Should I buy a Tab S3 over a S? - Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 Questions & Answers

Hello,
I have a dying Tab S that I would like to change. I have an opportunity for a Galaxy Tab S3 (SM-T820) for 330 euros. It's a second hand. Bluetooth is not working, else everything is fine.
It seems a goo deal but 2 things are worrying me:
- I don't feel an overall love for the Tab S3 around. Globally, people don't seem satisfy of it. But I can't really say if they don't really like it or because they think it should not be so expensive considering the perfs,
- The second point is almost the same. The community don't care about this model. ie: there are neither official TWRP or LineageOS for this model.
Do you think I should buy a Galaxy Tab S2 instead or stay on my first deal for the S3?

The only reason to buy the S3 right now is to save money in comparison to the S4. The S3 with the optional keyboard will offer almost the same solution as the S4 but without the DeX mode. In addition, in the S3, because the screen is under 10 inches, you would be able to use all the Microsoft Office programs without a license. You would need an Office365 license for the Tab S4. I have the S3 and it works great with almost every application.
However, on the basis that things may get progressively more complex and may need more of a processing muscle, the best option may be to purchase an S4, although I understand that paying anything between $750-850 is not an easy decision

Thanks for your answer
So I finally took the S3 today. It's a second hand (but never have been used)at a good price, else I would not have bought it. I know the S4 will be better but much more expensive and I would not pay so much.

Related

Tablet S or Galaxy Tab 10.1?

I'm on the fence about either a Galaxy Tab 10.1 or a Tablet S.. right now they are priced about the same but the local store is doing a free set of Sony earbuds and case with the Tablet S.
Would love to hear opinions as to which is the best option. I like the unique look of the Tablet S so far.
I had the Samsung and sold it to buy the Sony. The Sony is much more comfortable to use and its design is fantastic. It also benefits from a full size SD card slot and in my opinion a better screen. You also have the latest OS update on the Sony at Android 3.2.
They are both excellent devices but I just feel the Sony edges it with the comfort factor which is especially good in portrait.
Bought the 10.1 about 4-5 days before the Sony came out, I traded it in on a whim and I'm glad I did. I love my Sony more than I did my 10.1, the size of the Sony feels more right, even in bigger hands.
I sold my rooted Xoom & chose the Tablet S also, it's suppose to be delivered tomorrow or Thurs. The only negative is that the Tablet S hasn't been rooted yet. I plan on testing it out, & if I REALLY miss root, I may sell it & get the Galaxy Tab 10.1.
You are in a Sony forum, so consider that while weighing the answers given.
I have both, and what has aggravated me about the Samsung 10.1 is that they insisted on copying the iPad (good and bad features) as close as possible. No memory expansion. A propietary dock port. Etc.. The Sony S is original, thoughtful, has IR emitter, and an ergonomic shape. I prefer the S for those reasons.
Yeah honestly despite the appearance that Sony just made it look weird for the sake of being unique I cant praise the shape of the tablet enough. It is imo a feature worth being a deciding factor, the tablet just feels so "right" in your hand. The Galaxy is a fine tablet having used it quite a bit but no way would I trade my S Tab for it.
I was at the library today using a corded Laser mouse connected to my S. Love the hardcore computer aspect of it! host port makes it a complete computing device...
Start the same thread in SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB 10.1 Section !!!
You will see the difference in opinion...IMO, Sony S is better than Samsung Tab in looks(unique), PS games, better UI, SD Slot !!!
What I don't like is the Sound Output..
ruddogg said:
I sold my rooted Xoom & chose the Tablet S also, it's suppose to be delivered tomorrow or Thurs. The only negative is that the Tablet S hasn't been rooted yet. I plan on testing it out, & if I REALLY miss root, I may sell it & get the Galaxy Tab 10.1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't wait for it to get rooted either, just to get rid of the customised icons if nothing else!
On topic, the IR remote and Play Station certification swung it for me.

need help, looking for a low end android phone

I know this has probably been posted before, but anyone got suggestions for a good cheap android? I am new to this whole android OS thing, I have a webos phone (pixi) so I am looking to upgrade. Nothing too expensive though. I have looked into the att avail, but it seems as a prepaid only phone. I have att (without a data plan). and I will be using the android os for wifi
I have also looked at the samsung galaxy y but it seems too cheap.
Any suggestions I am looking for a phone that would work on att, and that I could find on amazon for around $150.
Any sugestions?
Galaxy gio , Galaxy ace, HTC wildfire?
Perhaps Xperia mini would fit the bill? I was considering Galaxy Ace but ended up paying exactly the same for mini which is clearly a superior device. It is perfectly capable of running ICS which is a big plus for me. Official update should be released in April/May and some custom ROMs are already available.
Some people have reported overheating issues (soft keys acting strangely) but I haven't had such problems.
Overall, I'm fairly happy with it, and to me it seems like the best choice for the money.
P.S. Live with Walkman is essentially the same device. You get a slightly larger (but worse) display, a secondary camera and longer battery life. Price tag should be the same so I'd say it's a matter of preference.
The Pantech Burst is so underrated that you can find one for that price (in my area I saw 3 between $180 and $125), works on At&t and has a Snapdragon dual-core 1.5ghz CPU, 4" Super Amoled display and a solid if plain design.
You could look into the Meizu MX.

