Galaxy Tab S3 - LTE or not?

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DS248

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#232185 3-Apr-2018 14:54

Looking at Galaxy Tab S3 for other half. She is keen to have Nav ability even though likely only for intermittent use and for that has a preference for the LTE model. Can use Here We Go but without a cellular connection, it is limited in some aspects. And Google Maps pre-caching is not ideal.

Issues:

- LTE version is more expensive. Not a big difference though right now NL have the non-LTE version bundled with a KB cover at an attractive price so the effective price difference is more like $200+.

- No Tablet Share option on VF prepay (which we are both on). In any case most of the existing Tablet Share options cost $19+ pm per device which is a crazy amount for occasional data sharing with a device.

- Cheapest option on prepay is a separate minimal My Flex plan; $10 per 4 wks for 0.25GB data + 50 min + 50 txts; or $12 for an extra 0.75GB data. Still not cheap for intermittent use (could be several months no use of data). And the mins and txts of no interest here. A cheaper data only option may be more attractive but 'Device Share' with current prepay mobile package would make much more sense.

Main question is: Are there any drawbacks if do get the Tab S3 LTE model and for now use it without a sim?

eg. nagging reminders that have no sim card in, hit on performance, or other annoyances?

The reason for paying extra for the LTE version and not using a sim in it initially is that hopefully better options for device sharing of mobile data could become available sometime over next ~4 years or so? Then the option for LTE would handy.

As an aside, I am not 100% sold on the Tab S3 (released Apr 2017), especially given frequent questions raised about Samsung's support for tablets after a year or so. I am no Apple fan (personally have never had an i anything) but the 2018 version iPad 9.7 released a couple days ago (Sunday) looks better hardware - well given that the camera is of no interest (has dedicated cameras including a DSLR). She currently has a 5-6 year old iPad Mini and an iPhone 6 but is becoming disgruntled with both and seems keen to switch.

restecp

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#1987724 3-Apr-2018 15:44

I have a Tab S3 and I love it.

TBH I would say going for LTE would be a waste. Tethering when required would be your best option.

Once it has been paired once it's just the touch of a button to start tethering and away you go.

Are you sure this is the right tablet for her? What else does she intend to do with the product other than the basics.
Reason I ask is there are tonnes of other alternatives including cheaper Samsung ones that would do just as good a job again depending on what she wants to do with it.

Again I have the WiFi version and I absolutely love it.

DS248

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#1987817 3-Apr-2018 18:33

Yes, you are probably correct about LTE. Tethering can chew through a phones battery but for occasional use that is OK. Will probably opt for the non-LTE version.

And yes, mainly basics. A lower spec tablet may be OK but a higher spec will hopefully mean longer before replacement becomes necessary.

DS248

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#1987915 3-Apr-2018 22:52

Have now ordered the Wifi only version. NL sale ended tonight so had to act quickly as it was a good deal; ie. $878 for for both the Tab S3 (with s-pen) and the Keyboard cover vs ~1299 if bought separately at full price.

restecp

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#1988136 4-Apr-2018 12:02

Insanely good price.

The S-Pen is truly amazing.

DS248

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#1988247 4-Apr-2018 15:32

Have now picked up from local NL store. Available for pick up less than 10 hrs after ordering last night!

Price for the Tab + KB cover bundle has now gone back to normal - up $321 on the price I paid.

In videos I looked at yesterday there seemed a clear lag between tip of pen and writing appearing on screen. By contrast, effectively zero lag with the iPad Pro (120 Hz refresh).

I had a play with the demo Tab S3 model when I went in to pick up the order. As per the videos, image did lag 3 mm or so behind the pen tip at moderate writing speed. Was concerned that would be off putting for writing notes so good to hear your positive take on the S-pen. I assume it is something you get used to? Not that the Tab is for me! Birthday not until the middle of the month so will be almost 2 weeks before WAF can be assessed!

Starting to think a stylus (S-pen?) might be useful for my S8. When travelling I often carry a small notebook in my shirt pocket (esp for work). Find it very useful for jotting down notes on long flights. Might try using a notes app on my phone instead, especially if can easily OCR, email, etc. Would save having notebook, passport, boarding pass, and glasses crammed into my shirt pocket.

restecp

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#1988341 4-Apr-2018 18:52

Or just get a Note8 and consolidate lol.

In regard ot the S-Pen. It's 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity with extremely low latency. Try using apps like sketchbook pro etc that properly utilize the s-pen.

Yeah the 120hz screen plays a big part into the apple pencil but just for reference the apple pencil is a quarter of the pressure sensitivity and requires a charge which the S pen doesn't. The tip of the s-pen is also 0.7mm which is waaaaaaaaaay nicer to write with than the apple pencil (my short experience with the iPad pro).

I'm clearly biased but I use a Note8 and a Tab S3 and nothing so far has compared