Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

admob71

Suspended
Feb 13, 2014
903
538
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND.
I don't think it's any secret that Samsung tablets do not receive the support of other brand tablets on the market. It's good to hear a 2015 version is still supported though.
It was a June 2014 release date actually, the Tab s2 was released in 15, so their high end devices are supported... and are still working impeccably... unlike dare I say some devices that slow down when they get their much boasted about updates. :)
 
Last edited:

The-Real-Deal82

macrumors P6
Jan 17, 2013
17,317
25,467
Wales, United Kingdom
It was a June 2014 release date actually, the Tab s2 was released in 15, so their high end devices are supported... and are still working impeccably... unlike dare I say some devices that slow down when they get their much boasted about updates. :)
My 2012 iPad 3 is going strong, if not a little slower and so is my iPad Air. I don't think anybody here is thick enough to assume devices don't slow down with age. The talk is about support.
 

bufffilm

Suspended
May 3, 2011
4,227
2,536
So you admit that you passed off your personal experiences as evidence accross the entire model range. That is fact!!

It's a fact that Kitkat was the only version of Android available for the 8.4" from Samsung. Samsung never pushed Lollipop or any other version to it. It's a fact.

If any of that isn't fact, then post evidence.

The Tab Pro 10.1 and the 12.2 might have gotten more support from Samsung (did Samsung ever release Lollipop to these two?), but the 8.4 did not.

The Tab Pro line was pretty high end when it came out in 2014: 2560x1600 resolution, 2gb RAM, support up to 128gb SDcard support, etc...problem was the Tab S came out 6 months later w/AMOLED screen, at which point Samsung quickly lost interest in supporting the Tab Pro line and it became an orphan product for all intents and purposes.

Glad your tablet got more support, mine sure didn't.
 

admob71

Suspended
Feb 13, 2014
903
538
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND.
It's a fact that Kitkat was the only version of Android available for the 8.4" from Samsung. Samsung never pushed Lollipop or any other version to it. It's a fact.

If any of that isn't fact, then post evidence.

The Tab Pro 10.1 and the 12.2 might have gotten more support from Samsung (did Samsung ever release Lollipop to these two?), but the 8.4 did not.

The Tab Pro line was pretty high end when it came out in 2014: 2560x1600 resolution, 2gb RAM, support up to 128gb SDcard support, etc...problem was the Tab S came out 6 months later w/AMOLED screen, at which point Samsung quickly lost interest in supporting the Tab Pro line and it became an orphan product for all intents and purposes.

Glad your tablet got more support, mine sure didn't.
I'm sorry yours didn't, but I was replying to the very specific Android tablets doesn't get updates or security patches including expensive Samsung ones. When in fact.... some of them do..
 

bufffilm

Suspended
May 3, 2011
4,227
2,536
I'm sorry yours didn't, but I was replying to the very specific Android tablets doesn't get updates or security patches including expensive Samsung ones. When in fact.... some of them do..

Ok.

And I still like Samsung tablets. It's a pretty short list of tablets brands other than the iPad that are worth it.

I'm looking forward to seeing the S3 when Samsung releases it next year...its been a long time since Samsung has updated it.
 

admob71

Suspended
Feb 13, 2014
903
538
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND.
Ok.

And I still like Samsung tablets. It's a pretty short list of tablets brands other than the iPad that are worth it.

I'm looking forward to seeing the S3 when Samsung releases it next year...its been a long time since Samsung has updated it.

I think they messed up the s2 tbh, 4/3 ratio is naff for films etc. It's a content device. 16/9 is spot on.
 

Radon87000

macrumors 604
Nov 29, 2013
7,777
6,255
iOS destroys Android in tablet support.The only worthwhile Android tablet which is not overpriced is the Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 and the 8 inch version I have is still on the July security Patch..Not sure if Sammy is even gonna update it
 

bufffilm

Suspended
May 3, 2011
4,227
2,536
For my money black bars means wasted screen space.... and if there is back. Bars, surely that means that 4/3 isn't working?

