In the lead up to the Note 10 announcement next week, Samsung is already dropping details about new devices. Specifically, a new tablet - the Galaxy Tab S6 - and new noise-cancelling headphones - the AKG N7000NCM2.
The Galaxy Tab S6 succeeds the Galaxy Tab S4, with Samsung skipping over the Tab S5, presumably to avoid confusion with the more midrange Tab S5e. This time around, the biggest improvements focus on the S Pen. The new S Pen is now Bluetooth enabled, which lets use you use it to trigger the camera, navigate PowerPoint presentations, and more.
The S Pen magnetically stores on the back of the Tab S6, and will charge on contact. Samsung says you'll get ten hours of battery life from a ten minute top up. However, you can still use the S Pen when it's flat - you just won't be able to use advanced functionality.
Samsung is also adding more PC-like functionality to the Tab S6, with a new version of DeX. Launching DeX mode switches from Android's more traditional tablet interface to a more PC-like experience that helps facilitate multitasking. In addition, the new optional Book Cover Keyboard has a dedicated DeX key, which allows you to toggle between tablet mode and desktop mode with a single press.
Key specifications for the Galaxy Tab S6 include a 7nm eight-core processor, a 10.5-inch 2560x1600 display, up to 8GB of RAM, up to 256GB of storage, 13MP + 5MP rear-facing cameras, and a 7,040mAh battery said to provide 15 hours of video playback.
Pre-orders for the Galaxy Tab S6 start on August 27, ahead of a September 13 release date. Anyone who pre-orders through Samsung or a participating partner with get a free upgrade to the 256GB model. Pricing and availability is as follows:
- Galaxy Tab S6 (6GB + 128GB): $1,099
- Galaxy Tab S6 4G (6GB + 128GB): $1,299
- Galaxy Tab S6 (8GB + 256GB): $1,299
- Galaxy Tab S6 4G (8GB + 256GB): $1,499
While the S Pen is included in the box, the Book Cover Keyboard will cost extra, setting you back $199. A keyboard-less Cover will go for $99.
The 128GB model is available in a choice of Cloud Blue and Mountain Grey, while the 256GB model is only available in Cloud Blue.
On the headphone front, Samsung says its AKG N7000NCM2s are designed for travellers, which makes sense, given they're noise-cancelling headphones. The pair are said to last up to 23 hours when used wirelessly with noise-cancelling switched on, or 32 hours if you're using them with the included cable.
Since it's Samsung, there is of course a dedicated Bixby button. The N700NCM2s also have physical buttons for volume control, which is nice given how many manufacturers are moving to touch gestures.
These will be available in the next couple of weeks, priced at $499. This will see the N700NCM2s going head-to-head with top-tier noise-cancelling headphones like the Bose QC35s and the Sony WH-1000XM3s. We'll be super interested to see how they stack up.
Alex Choros
