The new Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 is now available for pre-order through Samsung's official website.
The Galaxy Tab S4 64GB model will cost $979 or $1,179 with 4G connectivity. The Tab S4 256GB model will cost $1,179 or $1,379 for 4G connectivity. The Tab S4 will be available on Friday August 24, the same day as the new Galaxy Note9.
Similar to the promo currently running on Galaxy Note9 pre-orders, Samsung are allowing customers who pre-order by August 23 to buy the 256GB model for the 64GB price. That's a saving of $200 on either the WiFi only or 4G model.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 will integrate DeX
The Galaxy Tab S4 is a 2-in-1 tablet that will integrate Samsung's DeX functionality, giving users the option to switch from tablet mode to a desktop interface.
This is the first time that a Samsung tablet will come with DeX, which was previously available only with the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S8 phones. Samsung DeX has been available as an app that allows users to connect to a monitor, bluetooth keyboard and mouse to their Galaxy phone for a desktop experience. The Tab S4 will come with this feature fully integrated.
With DeX, Tab S4 users can open multiple desktop-style windows for Android apps, including Microsoft Office, drag and drop content between apps and use keyboard shortcuts and commands. You can even upsize the tablet screen with an external monitor and a compatible HDMI to USB-C cable. When connected to a monitor, the Tab S4 can be used as a trackpad or sketchpad, controlling the larger screen. Alternatively, it can operate in tablet mode, effectively becoming a second screen to use for multi-tasking or even taking notes while watching a video.
Basically, with the Tab S4 Samsung is trying to nail the 2-in-1 with a device is designed to offer all the productivity of a personal computer and all the portability of a tablet. We'll be interested to see if they pull it off.
But of course, they're not the only players in this field, with plenty of competition from Apple's impending new iPad Pro and Microsoft's imminent new Surface Go (set to launch in Australia at on August 28).
Meanwhile, the newly unveiled Samsung Galaxy Note9 also offers DeX capability and enough power and stability (we think) to handle PC-style productivity.
What else is new about the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4?
The tab S4 will ship with a longer lasting battery, more immersive screen and better speakers.
Samsung claims the Tab S4's 7,300mAh battery will be able to handle up to 16 hours of video playback. In line with current trends, there will also be narrower bezels to fit a 10.5" Super AMLOED display, with 287 pixels per inch (PPI) for vivid picture detail.
The tablet will have four speakers tuned by AKG with Dolby Atmos immersive sound technology to support crisper dialogue, enveloping sound fields, maximised loudness without distortion and consistent playback volume.
The Tab S4 comes with a choice of 64GB or 256GB of storage, which can be expanded out to 400GB with a micro SD card. It will be available in Ebony Black and Fog Grey.
The Samsung Tab S4 will be sold with an S Pen included. However, Samsung's new magnetic Book Cover Keyboard will be sold separately.
Samsung is also launching the new Galaxy Tab A 10.5"
Samsung has also announced that the new Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5" will go on sale from Friday September 7 for $449 or $649 with 4G connectivity.
The Tab A 10.5" is a size upgrade from the current Tab A range which is available up to 10.1" and comes with fast charging, S Pen functionality, 1 16:10 screen-to-body ratio with minimal bezel, parental controls and four speakers with Dolby Atmos.
However, if you're in the market for a new Samsung Galaxy Tab A and are also considering the Galaxy Note9 for your next phone, you might consider taking up Telstra's Note9 pre-order offer, which comes with a bonus memory upgrade for your Note9 and a free Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0, worth $456.
This is an updated version of a story originally published on August 2, 2018
Jacqui Dent
Editorial Strategist
