Samsung Unveils Galaxy Tab S5e: 10.5-Inch sAMOLED with USB-C
by Anton Shilov on February 15, 2019 2:00 PM EST- Posted in
- Tablets
- Samsung
- Galaxy
- Android
- Galaxy Tab
Samsung today introduced its new mid-range Google Android-based tablet. Despite its formal positioning for consumers, the Galaxy Tab S5e features a rather large 10.5-inch sAMOLED display, a decent SoC, plenty of memory as well as storage, an advanced audio sub-system, a USB Type-C connector, and even compatibility with Samsung’s DeX platform for productivity applications. In general, the new tablet from Samsung brings together a decent performance, a good display, compatibility with productivity apps, compact dimensions, and a relatively low price - a rather interesting combination that we have not encountered before.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e is powered by an unidentified SoC that integrates two 64-bit high-performance cores, six 64-bit energy-efficient cores, and an unknown iGPU. It is possible that the application processor was developed by Samsung itself, but at this point this is a speculation. The SoC is accompanied by 4 or 6 GB of DRAM and 64 or 128 GB of NAND flash storage (expandable by 512 GB using a microSDXC card). The tablet is outfitted with a 10.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 2560×1600 resolution and thin bezels, similar to the one found on a considerably more expensive Galaxy Tab S4, but presumably without a stylus support. Imaging capabilities of the device comprise of a 13 MP rear sensor as well as an 8 MP front sensor.
When it comes to wireless connectivity features of the Galaxy Tab S5e, they include an 802.11ac Wi-Fi controller with MU-MIMO support, and Bluetooth 5.0. Samsung says that models with a 4G/LTE modem will be available later. Since the product is aimed at consumers, not road warriors, prioritizing the launch of Wi-Fi-only versions makes sense for the manufacturer. As for wired I/O, the Galaxy Tab S5e is outfitted with a USB 3.1 Type-C interface for audio, data, and charging, as well as a set of POGO connectors for keyboards or some other gear.
Like all good tablets these days, the Galaxy Tab S5e has a rather vast set of sensors, including an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a proximity sensor, a fingerprint scanner, a geomagnetic sensor (a compass), an RGB light sensor, and so on. The sensors can detect how the tablet is held (or placed) and then Samsung’s software automatically adjusts its quad-speaker audio sub-system co-designed with AKG for the best possible experience.
Designed primarily with consumers in mind, the Galaxy Tab S5e is very light and compact. It weights 400 grams and is just 5.5 mm thick, which is considerably lighter and thinner when compared to most 10-inch class tablets. Despite its rather humble z-height, the tablet packs a 7,040 mAh battery that provides up to 14.5 hours of battery life, according to the manufacturer.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e | |
Specifications | |
SoC | 2 × high-performance cores at 2.0 GHz 6 × energy-efficient cores at 1.7 GHz |
Graphics | unknown |
Display | 10.5-inch sAMOLED 2560×1600 |
Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB + microSD up to 512 GB |
Memory | 4 GB or 6 GB LPDDR4 (?) |
Wireless | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 2.4G+5GHz, VHT80 MU-MIMO, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth v5.0 |
GPS | GPS, Glonass, Beidou, Galileo |
Connectivity | USB 3.1 Type-C for data and charging POGO connectors for keyboard |
Camera | Rear Camera: 13 MP Autofocus (?) Front Camera: 8 MP Fixed Focus (?) |
Video | Recording: UHD 4K (3840×2160) @ 30fps Playback: UHD 4K (3840×2160) @ 60fps |
Audio | 4 × Speakers co-developed with AKG with Dolby Atmos certification USB-C headset |
Sensors | Accelerometer, Fingerprint Sensor, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Hall Sensor, RGB Light Sensor |
Battery | 7040 mAh Up to 14.5 hours |
Dimensions | 245 × 160 × 5.5 mm 400 grams (Wi-Fi) |
Color | Silver, Black, Gold |
OS | Android 9.0 Pie |
Price | starts at $399.99 |
Accessories | Book cover Keyboard, POGO Charging Dock, Slim cover, Book cover (not included) |
One interesting feature of the consumer-oriented Galaxy Tab S5e is its support for Samsung’s DeX platform that enables desktop-like experience on Android-based tablets (e.g., open up multiple windows, re-size windows, drag and drop content, etc.). Obviously, to take full advantage of DeX, users will need the optional Book Cover Keyboard that is sold separately. In the meantime, Samsung does not indicate that users may attach the tablet to a full-sized display using a USB Type-C to HDMI adapter if more screen real estate is needed, so this capability will likely remain exclusive to more expensive Galaxy Tab devices. Besides, the Galaxy Tab S5e also does not support Samsung’s Knox mobile security platform to protect valuable and confidential information, which is pretty logical given its positioning.