Samsung need to get their a** into gear

This whole note 7 exploding thing is a complete joke. How can any company be so dumb as to let the phones explode? I'm quite happy to continue using my note 7 but now oculus has updated the app on the phones so note 7 not longer works with the gear vr so now I have an 80 quid device that is useless because I have no other phone to use it with. Samsung need to investigate these new claims of note 7s exploding fast and get it all sorted.
Sadly I use the note phones because I use the S-pen so changing phone isn't really an option as there are no alternatives to the S-pen. So frustrating when companies just do the most stupid things ever it's like with the gear S2 as well Samsung hasn't really helped it gain traction as they don't offer decent dev support so apps aren't as good as on apple watch or android wear again I don't know why they're being so dumb and not sorting it out.
I also reckon that Samsung phones are done for I doubt anyone would risk buying another Samsung phone in the future.
Stop the spam, please. Keep it to the other similarly 'useful' thread you created.
In case you forgot, I found it for you: http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-7/how-to/note-7-exploding-issue-getting-stupid-t3459370

as of mid-March 2018, is the Galaxy Tab S3 worth it?

opinions if you have them, thx!
Note 10.1 2014 died a horrible death, have been looking for a replacement -- and of course, have been following threads in XDA and other sites in the meantime.
aware of various issues:
- wifi drain (though the latest update has some reporting it's been fixed?)
- non-Sammy magnet cases wreaking havoc
- still on Nougat, Oreo delivery date uncertain
- no backwards compatibility with .spd Note files
i can get the Tab S3 for $517 USD; or in bundle from B&H for $565 (no taxes on either order), which includes the keyboard cover.
thing is: the Galaxy Tab S4 will launch sometime this year (speculation is September), it will have Oreo out of the box (one would think), and it also looks to have a 16:10 ratio at 10.1"-- and maybe improved accessories. of course, the Tab S4 will be spensy AF.
thoughts?
I don't have mine yet, but if your carrier is Verizon, you can get the Tab S3 (T827) for $299 w/2yr contract. I snapped it up, since I don't anticipate leaving them in that time period. Should arrive Monday. It's supposed to get Oreo this summer. Many find 4:3 the best ratio for a tablet.
I should add that there doesn't seem to be a root available for the T827 as of yet.
Yes it worth i got yesterday with 24 months contract it rocks!!! Its sexy fast and powerful! You can just sell the s3 for some money and buy the s5 in few years when will be released. In next few years 5G will arrived and probably s5 would support it.
I don't know about the 2nd one, but the other problems don't need to worry about.
The tablet, with newest update, can install S Note from apkmirror, and you can also open SPD file using Samsung Notes.
thanks for the answers so far!
the SPD issue being resolved is pretty huge for me ...
i'm on the fence: argh, do i buy now (B&H just dropped the price by $70 for the tablet itself), or do i wait for the Tab S4, though unannounced but which is rumoured to be due later this year?
I've had mine since Aug 2017 and am completely happy about it. And I have the "composition book" magnetic cover and it has not had any issues with the magnets in it. Definitely get S Notes off apkmirror as Samsung Notes is really watered down.
AM Radio said:
opinions if you have them, thx!
Note 10.1 2014 died a horrible death, have been looking for a replacement -- and of course, have been following threads in XDA and other sites in the meantime.
aware of various issues:
- wifi drain (though the latest update has some reporting it's been fixed?)
- non-Sammy magnet cases wreaking havoc
- still on Nougat, Oreo delivery date uncertain
- no backwards compatibility with .spd Note files
i can get the Tab S3 for $517 USD; or in bundle from B&H for $565 (no taxes on either order), which includes the keyboard cover.
thing is: the Galaxy Tab S4 will launch sometime this year (speculation is September), it will have Oreo out of the box (one would think), and it also looks to have a 16:10 ratio at 10.1"-- and maybe improved accessories. of course, the Tab S4 will be spensy AF.
thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have had my Tab S3 tablet since release day. Here are my thoughts:
- wifi drain (though the latest update has some reporting it's been fixed?)
Even after numerous updates wifi battery drain is still there. Hoping Oreo would fix this.
- non-Sammy magnet cases wreaking havoc
I used to use a smart magnetic case bought off amazon. They work for the auto screen on and off. However, the magnets do interfere with the Spen. I suggest to not fold the case all the way to the back of the device when writing on it. Im now using the official keyboard cover. It does not offer side protection and has no screen auto on/off function. But I prefer this over the magnetic case.
- still on Nougat, Oreo delivery date uncertain
