Samsung Galaxy TabPro S review

The ultimate media tablet for Windows 10 fans

TabPro S

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Measuring in at 11.43 x 7.83 x 0.25 inches (W x H x D; 29.1 x 19.9 x 0.63cm) and 1.5 pounds (0.69kg), the TabPro S is one exceedingly compact Windows tablet. Throwing on the keyboard accessory adds a centimeter of bulk and bumps up the weight to a considerable 2.4 pounds (1.09kg), but it's still lighter than most Ultrabooks.

Comparatively, the Surface Pro 4 is a heftier device at 1.73 pounds, and that's just the tablet portion. Adding the keyboard increases the weight of Microsoft's darling tablet to 2.37 pounds (1.07kg) – a hair lighter than Samsung's.

By itself, the TabPro S is even lighter than the 1.57-pound (0.71kg), 12.9-inch iPad Pro. In terms of thinness, Samsung also comes out on top, as Apple's productivity slate measures 0.27 inches (0.69cm) thick.

Samsung Galaxy TabPro S review

Spec Sheet

Here is the Samsung Galaxy TabPro S configuration sent to techradar for review:

  • CPU: 900MHz Intel Core M3-6Y30 (dual-core, 4MB cache, 2.2GHz with Turbo Boost)
  • Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 515
  • RAM: 4GB
  • Screen: 12-inch Super AMOLED Full HD+ (2,160 × 1,440 resolution) multi-touch
  • Storage: 128GB SSD
  • Ports: USB-C 3.1, headset jack
  • Connectivity: 802.11ac Wi-Fi (2.4 & 5GHz), VHT80 MIMO, Bluetooth v4.1
  • Camera: 5MP front-facing webcam; 5MP rear camera
  • Weight: 2.4 pounds
  • Size: 11.43 x 7.83 x 0.64 inches (W x D x H)

Equipped with the components as shown above, the TabPro S comes competitively priced at $899 or £849 (about AU$1,181). That price even includes keyboard, which is more than can be said for Microsoft and Apple's contenders.

Also priced at $899 (£749, AU$1,349), the Surface Pro 4 comes equipped with exactly the same configuration save for a slightly sharper and larger 12.3-inch, 2,736 x 1,824 resolution PixelSense display. While Microsoft doesn't include the $129 (£109, AU$199) Type Cover, you do get the excellent Surface Pen packed into the box.

Samsung Galaxy TabPro S review

Purchasing Apple's $949 (£799, AU$1,499) iPad with 128GB of storage nets you even fewer packed in goodies, limited to just the necessary charging cable and adapter. If you want a keyboard it'll cost you $169 (£139, AU$269), and the $99 (£79, AU$165) Apple Pencil doesn't come cheap either.

From a purely mathematical standpoint, the TabPro S comes out on top. It's a flagship tablet that offers plenty with a great screen and a thin, yet solid build quality. That said, I almost wish Samsung also offered this 12-inch device as a slightly cheaper standalone tablet because it's that good.

Kevin Lee

Kevin Lee was a former computing reporter at TechRadar. Kevin is now the SEO Updates Editor at IGN based in New York. He handles all of the best of tech buying guides while also dipping his hand in the entertainment and games evergreen content. Kevin has over eight years of experience in the tech and games publications with previous bylines at Polygon, PC World, and more. Outside of work, Kevin is major movie buff of cult and bad films. He also regularly plays flight & space sim and racing games. IRL he's a fan of archery, axe throwing, and board games.