The black bars are there because of the 4:3 aspect ratio. Yeah, if they are made it 16:9 , then no black bars. But then the usefulness of the 4:3 is gone; there's a good reason why that ratio works best.

Samsung made the decision to ape the iPad's aspect ratio.
 
  • Like
Reactions: tbayrgs

ozaz

macrumors 68000
Feb 27, 2011
1,615
577
For my money black bars means wasted screen space.... and if there is back. Bars, surely that means that 4/3 isn't working?

You say that as if the only thing a tablet is useful for is watching movies. If all you want a tablet for is to watch movies, then yes 16:9 is superior. But for pretty much everything else, I'd argue 4:3 is better. As such I much prefer 4:3 on my tablets.

I do like 16:9 on 14" or larger screens where side by side windows start to make sense.
 
  • Like
Reactions: tbayrgs

admob71

Suspended
Feb 13, 2014
903
538
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND.
The black bars are there because of the 4:3 aspect ratio. Yeah, if they are made it 16:9 , then no black bars. But then the usefulness of the 4:3 is gone; there's a good reason why that ratio works best.

Samsung made the decision to ape the iPad's aspect ratio.
And that's why the s2 isn't as good as the s1 in my humble opinion...
[doublepost=1477635874][/doublepost]
You say that as if the only thing a tablet is useful for is watching movies. If all you want a tablet for is to watch movies, then yes 16:9 is superior. But for pretty much everything else, I'd argue 4:3 is better. As such I much prefer 4:3 on my tablets.

I do like 16:9 on 14" or larger screens where side by side windows start to make sense.
Are tv's and laptop screens and phones nearer to 16/9 or 4/3?

So all screens bar tablets looking at the same content are closer to16/9 .. I rest my case...
 

bufffilm

Suspended
May 3, 2011
4,227
2,536
And that's why the s2 isn't as good as the s1 in my humble opinion...
[doublepost=1477635874][/doublepost]
Are tv's and laptop screens and phones nearer to 16/9 or 4/3?

So all screens bar tablets looking at the same content are closer to16/9 .. I rest my case...

Actually, the reason why 16:9 was decided on by the PC and laptop industries by mostly due to the lcd panel industry.

Back around circa-2010/2011, they were making 16:10 screens for the most part, but the yields weren't that great then. It became much more profitable for them to switch to 16:9 instead. Simpler as well.

So 16:9 makes for a seamless experience watching movies, etc but when doing other stuff like reading, composing emails/notes, etc it is not an ideal size especially if you do it in portrait mode.

There's is a whole story why Apple decided on 4:3 for the iPad. And even Microsoft decided on something other than 16:9 for their Surface line.
 
Last edited:

admob71

Suspended
Feb 13, 2014
903
538
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND.
Actually, the reason why 16:9 was decided on by the PC and laptop industries by mostly due to the lcd panel industry.

Back around circa-2010/2011, they were making 16:10 screens for the most part, but the yields weren't that great then. It became much more profitable for them to switch to 16:9 instead.

So 16:9 makes for a seamless experience watching movies, etc but when doing other stuff like reading, composing emails/notes, etc it is not an ideal size especially if you do it in portrait mode.

At there is a whole story why Apple decided on 4:3 for the iPad. And even Microsoft decided on something other than 16:9 for their Surface line.
Reading you say? Isn't just about every book ever printed a portrait rectangle closer to 16/9 than 4/3 , only kids books are square?
Why aren't Imacs 4/3 if that is the optimum size, they again are closer to 16/9 I would suspect.
It's all subjective I know, but I think the pros of using full screen estate when viewing videos and pictures outweighs any negatives...
 

bufffilm

Suspended
May 3, 2011
4,227
2,536
Reading you say? Isn't just about every book ever printed a portrait rectangle closer to 16/9 than 4/3 , only kids books are square?
Why aren't Imacs 4/3 if that is the optimum size, they again are closer to 16/9 I would suspect.
It's all subjective I know, but I think the pros of using full screen estate when viewing videos and pictures outweighs any negatives...

I already covered why computer displays are 16:9...what is an iMac? When you're faced with a product like a tablet, which can be held in two positions...it changes things drastically.

