If you’ve been keeping up with our CES 2014 coverage, you know that Samsung unveiled a series of high-end tablets yesterday, in different sizes: the Galaxy TabPRO 8.4, 10.1, and 12.2-inch, along with the Note PRO, which features the S-Pen stylus.
With any new release, the first thought before making the choice to pick one up is with regards to how it stacks up against the competition. To help you answer that question, we’ll be taking a quick look at a comparison of the the newly announced Samsung TabPRO 8.4, against the very popular Google Nexus 7 (2013). Let’s get started!
Size and build
When it comes to size, the the Samsung Galaxy TabPRO 8.4, with its comparatively larger display (8.4-inches vs 7-inches), provides a lot more screen, while its sleek form factor and thin bezels, reduces any negative effect on portability. Even though the footprint of the Nexus 7 (2013) is significantly smaller, the Galaxy TabPRO 8.4 is thinner. Understandably, a more accurate size comparison for the Galaxy TabPRO 8.4 will be against the LG G Pad 8.3 and the iPad Mini.
The faux-leather plastic back with the stitching effect, that was first introduced with the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, is also featured on the Galaxy TabPRO 8.4, making it comfortable to grip and hold, and great to look at. The Nexus 7 (2013), with its minimalistic soft touch plastic build, is also quite a stylish device.
Display
As far as the display is concerned, the difference between the Nexus 7 (2013) and the Galaxy TabPRO 8.4 is obvious. The Nexus 7 (2013) may bea big upgrade from its predecessor with its Full HD 1920×1200 (~323 ppi) resolution display, but the Galaxy TabPRO 8.4 is definitely the better choice in this regard as well, boasting a whopping 2560×1600 resolution (~359 ppi).
Software
The Galaxy TabPRO 8.4 tablet will run Android 4.4 KitKat at launch, with several features on top, including Samsung’s new Magazine UI, that aims to bring a cleaner, more organized look to the tablet with its resizable widgets layout, and is a much needed upgrade. There is no S-Pen stylus, but that shouldn’t affect productivity needs in any way. On the other hand, the Nexus 7 (2013) features the stock version of Android, and while currently also running Android 4.4 Kitkat, will also be among the first devices to receive any future OS update.
Specs Comparison
Nexus 7 (2013) | Samsung Galaxy TabPRO 8.4 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Display | 7-inch IPS LCD, 1920x1200 resolution, 323 ppi | 8.4-inch Super Clear LCD, 2560x1600 resolution, 359 ppi |
| Processor | 1.5 Ghz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro | 2.3 Ghz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 (LTE), Octa-core Samsung Exynos 5 (non-LTE) |
| RAM | 2 GB | 2 GB |
| Storage | 16/32 GB | 16/32 GB, expandable via microSD up to 64 GB |
| Battery | 3,950 mAh | 4,800 mAh |
| Cameras | 5 MP rear, 1.2 MP front | 8 MP rear, 2 MP front |
| OS | Android 4.4 Kitkat | Android 4.4 Kitkat |
| Dimensions | 200 x 114 x 8.7 mm, 290 grams (Wi-Fi only), 299 grams (3G/LTE) | 219 x 128.5 x 7.2 mm, 331 grams (Wi-Fi only), 336 grams (3G/LTE) |
Conclusion at a glance
As you can see, the Samsung Galaxy TabPRO 8.4 is miles ahead of the Nexus 7 (2013) when it comes to specifications. Of course, the biggest selling point, and the reason the Nexus line of devices is so popular, is its price point. While no official information on pricing is available, we expect the Galaxy TabPRO series to be towards the higher end of the price spectrum, and could be one of the few reasons for consumers to think twice before picking one up.
Don’t forget to check out our hands-on preview and gallery of the Samsung Galaxy TabPRO 8.4, and stay tuned for a more in-depth comparison of this tablet against similar devices such as the Nexus 7 (2013), LG G Pad, and more.
Stay tuned with Android Authority as we continue to bring you more great coverage from CES 2014!