, churning out devices that cater to diverse needs and preferences. Two of its most popular offerings, the Samsung Tab S4 and S5e, have been vying for attention in the market. But which one reigns supreme? In this comprehensive article, we’ll delve into the details, exploring the features, specifications, and performance of these two powerhouses to help you make an informed decision.
Design And Build Quality
When it comes to design and build quality, both the Tab S4 and S5e exude premium appeal. However, there are some subtle differences that set them apart.
The Samsung Tab S4 boasts a sleek, compact design with a durable metal body that feels sturdy in the hand. Weighing in at 482g, it’s surprisingly lightweight, making it easy to carry around. The tablet features a 10.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2536 x 1600 pixels, resulting in crisp, vibrant visuals that are perfect for streaming, gaming, and productivity.
On the other hand, the Samsung Tab S5e takes a more minimalist approach, with a sleeker, more streamlined design that makes it even lighter (399g) and more portable. The 10.5-inch Super AMOLED display boasts the same resolution as the S4, ensuring an immersive viewing experience.
One notable difference lies in the Bezels. The Tab S4 has slightly thicker Bezels, whereas the S5e features thinner, more compact Bezels that give it a more modern, premium look.
Performance And Processing Power
Under the hood, both tablets pack a punch, but with different engines.
The Samsung Tab S4 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, accompanied by 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage (expandable up to 256GB via microSD card). This configuration ensures smooth, lag-free performance, even when handling demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking.
In contrast, the Samsung Tab S5e is equipped with a more modern Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 processor, paired with 4GB or 6GB of RAM (depending on the variant) and 64GB or 128GB of internal storage (expandable up to 1TB via microSD card). This upgraded processor provides faster performance, improved power management, and enhanced AI capabilities.
The S5e’s more efficient processor translates to better battery life. With a larger 7040mAh battery, the S5e can last up to 14.5 hours on a single charge, while the S4’s 7300mAh battery delivers around 12 hours of autonomy.
Camera And Video Recording
Camera capabilities have become an essential aspect of modern devices, and both tablets deliver decent results.
The Samsung Tab S4 features a 13MP rear camera with a f/2.0 aperture, accompanied by an 8MP front camera with a f/1.9 aperture. The rear camera is capable of recording 4K video at 30fps, while the front camera can record 1080p video at 30fps.
The Samsung Tab S5e, on the other hand, sports a slightly upgraded 13MP rear camera with a f/2.2 aperture, along with a 5MP front camera with a f/2.2 aperture. The rear camera can record 4K video at 30fps, while the front camera is limited to 1080p video at 30fps.
The S5e’s camera app features more advanced modes, including a Pro mode for manual control.
Software And Features
Software plays a critical role in the overall user experience, and both tablets have their strengths and weaknesses.
The Samsung Tab S4 runs on Android 8.1 Oreo out of the box, with Samsung’s custom UX on top. The tablet features an S-Pen stylus, which offers 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, making it perfect for note-taking, drawing, and creative tasks.
The Samsung Tab S5e, on the other hand, ships with Android 9.0 Pie, providing a more modern, intuitive user experience. The tablet also features Samsung’s new One UI, which offers a more streamlined, minimalistic design.
The S5e’s One UI provides a more seamless, intuitive experience, with features like a gesture-based navigation system.
Battery Life And Charging
Battery life is a crucial aspect of any mobile device, and both tablets have their strengths in this department.
The Samsung Tab S4 features a large 7300mAh battery, which provides around 12 hours of autonomy on a single charge. The tablet also supports fast charging, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when needed.
The Samsung Tab S5e, as mentioned earlier, boasts an even larger 7040mAh battery, which provides an impressive 14.5 hours of battery life on a single charge. The tablet also supports fast charging, ensuring you can quickly replenish the battery when necessary.
The S5e’s more efficient processor and larger battery combine to provide better battery life.
Price And Availability
Pricing is a critical factor in the purchasing decision, and both tablets are positioned differently in the market.
The Samsung Tab S4 is generally pricier, with the base model (64GB) starting at around $650. The higher-end model (256GB) costs around $750.
The Samsung Tab S5e, on the other hand, is more affordable, with the base model (64GB) starting at around $400. The higher-end model (128GB) costs around $500.
The S5e offers better value for money, with its modern processor, improved camera, and sleek design.
Conclusion
So, which tablet reigns supreme? The Samsung Tab S4 or the Samsung Tab S5e?
Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific needs and preferences.
If you’re looking for a more premium device with an S-Pen stylus, the Tab S4 might be the better choice. However, if you prefer a more modern, streamlined design with improved performance, camera capabilities, and longer battery life, the Tab S5e is the clear winner.
| Feature | Samsung Tab S4 | Samsung Tab S5e |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB/6GB |
| Internal Storage | 64GB | 64GB/128GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours | Up to 14.5 hours |
| Price | Starting at $650 | Starting at $400 |
In conclusion, the Samsung Tab S5e emerges as the better value proposition, offering a more modern design, improved performance, and better battery life at a lower price point. However, if you’re invested in the Samsung ecosystem and prefer the S-Pen stylus, the Tab S4 might still be the better choice for you.
