In recent times, the Android tablet market has experienced a resurgence, with more manufacturers entering the arena. However, a few years ago, Samsung reigned supreme in this field, dominating the market at various price points. It was during this period that I purchased a Galaxy Tab S5e for my household. Over the years, though, I have contemplated replacing it, as Samsung failed to offer an enticing upgrade option. Specifically, the absence of an AMOLED display in the classic 11-inch Galaxy Tab model for nearly four years was disappointing.
The launch of the Galaxy Tab S7 series in 2020 saw Samsung adopting a rather perplexing approach to its product line segmentation. Unlike its predecessors, the base model 11-inch Tab S7 no longer featured the company’s renowned Super AMOLED display technology, opting for an LCD screen instead. This change was viewed as a clear downgrade by owners of premium Samsung tablets, who had enjoyed AMOLED displays since the Galaxy Tab S series in 2014. The move to LCD technology dampened my enthusiasm for the Galaxy Tab series. While Samsung still offered AMOLED displays in higher-end models like the Tab S7 Plus and Tab S8 Plus, those options came at a significantly higher price and featured a larger 12.4-inch display, which wasn’t ideal for me. As a result, I couldn’t bring myself to purchase the new base models with inferior displays, nor did I desire a larger and more expensive tablet.
Nevertheless, I’m optimistic that this year will be different. Samsung’s upcoming mid-year Galaxy Unpacked launch event is expected to introduce the next-generation foldables and tablets. Credible rumors suggest that the entire Tab S9 series might feature AMOLED panels. This would maintain the status quo for the Plus and Ultra variants while providing an unequivocal upgrade for the smallest model. For the first time in nearly four years, Samsung could offer an 11-inch tablet that I can’t resist upgrading to.
So why am I so fixated on AMOLED displays? I have extensively discussed various display technologies and praised the benefits of OLED televisions. However, when it comes to tablets, the appeal of AMOLED primarily lies in its contrast and visual comfort in darker environments. Whether I’m reading an e-book in dark mode or watching a movie with black bars at night, it’s hard to ignore the blotchy grays and uneven glow around the edges that come with LCD displays. While there are methods to mitigate these issues, such as local dimming or miniLED backlights, Samsung did not employ either technique in the Tab S7 or S8.
Additionally, Samsung’s tablets feature wider aspect ratios compared to more square-shaped tablets like the iPad, making them better suited for media consumption. Therefore, when I dim the lights to enjoy a movie, I want the best possible experience. However, after owning a tablet with an LCD screen, I must admit that I prefer watching content on my smaller smartphone due to its superior picture quality. This diminishes the purpose of owning a tablet altogether. It’s worth noting that even Samsung’s more affordable smartphones come with AMOLED displays, leaving no excuse for the lack of this feature in a $700 tablet. Perhaps the cost of materials for the Tab S series has risen over the years, but it still seems odd that Samsung cannot include a once-standard feature without raising the price.
While my Tab S5e doesn’t desperately need an upgrade, it does lack certain desirable features such as HDR playback and increased processing power. If Samsung fails to present a compelling upgrade this year, I will have no choice but to wait a bit longer. Alternatively, it may be time to consider a budget-friendly Android tablet that offers better value for money. Tomorrow’s event will shed light on these matters, and until then, I remain hopeful that the new base model Tab S9 will indeed sport an AMOLED panel. I eagerly await the announcement. Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section.
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Alex Smith is a writer and editor with over 10 years of experience. He has written extensively on a variety of topics, including technology, business, and personal finance. His work has been published in a number of magazines and newspapers, and he is also the author of two books. Alex is passionate about helping people learn and grow, and he believes that writing is a powerful tool for communication and understanding.
