Samsung Galaxy TabPRO 8.4 Review: Powerful but by No Means Premium

Samsung Galaxy TabPRO 8.4 Inch Review

The Samsung Galaxy TabPRO comes in three sizes: 12.2 inch, 10.1 inch and 8.4 inch. The 8.4 inch model that is reviewed here essentially crams everything the two larger models offer into an ultra-portable body.

For its size, it's the leading Android tablet currently on the market and in certain areas it even gives the iPad Mini 2 a run for its money.

Despite this, however, it is still lacking in certain key areas for it to really feel like a high-end device.

Design

Getting the worst out of the way first, the Galaxy TabPRO's design feels cheap and unbefitting of what is arguably the top-of-the-range Android device for its size.

A metal-effect plastic rim encases the sides and faux-leather - complete with fake plastic stitches - covers the back. One upside is this material does make it surprisingly grippy.

While the rest of the design is simple and straight-forwardly Samsung, applying any reasonable force causes it to creak and groan.

The position of the speakers on the bottom edge of such a compact device are also easily blocked by hands and can make for an uncomfortable experience when you are trying to listen to something whilst holding it.

Screen

All three devices sport the WQXCA 2560 x 1600 super clear LCD displays, which on the 8.4 model makes for a really sharp resolution. On this measure alone it knocks the more expensive but similarly-sized iPad mini 2 out of the park.

The only slight issue is that colours can sometimes look over-saturated - a problem that can't easily be overcome as it lacks any custom screen modes like the 'Movie' display mode found on some other Galaxy phones and tablets.

Battery life and camera

While the Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 comes fitted with many of the same powerful components as its larger-sized namesakes, its puny 4,800mAh battery offers only half of the power capacity.

Despite this, the smaller tablet manages to perform better in battery tests than the 10.1 and 12.2- inch models. The battery only fully drained after three days of moderate use, which included some light gaming, web browsing and video watching.

The 8MP camera on the back of all TabPRO series tablets is typical of Samsung's trend of fitting its top-end tablets with decent snappers. It is capable of producing high quality images in natural lighting, with decent detail, accurate colours and a sharp focus.

Although not many people use their tablets as their main device for taking photos, many do use them to make video calls.

This means the inclusion of a 2MP camera on the other side stands out as the top front-facing camera in its range, beating both the 1.3MP offered by the LG G Pad 8.3 and the 1.2MP offered by the iPad mini 2.

Cost and conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy TabPRO holds up well when compared to any other similarly-sized Android tablet. Its higher price of £279 is therefore justified so long as you're willing to overlook the slightly cheap feel you get from it.

Its powerful performance and quality screen even makes it a budget competitor for the iPad Mini 2, but that's only for those that either really don't like the iOS operating system or aren't willing to fork out the higher price for the Apple device.

It might be the best Android tablet in its size range for now, but with both Google and Amazon stepping up their tablet game, it probably won't be long before the Samsung Galaxy TabPRO is knocked off its perch.

Scores:

• Screen: 9/10
• Design: 6/10
• Operating System: 8/10
• Build Quality: 8/10
• Value: 9/10
• Overall: 8/10

The Good

• Unrivalled screen for its size
• Decent front-facing camera
• Impressive battery life
• Powerful performance

The Bad

• Feels cheap for a high-end device
• More expensive than certain rivals