Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 Review: How Good Is This Rugged Tablet?

The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 is an 8-inch outdoor tablet known for its rugged design, resistant to water, dust, and impacts. It's a 3-in-1 device that can function as a tablet, smartphone, and desktop computer. Compared to its predecessor, the display has significantly improved, although there are aspects where the device has not advanced much or has even declined.

I primarily compared the Galaxy Tab Active5 to the iPad Mini 6, which is currently the top choice among 8-inch tablets. In Germany, the Wi-Fi version is available starting at 479 euros, and the 5G version costs 569 euros.

The design is built for durability, able to withstand harsh environments. With IP68 and MIL-STD 810H certifications, the Active5 can handle accidental bumps and drops. Its FullHD resolution display with 600 nits of brightness is excellent for outdoor use.

Another highlight is the S Pen, which enables precise writing and drawing. The Exynos 1380 processor provides decent performance, but the graphics unit lags a bit compared to its predecessor.

The Active5 stands out as a rugged tablet, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers solid battery life, but due to its sound quality and limited connectivity, it isn't optimized for entertainment and gaming.

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[trevordp]

Now why can't Samsung make one like this but NOT rugged?

[barriemoorcroft]

The spen looks easy to pick up from the ground, even outdoors and with gloves on. I love that u can attach a bracelet loop to it too. Great for construction professionals everyday use.

[hopydaddy]

We all should send an email to Samsung to fire the guy who signed off on the USB 2.0 downgrade, because Samsung ruined what is otherwise a very fine device. What a dumb-shit move to put 2.0 when the earlier model had 3.1... Plus, they could have improved the graphics performance to equal, if not better, their older model Tab Active3. I own Active3. It's the best rugged 8-inch tablet there is - bar none. I am sure Samsung would lose sales because of the stupid decision they made. If their reason for the downgrade was to keep the price the same level as the Tab Active3 despite the monetary inflation these days - BY CUTTING CORNERS - they made a terrible mistake. They could have given us USB 3.1 and raised the asking price by $50 or $100, and we would have gladly paid it, because the Tab Active5 is otherwise a superb device.

[DaphneLowe]

Thank you very much! Because of your review, I avoided making the mistake of buying the wrong tablet. Not have external monitor support was a deal breaker for me. Thanks to you, I bought the Active 3.

[SammyTabGuy]

TL;DR: If you want a S9FE but in an 8 inch factor, and you want a great TABLET, get the Tab Active 5. If you want a PORTABLE COMPUTER in a shell of a tablet, keep or get the Active 3.

I dont need the computer part since i have two laptops and my tab s8+, so I will be ultimately keeping the Tab Active 5

[grbkset-]

I was hoping that you'd test out the ruggedness with that hammer you have in the background.

[zapdosmtr]

Same specs on non-active Tab would be a perfect! Samsung finally put some effoft into 8 inch tablet line.

[Yellowmoonhero]

I just bought one. It is a very good tablet. Especially suitable for users who often change batteries.

[keepemwet]

how did you make calls ? Samsung support is telling me it takes a sim for browsing interenet but does Not have a call feature...this is Tab Active5 5G SM-X308UZGAXAC

[SammyTabGuy]

YOU FINALLY DID IT!!! Love this review!!

I love my tab active 5 besides its weight and wireless DeX. It's an amazing tablet!

[kevinreid]

Why haven't you done a vs with your active 3 against the active 5, please do one or tell us how the compare to each other.

[babavaga]

Good day! Can You help me a little? I have Tab Active 3 with LTE SM-T577 dualsim version. But there is no possibility to make a call. You are using this function in your videos. How did You shoot it on?

[keepemwet]

To make calls did you have to connect it to your cell phone ? Can this model work as a stand alone phone ?

[fhwolthuis]

Hahaha, I'm sure you steal the show walking around with it to your ear in Berlin 😂

[mateos]

downgrade to 2.0 means no for me and im sure thousands of other fans of the older models. wth are they thinking. good review as usual

[The_life_of_jools]

Just got mine...interesting cos I've been using the s9 ultra.. can't say it's noticeably slower.... nice to use actually.... I'm using it as my phone.... but hey... I used the Dell Streak back in the day...everyone thought it was monstrous :) now, most phones are as big or bigger....
Certainly performs well....no issues or gripes so far?..

[kritikpakaikarya]

Do you know, knox capture on the tablet? trial version (allowed demo 100 scan) or full version?

[darienchiba]

O botão para retroceder funciona só por pressionamento ou também por toque?

[keepemwet]

so does it have esim slot ? which model has it along with 3.5mm jack for headphones ? or earpeice

[leekuan]

Can the Tablet directly make phone calls and send messages? According to the review done by the channel "Mike and Believe" he couldn't and therefore sent the purchase back to Samsung. If I cannot use this tablet like a phone, I probably won't buy it. Thanks for your confirmation!