Samsung Galaxy Tab S2: 4G model and phone calls

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frednz

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Topic # 183910 3-Nov-2015 11:30

I see that Samsung has a 4G/LTE model available in its Galaxy Tab S2 series (SM-T815). On pages 45-46 of the manual, there are instructions about how to use the phone. Apparently, you tap "Phone" on the Apps screen and then enter a phone number.

I have talked to a couple of retailers about the advantages of a 4G model, but there seems to be differing opinions about how the S2 makes phone calls. One retailer said that it is just like making calls from a Samsung S6 phone, and another said that it doesn't use the NZ mobile network at all and that it only makes calls via the internet using an app such as SKYPE.

So, is it true that, even with a 4G model, you have to use a program such as SKYPE to make and receive phone calls?

If so, can anyone tell me please what the advantages are of buying a 4G model?

I guess it's true that you can make SKYPE phone calls from any WiFi enabled tablet?

Incidentally, why don't large tablets have a mobile phone function that is the same as "ordinary" mobile phones such as the Samsung S6 etc?

Thanks very much for your thoughts on this issue.

Regards
Fred

johnr

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Reply # 1419653 3-Nov-2015 11:36

They are normal 3G circuit switch calls like any mobile phone does

corksta

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Reply # 1419655 3-Nov-2015 11:37

I had the previous Tab S 10.5 4G version.

Essentially it works like a massive phone. Your SIM card connects to the network, you can place a call exactly as you would on a normal phone.

Answering your last question: it is exactly the same. The first retailer is right, the second one you spoke to is wrong, that is how the wifi model works.

Text messaging is identical to that on a phone too.

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frednz

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Reply # 1419692 3-Nov-2015 11:53

corksta: I had the previous Tab S 10.5 4G version.

Essentially it works like a massive phone. Your SIM card connects to the network, you can place a call exactly as you would on a normal phone.

Answering your last question: it is exactly the same. The first retailer is right, the second one you spoke to is wrong, that is how the wifi model works.

Text messaging is identical to that on a phone too.

Thanks very much for your replies. So, with the Samsung S2 4G model, I guess you can use a Vodafone or Skinny etc mobile plan that gives you say 100 minutes per month and the calls you make would then be deducted from this allocation?

In other words, for phone calls made, I gather that the S2 tablet does not use any of your internet mobile data allocated megabytes (say 500mb per month) at all?

Thanks
Fred

johnr

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Reply # 1419693 3-Nov-2015 11:54

Correct

corksta

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Reply # 1419695 3-Nov-2015 11:57

Just pretend it's not a tablet but a massive phone and you'll probably know most of the answers to your questions :)

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johnr

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Reply # 1419696 3-Nov-2015 11:59

Yep one huge phone

frednz

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Reply # 1419702 3-Nov-2015 12:07

johnr: Correct

Thanks, and I guess you can ALSO browse the internet using the S2 4G model and the megabytes used will be deducted from the, say, 500mb that you are allocated per month?

I think a lot of people (and retailers) are quite confused by all of this and assume that phone calls from ALL tablets must be made using internet apps such as SKYPE!

So, is this 4G tablet function quite new, or has it been around for quite a while? It's great that a 4G tablet operates exactly the same for phone calls and text messaging as a "normal" small mobile phone does!

Thanks
Fred

johnr

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Reply # 1419715 3-Nov-2015 12:21

@Frednz same as any 4G handset and 4G on a tablet is nothing new

NikT

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Reply # 1419838 3-Nov-2015 13:57

frednz:
johnr: Correct

Thanks, and I guess you can ALSO browse the internet using the S2 4G model and the megabytes used will be deducted from the, say, 500mb that you are allocated per month?

I think a lot of people (and retailers) are quite confused by all of this and assume that phone calls from ALL tablets must be made using internet apps such as SKYPE!

So, is this 4G tablet function quite new, or has it been around for quite a while? It's great that a 4G tablet operates exactly the same for phone calls and text messaging as a "normal" small mobile phone does!

Thanks
Fred

Some 3G/4G tablets have phone calling and text messaging functionality, some do not. iPads, for example, are data-only.

Smaller tablets may have speaker grilles, so they can be held to the ear like a phone, while larger tablets may be speakerphone or headset only for calling. Others may have text message functionality but no dialer for calling.

Generally speaking, Samsung has the most consistent implementation of phone functions in their data-enabled tablets, other brands may vary.

Product Manager @ PB Tech

https://pbtech.co.nz/smartphones

richms

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Reply # 1419841 3-Nov-2015 14:00

One person supports this post

If its anything like my note pro, then the speakerphone for making calls is pretty bad, so get yourself a headset if you actually want to use it.

Richard rich.ms

pinkbellbird

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Reply # 1437249 29-Nov-2015 15:40

I have the 4G model T815 32gb, its only a few weeks old.

I got a 4G data sim from vodafone, its connected to my on account mobile plan, so shares the data from that at no charge, I managed to wrangle a good deal for shared data.

my previous tablet was wifi only, so having data available all the time is awesome!

Internet ready when ever I want it.
Plus I can use whatsapp on it as the sim in the tablet has its own phone number.

I can make calls & txt, just like a normal phone. Calls I either put it on speaker or can use earphones.

like everyone says, treat like a giant phone & your good!