Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra’s massive screen and powerful chipset make it a beast. It has tons of potential for multitasking and accessories to help it replace your laptop. If, however, you’re looking for something solely to watch media on or play games, then this one might be a bit too much.
Key specs
Critic consensus
“With its 14.6-inch Super AMOLED display, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is a real eye-catcher in the truest sense of the word. But its strengths are not only aesthetic: The fast Snapdragon ensures superb performance in all areas, the speakers deliver good sound, DeX mode can be run directly on the device, and the cameras are ideally suited for video calls. Another practical feature is that the S8 Ultra tablet can be used as a second screen on a Windows PC without any cables at all, but with slight delays. The powerful S-Pen is also included in delivery. The memory can be further expanded using a microSD card, which is why the RAM configuration should be the main consideration when choosing the appropiate memory configuration for the tablet.”
“I think the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra fits into a specific niche — a single device for both tablet entertainment activities and getting real work done. I love that not only can I switch between the two seamlessly, but I can also often mix the two — I’ll have a word document opened while I have a YouTube video playing in the corner of the screen. Or I’ll be in a Zoom call while I’m actively scrolling through Instagram at the same time. With the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, I can mix work and play. And for me, it’s worth the $1,100 — particularly with the keyboard case included free of charge.”
“Samsung positions the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra as a potential laptop replacement thanks to DeX mode and that beautiful screen. Chances are, it's even lighter than your laptop while sporting a big enough screen to enjoy work and games. But Android tablets are still in a weird spot, and the Keyboard Cover is just plain expensive.”
“The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is a nice demonstration of Samsung's technical innovation, but the S8 and S8 Plus are likely much more practical for most people. When you jump to a tablet of this size and price, a full-fledged laptop is a better option than a tablet with an operating system that is not complete and optimized for the tablet form factor.”
In Depth
Samsung has released three different high-end Android tablet options for 2022. The Ultra is the most powerful, but is it too much to handle?
Design
Before purchasing the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, make sure you have room for it. It’s massive and wide, and it’s also super thin.
However, this leads many reviewers to question how durable the tablet might be in long-term use. Some worried as it could be easily snapped in half or broken more easily than competing options when bouncing around in a crowded bag or bumping around in your luggage.
Display
The display is a whopping 14.6-inch monster. While that sounds great in practice, it might not be ideal for many people due to the lack of portability and difficult single-handed use.
However, it’s pretty ideal for creatives like photographers or graphic designers. The pixel density isn’t the best out there, but it’s pretty good. Color accuracy and contrast are excellent.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra will put up with a lot and keep going. Reviewers stated that this again seemed to be aimed at creatives, as it’s capable of multitasking and running most top-end art software.
It also did great with games too. However, reviewers stated it was challenging to use on-screen commands because of the screen orientation.
Software & Storage
The tablet runs Android 12 and offers 128, 256, and 512GB of space based on your preference. Higher storage amounts are recommended if you plan to work with video or larger files. But for light use and general productivity work, the 128GB is a generous starting option.
Cameras
Slightly different from other tablets, the Tab S7 Ultra has two different front-facing cameras: a regular 12MP lens and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. It also includes some software tweaks to allow the camera to zoom in or out as people join you on video calls and keep you in the frame during those calls, similar to Apple’s Center Stage feature.
While the tablet will never compete with most top-end phone cameras or standalone cameras, it’s pretty good as a productivity-focused option.
Battery Life
The tablet comes equipped with an 11,200mAh battery. Samsung claims it will last 15 hours, and reviewers appear to agree. Unlike many tablets, the Tab S8 Ultra can act as a charging dock for other devices you plug into it.
If you’re worried about charge times, don’t. The tablet ships with a 45W charger capable of providing a full recharge in around 80 minutes.
Audio
Reviewers were happy to report that the four speakers on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra were excellent. They had good bass and treble and worked well for watching media or using it as a speaker. Not to mention three mics and noise cancellation for video calls and conferences.
Accessories
The S-Pen comes included with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra and is easily magnetically attached to the side of the tablet. There is also the option to buy a case-and-keyboard combo to use the tablet in a more laptop-like configuration.
Specs at a Glance
- Aluminum design
- 14.6-inch AMOLED display
- Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor
- 8/12/16GB of RAM
- Android 12
- 128/256/512GB of storage
- 13MP+ cameras
- 11,200mAh battery, 15 hours battery life
- Four speakers
- S-Pen and Keyboard case combo
- Can be used as a charging dock for other devices
The Bottom Line
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is a big beautiful machine for a particular type of person—mostly creatives and productivity-focused professionals.
Yet, it may be considered unwieldy and too big for those who are only looking for something to watch streaming services or use casually as a second screen. Its size also is less than ideal for gaming unless you plan to use a controller.
Pocket-Lint states, “If you’re looking for a tablet with a huge screen – perhaps to consider as a laptop replacement by using some accessories – then they don’t really come bigger than the Tab S8 Ultra.”
Tom’s Guide says, “The Samsung Galaxy S8 Ultra impresses with its large screen, multiple cameras, and overall thin design. It is tailor-made for creatives and hybrid work.”
What people actually want to know
When was the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra released?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra was released on February 25, 2022.
How long does the battery last on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra has a 11,200 mAh battery.
Does the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra support wireless charging?
No, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra does not support wireless charging.
Does the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra have a headphone jack?
No, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra does not have a headphone jack. You'll need wireless headphones or a USB-C adapter.
Does the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra have NFC?
No, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra does not have NFC. Contactless payments and tap-to-pair will not be available.
Where can I get support for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra?
Visit Samsung's official support page for warranty info, repairs, and troubleshooting.
Questions & answers
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