What Are The Key Differences Between The Samsung Tab S4 And S5e?
The Samsung Tab S4 and S5e are both high-end tablets designed for different purposes. The Tab S4 is a productivity-focused tablet with a larger 10.5-inch Super AMOLED display, a more powerful Snapdragon 835 processor, and support for the S Pen stylus. On the other hand, the Tab S5e is a more portable and affordable tablet with a 10.5-inch Super AMOLED display, a mid-range Snapdragon 662 processor, and no support for the S Pen.
The main difference between the two tablets lies in their design and features. The Tab S4 has a more premium build quality, a larger battery, and support for Samsung DeX (Desktop Experience) mode, which allows users to turn their tablet into a PC-like experience. The Tab S5e, on the other hand, is designed for everyday use, with a focus on entertainment and portability. It’s also significantly lighter and thinner than the Tab S4.
Which Tablet Is Better For Productivity?
The Samsung Tab S4 is the clear winner when it comes to productivity. With its powerful Snapdragon 835 processor, 4GB of RAM, and support for the S Pen stylus, it’s designed to help users get work done efficiently. The Tab S4 also supports Samsung DeX mode, which allows users to turn their tablet into a PC-like experience, complete with a desktop interface and support for multiple windows.
Additionally, the Tab S4 has a larger keyboard attachment available, making it easier to type out documents and emails. The S Pen stylus also allows for precise note-taking and sketching, making it a great tool for creatives and business professionals alike. Overall, the Tab S4 is the better choice for anyone looking for a tablet to help them stay productive on the go.
Is The Samsung Tab S5e Good For Gaming?
Yes, the Samsung Tab S5e is a great tablet for gaming, despite its mid-range processor. The Snapdragon 662 processor is capable of handling demanding games at medium to high graphics settings, and the 10.5-inch Super AMOLED display provides an immersive gaming experience. Additionally, the Tab S5e has a large 7040mAh battery, which provides all-day gaming on a single charge.
That being said, gamers who require the absolute best performance may want to consider the Tab S4, which has a more powerful processor and more RAM. However, for casual to moderate gamers, the Tab S5e is a great choice that won’t break the bank.
What Is The Battery Life Like On The Samsung Tab S4 And S5e?
The Samsung Tab S4 has a large 7300mAh battery that provides all-day battery life, even with heavy use. Samsung claims the Tab S4 can last up to 16 hours on a single charge, which is impressive considering its powerful processor and large display. The Tab S4 also supports fast charging, which can quickly top up the battery when you’re in a hurry.
The Samsung Tab S5e has a slightly smaller 7040mAh battery, but it’s still designed to provide all-day battery life. Samsung claims the Tab S5e can last up to 14.5 hours on a single charge, which is slightly less than the Tab S4. However, the Tab S5e’s more power-efficient processor and lower resolution display help to conserve battery life.
Do Both Tablets Support MicroSD Card Expansion?
Yes, both the Samsung Tab S4 and S5e support microSD card expansion up to 1TB. This means users can expand their tablet’s storage capacity to store more files, photos, and videos. The microSD card slot is located on the top of both tablets, and users can easily insert or remove the card as needed.
It’s worth noting that the Tab S4’s base model comes with 64GB of internal storage, while the Tab S5e’s base model comes with 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, depending on the region. If you plan on storing a large amount of data on your tablet, microSD card expansion may be necessary.
Can I Use The S Pen Stylus With The Samsung Tab S5e?
No, the Samsung Tab S5e does not support the S Pen stylus. The S Pen is exclusively available on the Samsung Tab S4 and is designed to work seamlessly with the tablet’s display. The S Pen provides precise input and is great for note-taking, sketching, and other creative tasks.
If you need a stylus for your tablet, the Tab S4 is the better choice. However, if you don’t plan on using a stylus, the Tab S5e is still a great option that provides a premium tablet experience at a lower price point.
Which Tablet Is Better Value For Money?
The Samsung Tab S5e is the better value for money. With a lower price point than the Tab S4, the Tab S5e provides a similar premium tablet experience with a few compromises. It has a slightly smaller battery, a mid-range processor, and no support for the S Pen stylus. However, it still has a gorgeous 10.5-inch Super AMOLED display, plenty of storage, and a sleek design.
If you’re looking for a high-end tablet without breaking the bank, the Tab S5e is the way to go. However, if you need the absolute best performance and features, the Tab S4 is worth the extra cost. Ultimately, the choice between the two tablets depends on your specific needs and budget.