Thinking about upgrading your tablet experience? The Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 offered a sleek and portable design, making it a fantastic companion for on-the-go productivity and entertainment. Its lightweight build and sharp display were hallmarks of its appeal.
Fast forward to the Galaxy Tab S4, and Samsung introduced a more powerful and versatile device. This tablet aimed to bridge the gap between mobile and desktop computing, boasting enhanced performance and features designed for a more demanding user.
So, when you’re weighing the options between the older but still capable Tab S2 and the newer, feature-rich Tab S4, it’s natural to wonder which one truly stands out. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | tab s2 | tab s4 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 10.4 inches | 10.4 inches |
| Display Type | TFT LCD | TFT LCD |
| Processor | Exynos 9611 | Snapdragon 720G |
| RAM Options | 3GB/4GB | 4GB/6GB |
| Storage Options | 32GB/64GB | 64GB/128GB |
| Expandable Storage | Yes (microSD up to 1TB) | Yes (microSD up to 1TB) |
| Rear Camera | 8MP | 8MP |
| Front Camera | 5MP | 5MP |
| Battery Capacity | 7040 mAh | 7040 mAh |
| Stylus Support | Yes (S Pen included) | Yes (S Pen included) |
| Audio | Dual Speakers | Dual Speakers |
| Operating System (Launch) | Android 10 | Android 10 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Tab S2: Features an 8-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels. This offers excellent color reproduction and deep blacks, making it great for media consumption. However, its smaller size can feel cramped for productivity tasks.
- Tab S4: Boasts a larger 10.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. The increased screen real estate is a significant advantage for multitasking and using productivity apps. While vibrant, some may prefer a higher refresh rate for smoother scrolling.
- Winner: tab s4
Performance
- Tab S2: Powered by an Exynos 5433 processor and 3GB of RAM. It offers decent performance for everyday tasks and light gaming, but can struggle with demanding applications or heavy multitasking.
- Tab S4: Equipped with a Snapdragon 835 processor and 4GB of RAM (or 6GB in some configurations). This provides a substantial performance boost, handling intensive apps and multitasking with ease. It’s a significant upgrade for power users.
- Winner: tab s4
Design and Build Quality
- Tab S2: Features a slim and lightweight metal unibody design, making it very portable. Its premium feel is undeniable, though the bezels are somewhat noticeable by modern standards.
- Tab S4: Adopts a more premium glass and metal construction, similar to modern smartphones. It feels robust and sophisticated, but the glass back makes it more prone to fingerprints and potential damage.
- Winner: tab s4
S Pen Integration
- Tab S2: Does not include S Pen support. This limits its functionality for users who rely on stylus input for note-taking or creative work.
- Tab S4: Comes bundled with an improved S Pen, offering a more refined and responsive writing experience. It significantly enhances productivity and creative capabilities, making it a strong contender for digital artists and note-takers.
- Winner: tab s4
DeX Mode
- Tab S2: Lacks Samsung DeX support. This means it cannot transform into a desktop-like experience when connected to an external monitor or keyboard.
- Tab S4: Features Samsung DeX, allowing it to function as a desktop computer when connected to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. This is a major advantage for productivity and offers a more versatile computing experience.
- Winner: tab s4
Battery Life
- Tab S2: Equipped with a 4,000 mAh battery. While adequate for moderate use, it can drain relatively quickly with heavy usage or prolonged media playback.
- Tab S4: Features a larger 7,300 mAh battery. This provides significantly better endurance, comfortably lasting through a full day of mixed usage, including DeX mode and S Pen activities.
- Winner: tab s4
Camera
- Tab S2: Comes with an 8MP rear camera and a 2.1MP front camera. The cameras are functional for casual photos and video calls but are not a strong suit for high-quality imaging.
- Tab S4: Features a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera. The upgraded sensors capture more detailed photos and offer better low-light performance. The front camera is also improved for clearer video conferencing.
- Winner: tab s4
Expandable Storage
- Tab S2: Offers microSD card support for expandable storage, allowing users to increase capacity beyond the internal storage. This is a practical feature for storing large files and media.
- Tab S4: Also supports microSD card expansion, providing flexibility for storing more apps, photos, videos, and documents. The presence of this feature is consistent with its focus on productivity and media.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | tab s4 |
| Display Quality | Tie |
| S Pen Experience | Tie |
| Battery Life | Tie |
| Storage Options | tab s4 |
| Value for Money | tab s2 |
| Camera | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Display: Both tablets feature a 10.4-inch TFT LCD display, offering a similar viewing experience for media consumption and general use.
- S Pen Support: Each tablet comes bundled with the S Pen, providing an intuitive way to take notes, draw, and interact with the device.
- Expandable Storage: Both models offer microSD card support, allowing users to expand the internal storage up to 1TB, which is ample for apps, photos, and videos.
- Battery Life: With identical 7040 mAh batteries, both the Tab S2 and Tab S4 are expected to deliver comparable all-day battery performance under typical usage.
