Hey all,
I'm trying to look for the ideal tablet to fit my needs and price range, so here we go:
- I'll most likely be installing a custom rom on it, so I care more about internal specs than stock rom
- screen is a big factor, since I'll be using the tablet mostly for movies, occasional/light gaming, and reading
- screen size between 8 to 10 inches
- don't really care about front facing speakers (i always use headphones)
- priced below $500
I've narrowed my choices down to the Galaxy Tab S 8.4 and NVidia Shield Tablet, but here's what's keeping me from making a final decision:
- Tab S has a gorgeous screen, but I don't like physical home buttons
- Not sure if CM11 or any soon-to-be-stable roms for the Tab S allow for fingerprint scanning, in which case the above is null
- Shield tablet's screen isn't as good (IPS vs super AMOLED, hd vs quadhd)
- Shield's internal specs are top-notch, but I don't game very often nor heavily, so in terms of regular day-to-day use, performance for Shield vs Tab S on CM11 probably won't have many differences (not sure about this though, can someone comment on this?)
- Tab S is more expensive ($50-70 more expensive on amazon)
Also, I took a look at a few other alternatives, such as the Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4/10.1, which are one step down from the Tab S but according to a few videos on Youtube seem to be running buttery smooth on CM11 and are priced MUCH lower (around $230 on amazon).
I'm sure many people would benefit from a thread like this because I tried searching for recent tablet-choosing threads and nothing came out of it. Responses and advice would be greatly appreciated!
EDIT: reposted to correct section. mods please remove this
Related
I am after a Galaxy Tab but I keep switching between wanting a 10 inch and wanting a 7 inch. The thing is, I definitely prefer the screen size of the 10 inch. I saw someone on the train this morning with an iPad 2 reading a PDF on it and I could immediately see the advantage of the screen size for this. I have several technical PDFs which will be the first thing that I put on it.
However, I need to commute with this device and the 7 inch tablets seem far better due to their size and weight. They just seem more practical and I even question whether a 10 inch would fit in my bag (it should do but it'll be a tight squeeze). I've noticed that Adobe Reader has a text flow feature which seems to work reasonably well (but not perfectly) which helps with these large PDFs.
I suppose I am the only one that can really answer which one is best for me but I wondered if anyone went through a similar dilemma and what decision they made? Was it the right decision?
In a way, the 8.9 is probably the perfect compromise but they are way too expensive here in the UK. To qualify that statement, I can only afford a 10.1 by buying a manufacturer refurbished unit and there don't seem to be any 8.9 refurbs on the market.
you posted in a tab 7+ forum which is why you would mostly get biased anwers. anyways, i hate 10 inch tablets 'cause they're too big. but one time, i also considered buying the GTab 10.1. however, by reading the 10.1 forum, I've read a lot of negative feedbacks on how much it lagged, etc. Try visiting the General section of the GTab 10.1.
Also take a sneak peek at the GSMArena comparison here:
http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=4208&idPhone2=3894
Specifically look for the processor power. GTab+ has a Dual Core Exynos 1.2GHz while the GTab 10.1 only has a Dual Core Tegra 1GHz. You can also look around the web why Exynos is better and faster than Tegra 2. I think the only reason why Tegra is better is because of the Tegra Games which BTW can also be played on Exynos chipsets by using the Chainfire 3d app (FREE).
Now if size and weight matters, it would always boil down to your preferences. If you like heavy, expensive, large screen, not-so-thin tablets, buy the GTab 10.1. But if you adore the little, light, not-so-expensive, thin tablets, buy the GTab+.
You would be surprised how much this little thing can do for you.
Good luck!
10.1 isn't exactly expensive - since it's been around longer, you can find refurbs for less than the Tab Plus.
It's really a matter of preference - the Plus has a better CPU, the 10.1 has a better screen (higher resolution, larger size), although the "larger size" aspect of the 10.1 isn't always a positive.
I've never found my 10.1 laggy
Gunnzie said:
I am after a Galaxy Tab but I keep switching between wanting a 10 inch and wanting a 7 inch
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly who didn't giggle and say in their head "THATS what she said..."
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium
Hi there!
I am planning on buying a tablet at the end of the month and i am choosing between the Acer Iconia A110 (with its microSD card slot), the Nexus 7 (with its quad-core GPU) and the Motorola Xoom 2 Xyboard/Media Edition 8.2" tab (with its screen size, surround speakers and great camera).
