We leaked the specifications and features of the Galaxy Tab S 2 tablets earlier today, and as it stands right now, both the Galaxy Tab S 2 8.0 and Galaxy Tab S 2 9.7 are set to be thinner than the latest iPads from Apple. With screen sizes similar to the iPad mini 3 and the iPad Air 2, it’s impressive to see Samsung making the profiles of the two tablets so thin, with both maxing out at 5.4 mm.
If we compare the Tab S 2 8.0 to the iPad mini 3, the former is overall a tad smaller and noticeably thinner with dimensions of 198.2×134.5×5.4 mm (the iPad mini 3 is 200 x 134.7 x 7.5 mm). In case of the Tab S 2 9.7 and the iPad Air 2, the story is similar, with the Tab S 2 having a slightly more compact profile. Samsung’s upcoming tablets are considerably lighter as well, though that isn’t really surprising considering the overall dimensions.
| Device | Galaxy Tab S 2 8.0 | Apple iPad mini 3 | Galaxy Tab S 2 9.7 | Apple iPad Air 2 |
| Dimensions | 198.2×134.5×5.4 m | 200 x 134.7 x 7.5 mm | 237.1×168.8×5.4 | 240 x 169.5 x 6.1 mm |
| Weight | 260 grams | 331 grams | 407 grams | 437 grams |
The current-generation Apple iPads are impressive tablets when it comes to design, and it sure looks like Samsung is also increasing its focus on tablets with a premium construction, in addition to premium-feeling smartphones (like the Galaxy Alpha, Galaxy Note 4, or the upcoming Galaxy S6). On phones, thin doesn’t necessarily mean better, but on tablets that have larger screens a compact profile can make all the difference, and it seems the Galaxy Tab S 2 will offer a solid mix of good design and high-end hardware when it launches later this year.
