Samsung's new Galaxy Tab A 8.0 - a new hope for Android tablets awakens

When you look at the world of Android tablets, companies like Samsung, Huawei and Lenovo have been the true believers, delivering new models on a regular basis, even as Google's own tablet strategy seems to have warped into the delta quadrant and back again, returning as a hybrid device at sky high, back hole prices.

Meanwhile, Samsung has consistently released a range of vastly more affordable and useful tablets, with its second-gen Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) model billed as an "everyday, versatile tablet designed, for the entire family."

Building upon the Galaxy design legacy, Samsung proudly boasts its new Tab A 8.0 features "a refined look and feel with a sleek, metal body and smooth rounded edges making it comfortable to hold."

In addition, it offers a "long-lasting battery, a beautiful display designed to look good in any light, and increased onboard memory with expandable storage."

{loadposition alex08}Garry McGregor, Samsung Electronics Australia's Director of IT and Mobile said: “At Samsung, we want Australians to have choice when it comes to the technology they use, and ensure it meets their unique needs.

“The Galaxy Tab A 8.0 is designed for the whole family. It’s the tablet that’s easy to use whether you’re out and about or curled up on the couch, with long-lasting battery life to get everyone through the day.”

So, what enhancements has Samsung made to the Tab A 8.0 so it can deliver what Samsung says is "uninterrupted fun"?

Well, to improve everyday usability and performance, Samsung says the Galaxy Tab A 8.0 is "equipped with a bright and immersive display for watching your favourite TV shows, playing games or browsing the web on a screen that is designed to look good even under bright sunlight. It also has an optional blue light filter to balance the brightness and help reduce eye strain, making it easier to view content at night and in dim lighting settings."

In addition, "the long-lasting battery (5,000mAh) of the Galaxy Tab A 8.0 lets users power through movies, games, emails and more, all from a single charge that lasts up to 14 hours. With 16GB of built-in storage (9.6GB user-accessible) and expandable memory (up to 256GB via MicroSD) for additional files, the Galaxy Tab A 8.0 allows the user to store more apps and content whether at home or on-the-go."

Regarding the impressive 5,000mAh battery, Samsung notes: "The new Galaxy Tab A (8.0-inch 2017) is designed to offer longer video play time of up to 14 hours, and is equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery, compared to 12 hours and 4,200 mAh battery on the Tab A (8.0-inch 2015). Actual battery life experienced depends on power consumption and usage patterns."

And what of new "convenient features" to "benefit the whole family?"

Here, Samsung reminds us that "daily family life can get hectic, so the Galaxy Tab A 8.0 strives to add convenience with the new Home Mode, which can be configured to show up to three displays, providing a quick glance at information like the time, family calendar, weather or photos even while the device is charging.

"Up to eight family members can have their own login with 'Multi-User Mode,' to securely save their favourite settings and apps. With Parental Controls, parents can set limits on usage and customise available content to create a fun and safe environment for younger users. Also, users can easily view their favourite apps and content on personalised Bixby Home screens.

"The Galaxy Tab A 8.0 is also designed to capture amazing photos even in low-light conditions with enhanced 5MP F2.2 front and 8MP F1.9 rear cameras, as well as a new flash for clearer and brighter photos. Never miss another sharable moment with the Galaxy Tab A 8.0’s improved and intuitive camera interface, making it easier than ever to capture great photos from any angle and switch between camera and video modes."

And what about more content "to keep the whole family entertained?"

Naturally, Samsung has good news here too, noting that as the Galaxy Tab A 8.0 was created "for the entire family," it conveniently comes "with an expansive offering of entertainment media and kids content."

This includes:

• Kids Mode features exciting games, videos and content from partners such as The LEGO Group Kids Mode now also features Value Pack options so users can download highly popular apps like LEGO Batman: Beyond Gotham, LEGO Ninjago: Shadow of Ronin, Toca Hair Salon 3 and BRIO World – Railway at no additional cost.
• Optimised for game play with Game Launcher, the Galaxy Tab A 8.0 provides an enhanced user interface and personalised gaming experience with more gaming tools, as well as a Call and Notification Prevention Mode so users can focus on their games without interruption.
• Galaxy Tab A 8.0 provides access to entertainment as part of a three month YouTube Red trial. YouTube Red provides an uninterrupted viewing experience free of commercials and advertisements, Offline Mode capabilities to watch and download videos and access to exclusive content such as YouTube Red Original movies and series. See note at the end of this article regarding YouTube Red. 

So, when is the new 2017-edition of the Galaxy Tab A 8.0 available, and what will it cost?

Samsung tells that "Wi-Fi and 4G models are now available in black from Samsung-branded retail stores, the Samsung Online Store, and JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, The Good Guys, Officeworks and Bing Lee.

The black 4G model is currently available from Vodafone & Optus. Telstra is due to launch black and silver 4G models from 26 December 2017. The Wi-Fi Galaxy Tab A 8.0 has an RRP of $329, and the 4G Galaxy Tab A 8.0 has an RRP of $479.

Here are the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 2017 (second generation) specifications:

Dimensions
212.1 x 124.1 x 8.9 mm

Weight
360g (Wi-Fi)
364g (4G)

Display
8.0-inch WXGA (1280 x 800, 16:10) TFT, 480nits

Processor
Quad Core 1.4GHz

OS
Android 7.1

Memory
2GB (RAM) + 16GB (9.6GB user-accessible)
Micro SD up to 256GB (sold separately)

Camera
Front: 5MP FF
Rear: 8MP AF with Flash

Battery
5,000mAh

Port
USB 2.0 (Type C)

Connectivity
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth v4.2

Colour
Black, Silver

Note: The 3 month YouTube Red trial is "available to new users of YouTube Red only. Payment details need to be added to Google account in order to activate. Monthly subscription fee apply after trial offer ends, unless terminated by user. Data and other charges may apply. Terms and conditions apply. See Google's support document here for further details.