Tablet Samsung Tab Active Design and Performance

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Black Samsung Galaxy Tab
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The Samsung Tab Active is a rugged tablet designed for outdoor use, featuring a MIL-STD-810G certification, which means it can withstand extreme temperatures, humidity, and vibrations.

It has a 10.1-inch WUXGA display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels, making it perfect for reading documents or watching videos in bright sunlight.

The tablet is powered by a quad-core processor and has 3GB of RAM, ensuring smooth performance even with multiple apps open.

Its 5000mAh battery provides up to 24 hours of battery life, making it a great option for long trips or outdoor activities.

Price and Availability

The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G is available for purchase, but with some caveats. It costs from £510/$550 and is available now from online retailers.

If you're looking to buy from Samsung directly, you're out of luck - it's only available from 3rd-party vendors. They're also the only source for accessories.

Here's a quick rundown of the prices:

  • £509 (direct from Samsung in the UK, 5G capable model)
  • £515 (Amazon.co.uk, 5G capable model)
  • $547.29 (Amazon.com, Wi-Fi only model)
  • $639.77 (Amazon.com, 5G option)

Keep in mind that there are cheaper options available, like the Ulefone Armor Pad 8 for around $180.

3 from $489.99

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The Galaxy Tab Active3 is available for purchase at a price point of $489.99. This device is a great option for those who need a rugged tablet for work.

It boasts IP68 and MIL-STD-810H ratings, making it a reliable choice for harsh environments.

Pro from $599.99

The Galaxy Tab Active Pro is available from $599.99, and it's definitely worth considering if you're looking for a rugged tablet that can withstand the elements.

This tablet has an impressive IP68 rating, giving it resistance to dust, dirt, sand, and water. It's also been tested in various extreme conditions, including salt fog, settling and blowing dust, and icy conditions.

You can use the Galaxy Tab Active Pro worry-free, anywhere, as it's been tested to perform well in a variety of challenging situations.

Here are some of the extreme conditions it's been tested in:

  • Salt fog
  • Settling and blowing dust
  • Icy conditions
  • Immersion in water
  • Blowing rain
  • Dripping rain
  • High and low temperatures (from -40°F to 160°F)
  • Altitude testing (twice at 15,000 feet)

The Galaxy Tab Active Pro has withstood 21 of the MIL-STD-810G tests, which is a testament to its rugged design.

Price and Availability

Black Samsung Tablet Display Google Browser on Screen
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The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G is available now, and you can get it from online retailers. The price starts at £510/$550.

If you're in Europe, you'll only find the 5G capable model, which costs £509 direct from Samsung in the UK and £515 from Amazon.co.uk. In the US, you have the option of a WiFi-only model and the 5G option, with prices starting at $547.29 for the Wi-Fi model direct from Amazon.com.

Here's a breakdown of the prices:

  • £509 (direct from Samsung, UK)
  • £515 (Amazon.co.uk)
  • $547.29 (Wi-Fi model, Amazon.com)
  • $639.77 (5G option, Amazon.com)

It's worth noting that there are cheaper options available, like the Ulefone Armor Pad 8 for around $180, the Oukitel RT6 for $300, and the Doogee R10 for $290.

Design and Hardware

The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active has a design that's a reminder of Samsung's experience in making tablets. The Active5 presents a polished solution with a power button, volume rocker, and USB-C charging port that's similar to other Android tablets, but it also has a SIM card slot, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a custom user-definable button.

If this caught your attention, see: Tablets Work

Credit: youtube.com, Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 Review: How Good Is This Rugged Tablet?

The tablet has a replaceable battery, but it's covered with a thin panel that includes a rubber gasket to stop water or dust from getting in. However, the cover panel doesn't seem very strongly made and might break if repeatedly stressed.

The hardware in the Galaxy Tab Active5 5G falls into two categories - wonderful and not so wonderful. The Samsung Exynos 1380 is a punchy SoC that's next-level for most tablet owners, and the 5G comms make it a star of the show.