Oreo is confirmed in the works and is coming soon. How soon? Im thinking mid to end of 2nd Quarter.
- no backwards compatibility with .spd Note files
Cant comment on this.
$565 for the tablet and keyboard cover is a good deal. I got my Tablet for $599 and paid extra $150 for the keyboard. Cant comment on the Tab S4 as I have not even heard rumors about it.
S-note can be side loaded on the S3. I have it on mine. Can't remember where I got it but the reference came from somewhere on this board.. Samsung Notes is a cruddy downgrade from S-note . No idea what Samsung was thinking. The off screen writing though goes to Samsung Notes only.
So far I've not seen any problem with my off brand case other than cheaply built retainers cracking. It does provide a good holder for the S-pen.
Sent from my SM-T820 using Tapatalk
With the TabS3 being on the "quarterly update" path, that is something to think about.
I have my Wifi Tab S3 since about a month after release. I still like it and use it, but at times it feels laggy, and I need to turn off WiFi when sleeping to save battery. Battery life still isn't as good as my several year old iPad Air 2 Cellular (with T-Mobile SIM and service).
Would I buy one today? I'd have to think hard about it.
KidJoe said:
With the TabS3 being on the "quarterly update" path, that is something to think about.
I have my Wifi Tab S3 since about a month after release. I still like it and use it, but at times it feels laggy, and I need to turn off WiFi when sleeping to save battery. Battery life still isn't as good as my several year old iPad Air 2 Cellular (with T-Mobile SIM and service).
Would I buy one today? I'd have to think hard about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with KidJoe, although user experience is very depending on usage. I use the tab s3 mostly for watching Netflix and YouTube and some surfing the internet and therefore don't experience any lag. The screen is better than any other tablet I have seen (never looked at the iPads though). Battery life is fine. Easily one to two days on a charge. That's fine for me, I charge my smartphone every night so no big deal to plug in the tablet as well. Never really noticed the wifi drain (specially on latest update), only because everybody is complaining about it (conformation bias?).
Also never used the pen so can't comment on that. Still waiting for the google assistant coming to my country (the Netherlands). And that's also my only critique on the tab S3: damn Samsung software. I prefer the stock Android experience.
To summarize: because the lack of tab S4 and google pixel tablet with OLED screen, I would definitely buy this tablet again. I paid 485 Euro's on eglobal central. They now sell it for 430 Euro's which is a great deal imo.
my s3 is a hog.
Android tablets get a lot of hate for reasons I don't understand. If Android tablets are your preference (as they are mine) then I don't know of a better "current" tablet than the S3. The Pixel C is still pretty awesome. I marginally prefer the S3 because of the haptic feedback and slightly better screen, but it's not a huge difference. I have no complaints about the S3.
badwiring said:
Android tablets get a lot of hate for reasons I don't understand. If Android tablets are your preference (as they are mine) then I don't know of a better "current" tablet than the S3. The Pixel C is still pretty awesome. I marginally prefer the S3 because of the haptic feedback and slightly better screen, but it's not a huge difference. I have no complaints about the S3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. I'm not into the Apple environment and came off an iPhone 3GS back in the day when I migrated to Android and been Android ever since. My Tab S3 is fantastic and does what I need it to do which is taking notes. I work in IT so it is a lot of diagrams and drawings so being able to quickly draw out an infrastructure diagram and have it posted to my laptop in a PDF or JPEG is just like magic. And when I need to I have the keyboard cover so I can quickly type out notes without needing my laptop. The only thing I lack is being able to VPN into work (because my employer won't support BYOD) but the bluetooth transfer of docs to my work laptop is what resolves that issue for me.
price drop on the Tab S3 across the board right now
B&H
Bestbuy
Amazon
all selling the tablet for $449.99
I just bought one of these from Verizon, on a 2-yr plan, for $299 . . . new Samsung Keyboard cover was $67 through Amazon . . . I'm thinking that this is a pretty good deal . . . maybe available at these prices because the Tab S4 is coming soon?
stonecoldtx said:
I just bought one of these from Verizon, on a 2-yr plan, for $299 . . . new Samsung Keyboard cover was $67 through Amazon . . . I'm thinking that this is a pretty good deal . . . maybe available at these prices because the Tab S4 is coming soon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
or maybe to fire a shot over the bow as Apple announces their new iPad?
if this is part of the strategy, i can see Samsung dropping the Tab S4 bomb in Q2 ...

