Are there better alternatives?

If you’re looking to use the Galaxy Tab S4 as a tablet — with a larger screen for reading or consuming media and entertainment on the couch or bed — you won’t be disappointed. That being said, we strongly recommend the $330 iPad if you aren’t married to a particular platform, which has a better tablet experience and can be had for a lower price. Take a look at the Huawei MediaPad M5 too, as it’s a solid, cheaper Android tablet.

　　If you’re an artist looking to use the Tab S4’s included stylus (S Pen) to create art, then you’ll be happy — mostly. There’s good pressure sensitivity, much-improved palm-rejection technology, and the S Pen’s latency is miniscule. But we did find it difficult to use shading techniques because the tip of the stylus is a little too rounded and thick. We still think the iPad Pro — with its excellent suite of apps and the brilliant Apple Pencil — is a better choice, though do note the Pencil needs to be charged, and it costs an extra $100.

　　If you want the full tablet/laptop experience, the iPad Pro with the Smart Keyboard is a solid alternative. We’ve also been using Samsung’s very own Chromebook Pro for the past year and found it offers a portable and much more comfortable laptop experience over the Tab S4 — it only costs $550. Not to mention there’s plenty of Windows laptops you can buy at this price, including the new Surface Go. Check out our guide to the best 2-in-1 laptops for more.

　　

How long will it last?

The Tab S4 will likely last you three to four years or more. Samsung will keep this tablet updated for two years, but the device should keep working without too many issues for some time after. It’s not water resistant, and the back is glass, so you may want to keep it safe in the keyboard cover.

　　

Should you buy it?

If you are desperate to own an Android tablet, then yes. If you want to be able to be productive and then swap to tablet mode to consume media, then maybe. You should skip it if you want a portable laptop to do serious work on. If you also just want a powerful tablet — and don’t care if it’s Android or iOS — then go for an iPad.