Galaxy Tab S7 Plus takes on the iPad Pro with bigger screen and 5G

Samsung keeps fighting the good fight despite the sorry state of the broader Android tablet ecosystem. With the new Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 and Galaxy Tab S7 Plus, the company is doubling down on what made the Galaxy Tab S6 so good. The new tablets bring a snappy processor, 5G support, the iconic S Pen, and Samsung’s productivity software. Is that enough to justify the high price?

Also read: Samsung Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra announced

Here’s all you need to know about the Galaxy Tab S7 and Galaxy Tab S7 Plus.

For the first time, Samsung is releasing two versions of the Galaxy Tab S right out of the gate. You have the 11-inch Galaxy Tab S7 and the 12.4-inch Galaxy Tab S7 Plus. Those screen dimensions are pretty close to Apple’s equivalent products, and that’s probably no accident.

Both versions are powered by the Snapdragon 865 Plus processor, which is the best you can get on an Android tablet right now. They are available with either 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, or 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Both models support microSD expansion.

Besides the size difference, the displays use different technologies: the cheaper Galaxy Tab S7 features an 11-inch LCD display, while the S7 Plus goes AMOLED and adopts a slighter taller form factor. Regardless which you choose, you’ll get a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.

The more expensive model integrates a fingerprint sensor in its screen. Meanwhile, the Tab S7 gets the less advanced, but probably more reliable physical sensor embedded in a side key.

The Tab S7 features an 8,000mAh battery, while the Tab S7 Plus extends that to 10,090mAh. Fast charging up to 45W is supported, if you pay for a special charger — it’s not clear right now what speeds you’re getting from the bundled charger.

Other features converge on the two models: a 13MP (main) + 5MP (wide) camera combo on the back, an 8MP one on the front; quad speakers with Dolby Atmos optimizations; USB Type-C; Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 6, LTE, and, for the first time, 5G.

Samsung says its new tablets are the first to offer 5G connectivity in the US. Considering these devices are geared towards professionals who may actually need the high speed and reduced latency afforded by 5G networks, that’s a good feature to have.

The S Pen on the Galaxy Tab S7 features the same capabilities as the S Pen that comes with the Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra. Samsung didn’t add a whole lot of functionality to its iconic stylus this year. Among the notable additions are “Anywhere” gestures, which let you make gestures with the S Pen to take a screenshot, go to the homescreen, and more.

Some of the special features of the Galaxy Tab S7 and Galaxy Tab S7 Plus include the ability to act as a 5G Auto Hotspot for other Galaxy devices, Nearby Share (the new file transfer tech), and Second Screen, which turns the tablet into a secondary monitor for select Samsung laptops.

In the US, the Galaxy Tab S7 will be available from this fall starting at $649.99. The Galaxy Tab S7 Plus will start from $849.99. You’ll get to pick from Mystic Black, Mystic Silver, and Mystic Bronze. While an S Pen is bundled, you’ll have to pay extra for accessories like the Book Cover Keyboard, Book Cover, or Bluetooth mouse. The keyboard in particular looks like a must-have add-on for this tablet, as it really boosts the potential for productivity.

The Tab duo will also be coming to the UK. The Galaxy Tab S7 will start at £619, while the Galaxy Tab S7 Plus goes up to £799. Those who pre-order will also get to choose between a Galaxy Gaming bundle (which includes a game controller and a three-month subscription for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate) or a Book Cover case as a free bonus.

Besides the new Tab S7 and the Note 20 series, today Samsung also took the wraps off the Galaxy Watch 3 and the Galaxy Z Fold 2. Keep it tuned for more coverage.