- Camera Capabilities: The rear and front cameras are identical on both devices, offering basic photography and video conferencing functionality.
- Audio Setup: Both tablets are equipped with dual speakers, providing stereo sound for a more immersive audio experience.
Tab S2 Vs Tab S4 Buying Guide
Performance and Power
The Tab S4 boasts a significantly more powerful processor and more RAM than the older Tab S2. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and the ability to handle more demanding games and applications. If you plan on using your tablet for productivity, creative tasks, or intensive gaming, the Tab S4’s superior performance will be a noticeable upgrade.
While the Tab S2 was a capable device for its time, its limitations become apparent when compared to modern hardware. The Tab S4 offers a more future-proof experience, ensuring it can keep up with evolving software demands for longer. (See Also: Iphone 12 Vs 13 )
Display and Viewing Experience
Both tablets feature Super AMOLED displays, known for their vibrant colors and deep blacks. However, the Tab S4 has a larger, slightly taller aspect ratio screen, which can be beneficial for content consumption and split-screen multitasking. The Tab S4’s display also supports HDR content, offering a more immersive viewing experience for compatible videos.
The Tab S2’s display is still excellent for its size, providing sharp visuals and great contrast. However, the Tab S4’s larger screen real estate and HDR capabilities give it an edge for media enthusiasts.
Features and Ecosystem
The Tab S4 introduces several key features absent in the Tab S2, most notably Samsung DeX. DeX allows the tablet to function like a desktop computer when connected to an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse, significantly enhancing its productivity potential. The Tab S4 also supports the S Pen (included), offering a more refined and versatile stylus experience for note-taking and drawing.
The Tab S2, while lacking DeX and an integrated S Pen, still offers a solid Android tablet experience. However, the Tab S4’s expanded feature set, particularly DeX and S Pen support, positions it as a more versatile device for both work and play. (See Also: Vvs Moissanite Vs Diamond )
Price and Value
As an older model, the Tab S2 is generally available at a significantly lower price point than the Tab S4, especially on the used or refurbished market. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers who need a reliable tablet for basic tasks like browsing, email, and light media consumption.
The Tab S4 represents a higher initial investment but offers considerably more power, features, and a longer lifespan. When considering the advanced capabilities like DeX and S Pen support, the Tab S4 can offer excellent value for users who will leverage these features for productivity and creative endeavors.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy tab s2 If…
- You need a capable tablet for everyday tasks like browsing, email, and media consumption.
- You want the included S Pen for note-taking and light drawing without a premium price tag.
- You’re looking for a reliable tablet with good battery life for extended use.
- Budget-friendliness is a key consideration for your tablet purchase.
Buy tab s4 If…
- You require a bit more processing power for multitasking and more demanding apps.
- You prefer having more RAM and storage options for a smoother experience and more file space.
- You want a slightly more refined performance for productivity and creative tasks.
- You’re willing to invest a little more for potential performance gains and larger storage configurations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tab S2 still a good tablet in 2024?
The Tab S2 can still be a functional tablet for basic tasks like web browsing, email, and watching videos. However, its older processor and limited RAM may result in slower performance for modern apps and multitasking. Software updates may also be scarce. For more demanding use cases or a smoother experience, newer tablets are recommended.
Can the Tab S4 run demanding games?
Yes, the Tab S4’s more powerful processor and ample RAM allow it to run most modern mobile games with good performance. While it may not handle the absolute most graphically intensive titles at their highest settings, it offers a significantly better gaming experience than the Tab S2 and can handle a wide range of popular games smoothly. (See Also: Dell Inspiron Vs Xps Desktop )
Does the Tab S4 support the S Pen?
Absolutely. The Tab S4 comes bundled with the S Pen, offering an enhanced and intuitive stylus experience. This allows for precise note-taking, drawing, and interaction with applications. The S Pen integration is a significant advantage for users who value creative input and productivity features on their tablet.
Is Samsung DeX worth it on the Tab S4?
Samsung DeX on the Tab S4 offers a desktop-like interface when connected to an external display, keyboard, and mouse. This transforms the tablet into a capable productivity device for tasks like document editing, web browsing, and managing files. For users needing a portable workstation, DeX significantly enhances the Tab S4’s versatility and value.
Where can I find spare parts or accessories for the Tab S2?
Finding official spare parts for the older Tab S2 might be challenging. However, third-party accessories like cases, screen protectors, and chargers are still likely available from online retailers. For repairs, it’s advisable to seek out reputable third-party repair shops specializing in older Samsung devices.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 is the clear winner in this comparison. Its superior processing power, enhanced display features like HDR, and the groundbreaking addition of Samsung DeX and S Pen support make it a far more capable and future-proof device. While the Tab S2 remains a decent option for basic use on a budget, the Tab S4 offers a significantly more premium and versatile tablet experience for productivity and entertainment.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Tab S4