I am not convinced by the build and durability of the Acer/Google tab. And i always thought the ideal (i.e. well-balanced & a good compromised) tablet screen size is an 8" one. That is why i want to ask about the Motorola tab and also in relation to its post-Ice Cream Sandwich update.
1. In terms of the CPU speed is the advertised speed the "base" speed or is it underclocked?
2. Would you know if the GPU is single or dual channel? And does it matter?
3. Is the wifi single or dual band? And again does it matter?
4. Comparing it to the iPad 2 or say an AMOLED screen Galaxy tab would you consider the screen resolution/contrast/colour/dark colours of the Xoom 2 is as good as the others?
5. For a 1-year old tab wil i find any issues or problems in terms of gaming or compatibility with games or apps?
Please advice. Thanks.
I would strongly reconsider considering xoom2 me as one of options. If you need 3G than, yes, but otherwise xoom2 me is an old device.
The strongest part: screen resolution at 8.2 inches and build quality (at least a feeling of it).
Weaker points are short battery life, lot of restart on 3.2 so You must be sure to have ICS on it, closed boatloader so NO Roms to choose from and total absence of any custom development and device support in any third party tools.
Speed is not breathtalking and theres a lot of hiccups and short freezes and theres not many accessories for it on ebay.
I bought my 608 because of quite cheap promotion but otherwise woulnd choose it mainly because battery and closed bootloader.
Wysyłane z mojego XOOM 2 ME za pomocą Tapatalk 2
I am not into bootloading or rooting or JB. I still prefer the normal ways to update my tablet. I still a screen size of 7" is a tad small. if it was say between 7.2" or 7.7" then it might just be better.
Xoom 2 ME's specs might be old but it seems it is still capable. But again, having the latest gadget would probably be better in terms of specs, compatibility and future updates.
Would you agree?
The Xoom 2 ME is much nicer now that it's got Android 4.0 on it, but I'm not holding my breath for Android 4.1, let alone 4.2 (out next week allegedly?).
Plus, it still has the issues of weird power and volume button placement.
If my Xoom 2 ME broke today, I'd buy a nexus 7 tomorrow.
gino_76ph said:
I am not into bootloading or rooting or JB. I still prefer the normal ways to update my tablet. I still a screen size of 7" is a tad small. if it was say between 7.2" or 7.7" then it might just be better.
Xoom 2 ME's specs might be old but it seems it is still capable. But again, having the latest gadget would probably be better in terms of specs, compatibility and future updates.
Would you agree?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a Motorola pre-google-purchase device... That means, it will update the normal ways twice a century... I've heard it has been updated twice already... So, ICS is pretty much end of the road for this device and due to its [irony]spetacular[/irony] sales, I'm quite surprised that Moto itself just did not end-up saying device will remain in Android 3.2.2 for better user experience, do not expect anything else for this device, and, since there are no community ROMs for it (perhaps now that a ClockworkMod recovery is in progress we might see something, after all, my guess is that any hacks that work with RAZR to boot alternative roms might work with XOOM 2)...
Really, I would only consider a Xoom 2 if you get it really cheap... That is the reason I bought one, it was on sale from an operator for a fourth of its MSRP... And even then, it took me about half an hour to decide to buy it....
Moved to Q & A section.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
In my country they sell this for 200 euro and ipad mini for 339... . The specs are extremely similar, almost the same. I would choose again any time xoom me.. I can use android like a desktop os and i don't feel like missing anything from my desktop... Ics performance is solid, stable. Is not as smooth as ios put i can live with it. Apps are getting better and better, and i don't feel i miss anything from the huge ios app collection...
I'm purchasing a galaxy note 2 from sprint next week. I am also in the market for a tablet its either the samsung note 10.1 or the ASUS infinity. Is there any benefits of having a samsung phone and tablet? The reasons why I want a infinity is for the slightly better display and battery performance, but like the S-Pen functions on the note 2. Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated.
zakolson5 said:
I'm purchasing a galaxy note 2 from sprint next week. I am also in the market for a tablet its either the samsung note 10.1 or the ASUS infinity. Is there any benefits of having a samsung phone and tablet? The reasons why I want a infinity is for the slightly better display and battery performance, but like the S-Pen functions on the note 2. Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my opinion I believe the note 10.1 out performs the infinity and if all you want is the display get the nexus 10. I've had my note for 2 months and love it
isnt the nexus 10 have no expandable storage?
