Samsung's newest tablet brings LTE and a compact design for just $279

Samsung Galaxy Tab A
Samsung Galaxy Tab A (Image credit: Samsung)

What you need to know

  • Samsung has launched the 2020 Galaxy Tab A 8.4 for $279
  • Priding itself on portability, it is available only with LTE.
  • It's also available to purchase on Samsung's web-store, albeit a Verizon variant. Other carriers are coming in the following weeks.

Samsung has just announced its new Galaxy Tab A 8.4 which comes with LTE included. It'll set you back $279 at launch, and will support all U.S. carriers over the coming weeks.

Unlike the Galaxy Tab S6, this isn't a productivity machine. It's meant to be used at home or tossed in a backpack for reading a book or watching a video while in transit. As such, Samsung plays up its compact and light metal design, long battery life, and LTE connectivity. If the battery runs out, there's also USB-C connectivity for fast charging so you can get back on your feet.

Here's what Samsung has under the hood of this lithe new tool:

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CategorySamsung Galaxy Tab A 8.4 (2020)
Operating SystemAndroid 9
Display8.4 inches, 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA), TFT LCD
ProcessorExynos 7904, Octa-core, (2x1.8GHz, 6x1.6GHz)
Memory3GB(RAM)
Storage32GB
Expandable StoragemicroSD up to 512 GB
Rear Camera8MP AF
Front Camera5MP
ConnectivityWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac2.4G+5GHz, LTE CatXX, Bluetooth 5.0
Ports1x USB Type C (2.0), 1x 3.5 mm headphone jack
AudioDual Speakers, Dolby Atmos
Battery5,000mAh, Fast charging
Dimensions7.95 x 4.93 x 0.2 inches (201.9 x 125.2 x 7.0 mm)
Weight0.17lbs (32g)
ColorsMocha

Small tablet enthusiasts will find that competent design meets fair-enough software in this device. The addition of LTE is just the cherry on top.

Michael Allison