On a similar theme: Tablet Samsung A9 5g

Design

The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G's design is a polished solution that shows Samsung's experience in creating tablets. It's a reminder that the company has made one or two tablets in the past.

The power button and volume rocker ensemble is combined with an industry-standard USB-C charging port, which is a familiar sight on many Android devices. The SIM card slot, 3.5mm audio jack, and custom user-definable button are the only notable features that diverge from the norm.

A diverse group of colleagues engaged in team discussion, utilizing a tablet in a modern office setting.
Credit: pexels.com, A diverse group of colleagues engaged in team discussion, utilizing a tablet in a modern office setting.

The tablet has a single Nano SIM and a MicroSD card slot, and it supports eSIM technology, making it convenient for users who want to avoid accessing the tray.

The design also includes thoughtful environmental protections, such as exposed 3.5mm jack and USB port without rubber plugs, which prevents damage from water entry.

However, the replaceable battery has its limitations, as the cover panel doesn't seem very strongly made and has several retaining clips that might break if repeatedly stressed.

Hardware

The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G's hardware is a mixed bag, with some impressive features and others that fall short. The Samsung Exynos 1380 SoC is a standout, offering top-notch performance that's even more impressive than many MediaTek chips used by Chinese phone and tablet makers.

This chip is a game-changer for most tablet owners, and its inclusion of 5G comms is a major plus. The battery capacity, on the other hand, is a bit of a letdown, especially considering the tablet's design is meant for outdoor use. A 5050 mAh Li-Po cell just won't cut it in this regard.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Design Hardware Products with Hosain Rahman (How to Start a Startup 2014: Lecture 17)

One feature that makes up for the battery's limitations is the tablet's support for a battery-free mode, where it can be powered by an external source like a vehicle. This is a clever touch for those who need to use their tablet in the great outdoors.

The hardware score for this tablet is 4 out of 5, reflecting its impressive performance and innovative features.

Camera and Performance

The Samsung Tab Active's camera is a bit of a letdown, scoring only 3 out of 5.

The tablet's performance, on the other hand, is a different story. The Samsung Exynos 1380 SoC is a blistering fast chip that leaves the MediaTek Helio G99 in the dust.

Here's a comparison of the two SoCs in some benchmark tests:

The Exynos SoC is at least 50% faster in most processing tests, and nearly double the speed in a few instances. It's also more than twice as fast in graphics tests.

Cameras

Man in Black Bubble Jacket Holding White Tablet Computer
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The cameras on the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G are a bit of a letdown. They're not bad, but they're not great either.

The rear camera is a 12.8MP f/1.9 sensor, which is a decent size, but not as big as some other phones on the market. The front camera is a 5MP f/2.2 sensor, which is even smaller.

In good lighting, the cameras can take reasonable quality pictures, but in low light, they struggle. The low light capability isn't great without the pixel-binning modes that some other sensors offer.

A couple of positives to note are that the rear camera can record 4K video at 30fps, and the video sub-system has Widevine L1 encryption, which allows for the best streaming quality from services like Netflix and Amazon.

Here's a quick rundown of the camera specs:

  • Rear camera: 12.8MP f/1.9
  • Front camera: 5MP f/2.2

Overall, the cameras on the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G are okay, but not amazing.

Performance

The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G is a powerhouse when it comes to performance. It's equipped with the Samsung Exynos 1380 SoC, which is at least 50% faster than the MediaTek Helio G99 in most processing tests.

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Credit: pexels.com, Full body positive multiracial female students sitting on stairs discussing research and working on laptop and tablet

The Exynos SoC is a game-changer, offering nearly double the speed in a few instances. This makes the Active5 ideal for gamers and those with graphically intensive tasks, such as drone flying.

Here are some key performance metrics that put the Active5's capabilities into perspective:

The Active5's performance is so impressive that it's worth considering its price. While it's certainly not the cheapest option, its capabilities make it a worthwhile investment for those who need a powerful Android tablet.

