Which Samsung Galaxy Tablet Should You Buy?

Having a number of different options can often be a good thing for consumers, but it can also cause confusion, especially if they’re all from the same manufacturer. That’s exactly the case with Samsung’s Android tablets. Below we’ll explain some of the best Galaxy Tabs from Samsung and recommend which one to buy.

Users can choose from different sizes of Samsung Galaxy Tab 4, latest high-end Samsung Galaxy Tab S2, Galaxy Tab A and even Galaxy Tab E. Prior to that, the company presented the Galaxy Tab Pro, Tab S, Galaxy Note. Professional tablets and more. Confusing. At the end of the day, Samsung offers some of the best Android tablets money can buy, and great alternatives to the iPad.

Last year we reviewed most of Samsung’s tablets to help buyers make the right choice, and as we approach the end of 2015 there are so many options that a little help can be overcome. Below are Samsung’s latest tablets, what they have to offer, and a recommendation or two on which Samsung Galaxy Tablet you should buy.

The Android tablet market is teeming with cheap and shoddy options, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only option for consumers. Google’s own HTC Nexus 9, the new Pixel C, and even the NVIDIA Shield K1 Tablet are all great options. That said, Samsung offers the most complete experience, and here’s what’s available today.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 4

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 series is one of the products that many users will see in popular stores such as Best Buy. It’s the lowest of the Samsung tablets sold during Black Friday, usually bundled by carriers, and doesn’t represent the best of Samsung’s Galaxy Tab lineup.

Users can get the Galaxy Tab 4 in 7-inch, 8-inch and larger 10.1-inch variants. All are mid-range tablets with wallet-friendly prices, good design, and similar looks or features to the Galaxy Tab 2 or Galaxy Tab 3 series from previous years. They also have a traditional Android tablet 16:9 aspect ratio. So instead of being tall and wide like the iPad or Samsung’s other options, they’re tall and slim.

They all have 1280 x 800 resolution displays, which aren’t all that great, quad-core processors with 1.5GB of RAM and most have 16GB of storage. However, the 7-inch model comes with an 8GB option that many carriers give away with the purchase of a Galaxy Note 5 or other deals. It has a 3 megapixel rear and 1.3 front camera, a micro SD card and runs Android 5.1 Lollipop.

These tablets aren’t Samsung’s best, but for those on a budget, they’re a great place to start. You won’t get an aluminum design, a great 8-megapixel rear camera, or a beautiful AMOLED display. This is reserved for the Galaxy Tab S2, which we recommend most users buy as long as it doesn’t exceed their budget. The 7 or 8-inch Galaxy Tab 4 can be found for: under $150and they are good little tablets, but not the best.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S2

If you’re looking for the best Samsung Galaxy Tab available, it’s the Galaxy Tab S2. Announced earlier this year, the Galaxy Tab S2 comes in two sizes and is one of the thinnest and best Android tablets on the market. The Galaxy Tab S2 is just 0.22 inches thick, clad in aluminum, has a Quad-HD Super AMOLED display with gorgeous colors and crisp text, and comes in an Apple-like 8-inch form factor or a 9.7-inch version. Also available.

Our link above reviews the 8-inch Galaxy Tab S2 and might be impressed while we’re hopeful for the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update, but we’re worried about the high price tag compared to options like the iPad Air 2.

The Galaxy Tab S2 doesn’t have the same tall and thin design as most tablets and instead has a 4:3 aspect ratio that isn’t wider and longer like the iPad. It helps with web browsing, gaming and reading, but not so good for widescreen movie watching.

The Galaxy Tab S2 series features Samsung’s latest and greatest. They are powerful, well-made premium Android tablets at their best.

The above list should tell buyers everything they need to know. The Galaxy Tab S2 is the best tablet Samsung has to offer, but its prices are high. The 8-inch model starts at $399 for the 32GB model and $499 for the 9.7-inch model, but usually $349 or $379 on places like Amazon.

If you’re going to buy any Samsung Galaxy Tab, get the Galaxy Tab S2. It’s by far the best experience if you have the money. Otherwise, the two options mentioned below are another good alternative.

Galaxy Tab A and E

If you walk into Best Buy or a retail store, you’ll see other wallet-friendly Samsung tablets lining up. These are the new Samsung Galaxy Tab A and Galaxy Tab E.

These two options are confusing between the Galaxy Tab 4 and the Galaxy Tab S2, but they’re a good middle ground for those who want options. They come in the same 8 or 9.7-inch sizes as the Galaxy Tab S2, but priced like the Galaxy Tab 4.

Next, we have the Best Buy Galaxy Tab E with a 9.6-inch display. Confused yet? This is how we roll. Galaxy Tab A and E series offer 720p HD displays, powerful quad-core processors, 5-megapixel cameras and slightly improved features compared to the Galaxy Tab 4 series.

If you want a tablet that looks like a premium, versatile device with a design similar to the Galaxy Tab S2, but can’t get the Galaxy Tab S2, consider the Galaxy Tab A. The screen isn’t that nice or clear, it’s not that high of a resolution, and you’ll lose the aluminum design and thin profile, but they retail for $199 or $299. Galaxy Tab A comes in Silver, Black or Blue color options and $199 from places like Best Buy.

What to Buy?

Are you in the market for a new Android tablet and want something from Samsung? If so, we recommend the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 (8-inch), starting at $349. It offers the best display in an 8-inch tablet. It’s lighter and thinner than the latest iPad Mini, should have Android 6.0 Marshmallow, and has all of Samsung’s latest technologies. This includes a fingerprint scanner on the home button, 8 megapixel rear camera, micro SD slot and more.

Those who want something a little bigger should stay away from the Galaxy Tab S2 and get the 9.7-inch Galaxy Tab A for $299 or the 9.6-inch Galaxy Tab E for $179. They offer a larger screen, slightly lower specs, but a more affordable price tag.

Samsung makes it confusing for anyone looking to buy a tablet, but the nearest Walmart, Best Buy and more showcase it all to help users make the right choice. At the end of the day, the Galaxy Tab S2 is the best they have to offer, but it comes at a price. Those with the money will love the Tab S2’s display and design, but the Galaxy Tab A is more than enough to be a seat companion for much less.