DeX for Tab S3?

I would really like to see this feature, just like the Tab S4 is getting.
Unlikely to happen
Reasons why?
I would like to hear from some xda developers on why Samsung wouldn't update the Tab S3 with Dex mode when and if it gets 8.1? Other than the obvious, to bolster sales of the Tab S4. I know we didn't get AR support on the Galaxy Note 8 although the chip architecture allows for it. Will XDA work to release a mod for the Tab S3 to get the Dex mode working? How hard would it be to install Dex on the Tab S3?
coryteague said:
I would like to hear from some xda developers on why Samsung wouldn't update the Tab S3 with Dex mode when and if it gets 8.1? Other than the obvious, to bolster sales of the Tab S4. I know we didn't get AR support on the Galaxy Note 8 although the chip architecture allows for it. Will XDA work to release a mod for the Tab S3 to get the Dex mode working? How hard would it be to install Dex on the Tab S3?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, it would be good if anybody really develops DeX for the S3 but my guess is that this may be challenging because the processor in the S3 is not the same as the one in S4. Please note that the Qualcomm 835 chip is used also for "Windows on ARM" implementations (a couple of laptops with this chip have been released), so it does have the juice to run all elements of DeX, but I am not sure that this would be possible for the S3.
In any case, the S3 has the advantage that one can run Microsoft Office there without any license. You would need a license to run MS Office applications in the S4.
However, I wonder if one needs to adapt DeX to the S3. There are potentially other solutions, If you recall, the Note Tab 10.1 2014 had a very robust multi-windowing interface, running in a much less capable processor. Samsung (or somebody else) can adapt the 10.1 (2014) multi-tasking/multi-windowing solution to the S3. If this is possible, it may even be more capable than DeX and even faster. This may be more of a possibility. I am sure that Samsung evolved DeX from its multitasking effort on the 10.1 (2014).
Technologically it's possible, but it's entirely up to Samsung, so I'd say "NO"... Why offer a feature on an earlier tab when the goal is for all Tab S3 users to purchase their new S4? Bringing features outside of OS updates just isn't financial sense.
Also DEX is Samsung's code, so don't expect to see it legally in someones ROM.
So then it's unlikely. I hope somebody can make it work, would definitely pay for it.
Enviado desde mi LG-H990 mediante Tapatalk
SeaFractor said:
Technologically it's possible, but it's entirely up to Samsung, so I'd say "NO"... Why offer a feature on an earlier tab when the goal is for all Tab S3 users to purchase their new S4? Bringing features outside of OS updates just isn't financial sense.
Also DEX is Samsung's code, so don't expect to see it legally in someones ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I am not sure that Samsung wants all Tab S3 users to move to the Tab S4. In fact, it definitely does not. In the "exchange program" for the Galaxy Tab S4, anybody who decides to exchange a Tab S3 for the newer tablet gets only $100!! On the other hand, if you decide to trade-in an Apple iPad, you can get $300!! Thus, it seems to me that Samsung wants to discourage owners of Tab S3 from moving to the S4. Their trade-in program makes this abundantly clear.
Currently, Samsung is actively selling the Tab S3. It has lowered the price to $449 and it is available through them (and through other vendors). On this basis, and considering that DeX is really the only differentiation between these tablets, I would say that it is quite unlikely that Samsung would develop DeX for the Tab S3. It would remain the "cheaper" option minus DeX. As DeX is nothing more than a gimmick in these tablets, I think that clever users should be opting for the S3 rather than the S4.
It is just possible that in the future Samsung may release a Gaxaly Tab S4 Pro with a 12-inch screen. Now, that machine would be a much better fit for the Dex environment and more logical fit for the price of $649, which is absolutely ridiculous for this tablet right now.
The best and easiest solution: Download the Sentio Desktop app on your Tab S3
It works like a beauty for me for most apps, and for the apps that cant open up in a window, they open up in full screen with the task bar on the bottom. It's a great experience. the app was made with the intention of being used on a phone connected to a Sentio Book, but on the Tab S3, it works great with the large screen. I plan on buying an HDMI cable to use with a monitor though. It would be nice to find some other apps or ways that the screen mirroring would work so that you could use the Tab S3 as a drawing tablet/mouse when connected to a monitor using Sentio Desktop (if anyone knows of something, that'd be great), but nevertheless, it's a great solution and alternative to Dex, which Samsung is probably not going to port over the the Tab S3 in any future updates, even though it's just as capable as the Note 8. :fingers-crossed:

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