And today we received a similar device from Samsung. As a prototype Galaxy Tab Active was launched by Galaxy Tab 4 8.0, which added a new design, a standard IP67 protection class, an excellent complete case and several other significant improvements that are relevant for devices aimed at professional use.
Design and usability
In appearance Samsung Galaxy Tab Active one can discern the familiar handwriting of Korean designers. The front panel resembles other tablets from the manufacturer, although it has received several improvements that are fundamentally important for rugged tablets.
So, all control keys were made physical. They are large, with a textured surface and press well, making them very convenient to use. The screen is protected by a frame that protrudes noticeably above the surface of the glass.
The sides are made of thick plastic with a diagonal pattern; there are characteristic protruding ridges at the corners.
The layout of the controls is standard. The power and volume keys are located on the right side, and the interface connectors are on the bottom. Although the tablet is protected from dust and moisture according to the IP67 standard, the connectors are not covered with any plugs; they are always freely accessible. Two microphones are placed almost symmetrically on the top and bottom edges.
On the left side there is a group of three POGO contacts that allow you to charge the tablet using a special cable with a magnetized connector. According to the manufacturer, this solution will avoid accidental damage to the microUSB connector during charging and will facilitate mass charging of tablets in cases of professional use.
The design of the back cover is made in a rather aggressive style for Samsung. Decorative metal overlays imitate mounting plugs, and the camera lens is surrounded by a metal ring. There is a recess on the top left that allows you to remove the cover, which is secured with many small latches.
On the reverse side you can see a thin rubber gasket that protects the electronics from moisture. The same solution is used in a smartphone. Under the cover you can find slots for MicroSIM and memory cards, as well as a removable battery.
A protective case made of rubber and plastic is supplied with the tablet. It provides additional protection, including the screen, from accidental falls. According to the manufacturer, the Galaxy Tab Active, dressed in such a case, will survive a drop from a height of up to 120 cm.
The case significantly improves the ease of use of the tablet, despite the noticeable increase in weight. It makes the case more grippy and non-slip, the volume and power buttons become clearly visible to the touch.
The stylus, called the C-Pen, is hidden at the top of the case. Unlike, it does not carry any special functionality, does not contain electronics inside and is designed for simple control of the tablet, for example, in the cold season. The C-Pen does not work with regular touchscreens.
Display
The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active has an 8-inch screen with a resolution of 1280 by 800 pixels. There is no air gap between the protective glass and the matrix, the brightness varies from 3.9 to 335 cd/m², and the measured contrast level was 1:690. There is a sensor for automatic backlight level adjustment, it works correctly.
Samsung does not name the exact type of screen matrix, but the maximum viewing angles indicate that we have an IPS or PLS screen.
The screen has a slightly narrowed and shifted color gamut, but all other parameters (gamma, color temperature) correspond to the reference values, which indicates good calibration of the matrix.
In real life, the screen looks good, despite not having the highest resolution, which is sufficient for watching movies, playing games or reading. Quiet natural color rendering, a comfortable brightness adjustment range, and a good oleophobic coating help create a positive impression of the screen.
Hardware platform
Samsung Galaxy Tab Active received an average hardware platform in terms of performance. The SoC is the well-known Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 with four Cortex-A7 cores operating at 1.2 GHz and Adreno 305 graphics. Volume random access memory– 1.5 GB, built-in 16 GB, there is a slot for memory cards.
Kit wireless interfaces is presented with dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, GPS/Glonass and support for mobile networks with the ability to make calls and send messages.
In benchmarks, the tablet shows expectedly average and unimpressive results. The operating speed is normal during normal use. We had no complaints about the operation of individual applications, including games, or the smoothness of the interface, but when switching between different programs Galaxy Tab Active sometimes thought for a second.
The operation of GPS and Wi-Fi can be called ideal - the data transmission module has normal sensitivity and speed, and GPS found satellites and connected to them in just a couple of seconds.
Calls, multimedia
Despite the fact that the Samsung Galaxy Tab is a tablet primarily for work, its multimedia functions remain the same. The built-in audio player contains many sound settings, supports lossless formats, and most users will be satisfied with the quality of music playback in headphones. The video player is also relatively omnivorous.
The multimedia speaker is located at the back, it is loud and plays well. The speaker is also loud; if you want, you can talk on the tablet like on a smartphone. Vibration alert of medium strength.
Operating system and shell
The tablet runs Android 4.4.4 KitKat operating system, standard interface replaces the TouchWiz shell; there is a two-window mode that allows you to work with two applications simultaneously and change the window size of each program.
