Tab S3 as upgrade to Note 10.1 2014 - Your opinions?

[jerrys0828]

The upcoming Tab S3 is the first tablet that I've seen that seems like it would be a good replacement / upgrade for the Note 10.1 2014.

Here are some PROs and CONs as I see it:

PRO:
- battery life
- processor
- "HDR"
- USB-C
- Fingerprint Sensor
- Low weight
- look / feel
- magnetic keyboard option
- 4096 levels pressure sensitivity
- larger rubberized s-pen

CON:
- portrait button orientation
- price
- pen does not fit inside tablet
- pen doesn't have eraser (not important for most, but leaves me using old pens that don't take advantage of the heightened pressure sensitivity)
- Big one: early reviews suggest s-pen input lag

The main con for me is really that custom ROMs have made my Note snappy enough that I don't feel like I really need to upgrade (aside from my aging battery life). With 7.1.1 ROMS (currently on LiquidDeath, but Lineage is great, too) I finally don't get s-pen lag when drawing or writing and would be frustrated to have to deal with that again.

I don't think I can justify the expense right now, but if I had the cash this would seem like a solid choice. Opinions?

 

[pmdevita]

I agree with everything you've listed.

I was a bit worried about losing screen size so I calculated some stuff.
Note: 8.6 x 5.4in - 46.44 sq in
Tab: 7.8 x 5.8in - 45.24 sq in

The tab loses a bit of length but gains it back in width. Not going to be as big for widescreen movies and such but hopefully not too bad.

I'm also not a fan of the reduced PPI but I'm going to Best Buy sometime to compare.

The pen not fitting inside is a big issue since it's easy for me to lose them (and the replacement is $60). I would probably put something on its belt clip to keep it attached to me.

However, the pen's gained size may feel nicer in the hand and make it more difficult to lose.

We'll get ROMs eventually. Except if the bootloader is tied down like on the S7 (is it?)

 

[Stevethegreat]

IMO it has 3 big cons not listed here.

Aspect ratio. It's bad for for android. Most iOS apps are optimized for 4:3, so it's a good fit for iPad. Most android apps actually look bad on 4:3 (used Mi tab, apps didn't look good). 4:3 is bad for media consumption. Websites are optimized for widescreen.

Lack of MHL is a big con for me too. I frequently use my tablet as my portable computer (booting linux) or portable media center. I don't find wireless a good alternative (things like chromecast), too much input lag and requires live Internet connection most of the times.

The smaller battery. Sure Note 10.1 has a more power hungry screen and SoC but the difference in battery capacity is so great that with a power efficient rom you always get better autonomy with Note 10.1

 

[pmdevita]

Lack of MHL is a big con for me too. I frequently use my tablet as my portable computer (booting linux) or portable media center. I don't find wireless a good alternative (things like chromecast), too much input lag and requires live Internet connection most of the times

Does it not support DisplayPort over USB-C? If not, on Reddit there is a guy with a solution that works for the pixel, which also doesn't support DP over USB-C and that may work. Can't post the link since I'm still new but you can google "google pixel is wired output possible" to find the post.

Went to Best Buy recently and tried it. Couldn't do much since it was locked in demo mode (so I couldn't see how badly apps handle the 4:3 screen) but it seemed like a nice device.

Have you guys seen the Chromebook Plus/Pro? It's a Samsung Chromebook with an Spen, Android app support, and it folds into a tablet. It supports DP over USB-C. Downside is no button on pen. Might be a better fit if you are using the tablet as a portable computer and it will run Linux even better than the tab.

 

[Stevethegreat]

Does it not support DisplayPort over USB-C? If not, on Reddit there is a guy with a solution that works for the pixel, which also doesn't support DP over USB-C and that may work. Can't post the link since I'm still new but you can google "google pixel is wired output possible" to find the post.

Went to Best Buy recently and tried it. Couldn't do much since it was locked in demo mode (so I couldn't see how badly apps handle the 4:3 screen) but it seemed like a nice device.

Have you guys seen the Chromebook Plus/Pro? It's a Samsung Chromebook with an Spen, Android app support, and it folds into a tablet. It supports DP over USB-C. Downside is no button on pen. Might be a better fit if you are using the tablet as a portable computer and it will run Linux even better than the tab.

I think only S8 supports video output over usb C at this point. Display output over usb 3 (as per the reddit page) is buggy at best. Tried it to one of my laptops, it's good for quick work, I wouldn't trust it for real work.

Chrome book plus is better for work. But an ultrabook is even better.

It's very bad as a tablet though. I've found out that the further away we are from 500 grams / 1 lbr mark the less people use the said device as a tablet. There is a reason , most books do not weigh more than 1lbr for easier reading. A tablet plays a similar role, the heavier it is the more unusable. Note 10.1 2014 is on the heavy side (would prefer if it had 100 less grams) but still very usable. 1KG tablet/laptops are not though. You may make the occasional tablet use, but no way you get it in the couch for media viewing or reading, or on a trip as a handheld, pretty much why the 2in1 idea never flew (people find that they don't use them as tablets so prefer to go the ultrabook route all the way).