Pros and Cons

The Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro has some amazing features that make it a great option for those who need a rugged tablet. One of its biggest pros is its IP68 and MIL-STD-810H protection, which means it can withstand rough handling and harsh environments.

Here are some of the key benefits of the Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro:

Overall, the Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro is a great choice for those who need a rugged and reliable tablet.

Pros

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Credit: pexels.com, A freelancer working at home with a tablet and laptop, highlighting the modern work-from-home lifestyle.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active series is a line of rugged tablets designed to withstand the toughest conditions. These tablets are built to last, with IP68 and MIL-STD-810G ratings, making them resistant to dust, dirt, sand, and water.

The Galaxy Tab Active3 and Tab Active Pro withstood 23 and 21 of the MIL-STD-810G tests, respectively, so they’re built to stand up to challenges the real world dishes out. Additionally, these rugged tablets and their S Pen have an IP68 rating giving them resistance to dust, dirt, sand, and water.

Here are some key features that make these tablets stand out:

These features make the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active series a great option for anyone who needs a rugged and reliable tablet for work or play.

Cons

The Active5 has some drawbacks to consider. The price is high, especially for the 5G model, which costs nearly $640 in the States.

You'll be paying a premium for a device that comes with less RAM and storage than most competitors. In fact, the Active5 only has 128GB of storage, which is a significant limitation.

Here's an interesting read: Storage for Samsung Tablet

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If you need more storage, you're out of luck. Most phones these days come with at least 256GB of storage, and some even have 512GB.

The camera on the Active5 is also underwhelming. Don't expect high-quality photos or advanced features.

The battery life could be better, as it's relatively small compared to other devices. You may need to recharge it more frequently.

Here are some key cons to keep in mind:

  • High price for the 5G model
  • Less RAM and storage than most competitors
  • Only 128GB of storage (no MicroSD card can make up for this)
  • Underwhelming camera performance
  • Relatively small battery

Comparison and Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G has some great features like the Samsung Exynos 1380 SoC, which makes it suitable for processing images and data.

This chip provides extra processing power, but it's not the only thing that sets this tablet apart. The replaceable battery is also a handy feature, although repeatedly prising the back off may undermine its rugged credentials.

However, there are a few issues that are difficult to ignore. The lack of wireless charging is one of them, which seems like an obvious omission given the internal battery and spares.

Credit: youtube.com, Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 5 vs Samsung Tab Active 5 Pro Which is BEST?

Samsung's official accessories for the Tab Active5 are limited, and it's challenging to find replacement batteries or charging cradles to utilize the Pogo pins. According to Samsung, they do have accessories available, but it's unclear why they're hard to find.

If the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G were closer to $400, some of these points might be less of an issue for some customers.

Rugged and Ready

The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active series is designed to withstand the toughest conditions. These tablets are IP68 rated, meaning they can be submerged in water up to 5 feet deep for 30 minutes without any issues.

One of the most impressive features of the Galaxy Tab Active series is its ability to survive drops from a height of 1.5M. They are also MIL-STD-810H compliant, which means they can withstand harsh environments, including temperatures from -40º F to 176º F.

The Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro, in particular, has been tested to withstand extreme conditions. It can survive being dropped 26 times from 5 feet onto plywood and can operate at high altitudes of up to 15,000 feet.

See what others are reading: 5 Tablet Samsung

Credit: youtube.com, Samsung Galaxy Tab Active3 hands-on: A rugged tablet that can handle extreme environments

Here are some key features that make the Galaxy Tab Active series so rugged:

  • IP68 rating for dust and water resistance
  • MIL-STD-810H compliance for extreme temperatures and humidity
  • Ability to survive drops from a height of 1.5M
  • Can operate at high altitudes of up to 15,000 feet
  • Removable battery and battery-free mode for extended use

These features make the Galaxy Tab Active series perfect for outdoor use, such as in construction, mining, or other industries where ruggedness is essential.