Working hours
Samsung Galaxy Tab Active received a removable battery with a capacity of 4450 mAh (16.91 Wh). In mixed load mode, including watching videos, reading, browsing, and playing games, it allows the tablet to work for about 9 hours, which is quite a good indicator considering the screen diagonal and battery capacity. Below you can see the results of autonomy tests.
| Device | Samsung Galaxy Tab Active | Sigma Mobile PQ79 | ||
| Battery | 4450 mAh (16.91 Wh) | 15000 mAh (41 Wh) | ||
| Reading | Navigation | Watch HD video | Watching HD videos from YouTube | 12:05:59 |
| Antutu Tester (points) | 8349 | 1554* | ||
| GFX Bench (minutes) | 422,6 | 320,8 | ||
| GFX Bench (points) | 555.3 frame | 337.5 frame | ||
| PCMark | 8:55 | 13:33 |
In modereading all wireless communications are disabled, including data transfer to mobile network, and the display brightness is set to 150 cd/m². When listeningmusic automatic data synchronization and data transfer worked. The sound volume in the headphones is at 12 out of 15 possible levels. All music files are in MP3 format, bitrate 320 Kbps.Navigation includes route planning in Google app Navigation. The brightness is set to 150 cd/m², all data communication modules are disabled. During playback video data transfer is active on the mobile network, display brightness is set to 150 cd/m², sound volume in headphones is at level 12 out of a possible 15. Video file format MKV, resolution 1024x432 pixels, frame rate 24. Playing video from Youtube was accompanied not only by work in Wi-Fi networks, but also active data transmission. The display brightness is set to 150 cd/m², the sound volume in the headphones is set to 12 out of 15 possible levels.
Cameras
The tablet has two cameras. The front one uses a regular module with a resolution of 1.2 megapixels, and the main one has a sensor with a resolution of 3.1 megapixels, equipped with autofocus and a flash.
The camera application contains familiar devices Samsung settings and shooting modes.
The quality of the front camera can be assessed as normal; it will be sufficient for communicating on Skype.
The main camera, despite the presence of autofocus and flash, cannot boast of outstanding capabilities, but the available capabilities are enough to scan a barcode or photograph text.
Results
Taking a regular consumer model as a basis, Samsung managed to create a high-quality tablet for professional use. The use of physical control keys, a completely collapsible body, an excellent complete case with a stylus, protection according to the IP67 standard and the presence of all the necessary communication modules turn an ordinary tablet into a universal “combine” that will help solve work problems in any operating conditions. At the same time, the model has retained its relatively civilian appearance and acceptable weight and size characteristics, which allows the Galaxy Tab Active to be used as a regular tablet with additional protection from falls and moisture.
Liked:
Thoughtful design, physical control keys, collapsible body with replaceable battery
High-quality complete case with stylus
Screen color rendition, wide brightness adjustment range, oleophobic coating
Full set of communication modules (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G, GPS, NFC)
Working hours
Did not like:
— use of an average-performance hardware platform
- relatively low screen resolution
 |
Multi touch | + |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 | |
| Kernel type | Cortex-A7 | |
| Frequency, GHz | 1,2 | |
| Number of Cores | 4 | |
| Graphic arts | Adreno 305 | |
| Pre-installed OS | Android 4.4 + TouchWiz | |
| RAM capacity, GB | 1,5 | |
| Built-in memory capacity, GB | 16 | |
| External ports | micro-USB 2.0, 3.5 mm audio, microSIM | |
| Card reader | microSD | |
| Front-camera | 1.2 MP | |
| Rear camera | 3.1 MP, flash, autofocus | |
| Light sensor | + | |
| Orientation sensor | + | |
| Built-in speakers | + | |
| Dock station | — | |
| Stylus included | + (C-Pen) | |
| Ethernet | — | |
| WiFi | 802.11 b/g/n | |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.0 | |
| 3G/4G(LTE) module | + | |
| GSM/3G/4G(LTE) standards | GSM 900/1800/1900, HSDPA 850/900/1900/2100, LTE 800/850/900/1800/2100/2600 | |
| Voice communication in GSM/3G networks | + | |
| GPS | + (GLONASS support) | |
| NFC | + | |
| Battery capacity, mAh | 4450 | |
| Battery voltage, V | no data | |
| Battery life | until 10 o'clock | |
| Weight, g | 393 | |
| Dimensions, mm | 213x126x10 | |
| Other | Protected tablet (IP67 standard), shockproof case included | |
| Case color | black | |
| Front panel color | black |
Contents of delivery
- Tablet
- Battery Li-Ion 4450 mAh
- Charger with USB cable
- Protective case with stylus
- Instructions
Specifications
- Android 4.4
- 8 inches, 1280x800 pixels, 400 nits, anti-glare coating
- Samsung Exynos, quad-core, 1.2 GHz (in Russia Snapdragon 410, 4 cores 1.2 GHz, Adreno 305)
- 1.5 GB RAM, 16 GB internal memory, memory cards up to 64 GB
- 3.1 megapixel camera with autofocus, front-camera 1.2 megapixels
- BT 4.0, WiFi a/b/g/n, NFC, USB 2.0
- Battery 4450 mAh, up to 10 hours in mixed mode, up to 9 hours of video, up to 128 hours of music playback, battery replacement, POGO connector for charging
- Hexa band LTE 800/850/900/1800/2100/2600
- 393 grams, 213.1 x 126.2 x 9.75 mm
Positioning
The market for rugged devices offers almost no tablets; they can be counted on the fingers of two hands, and maximum level protection is IP67, that is, devices are offered that can be heated, but cannot be dropped. Chinese companies do not have the skills to produce this type of device; a different technological chain is required. Those few who dare to create such products value their efforts at crazy prices - for example, a typical Chinese-made rugged tablet with a 7.8-inch screen, on an old chipset and with minimal characteristics will cost about $350 in a wholesale batch. To understand, a tablet with similar characteristics without protection can easily be purchased in Russia at a price of about 2.5-3,000 rubles. Do you feel the difference?