Look, you're a 16:9 fan...I know why.

And as stated before, plenty of tablets are available to suit that market. I'm glad that the iPad is 4:3 and if Samsung continues the 4:3 in the S3, I'll consider them in the running as well.

For my laptops, I like 16:10...that's one reason why I have several X201s (and prior models). I'm a holdout...I know.

LCDs for my PC...I have a number of 1280x1024 panels still. They are gold.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: tbayrgs

spinedoc77

macrumors G4
Jun 11, 2009
11,488
5,413
I picked up a Samsung TabPro S to reacquaint myself with Windows after 8 years away and while I'm still not a fan of Windows, the hardware is pretty damn nice. The high res OLED display is beautiful, the tablet is quite thin and light and it comes with the detachable keyboard (there is a Pen but it must be purchased separately). The keyboard works in the same fashion as the Apple smart keyboard for the iPad Pro or Surface Type Cover via a smart connector, mounts via magnets, and unlike it's competitors, covers the back. And even then, the overall footprint is less than the iPP or Surface Pro. It only has a Core M CPU but I find it pretty snappy for everyday tasks and lend to some terrific battery life.

I'm not sure I'd pay full retail price and don't know what it's going for in Australia but I'd highly recommend it if you can find it second-hand for a discount (paid $575 for mine brand new here in the US). I'd probably love it if I could live with Windows. :p

Congrats, that's an absolutely gorgeous tablet. I was under the impression it had some weird, proprietary Bluetooth pen support and wasn't using Wacom. I'm not sure how well it works in practice though.
 

tbayrgs

macrumors 604
Jul 5, 2009
7,467
5,097
Congrats, that's an absolutely gorgeous tablet. I was under the impression it had some weird, proprietary Bluetooth pen support and wasn't using Wacom. I'm not sure how well it works in practice though.

Thanks but to be honest, after playing with it initially upon receipt, I never use it anymore. As a multifunction tablet, the size and form factor are great. I just find Windows unappealing, especially on a tablet. Yes it has the benefit of a full desktop level OS but using 'laptop' style is inferior to doing the same on a traditional laptop, having to compromise with an inferior keyboard and track pad. And as a tablet, it doesn't come close to the experience of using iOS on an iPad--Windows just isn't as well optimized for this mode.

So while it is a 'jack of all trades,' it really is a master of none. I'd rather have 2 devices that excel at their intended use vs. a single one full of compromise. Just my opinion of course.
 
  • Like
Reactions: spinedoc77

spinedoc77

macrumors G4
Jun 11, 2009
11,488
5,413
Thanks but to be honest, after playing with it initially upon receipt, I never use it anymore. As a multifunction tablet, the size and form factor are great. I just find Windows unappealing, especially on a tablet. Yes it has the benefit of a full desktop level OS but using 'laptop' style is inferior to doing the same on a traditional laptop, having to compromise with an inferior keyboard and track pad. And as a tablet, it doesn't come close to the experience of using iOS on an iPad--Windows just isn't as well optimized for this mode.

So while it is a 'jack of all trades,' it really is a master of none. I'd rather have 2 devices that excel at their intended use vs. a single one full of compromise. Just my opinion of course.

I'm always surprised to hear this as I find Windows 10 to be vastly superior to iOS in almost every way on a tablet. This is with all due respect to your opinion and of course how you most likely differ in how you use your tablets and isn't meant to say W10 is universally better for everyone. I use my SP4 for hours every single day, and I could never ever go back to iOS on a tablet. As a laptop, I agree there are some drawbacks, but when I need to hunker down for work I just use the full desktop setup, or attach a mouse/keyboard/screen to my SP.
 

tbayrgs

macrumors 604
Jul 5, 2009
7,467
5,097
I'm always surprised to hear this as I find Windows 10 to be vastly superior to iOS in almost every way on a tablet. This is with all due respect to your opinion and of course how you most likely differ in how you use your tablets and isn't meant to say W10 is universally better for everyone. I use my SP4 for hours every single day, and I could never ever go back to iOS on a tablet. As a laptop, I agree there are some drawbacks, but when I need to hunker down for work I just use the full desktop setup, or attach a mouse/keyboard/screen to my SP.