No it's not, that can be a deal breaker for some but i figure between dropbox and other cloud services it wouldn't bother me. But back to between the note and the infinity. Screen res the infinity definitely wins but hardware it's a close race. In quadrant standard (take that for what it's worth) i score consistently in the mid 5000's. When it updates to jelly bean it will be much better. (my galaxy s3 went from 5200 to 6100 with the update) i have yet to slow this thing down.
even though it is a lower res screen it still has more pixels than the ipad 2 and HD movies still look pretty stunning.
If you see some of the post in this forum there is a word that N10 has lots of issue specificly with display as far infinity is concerned it has whole list of issues which have been talked about by its owners in this as well as forum specific to infinity but when it comes to note you will find there are some issues with quality but it restricted to display only and most of the actual users (there are many who are fake owners who only citizise note) will only praise not
I agree that there are very few issues with this tablet, and if you have a note 2 then you will love having both devices so similar, it will make syncing them a breeze.
I previously had the Transformer TF101 (the original copper); this Note blows it out of the water. Sure, the display isn't on par with the Infinity's, but I got the Note because I use it for taking notes and drawing stuff. For me, I rather have the stylus over the keyboard (though I am looking for a keyboard dock of a sort) because I take notes in physics classes. However.. I'd go for the Nexus 10 if you don't need the stylus. Although this tablet has better hardware than almost everything out there (or is it just everything?), the Nexus 10 is a great price for a great tablet with a great display, and that's all you need if you don't want the stylus. I have a Samsung Galaxy S2 for my phone, but I haven't noticed better syncing or whatever compared to when I used my Asus Tablet..
benefits:
- same apps for special Samsung markets
- synchronization works better on same brande devices
- special S pen application will works perfect on both device
- you need just Kies in PC (if you are using this kind of SW)
- compatibility of accesories
Hey all,
I'm trying to look for the ideal tablet to fit my needs and price range, so here we go:
- I'll most likely be installing a custom rom on it, so I care more about internal specs than stock rom
- screen is a big factor, since I'll be using the tablet mostly for movies, occasional/light gaming, and reading
- screen size between 8 to 10 inches
- don't really care about front facing speakers (i always use headphones)
- priced below $500
I've narrowed my choices down to the Galaxy Tab S 8.4 and NVidia Shield Tablet, but here's what's keeping me from making a final decision:
- Tab S has a gorgeous screen, but I don't like physical home buttons
- Not sure if CM11 or any soon-to-be-stable roms for the Tab S allow for fingerprint scanning, in which case the above is null
- Shield tablet's screen isn't as good (IPS vs super AMOLED, hd vs quadhd)
- Shield's internal specs are top-notch, but I don't game very often nor heavily, so in terms of regular day-to-day use, performance for Shield vs Tab S on CM11 probably won't have many differences (not sure about this though, can someone comment on this?)
- Tab S is more expensive ($50-70 more expensive on amazon)
Also, I took a look at a few other alternatives, such as the Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4/10.1, which are one step down from the Tab S but according to a few videos on Youtube seem to be running buttery smooth on CM11 and are priced MUCH lower (around $230 on amazon).
I'm sure many people would benefit from a thread like this because I tried searching for recent tablet-choosing threads and nothing came out of it. Responses and advice would be greatly appreciated!
First of all welcome everyone, glad to be a part of this forum. I've been lurking XDA developers since long, long time ago back in the PDA era (HTC SPV M5000 anyone?).
I've owned my Galaxy Note 2 for over 2.5 years now and I'm tired of constantly running out of internal storage and the now-supar camera. I'm looking to buy a new smartphone that will check off many boxes, but if I could describe what I need in 2 sentences, it would go something like: a large-screened productivity workhorse with loads of storage and battery, and a good camera. And if it's future-proof, that's even better! I want a device that will last me for at least 2+ years.