The high cost is also due to the fact that such devices are created more for the B2B segment than for ordinary consumers. And here Panasonic rules the roost, which began producing rugged laptops many years ago under the ToughBook brand, and then released the ToughPad.
Panasonic ToughPad
The beauty of such tablets for B2B is that they support a high standard of protection, various interfaces, but the cost is about $1,200-1,500 apiece. Similar unprotected devices on the open market cost about $400-450. In fact, it can be said that rugged tablets for B2B cost about three times more than their mass-market counterparts. This is a small niche market in this moment, where Panasonic feels at ease. And Samsung decided to destroy this idyll and released the Galaxy Tab Active.
The device is aimed at everyone who does not feel like a company on the level of Gazprom, does not participate in large tenders and is not ready to overpay several times for such devices. Compared to existing tablets from Samsung, this device noticeably loses in functionality and performance, but has features that are indispensable for professional use, where virtual parrots in benchmarks fade into the tenth plan, and completely different factors begin to play a role. Samsung even moved this device from consumer electronics to the B2B segment and this is the right decision; the average buyer will not appreciate it - neither for the cost nor for the equipment, which he considers unnecessary. This is not a device for lying on the beach, but a tool for working in conditions where reliability, protection, and ease of charging come to the fore. Let's take a look at how this tablet works.
Design, dimensions, control elements
The tablet has passed MIL-STD-810G certification, which a small number of devices can boast of. It comes with an outer case that offers 1.2 meter drop protection and a stylus holder.
A funny thing about the stylus is that you can put resistive screen, and then it will not be very convenient to operate it in everyday life, but it will work in the rain and under water. Capacitive screen You can wet it, but you won’t be able to work with it in such conditions. The stylus is needed to control the device in wet conditions when you cannot press icons or menu items with your hands.
The tablet turned out to be not very large, even in the case. It's quite easy to put it on, it's just a plastic case. The entire structure weighs a little more than 400 grams, only the tablet weighs 393 grams. The layout of the controls is quite familiar for the Tab line, on the right side there is a volume key, there is an open microUSB connector at the bottom, but it is completely protected from water.
Below the screen, traditional touch keys have been replaced with three mechanical buttons, which can only be welcomed. On the back surface you can see a 3.1 megapixel camera with autofocus. The company claims that business needs are such that they need to remove documents in good quality, But high resolution not required, so we installed the camera like this and worked on autofocus and speed. There is also a front camera and a light sensor.
If you remove the case, you will see a regular case made in the style of the S5 Active. Don't be fooled by the "metal" screws in the corners, this is a sham. The lid opens like on any device, you need to pull it. Inside there is a slot for microSD memory cards, as well as a microSIM connector.
The build quality of the device is good, and from a protection point of view, we can say that it can easily and without consequences endure falls from a height of 2-2.5 meters onto any surface. Although, continuing my experiments, I am sure that I would eventually break it, like any similar device.
Tablet size - 213.1 x 126.2 x 9.75 mm. It is not gigantic, it is quite comparable to ordinary tablets, which sharply distinguishes it from the few rugged models that are on the market; they are trying to make them distinctly large. Not to mention waterproof Sony tablets, since they have glass on both sides and will not survive even a slight drop from two meters. As a rule, they break almost immediately.
Display
The tablet's screen is 8 inches, with a resolution of 1280x800 pixels, which is quite comfortable for working with it. There is a TFT matrix here, it is not SuperAMOLED. From a technology point of view, the brightness and contrast have been increased, 400 nits is a very good indicator, automatic brightness adjustment works well. They also added anti-reflective coating, it works great. Readability in the sun is excellent. Overall, I liked the picture on the screen of this device; it will cope with its tasks with a bang.
Battery
Stands inside Li-Ion battery 4450 mAh capacity, which, according to the company, provides up to 10 hours of operation, plus there are power saving modes that can extend this time. The design of the case means that you can replace the battery if necessary. But also a contact group was installed on the case for charging without connecting a conventional device (POGO connector). This is convenient for B2B clients, especially when you need to charge a dozen devices at the same time.
In practice, the tablet plays video for about 8.5 hours at maximum brightness; if you reduce it by half, it will be 11 hours. The brightness of the screen is detrimental here, but everything is visible in the sun. By and large, I didn’t notice any differences from the current generation of tablets - everything is approximately comparable. This can be considered a minus, since for many people the operating time of a protected device seems to be an important indicator and they want to get larger values. This leads to an increase in the weight of the device and its size, and this is exactly what they wanted to avoid here. I would also like to note that it is unusual for such devices to have a removable battery, this is a big plus.