Yup, to each their own--I know you love your SP4 and it works great for you. I find I spend more time on my iPP 12.9 than anything else. love navigating by touch and find I can fly around the OS and get just about anything except the most intensive tasks done quickly. My daily workflow just seems to fit it well. And you don't think about it until it's missing but having a fingerprint reader to quickly unlock the tablet as well as for apps and especially my password manager is immeasurably useful.

Conversely, trying to navigate by touch is less efficient on WP10 and using the Samsung's keyboard/touchpad, while pretty good for a lightweight, detachable, still can't compare to a fully functional laptop equivalent so, I'd rather just use that when it's needed.

When I find myself always reaching for my Mac or my iPad without hesitation, and would rather carry them both if needed, it immediately tells me a Windows tablet/hybrid isn't for me. My son will probably love it though and do things with it I can't even imagine--not so engrained in one ecosystem yet like his old man. ;)
 

spinedoc77

macrumors G4
Jun 11, 2009
11,488
5,413
Yup, to each their own--I know you love your SP4 and it works great for you. I find I spend more time on my iPP 12.9 than anything else. love navigating by touch and find I can fly around the OS and get just about anything except the most intensive tasks done quickly. My daily workflow just seems to fit it well. And you don't think about it until it's missing but having a fingerprint reader to quickly unlock the tablet as well as for apps and especially my password manager is immeasurably useful.

Conversely, trying to navigate by touch is less efficient on WP10 and using the Samsung's keyboard/touchpad, while pretty good for a lightweight, detachable, still can't compare to a fully functional laptop equivalent so, I'd rather just use that when it's needed.

When I find myself always reaching for my Mac or my iPad without hesitation, and would rather carry them both if needed, it immediately tells me a Windows tablet/hybrid isn't for me. My son will probably love it though and do things with it I can't even imagine--not so engrained in one ecosystem yet like his old man. ;)

Nice. I'd go absolutely bonkers without the kickstand, I've found that to be completely integral to being comfortable with my SP4 and couldn't live without it. I like fingerprint readers, but really like Windows Hello and having near instant security/recognition without having to fiddle around with my finger, but they are both great.

I wonder how much of this is just muscle memory though. I use my SP4 so often that it's just 2nd nature to me and things like multi windows, windows snapping, the taskbar, pop out menus, etc just smooth my workflow over so much I can't live without them. I think you might be surprised how you would function once you let muscle memory take over.
 

apolloa

Suspended
Oct 21, 2008
12,318
7,802
Time, because it rules EVERYTHING!
I picked up a Samsung TabPro S to reacquaint myself with Windows after 8 years away and while I'm still not a fan of Windows, the hardware is pretty damn nice. The high res OLED display is beautiful, the tablet is quite thin and light and it comes with the detachable keyboard (there is a Pen but it must be purchased separately). The keyboard works in the same fashion as the Apple smart keyboard for the iPad Pro or Surface Type Cover via a smart connector, mounts via magnets, and unlike it's competitors, covers the back. And even then, the overall footprint is less than the iPP or Surface Pro. It only has a Core M CPU but I find it pretty snappy for everyday tasks and lend to some terrific battery life.

I'm not sure I'd pay full retail price and don't know what it's going for in Australia but I'd highly recommend it if you can find it second-hand for a discount (paid $575 for mine brand new here in the US). I'd probably love it if I could live with Windows. :p

That's disgustingly cheap! Well done sir, hell of a bargain.
 

Michael Goff

Suspended
Jul 5, 2012
13,329
7,422
You say that as if the only thing a tablet is useful for is watching movies. If all you want a tablet for is to watch movies, then yes 16:9 is superior. But for pretty much everything else, I'd argue 4:3 is better. As such I much prefer 4:3 on my tablets.

I do like 16:9 on 14" or larger screens where side by side windows start to make sense.

I'd actually argue that 3:2 is the superior aspect ratio for tablets.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.