Wireless and Accessories

The Galaxy Tab Active3 is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile tablet. It's compatible with your old accessories, so you won't need to break the bank on new ones.

This means you can keep using your existing stylus, keyboard, and other accessories without worrying about compatibility issues.

Wireless DeX

Wireless DeX is a game-changer for productivity on-the-go. With Samsung Wireless DeX, you can use your Galaxy Tab Active3 like a PC, boosting your efficiency and saving money.

This technology allows you to do more with a single device, eliminating the need for multiple devices or cables. The Galaxy Tab Active3 supports LTE + WI-FI 6 + MIMO, ensuring a stable and fast connection.

You can bring important tools into tough environments without any hassle, making Wireless DeX a must-have for teams and professionals.

Compatible with Old Accessories

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The Galaxy Tab Active3 is a great example of a device that's designed to work seamlessly with your existing accessories. It's got a consistent design and form factor, which means you can use your old accessories without having to worry about compatibility issues.

This is a big plus, especially if you've already invested in a lot of accessories for your old tablet. You can just plug and play, without having to reinvest in new gear.

The Galaxy Tab Active3 also features a programmable key, which can be customized to fit your specific needs. This is a really useful feature that can help you stay organized and focused on the go.

Curious to learn more? Check out: How to Unlock Samsung Tablet without Password

LTE User Opinions

The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active LTE is a solid choice for those on a budget, but don't expect lightning-fast performance.

I bought it in April 2015 for 16,990 RUB, which is roughly equivalent to 340 USD at the time. This device was a good value for its price.

The IP67 certification and shock protection make it a great option for outdoor use.

Specs

Credit: youtube.com, I Compared Samsung Tab Active 5 Pro and Samsung Tab S10 FE And Found BIG Differences

The Samsung Tab Active is a rugged tablet designed for those who need a device that can withstand the elements. It's available in several models, including the Galaxy Tab Active3 and Galaxy Tab Active Pro.

The Galaxy Tab Active3 comes in 64GB and 128GB storage options, both with LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity. You can also opt for the Galaxy Tab Active Pro, which is available with LTE or Wi-Fi connectivity as well.

Here are some key specs to consider:

The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G has some impressive specs, including a Samsung Exynos 1380 CPU and 6GB of LPDDR4X RAM. It also features a 8.0-inch IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 450nits of brightness.

TechRadar Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G is a solid choice for those who need extra processing power to handle tasks like locally processing images and data, thanks to its Samsung Exynos 1380 SoC.

However, it's not without its drawbacks. The lack of wireless charging is a notable omission, especially considering the device's rugged design.

Credit: youtube.com, Samsung Galaxy Tab review: video sample

Samsung's decision to not offer wireless charging is puzzling, especially when paired with the device's Pogo pin charging system, which is meant to be convenient.

The device's rugged credentials are also undermined by the fact that repeatedly prising the back off will ultimately cause damage.

If you're in the market for a tablet like this, you might want to consider the price - at $400, some of these issues might be more forgivable.

However, the lack of availability of replacement batteries and charging cradles for the Tab Active5 is a significant issue, especially given that many official Samsung websites don't carry this model.

Samsung claims to have a range of accessories available, including spare batteries and charging cradles, but it's unclear why these are so hard to find.

Ultimately, the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G is a device that's let down by its own limitations and lack of support.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is the Samsung Tab Active 3?

The Samsung Tab Active 3 was released on September 28, 2020, making it approximately 3 years old as of 2023. This rugged tablet was designed to withstand harsh environments.

Leslie Larkin

Senior Writer

Leslie Larkin is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting engaging content that informs and inspires her audience. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, she has established herself as a trusted voice in the digital marketing space. Her expertise has been featured in various articles, including "Virginia Digital Marketing Experts," a series that showcases the latest trends and strategies in online marketing.

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