Communication capabilities
In addition to 3G, LTE category 4 to 6 is supported frequency ranges, has NFC, supports Wi-Fi b/g/n/ac, BT 4.0, USB 2.0 as standard.
Hardware platform, performance
It uses a quad-core Snapdragon 410 chipset, the frequency per core is up to 1.2 GHz (there is also an Exynos option), the amount of RAM is 1.5 GB, the built-in memory is 16 GB. In terms of interface performance, this is a fairly fast device. The lack of the latest chipset on board and a rather small amount of RAM are associated with the timing and complexity of certification of such products; they become obsolete precisely because of this, and not at all because of the company’s reluctance to add these components to them. For the B2B solutions market, this is a very productive tablet, one of the best. Look at the alternatives and you will understand how inert this segment is.
Camera
Fixed focus, 3.1 megapixel resolution, rather slow and demanding of light. Suitable for photographing documents, but only if you have good lighting. In general, the presence of a camera is a plus, its quality is a minus. It's on par with the iPad, but in no way comparable to the latest models from Samsung.
Photo examples
Software features
This device has no special features as such; the KNOX system is installed here, which allows for the separation of personal and corporate data; the camera also has a built-in mode for reading barcodes and recognizing them. In principle, you can install any of your programs, security policies, and the like on Android. Inside Android 4.4.4. I’ll stop here, since describing the standard functionality is not very interesting.
Good afternoon, Habr!
Undoubtedly, of the new Samsung products presented at the IFA exhibition in early September, the highlight of the program was the flagship smartphone GALAXY Note 4 and virtual reality glasses Samsung Gear VR. But there was one more announcement that went virtually unnoticed by the average audience: Samsung showed its first tablet for B2B clients - GALAXY Tab Active. The new mobile device for enterprises has increased protection from external influences, additional functions, as well as enhanced security policies. Details under the cut.
Today, the market for rugged devices has little to offer when it comes to tablets - there are no more than a dozen of them in the wild. The main problem here is much more complex technological process, which most companies simply do not have. The few manufacturers that are able to create a rugged mobile device with a large screen diagonal face another problem: the B2B niche is small and highly specialized, while prices for indestructible tablets are, on average, three times higher than for analogues for the mass market. In the current circumstances, the release of the new GALAXY Tab Active device was an important milestone in the development of the B2B segment, as high functionality combined with a rugged design is exactly what modern enterprises have been waiting for for so long and what the new tablet is ready to provide. 
In development of GALAXY Tab Active Samsung asked future clients for help. In order to understand the current challenges and requirements of modern business, the company attracted a consulting group, which included companies from the Fortune 500 rating, to create a new tablet. Experts from the world's leading companies allowed us to better understand the specifics of markets such as retail, logistics and transport. By combining this research with its own analysis of key markets, Samsung was able to create a device that meets the needs of modern enterprises to optimize business processes and improve employee productivity - the GALAXY Tab Active tablet. 
The tablet has passed MIL-STD-810G certification - only a small number of similar devices can boast of this. Thanks to its anti-shock coating and durable protective case, the GALAXY Tab Active can withstand drops of up to 1.2 meters. In addition, the device complies with the IP67 standard, providing reliable protection from moisture and dust. The owner of the tablet will not have to worry that if it falls, gets dirty or gets into a humid environment, the device may be damaged or malfunction. GALAXY Tab Active will become a reliable assistant in harsh field conditions - it is not afraid of the effects of heat, cold, dust or water, which is especially important for those who constantly work outside the office. It is officially stated that it can operate in a temperature range from -20 to +60 degrees Celsius. 
The tablet is equipped with an 8-inch WXGA (1280 × 800) TFT screen, a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 chipset with a frequency of 1.2 GHz, 1.5 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal memory, and a slot for microSD cards (up to 64 GB). operating system- Android KitKat (4.4), the interface is proprietary TouchWiz with improvements and additions. A 3.1-megapixel camera with autofocus will help with scanning barcodes, and NFC near-field communication will optimize workflows, saving a lot of time. Interfaces: USB 2.0, Bluetooth 4.0 LE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, (2.4 and 5 GHz), GPS and GLONASS supported. The dimensions of the secure new Samsung product are 213.1 × 126.2 × 9.75 mm, weight - 393 grams.
GALAXY Tab Active is equipped with an electronic C-Pen, which allows you to use the device in situations where it is impossible to operate the screen with your fingers. The pen will be a convenient tool for those specialists who need to wear protective gloves at work - for example, on a construction site. To avoid losing it in the heat of the day, the C-Pen is securely attached to the protective case of the GALAXY Tab Active.
For specialists who constantly work in open areas, on a construction site, or simply do not have access to electricity for a long time, for example, builders, engineers or utility workers, such quality as an energy-intensive battery is especially important mobile device. GALAXY Tab Active provides 8-10 hours of continuous operation on one full charge, thanks to a 4450 mAh battery. There is also a maximum energy saving mode called Ultra Power Saving Mode. In addition, the tablet allows for easy battery replacement. Another important feature of the device is a separate POGO connector, which allows you to relieve the frequently used microUSB connector and use it for other needs while recharging the tablet.
