Samsung goes Pro
Device reviews
17 January 2014

Vodacom

Samsung goes Pro

Samsung has released two new tablets & the Galaxy NotePro and Galaxy TabPro & loaded with KitKat, a magazine-style interface and 8MP cameras. By LAURA COOKE.

Two new premium tablets from tech giant Samsung were revealed this month at the Consumer Electronics Show: the Samsung Galaxy NotePro and TabPro.

The 12.2-inch NotePro and the TabPro (available in 12.2-inch, 10.1-inch, and 8.4-inch models) both run Android KitKat, the latest version of the world’s most widely used mobile operating system.

Look and feel

A noticeable difference between these devices and older Samsung tablets is the Magazine UX interface. At first glance it looks a lot like Flipboard. You can select from a variety of apps and widgets to create a personalised tiled dashboard that gives you instant access to your favourites. If you don’t like the new look – you can switch to the classic Android view.

All versions of these two tablets have extremely high-resolution displays (2560 x 1600) for sharp and clear images, making them ideal for watching HD videos. They also have 8MP rear cameras paired with a 2MP front camera.

Both feature the imitation leather backing first seen on the Galaxy Note 10.1 and Note 3. Like other Samsung tablets and smartphones, the physical home button remains in the same place.

New functionality

Say hello to multi-tasking. You can now open four windows at the same time, which works particularly well on the large 12.2-inch display. This means you can check your email, access an online document, browse the web and keep a chat window open – all at the same time. 

The new Remote PC function lets you connect to your work or home PC via your Samsung tab. You can access and save files remotely and control your PC using the device. This makes it a compelling choice for PC users – whether for business or personal use.

Take a look at the S-Pen in action using the Galaxy Note 3.

Speaking of professional users, the tablets will ship with Cisco WebEx Meetings preloaded. This web-conferencing tool allows you to set up and attend meetings using your mobile device. You will also have Samsung e-meeting functionality which you can use to share files during meetings.

Whats the difference between them?

The main difference is the S-Pen, which comes with the 12.2-inch NotePro. The highly sensitive stylus can be used to navigate the device and to take notes and make sketches. 

Pricing and availability information has not been released yet.

 

Device NotePro 12.2" TabPro 12.2" TabPro 10.1" TabPro 8.4"
Camera 8MP front, 2MP rear 8MP front, 2MP rear 8MP front, 2MP rear 8MP front, 2MP rear
Display 12.2-inch WQXGA (2560 X 1600) Super clear LCD 12.2-inch WQXGA (2560 X 1600) Super clear LCD 10.1-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) Super clear LCD 8.4-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) Super clear LCD
Operating System Android 4.4 (KitKat) Android 4.4 (KitKat) Android 4.4 (KitKat) Android 4.4 (KitKat)
Memory 3GB RAM, 16/32 GB Internal Memory, microSD (Up to 64GB) 3GB RAM, 16/32 GB Internal Memory, microSD (Up to 64GB) 2GB RAM, 16/32 GB Internal Memory, microSD (Up to 64GB) 2GB RAM, 16/32 GB Internal Memory, microSD (Up to 64GB)
Battery 9,500mAh 9,500mAh 8,220mAh 4,800mAh
Processor Wi-Fi and 3G: Exynos 5 Octa (1.9 GHz QuadCore + 1.3 GHz Quadcore) LTE : Snapdragon 800 2.3GHz Quad Wi-Fi and 3G: Exynos 5 Octa (1.9 GHz QuadCore + 1.3 GHz Quadcore) LTE : Snapdragon 800 2.3GHz Quad Wi-Fi and 3G: Exynos 5 Octa (1.9 GHz QuadCore + 1.3 GHz Quadcore) LTE : Snapdragon 800 2.3GHz Quad Snapdragon 800 2.3 GHz QuadCore
S-Pen Yes No No No
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