Samsung debuts 8.4-inch, 10.5-inch Galaxy Tab S tablets

As we’ve all come to expect over the last few weeks, Samsung has announced its new Galaxy Tab S line of tablets. Available for pre-order as soon as tomorrow, Friday, June 13, the premium grade tablets will be offered in 8.4-inch and 10.5-inch variants.

Hardware Monsters

The two tablets are powered by Android 4.4 KitKat and share a number of specifications. Common hardware between the two include Exynos 5 Octa (1.9 GHz QuadCore ＋ 1.3 GHz QuadCore) processors, 3GB RAM, 16GB internal storage, and microSD expansion. Both models also boast WQXGA (2560×1600) Super AMOLED displays however the smaller one gets the higher pixel-per-inch count, natch. Rounding things out are an 8-megapixel rear camera, front-facing 2.1-megapixel camera, dual-band Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth 4.0, and USB 2.0.

Software

In terms of software, the standard suite of Samsung apps are present. Familiar titles such as WatchON, S Health, and Multi Window join other such as Milk Music and new app called Samsung Papergarden. Designed with the Tab S in mind, this one delivers access to newspapers and magazines such as Comso, Vogue, GQ, and Rolling Stone.

Extra Perks

Samsung is giving away all sorts of wonderful content with their new tablets through Galaxy Gifts. Pick up one of these guys and you’ll also be treated to one-year free of Gogo In-flight Wi-Fi access, a 12-month subscription to Bloomberg BusinessWeek, 6-month trial subscription to The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post, 3-month subscription to The New York Times, 3 months free Sirius XM Radio, and 3 months free subscription to Audible.

Availability

The Galaxy Tab S 8.4 will be available for $399.99, while the Tab S 10.5 will be $499.99. The tablets will be sold in July through Samsung.com, Amazon, Best Buy, Fry’s, Office Depot, Office Max, PC Richard & Son, Sears, Tiger Direct and Walmart.com.

As often is the case with new devices, there will be a number of accessories available for the new tablets: Bluetooth keyboard book covers, standalone Bluetooth keyboard, flip covers, book covers, S Action Mouse, USB LAN Hub, power saving cable and portable battery packs

The Road Ahead

Looking ahead, a 4G LTE version of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S line will be offered across multiple carriers. According to the press release, all four major players are in line to provide connected variants.