With is release date on Thursday, the Galaxy Tab S2 is a fast and powerful tablet. The device improves on a number of features and specs from its Galaxy Tab S predecessor.

Specs, Features

The Galaxy Tab S2 runs on the quad-core Samsung Exynos processor, which is unfortunately the same thing found in the Galaxy Note 4. So in the performance category, the Tab S2 does not offer any meaningful improvement.

Still, the tablet has a more responsive fingerprint scanner that is built into the home button. Also, the Touchwiz user-interface is both intuitive and relatively easy to operate. Tab S2's SideSync function allows users to connect the tablet with any compatible Samsung mobile phone in order to send out text.

Right out of the box, the Galaxy Tab S2 ships out with the much older Android 5.0.2 Lollipop. With Android 6.0 Marshmallow on the horizon, there is a possibility that the Galaxy Tab S2 will be in line for an operating system upgrade.

Dimension and Color

Samsung claims that its Galaxy Tab S2 is the thinnest one of its kind to date. This assessment is not at all too inaccurate, considering that the tablet beat out the iPad Air 2.

Consumers have their choice of two sizes - either 9.7 inch or 8 inch. Both versions ship out with a Super AMOLED display. In regards to aspect ratio, Samsung really listened to their customers. Many of those who bought the Tab S, complained that the device's 16:10 ratio was more suited to watching movies. In response, the South Korean firm changed the Galaxy Tab S2 to the more versatile 4:3 aspect ratio.

Color options include black, white or gold.

Camera and Battery

Regarding camera, the Galaxy Tab S2 sports an 8-megapixel rear camera. For self-photos, there is 2.1-megapixel camera installed in the front of the Galaxy Tab S2. The device is able to record 1440p QHD video at 30 frames-per-second. However, the rear camera is not capable of 4K video capture. Users may find the Galaxy Tab S2's photo-video editor useful for simple editing before sharing.

Powering the device is an Li-Ion 5870 battery that has 4000mAh capacity. Unfortunately, the battery is non-removable.

Price

How much customers pay depends on what model they plan to buy. The 8-inch Galaxy Tab S2 with 8-inch display, Wi-Fi only functionality and 32GB storage is priced at $399.

Consumers will need to pay $499 for the Galaxy Tab S2 that has the larger 9.7-inch display, Wi-Fi only function and 32 GB of internal storage. The LTE-version that is available through AT&T, Sprint, U.S. Cellular and T-Mobile runs as high as $650 without service plan.

At this time, none of the major retailers are offering a discount on the new Galaxy Tab S2. This is not surprising considering that it has been less than a week since the device started hitting stores. Still, the budget-minded consumers can consider getting the Galaxy Tab S2 through carriers. Many wireless service providers offer installment plans requiring small payments lasting around two years.