The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 3 is a water resistant tablet that can survive a 1.5m drop

Samsung is one of the few device makers that is doubling down on Android tablets lately. Now, the South Korean tech giant has introduced the Galaxy Tab Active 3, a ruggedised tablet made that can take a beating.

Though it has been three years since we have last seen the Galaxy Tab Active 2, this third version updates the tablet with modern features and improved its overall durability.

The tough tablet features an 8″ WUXGA (1920 x 1200 pixel resolution) PLS TFT LCD that is designed to be operated even with gloved hands. Samsung has included an S Pen stylus to navigate through the tablet if the user’s gloves are too thick.

On the outside, the Galaxy Tab Active 3 is clad in a rubberised shell that is MIL-STD-810H certified and claimed to be capable of surviving harsh conditions. If you are wondering what this standard means, know that it is a U.S. military specification that requires devices to be especially durable against shock, vibration, humidity, heat, cold and more.

According to Samsung, the tablet has enhanced shock absorption and is capable of withstanding drops of up to 1.5 metres (5 feet) with the protective cover on. Both the tablet and the included S Pen stylus are IP68 rated for being dustproof and water resistant so you can use in rain or shine.

Under the hood, the Galaxy Tab Active 3 is powered by an Exynos 9810 processor (the same used in 2018’s Galaxy Note 9). This is paired with 4GB RAM and up to 128GB of internal storage. Users can even expand the storage with up to a 1TB microSD card. Samsung has included Wi-Fi 6 connectivity that promises faster data speeds.

The tablet runs on Android 10 and comes with Samsung’s DeX mode that allows users to use the tablet like a desktop computer when it is connected with a screen.

Other features include biometric authentication via a fingerprint reader or facial recognition using the 5MP front-facing camera. Around the back there is a single 13MP camera in case you need to snap photos while out on the field.

There is also a 5,050mAh battery that can be swapped out by the user while on the go. Samsung said it also supports fast charging via USB-C or Pogo pins for charging on a dock. The tablet also has a “No Battery” mode that allows it to be used as a stationary kiosk without degrading the battery.

Samsung also promised that the Galaxy Tab Active 3 will receive support for up to three generations of Android OS upgrades.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active3 is said to be available starting today in select countries in Europe and Asia, though there is no word on its price and availability in Malaysia. Samsung’s site lists a Wi-Fi only version (with Wi-Fi 6 connectivity) as well as an LTE model.

Related reading