The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro, starting at $659, is a rugged tablet engineered for demanding environments. Designed to deliver a full Android experience in a drop-resistant body, it features a glove-friendly screen and physical navigation buttons. Notably, the tablet’s removable batteries, expandable storage, and Samsung’s commitment to lengthy updates make it a cost-effective choice for business users.
While the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ is a top pick for mainstream Android tablets due to its larger and more vibrant screen, the Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro offers similar performance in a practically unbreakable build. This makes it an appealing alternative for those needing a sturdier device.
Design: Built for Durability
The Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro is unapologetically bulky, with a design that emphasizes toughness. The tablet measures 6.70 by 9.56 by 0.40 inches and weighs 1.5 pounds, with its case adding another 6.21 ounces. Its rugged build is backward compatible with accessories from the Active4 Pro, offering potential savings for those upgrading.
In terms of price and performance, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ and the Apple iPad Air are its closest competitors. However, these mass-market tablets are not designed for the tough, outdoor environments the Active5 Pro can handle. The tablet boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance and a MIL-STD-810H certification, ensuring it can withstand drops of up to 5 feet 11 inches with its case.
The device’s thick black bezel houses physical buttons for Android’s task switcher, home, and back functions, with the home button doubling as a fingerprint sensor. Other features include a power button, volume rocker, and an assignable lime green Active button. The frame is covered in textured plastic, enhancing grip, while the back features a ridged pattern, a Samsung logo, and a single camera with flash.
Display: Optimized for Work
The Tab Active5 Pro is equipped with a 10.1-inch LCD, offering a resolution of 1,900 by 1,200 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a maximum brightness of 600 nits. Its high-sensitivity mode allows for touch input recognition even with gloves on, a feature not available on its competitors like the iPad Air or the Tab S10 FE+.
While the display is easily visible indoors, its limited maximum brightness can make outdoor viewing challenging in bright sunlight. This is a consideration for those planning to use the tablet in outdoor work environments.
Performance: Adequate for Productivity
Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chip, the Active5 Pro comes in two configurations: 6GB of RAM with 128GB of storage or 8GB of RAM with 256GB of storage. A 5G-equipped version is also available. The tablet supports up to 2TB of additional storage via a microSD slot.
The Tab Active5 Pro scored 1,161 on the Geekbench 6 single-core test and 3,349 on the multi-core test, showcasing its capability for productivity tasks.
While not designed for gaming, the tablet handles casual games and standard productivity apps like Gmail and Google Docs with ease. Its performance is sufficient for business users who prioritize durability over high-end gaming capabilities.
Battery Life: Exceeds Expectations
The Tab Active5 Pro features a 10,100mAh battery, divided into two halves, supporting up to 15W charging. In testing, it lasted 11 hours and 15 minutes during a 1080p video streaming test, outperforming both the Tab S10 FE+ and the iPad Air.
Samsung’s inclusion of hot-swappable batteries is a notable feature, allowing users to change batteries without shutting down the tablet. This is particularly beneficial for those working long hours in the field.
Connectivity and Audio: Comprehensive and Loud
Supporting Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, and Wi-Fi 6E, the Active5 Pro offers broad connectivity options. The 5G version includes sub-6GHz and C-band radios. During testing, the tablet maintained stable connections with no dropouts.
The tablet’s stereo speakers, enhanced by Dolby Atmos support, deliver loud and clear audio, suitable for noisy environments. However, users are cautioned against placing the tablet close to their ears when playing media files due to its high volume output.
Cameras and Software: Functional and Up-to-Date
The Active5 Pro’s 12MP rear camera and 8MP front camera are adequate for worksite documentation and video conferencing. While not comparable to Samsung’s smartphone cameras, they serve their intended purpose well.
Running Android 15 with Samsung One UI 7.0, the tablet offers features like Edge Panels and Samsung’s DeX for enhanced multitasking. Samsung promises security updates until May 31, 2033, ensuring the device remains secure over its lifespan.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro is a robust option for professionals in need of a durable, reliable tablet for demanding environments. Its combination of rugged features, long battery life, and comprehensive connectivity makes it a standout choice in its category.