Samsung plans to start sales of its Galaxy Tab S5e in the second quarter of 2019 starting at $399.99. To increase the value of the product, Samsung will include a 4-months YouTube Premium subscription and a 3-months Spotify Premium subscription with the device (at least where available). 4G/LTE-enabled models will follow on later this year, their pricing is unknown.
Related Reading:
- Samsung Introduces Galaxy Tab S4: S835, 7300mAh Battery, Samsung DeX
- Acer Announces Chromebook Tab 10: A Tablet Running Google’s Chrome OS
- New High-End Android Tablets? Huawei MediaPad M5 gets Kirin 960
- Samsung Launches the 9.7-inch Galaxy Tab S3: Snapdragon 820 with 6000mAh and HDR
Source: Samsung
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agent2099 - Tuesday, February 19, 2019 - link
Yeah Samsungs pricing model on the tablets has always been off the mark. They try to price them like ipads when they are not. They don't have the same build quality, they don't have the same screens, they don't have the same eco system. Ok the last part isn't necessarily Samsungs fault but they cant price them like ipads when the hardware is not even up to par. The only thing Samgsung's tablets have over ipads is USB-c.phoenix_rizzen - Tuesday, February 19, 2019 - link
Not $250 CAD, though. And definitely not an iPad Mini (which is the only one in the 8" range).An iPad Mini 4 is still around $1000 CAD these days. An original iPad Mini is still $400 CAD.
UtilityMax - Friday, February 22, 2019 - link
Can't upload movies over USB (not without iTunes), no stereo sound in landscape mode, no expandable storage.Sttm - Friday, February 15, 2019 - link
Yeah they should create some more versions of that design. I'd like a Pro version with the Snapdragon 8cx SoC. I'd consider this one but I don't really want worse performance than my year old phone.pixelstuff - Friday, February 15, 2019 - link
I'm with you. I'd like to see how much weight they could shave off with an 8" version for eBook reading.PeachNCream - Friday, February 15, 2019 - link
8 inch devices do need a little more attention, but I think the perception is that the reduced size means a much lower implied cost so margins are tighter and fewer investments are being made in the segment by companies known for quality products. The other problem is that larger phones are encroaching with 6+ inch screens so they offer a single device that can cover most needs in the 7-8 inch space. I'd really like to see more 7 inch tablets priced in the middle ($100-200 and not $750 for those that use Anandtech's definition of midrange), but failing that, a few year old, once high end phone with a custom rom can get pretty close for less cost if you don't mind rolling up your sleeves.DanNeely - Saturday, February 16, 2019 - link
Unfortunately if you want a 8" Android in the $200-300 range your options are limited to importing something from China via a reseller like Gearbest or Bandgood. I bought a Teclast T8 for $220USD last year (currently on sale for $130USD). It has a gorgeous high dpi screen and runs great for web browsing and light gaming (puzzle games basically). My only complaint is that the screen is rather scratchable; a screen protector is a definite must for it.Irata - Monday, February 18, 2019 - link
Sounds like the Alldocube X1 would be a good match for your needs.Ordered the 10.5 in X myself as it sounded very interesting - has the same screen as the Galaxy Tab S4, and from what I read good build quality and audio.
It probably is a bit below the new S5E as far as technical specs are concerned, but price wise it sounded really interesting. Will see how good it is when it arrives from China.
phoenix_rizzen - Tuesday, February 19, 2019 - link
The Alldocube M8 sounds nice (1900x1200, 8", decent SoC, MicroSD, Android 8.1, GPS, 802.11ac). Around $100 US on aliexpress.com, so around $150 CAD. Will have to look around a bit, but this might a nice little tax refund gift. :)ET - Tuesday, February 19, 2019 - link
I have a Teclast T8. It's pretty decent (2560 x 1600, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, 2xA72+4xA53). Just order from a Chinese store like GearBest.