GALAXY Tab Active is equipped with Samsung's proprietary KNOX security system, which ensures the safety of personal and corporate data. This solution meets the high security requirements of enterprise IT services, does not compromise employee privacy, and eliminates the cost of a third-party security platform. 
Samsung provides an extended warranty for the GALAXY Tab Active for up to three years. It applies to cases of repair even in case of mechanical damage. Understanding how important it is for companies to meet deadlines regardless of device malfunctions, the company also provides GALAXY Tab Active users with access to the service technical support Smart Tutor Service. Employee service center Samsung is always ready to provide prompt assistance and solve problems remotely - anytime, anywhere.
Samsung GALAXY Tab Active will be available in two options: Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + LTE. The tablet comes in Titanium Green color and will come with a protective cover and a C-Pen. The final price of the device on the domestic market has not yet been announced, but it is known for certain that it will be significantly less than $1000. Will there be this model in retail in the near future is a big question, but Samsung is receiving many requests to sell the tablet outside the B2B sector, so it is quite possible that the GALAXY Tab Active will still appear in stock at chain stores or operators (this happened with the GALAXY S5 Active, for example ).
Technical GALAXY characteristics Tab Active:
Cellular: LTE: 800/850/900/1800/2100/2600 MHz; 3G: 850/900/1900/2100 MHz; 2G: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
CPU: quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400, 1.2 GHz
Screen: 8" WXGA (1280×800) TFT LCD
Operating system: Android 4.4 (KitKat)
Camera: main - 3.1 MP, autofocus, flash; front - 1.2 MP
Interfaces and connections: USB 2.0 High Speed, Bluetooth 4.0 LE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, (2.4 and 5 GHz), NFC
Navigation: GPS, GLONASS
Sensors: accelerometer, light sensor
Memory: 1.5 GB RAM (LPDDR3) + 16 GB internal memory; microSD slot (up to 64 GB)
Dimensions and weight: 213.1 × 126.2 × 9.75 mm / 393 g
Battery: 4450 mAh, replaceable
Rating: 5 out of 5
Victor Sh.
Advantages: Monolithic and monumental. With a fairly weak hardware, it works surprisingly pleasantly and for quite a long time. With average use - 2 days, or 8.5 hours of screen operation at auto brightness (WOT, web, reader, movies). The grip is really excellent, it’s very convenient to take from the table, and it doesn’t tend to slip out of your hands. The display is good, it is not toxic and not as bright (like super amoled), the information is readable well, the auto-backlight works adequately.
Disadvantages: The camera is just for show. Price.
Comment: A machine for slaughter, or for those whose tablets often fall, is just what you need. Add. The cover is a standard Samsovian x-cover.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Advantages: NFC, LTE, size, grip and promised strength and moisture resistance.
Disadvantages: I couldn’t find a decent case for it or a magnetic charging connector
Comment: I took a TAV-3 of the same size as a replacement. Because of the above advantages. I use it mainly for navigation, the Internet, banking applications, smart home control, as a reader and translator. It copes with all this with a bang. I am satisfied with the purchase.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Advantages: 1. Reliability: worked in the temperature range -10 + 37, in the rain, fell (not me, but the tablet :))... Works without glitches, that is, at all. For three months, not a single reboot, stuck, etc., despite the non-top 2. The hardware is, I must say, correctly selected for its price range and screen resolution. RAM 1.5 GB, it could be more, but in fact it’s enough (if there are less than 20 tabs in the browser :)). Availability of LTE, NFC, Glonass, Wi-Fi Direct very nice, Not all, even top-end tablets, have such a set. The average percentage and video are actually a plus (well, except for the most “heavy” games) because the tablet does not heat up (which means, theoretically, it will live longer) and gives an excellent 3. Autonomy is one of the best offers on the market, regardless of prices. 11 hours of video - that's something! In player mode it will work for a week without problems (and by the way, yes, the iPad still loses in terms of autonomy;)). Separate pluses are the removable battery 4. and the complete set. The case and stylus are a nice bonus. However, so is the ability to use the tablet as a phone!
Disadvantages: Sound - made according to the residual principle. Like for the B2B sector it’s not necessary. The speaker is not only quiet, but also non-existent. If you don't plan to listen to music, then the disadvantage is insignificant. When used as a phone in a noisy place, there is also a lack of volume. However, a headset/headphones corrects the situation. Android 4.4.4 and it looks like it won't get any updates. Not critical, but still... The screen is not bad, but not great, 1280 x 800 may not be enough for some. I have no desire to look at the pixels with a magnifying glass :) and I think its resolution is more than enough, but in bright sunlight it is readable getting worse. I would add brightness.
Comment: I completely agree with the previous commentator. Except for OTG support. He supports everything. It's just that both devices must comply with the standard. In any case, it works with a flash drive and a mouse. You can also add that the camera is mediocre (but they usually don’t put good ones in tablets. In normal light - no complaints. There is an oleophobic coating, but this does not mean that fingerprints do not appear on the glass :), they are simply erased more easily. The design is not for everyone, I personally like it, but it’s all individual, but the mechanical buttons are class.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Advantages: Robust design - impact resistance, water resistance, reliability, special case included. Balanced parameters.
