The Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 and Tab S 8.4 LTE were flagship Android tablets vying for dominance in the early 2010s. Both offered premium features and a compact form factor, but key differences set them apart. This comprehensive comparison will help you understand which tablet remains the better choice today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Tab S 8.4 LTE generally edges out the Tab Pro 8.4 thanks to its superior AMOLED display with 'infinite' contrast, a more powerful Exynos processor option, and LTE connectivity. While both are aging, the Tab S offers a slightly more refined experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 3, 7, 8, 20 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | LTE 850 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, January. Released 2014, February | 2014, June. Released 2014, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 219 x 128.5 x 7.2 mm (8.62 x 5.06 x 0.28 in) | 212.8 x 125.6 x 6.6 mm (8.38 x 4.94 x 0.26 in) |
| SIM | No | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 331 g (11.68 oz) | 298 g (10.51 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~359 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~359 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.4 inches, 204.6 cm2 (~72.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.4 inches, 204.6 cm2 (~76.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super clear LCD | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400 | Quad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400 (S800)Quad-core 1.9GHz Cortex-A15 & quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 (Exynos 5420) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 (28 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 (28 nm)Exynos Octa 5420 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 330 | Adreno 330 (S800)Mali-T628MP6 (Exynos 5420) |
| OS | Android 4.4 (KitKat), TouchWiz UI | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat), upgradable to 6.0 (Marshmallow), TouchWiz UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2.1 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, LE | 4.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out), OTG | microUSB 2.0 (MHL), OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 127 h | Up to 80 h |
| Talk time | Up to 11 h (multimedia) | Up to 29 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 4800 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 4900 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Dazzling White, Titanium Bronze |
| Models | SM-T320 | SM-T705, SM-T705C |
| Price | About 290 EUR | About 370 EUR |
| SAR | 1.04 W/kg (body) | 0.63 W/kg (head) 1.56 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.26 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -93.3dB / Crosstalk -89.2dB |
Noise -95.7dB / Crosstalk -96.0dB |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 822:1 (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 75dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 76dB
|
Voice 68dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB |
Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4
- Slightly more affordable
- Compact and portable
- Decent performance for basic tasks
- LCD display is less vibrant
- Older chipset
- No LTE connectivity
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 LTE
- Super AMOLED display with excellent contrast
- Potential for faster performance with Exynos variant
- LTE connectivity
- Premium build quality
- More expensive (originally)
- Aging hardware
- Camera quality is dated
Display Comparison
The Tab S 8.4 LTE boasts a Super AMOLED display, offering significantly better contrast (advertised as 'infinite') and richer colors compared to the Tab Pro 8.4's LCD panel with a contrast ratio of 822:1. While both have the same resolution, the Tab S's display is noticeably more vibrant and immersive. Viewing angles are also superior on the Tab S.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is adequate for their time, but not exceptional by today's standards. Both feature photo and video capabilities, but image quality is generally average. Low-light performance is a weakness for both.
Performance
Both tablets utilize a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset, but the Tab S 8.4 LTE has a variant with an Exynos Octa 5420. The Exynos chip, with its dual quad-core architecture, often provides a performance boost over the Snapdragon 800, especially in multi-tasking scenarios. Both devices will show their age compared to modern tablets, but the Exynos variant holds a slight edge.
Battery Life
Battery life is comparable between the two, typically offering around 8-10 hours of mixed usage. The LTE variant might consume slightly more power when actively using cellular data.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 is a good option for users prioritizing a slightly more affordable entry point into the Samsung tablet ecosystem and don't need LTE. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 LTE is ideal for those who value a vibrant display, potentially faster performance (depending on the processor variant), and the convenience of cellular connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these tablets still worth buying in 2024?
Both are quite dated. They can still handle basic tasks, but don't expect modern tablet performance. Consider them only if you find a very cheap deal and understand their limitations.
❓ What's the difference between the Snapdragon and Exynos versions of the Tab S 8.4 LTE?
The Exynos variant generally offers slightly better performance, particularly in multi-tasking, due to its dual quad-core architecture. The Snapdragon version is still capable, but the Exynos is preferable.