Here's what I'm looking for:
- Screen size between 5,5" and 6"
- Internal storage min. 32 GB, needs to have a microSD card slot (unless it has 128G internal storage)
- Decent camera with OIS (camera should handle low-light shooting well)
- Decent UI (unlike the majority of community here, I don't really want to be flashing my phone with new ROMs or any of that, I just want something that works well right out of the box and is user-customizeable through custom home launchers etc)
- Great battery life (this is big for me, I'm often on the road, I listen to tons of podcasts, use mobile data, bluetooth, sometimes wifi tethering etc. I need a phone that can get me through a looong day)
- Fingerprint scanner
- Won't put a huge hole in my wallet (I wouldn't mind paying more for the perfect and FUTURE-PROOF phone but seems like there isn't one that checks off all the boxes. At the same time I'm trying to keep it below $500)
- A physical home button is a plus (and capacitive buttons! Just like in Samsung Galaxy series)
- Screen res. above 1080p is a plus (better for VR and I will probably try some VR in near future)
- Replaceable battery is a plus (plus extended phone cases, yay!)
- OTG support is a plus
- USB-C is a plus
- Dual SIM is definitely a plus
- No curved screens like on the Samsung Edge series
I looked at:
- Huawei Mate 8 - checks off most boxes, nice big battery but crappy, buggy, and not very customizable UI.
- Huawei Mate P9 Plus - very interesting camera-wise, the rest just like above
- LG G5 - also very interesting camera-wise, a bit smaller screen, and a battery that's way too small. Although replacable, I cannot imagine remembering to bring a spare battery with me everywhere.
- Nexus 6P - great reviews and everything, great software BUT I'm mostly based in China where ALL Google services are blocked, so it would probably be a big pain to have to rely on VPN the whole time. Also camera has no OIS, although I did read it's great. Another con: a bit expensive and not easily available in the 128G version
- Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro - the top contender for me so far. The 5000mAh battery is nuts and just what I need. Dual SIM and dedicated microSD slot. Affordable. But the big bummer: sub-par camera. Also a bit low on the DPI if I ever want to use VR. And no notification light (how am I supposed to know if I got notifications?)
- Samsung Galaxy Note 4 - a bit slower than the A9 Pro, smaller battery, but better camera. And the stylus - I could definitely use the stylus for more productivity. Just really not sure about investing in the aging technology. I want to get at least 2 years out of the new smartphone. Also I've read there's some issues with GPS that are hard to solve. Added benefit of possibility of extended battery case.
- Samsung Galaxy Note 5 - nice and seems like a significant upgrade from Note 4 but no card slot, and expensive at 128G. Still only microUSB v2.0 even at the high price point.
- LG V10 and LG G4 - very interesting propositions, reportedly good cameras, very mediocre batteries (and not too good power management it seems) at 3000mAh but both could be extended with a bigger battery. Pretty sure I would be fine with a little bulkier phone with a case that accommodates a 4000-6000mAh battery, but I would still need to keep it as slim as possible, I don't mind if it's not the slimmest phone but I certainly don't want a thick and heavy brick in my pocket. I've also read reviews of some of the extended battery cases and it seems like the battery quality can be a real lottery. The batteries lose their capacity quickly, and I think none of them can be charged using the Quick Charge 2.0
- ZTE Avon 7 - veeery interesting proposition, not the biggest battery but almost everything else knocks me out of my socks. 6GB RAM possible, 128G storage that can be expanded by another 128G (!), capacitive buttons in the higher version, an added benefit of insane speakers. The camera is reportedly not too impressive though, although I'm pretty sure it's better than the one in Galaxy A9 Pro. The main concerns: it's a very fresh phone, the UI is reportedly not very optimized, I can imagine there will be plenty of issues that ZTE will need to fix through software before this phone runs as smoothly as the Galaxy A9 Pro or LG G4 would. And I hate waiting in hopes. Also, being in China, I think it's a bit tricky to purchase the phone in International/European version that has a broader range of bands and doesn't block Google services. I've read through the entire 35 page thread on XDA about this phone and yes, it seems like you can get the Google services to work without problems but who knows what the next ZTE updates will do to that. The way I generally see it is Chinese UI = potential problems.
For the Galaxy A9 Pro or LG G4 I would just go to Hong Kong to buy them and enjoy a phone that doesn't have the Google services blocked. I couldn't find the ZTE Avon 7 anywhere in HK on the internet.
All in all if I had to go to the store tomorrow I'd probably need to choose between a Galaxy A9 Pro, the well-proven LG G4 with a great camera (but a need to buy a good extended battery case and ultimately ending up with a rather bulky phone), the Galaxy Note 4, and the ZTE Avon 7.
Any suggestions, thoughts, recommendations?