Disadvantages: few offers on the market, somewhat overpriced
Comment: This is a specific model for those who need a strong, indestructible “brick”. Looking at it, you should understand that in terms of elegance, screen quality, and hardware parameters, it cannot compete with the Galaxy S2. Dropped from a height of 1.2 m onto a concrete floor at an angle - it works! It’s especially good as a car navigator + audio + phone (via BT): I’m not afraid that it will fall or get scratched, I can quickly remove/install it. When installing, you need to make sure that the claws of the fastening device do not press the “on/off” and “volume” keys. Can make calls, distribute Wi-Fi ( mobile point access). LTE without problems 20-30 Mbit/s. Now I will answer the remarks of the previous speakers :) 1. Android is updated to 5.1.1 without problems - download Smart Switch on the Samsung website - it will do everything itself. 2. The sound is really not top-notch. But the volume is sufficient, especially if you put it face down. 3. I did not find the disadvantage of the on/off button that Platonov writes about. 4. Weight with a case is 520 g. For comparison: Galaxy S2 with a case is 460 g. 5. There is enough RAM: on average 60-70% is occupied, although 2G would be nicer. 16G internal memory quite enough, because You can insert an SD card. Added after almost a year of operation: the device is very durable. Android, which is slightly different from the standard one, is updated to 5.1.1 - I'm happy with it.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Pros: The tablet is perfectly protected from water. He drowned in a swamp (in peat slurry). I rinsed it and continued to use it. Port protection is interestingly implemented. The ports are open, without plugs. When I bathed the tablet, it first tried to constantly turn on the screen (water that got into the USB port was perceived by the tablet as a connected device). Then the tablet got its bearings and turned off the port completely. I was scared because, having already been washed and dried, the tablet would not take a charge. Everything was cured by rebooting. The stylus is beyond praise. It doesn’t react at all to frost, or to drops of water on the screen, or to hands in mittens - it works, that’s all. But it only works with this tablet. On others touch screens does not work. There are very few useless preloaded, uninstallable programs and games that eat up the device's memory. Only the usual Google set. OTG support.
Disadvantages: Features are not amazing. A very mediocre camera, to put it mildly.
Comment: In addition to the tablet, I only bought protective glass on Ali (we simply don’t have them here), and is happy as an elephant. I carry it into the forest, and on fishing trips, and in the car, and I don’t worry about it getting scratched, wet, or broken. If you don’t demand playfulness from your tablet, then it’s a very worthy choice for work.
If most Android tablet manufacturers position their gadgets as devices for recreation and entertainment, Samsung was one of the first to talk about some of its “tablets” as tools for work. Well, mobility has managed to penetrate all spheres of life, but Windows tablets, judging by sales, practically did not get into the wave. It would be a sin not to take advantage of the opportunity. The tablet of the Note family - PRO 12.2 - which is the only way to replace the “tablet” with Windows (unfortunately, Samsung did not report how much users wanted this), was followed by elegant and stuffed tablets of the line Tab S . And the “armored car” pulled up behind them Samsung Galaxy Tab Active . It is also positioned as a gadget, including for corporate needs. The future leader of production, the current tablet with average hardware and advanced software. Let's see what's so productive about it.
If most Android tablet manufacturers position their gadgets as devices for recreation and entertainment, Samsung was one of the first to talk about some of its “tablets” as tools for work. Well, mobility has managed to penetrate all spheres of life, and Windows tablets, judging by sales, practically did not get into the wave. It would be a sin not to take advantage of the opportunity. The tablet of the Note family - PRO 12.2 - which is the only way to replace a “tablet” with Windows (unfortunately, Samsung did not report how much users wanted this), was followed by elegant and stuffed tablets of the Tab S line. And behind them came the “armored car” Samsung Galaxy Tab Active. It is also positioned as a gadget, including for corporate needs. The future leader of production, the current tablet with average hardware and advanced software. Let's see what's so productive about it.
What is this?
An eight-inch tablet with characteristics typical of mid-range tablets last year, dust- and water-resistant housing (IP67 standard). The tablet works under Android control 4.4 with a proprietary TouchWiz interface, which implements some specific features for business users.
What's so business-oriented about it?
In addition to the protected case with a design in the style of the Active and xCover lines (I really really like this Samsung design), the business gadget is equipped with a rubberized case that maintains the “health” of the tablet when dropped from a height of 1.2 meters onto something hard. The case has a hole for the passive C-Pen stylus. I like the idea of controlling a tablet with a stylus (writing texts using SWYPE on a large screen, scrolling through pages on the Internet), and when your hands are wet or wearing gloves, it generally turns into indispensable tool. There is no special software for the C-Pen in the device, the stylus is passive, what can you get from it, it is needed only for situations when it is inconvenient to control the screen with your finger. Finally, the Galaxy Tab Active has a full range of communication modules: Bluetooth version 4.0, dual-band Wi-Fi and NFC, which is a rarity rather than the norm in a mid-range device.
