Samsung’s flagship tablet family is growing. Rumor has it that the upcoming Galaxy Tab S8 series consists of four models, three of which should debut on the same day. And for the first time in the history of Samsung tablets, all the evidence so far indicates that the Tab S series is getting an Ultra model.
There could also be a Lite version in the works, planned for release later in 2022. Here’s everything we know so far about the Galaxy Tab S8 series.
Galaxy Tab S8 series display specs
The Galaxy Tab S8 Lite and Tab S8 are rumored to feature TFT LCD panels. The Lite model’s size is unknown, but the Tab S8 should have an 11-inch display.
The Galaxy Tab S8+ is expected to feature a 12.4-inch AMOLED display, whereas the latest addition to the series — the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra — will be equipped with a massive 14.6-inch AMOLED panel.
The Galaxy Tab S8, Tab S8+, and Tab S8 Ultra should have 120Hz displays, but it’s unclear if the Lite model will stick to a 60Hz panel or enter the new generation.
Update: A new leak shines more light on the display specifications. The Galaxy Tab S8 has a resolution of 2560 x 1600 and tops 500 nits of brightness. The Galaxy Tab S8+ has a resolution of 2800 x 1752 and reaches 420 nits of brightness, similar to the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, the latter of which has a display resolution of 2960 x 1848.
All three models support a 120Hz display refresh rate and should have Gorilla Glass 5 protection. The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is the only model of the three to feature a display notch for the selfie cameras. Yes, there are two.
Galaxy Tab S8 series cameras
The Galaxy Tab S8 and Tab S8+ should have the same/similar camera systems as the Galaxy Tab S7 series. Details for the Lite model are, once again, scarce, so moving on, we’ll mention this tablet in comparison only if it’s strictly necessary.
The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra will represent a massive upgrade over the previous tablet generations. It’s rumored to feature a 13MP main camera and a 6MP ultra-wide shooter on the back panel, but more prominently, a dual selfie camera system consisting of two 12MP sensors.
Update: In light of new leaks, the Galaxy Tab S8, Tab S8+, and Tab S8 Ultra will share the same upgraded primary camera system. It features a 13MP (f/2.0) main camera with autofocus, a 6MP (f/2.2) ultra-wide sensor, and an LED flash.
The Galaxy Tab S8 and Tab S8+ will have a single 12MP (f.2.4) selfie camera. However, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is reportedly equipped with dual 12MP (f/2.4) selfie sensors. This dual-camera system called for a display notch and should explain why the other two models don’t have this design feature.
Galaxy Tab S8 series design
The Galaxy Tab S8 and Tab S8+ are expected to refresh the existing design language rather than rethinking everything from the ground up. Unofficial renders of the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra model, on the other hand, suggest that this variant will have thinner display bezels and a notch for the selfie camera system. The thin bezel is reportedly made possible by what Samsung might be calling “Border Reduction Structure” or BRS.
Samsung might not offer too many color options for the upcoming tablet lineup. Rumor has it that it could be limited to two colors — dark grey and silver — though the base and Plus models could also be getting a Rose Gold color option.
Update: A new set of renders leaked, revealing the trio of Galaxy Tab S8 flagship tablets from the front and back. Once again, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra has a small display notch, whereas the other two models don’t.
The Galaxy Tab S8 and Tab S8+ have slightly thicker display bezels. All three models come with an S Pen and feature a magnetic stripe on the back panel instead of a traditional built-in S Pen holster. Samsung borrowed this design from previous generation Tab S tablets.
The Galaxy Tab S8 reportedly measures 253.8 x 165.4 x 6.3mm and weighs 507 grams. The Galaxy Tab S8+ measures 285 x 185x 5.7mm while weighing 567 grams. And last but not least, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is said to measure 326.4 x 208.6 x 5.5mm and tip the scales at 728 grams.
Galaxy Tab S8 series hardware specs
After a few months of going back and forth in terms of chipset options, the latest leaks indicate that the Galaxy Tab S8 series will use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset rather than the Exynos 2200 SoC.
The Galaxy Tab S8 and S8+ might offer a single memory option, featuring 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, regardless of connectivity. On the other hand, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is rumored to be offered with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage (Wi-Fi-only) or 8/12/16GB and 128/256/512GB of built-in memory (5G model).
The Tab S8 Ultra could be powered by an 11,200mAh/11,500mAh battery with 45W fast charging capabilities. According to previous reports, the base and Plus Galaxy Tab S8 variants will feature 8,000mAh and 10,090mAh batteries, respectively.
Update: The Galaxy Tab S8 and Tab S8+ may be getting 8GB of RAM and 128/256GB of storage, while the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra could hit the shelves with 8/16GB of RAM and 128/512GB of storage. All three models are equipped with a microSD card slot.
Update 2: A Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra variant (SM-S908N) appeared in an online benchmark with 12GB of RAM.
Galaxy Tab S8 series software
Android 12 is out as of this writing, and the Galaxy Tab S8 series should ship with Google’s latest OS version out of the box. It should be accompanied by One UI 4.1. The latter is not available yet but is expected to debut with the Galaxy S22 series.
The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, at least, could be getting a Portrait Mode upgrade for the Samsung DeX platform. It’s also said to be Samsung’s first tablet to ship with a dedicated Samsung Health app that has a 3-column layout.
Thanks to One UI 4.1, the Galaxy Tab S8 series should also benefit from features such as Extra Dim, a taskbar for easier multitasking, new personalization options, and the ability to adjust app window transparency. All three models should support Wireless DeX.
Galaxy Tab S8 series release and price
Release date details are still hanging in the air, and pricing details are relatively vague. Nevertheless, according to rumors, the Galaxy Tab S8 could be priced under $850, while the Galaxy Tab S8+ may cost $900-$1,000. The premium Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra would cost around $1,100 or more.
This page will be updated with new information periodically, so feel free to make a bookmark if you don’t want to miss out on Samsung news related to the Galaxy Tab S8 series.
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