Review update:
After a couple of weeks of use I'm downgrading this from 4.5/5 stars to 4/5 stars. I still think this tablet is quite good. The only warnings I would give people is to consider other laptops if they're looking to replace their computer or laptop. Reason being that there are limitations to what this tablet can do. If all you want is something to draw on, take notes on, open a PDF file or 2, or edit some videos (with Lumafusion), this tablet works really well. But if you need to use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, Teams, etc.), Google Suite (Google Docs, etc.), or take certification-type classes (with test-taking capabilities/pop-up windows), you will need an actual PC. Samsung/Google Play don't have enough apps to support frequently-used work-related apps and many websites have limited tablet/mobile capabilities.
(The work-related apps that worked well for me are Teams, Outlook, Word. That's it.)
Currently, I mainly use this tablet for Netflix, reading, doodling, Youtube, shopping, and other simple tasks. I am now shopping for a Microsoft Surface Pro or some other type of lightweight laptop.
Also, in my previous review, I mentioned the LCD screen is great. Now, I think it's just fine...it has some dark-to-black transition issues when streaming via Netflix. With that said, I have had dark-to-black transition issues when streaming via a Macbook, an iPhone, & S21, too. So, I am not entirely sure what the issue might be when streaming videos, but I always see obvious outlines when there are scenes with a night sky or somewhere dark.
Anyways, still a decent purchase and something you can travel with and use for light-duty work. Would advise against getting this to replace a PC/laptop - just get another laptop if you need one.
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I just got my Tab S8 today and I know I might be jumping the gun by giving a review so early, but here goes. The screen is great. I am a fan of the S Pen, but not overly crazy about where the magnet is located. As a longtime Samsung Android user, I'm a fan. (I'm also a fan of Apple and that new M2 chip, but let's face it, a closed digital environment is sometimes incredibly difficult to work with. And the price tag is nuts.)
Aside from that, I really hesitated on purchasing this device because I was waiting for the Galaxy Tab S9. However, I realized I couldn't wait any longer when I started to notice my Macbook dying. It's battery has been dying for awhile, but last week...its digital soul flickered out...so I had no choice.
I've read a couple of reviews about this tablet not including a charger. It wasn't a big problem for me because I have Apple charger blocks lying around at home anyways. And I'm here to tell you that they work perfectly fine when it comes to charging Samsung phones and tablets. It still says "fast charging" when I plug it in. I've no idea if I'm ruining my Samsung products or not, but I tell ya, Samsung have good products that can use other chargers just fine.
The only issues I ever have are usually service-related - mostly because the U.S. isn't greatly supported. I think there are only 5 Samsung stores in the entire U.S. So if something goes wrong or there is a hardware issue, you're kinda out of luck. Sure, you can send in your device for service, but you do that at your own risk because they sometimes lose devices. Luckily, I've never had issues with any of my products and I pray to the digital gods that my luck continues. (On the other hand, Apple has thrived in its mediocre batteries & service, but at least they have multiple stores with mediocre service to choose from. Don't even get me started on trying to find a Senior Class for my parents who insist on iPhones because "their friends have it".)
Samsung phones & tablets are good if you know how to use them. Their service is cr*p when they break though. The company just needs to figure out how to be the Toyotas (& Service) of their Galaxy products to actually be great. This tablet so far is basically my phone, but bigger! I have nothing bad to say about it so far, but I would advise anyone who is an Apple user to think carefully about switching over to Galaxy anything...they're not the same...and it will be challenging to find someone in the service department if something does go wrong. Just throwing it out there...