The second component is software. Starting with the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, the company's business series smartphones and tablets (the Note is one of them) have a protected operating mode. Previously it was called KNOX. The Galaxy Tab Active can also encrypt data, allows you to appoint a device administrator, it comes pre-installed with office applications (Hancom Office) - programs that are advanced by the standards of Android software for working with office documents, the keyboard supports keyboard shortcuts with CTRL native to Windows, and is conveniently implemented in the tablet working with multiple windows - Samsung has already eaten the dog on this one. Samsung also includes some of the typical TouchWiz interface features found in other models in the list of business features of the Galaxy Tab Active. For example, VPN support and the ability to configure corporate email in the gadget. It’s interesting that some business applications from Samsung’s arsenal are not present in this device - for example, the tiled interface on desktops, and also this, this and this. Apparently for economic reasons. It’s one thing to have such a heap of programs in the business flagship Samsung Galaxy Note PRO 12.2, and another thing in a middle-class gadget. In any case, regarding the preinstalled software For the business audience in the Android tablet segment, Samsung has no equal yet. Although the Galaxy Tab Active does not have the entire arsenal, it still has more software than anywhere else. Since we have already written about all this as part of the project with Galaxy Note PRO, I won’t go into detail. Everything works, Hancom Office is slower than software from Microsoft, sometimes it even crashes, but the good thing is that it is pre-installed, does not require a subscription and can do everything that a mass user needs. Here are screenshots for those curious.
The only thing this tablet doesn’t have, but is available in models with a similar positioning, is a UART port, such as in the Sigma Mobile X-Treme PQ79. Also, unlike similarly equipped tablets, the Galaxy Tab Active's screen looks quite defenseless - it is not covered by an impressive layer of armor and no massive part of the body protrudes above it.
What about performance?
Samsung Galaxy Tab Active is equipped with a Snapdragon 400 processor (4 Cortex-A7 cores clocked at 1.2 GHz) and 1.5 GB of RAM. For a tablet with a screen with HD resolution, this is enough for moderately smooth operation of the interface, playback of movies in FullHD (a 2.2 GB file was played and rewound without stuttering), and games with beautiful graphics without stuttering. One and a half gigabytes of RAM is quite typical for mid-priced Samsung Android devices: with less proprietary TouchWiz interface would not cope at the proper level, more is the lot of more expensive models with high resolution screen. In its current form, the tablet demonstrates average operating speed by the standards of Samsung tablets. In the same price category, one would expect more from good “Chinese” brands like Lenovo and Huawei (if there were models with a waterproof case among them). From “bad” ones - any surprises. In tests, the Galaxy Tab Active lags behind flagships (with FullHD and QHD displays) by one and a half to two times.
What kind of screen does it have?
Samsung Galaxy Tab Active is equipped with an 8-inch display with a resolution of 1280x800 pixels. For eight inches this resolution is not enough, the pixel density of the screen is 189 ppi, this is yesterday. On anything less than 200, the graininess is already noticeable. Today I would like to see from 250 ppi, but this would certainly entail an increase in the cost of the model and the need to install more powerful hardware. Who knows, maybe Samsung will soon release a flagship Tab Active model. Surfing the Internet from an 8-inch tablet with an HD screen is still comfortable, but in films and photographs you want to see fewer pixels. For office documents The pixel size doesn't matter at all. The screen matrix technology in the model's characteristics is designated as LCD. But you and I know that behind all the LCD and TFT that Samsung likes to indicate in its devices, it’s not Super AMOLED matrix, there is always a screen hidden in terms of viewing angles and color saturation.
In the case of the Galaxy Tab Active, it is characterized by coldish colors (the deviation from the reference 6500K is on average 1200K, which is, in principle, a bit “hospital-like”) and a smaller sRGB color gamut than expected from a high-quality mobile device screen. For the user, this will ultimately mean that your favorite games will look a little dull, and movie characters will look “pale-faced.” Of course, provided that the person has previously used some kind of tablet with a screen with a reference calibration. But there are few of these on the market.
The backlight brightness is acceptable for summer - 346.46 cd/m2. The contrast is low – 677:1. The tablet is equipped with light sensors, and automatic backlight adjustment works correctly. It also has another convenient feature – smart backlight switching off. This means that the gadget’s screen will remain on while the user is looking at it (you just need to remember to enable the function in the settings. And instead of supporting work with gloves, the tablet has a passive stylus. The sensitivity of the screen sensor is rated “good”, as is oleophobic coating.
How long does he work?
Samsung usually does not deprive its tablets of autonomy. Galaxy Tab Active is no exception. The tablet is equipped with a battery with a capacity of 4450 mAh. The energy-efficient processor consumes virtually no resources in standby mode. If you use the Galaxy Tab Active for up to an hour a day for non-resource-intensive tasks, it can last up to a week on a single charge. In playback mode streaming video The Galaxy Tab Active battery lasts 10.5 hours. It performs approximately the same in the PCMark autonomy test. Here are the screenshots.
What does he look like?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active is a fairly thick tablet by modern standards. This is because the body is hidden in a thick layer of plastic “armor”. Most of all, the model resembles the xCover 2 or S4 Active smartphones. The same hardware control keys that you can’t miss, the same plastic case, the same bolts (in fact, this is a pure imitation) on the back of the case. It’s nice to hold such a thing in your hands, it attracts the attention of others and generally beckons to you. Samsung didn't play around with the placement of controls on the body. Everything is in place, the place is quite convenient. There are even contacts for connecting to a docking station. All connectors are open, without plugs. Convenient, but scary. I even managed to drown the tablet in the bathroom, but this is a sample, this happens to them. A day later he came to his senses and continued working.
Even after a detailed examination, I couldn’t figure out where the loud speakers of the gadget were screaming from. The buttons, despite their brutal appearance, have a soft move. Even a baby can handle it. So if you are buying a secure tablet to protect it from baby drool and pranks, then be careful - those little playful hands can get into trouble.
The Galaxy Tab Active is the first tablet I can remember from which you can pull off the cover and even remove the battery. The cover from the case must be removed in cases where you need to use the slot for a memory card or SIM.
The stylus is large. But convenient. Attaches only to the case. If you don't take the case, carry it in your hands.
The same types, only in a case.
How's his camera?
Both Galaxy cameras Tab Active received purely nominal. The main one is three megapixel and the front one is 1.2 megapixel. That is, you can use it to make a Skype call and take a photo of something important, but you shouldn’t expect anything artistic.
Pictures in original resolution can be viewed.
What are the alternatives?
With prices changing rapidly, it's hard to say whether the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active would be a good buy today. It’s worth starting more from your requirements for the tablet. If you need one to lie in the bathroom, watch movies and right now, then it’s better to run for the rest of the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact (review) with 16 GB of built-in memory in stores at last year’s price of 10,000 hryvnia. This is a glamorous flagship with powerful processor, FullHD display, a full range of communications, unnoticeable weight and size (you will be bragging about its advantages for a long time). And also slightly more decent cameras.
If you really choose a tablet for business purposes, you will use it to make presentations, edit spreadsheets, transmit secret information and travel to the factory, then there is no alternative to the Galaxy Tab Active yet. There is a good rugged tablet Sigma mobile X-treme PQ79 (review). To the advantage of Samsung tablet it is distinguished by the presence of more decent cameras, miniHDMI and UART connectors, equipment for any, most incredible use case, and a thick layer of protection over the screen. But the interface here is ordinary - bare Android, no secret corporate bells and whistles. Samsung also runs on a Qualcomm processor, while Sigma runs on Mediatek. We trust the latter less. The models cost approximately the same - now about 10,000 hryvnia.
If you don’t need security, and you just choose an inexpensive 8-inch tablet with average characteristics (well, you don’t play games, you don’t need the Tegra K1), then you can choose a suitable option for one and a half times less money, but with similar characteristics . You can choose from the range of Samsung, LG and ASUS. There is no point in listing the models. In my opinion, the Tab Active will have the most interesting design of all. Although this is a matter of taste. Some may prefer the glamorous ASUS.
Finally, if you are based on budget and form factor, then for the same 10,000 hryvnia in addition to the Galaxy Tab Active and Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact You can look at new ASUS or Lenovo products with a fresh processor Intel Atom– they will be fast and beautiful. But in terms of interface capabilities they will be inferior to the Samsung tablet.
Bottom line
Samsung Galaxy Tab Active is a tablet that is worth choosing if your requirements for a “tablet” include a case protected from a minimum of short (up to 30 minutes) immersion in water, a maximum from falling, not intimidating dimensions and the name of a well-known manufacturer on nameplate. If protection is not needed, you can buy a gadget with the same characteristics, but at a lower price. If at least two of the requirements listed above coincide, then the Galaxy Tab Active is still the only option. Bonus to suits the tablet software for working with documents (if you don’t have a subscription to Office 365, this is a useful thing), convenient implementation of working in several windows and the ability to store data in encrypted form.
4 reasons to buy Samsung Galaxy Tab Active:
- housing with protection from dust and moisture and a case with drop protection included;
- pre-installed applications for business tasks, support for data encryption;
- decent battery life and energy-efficient processor;
- various communication modules.
3 reasons not to buy Samsung Galaxy Tab Active:
- low screen resolution;
- average performance;
- nominal cameras.
| Technical Samsung specifications Galaxy Tab Active | |
|---|---|
| Display | 8"", LCD, 1280x800 pixels (189 ppi) |
| Dimensions and weight | dimensions 213x126x10 mm, weight 393 g, IP67 certification, case with protection against falls from a height of 1.2 m included |
| operating system | Android 4.4.2 |
| CPU | quad-core, Qualcomm Snapdragon 400, clock frequency 1.2 GHz, Cortex-A7 core architecture, Adreno 305 graphics |
| RAM | 1.5 GB |
| Storage device | 16 + microSD memory cards up to 64 GB |
| Camera | main – 3.15 MP, video recording in HD, front – 1.2 MP |
| Communications | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/, Bluetooth 4.0, a-GPS+GLONASS, LTE (optional), NFC |
| Connectors | microUSB |
| Battery | 4450 mAh |