Samsung has announced a pair of new Android tablets that depart from previous models, taking more than a few design cues from Apple's iPads. The Galaxy Tab S2 adopts a 4:3 aspect ratio, has a 2048x1536 resolution, features the home button on the short rather than long side, has a fingerprint scanner built in, and comes in 9.7-inch and 8-inch sizes — all like the iPad (the iPad mini is actually 7.9 inches, but it's close). Of course, there are only so many variations on the rectangular tablet format, but the similarities are striking nevertheless.
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The Samsungs are a bit thinner by a few hundredths of an inch, and quite a bit lighter than iPads — but they also have smaller batteries. The AMOLED screen could be a big power saver, though, and might have better contrast as well, though reviews will have to bear that out.
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The real differences are in the software, with Android 5.0 shipping and newer versions likely to find their way to the tablet soon. One thing that can't be compared at present is price, which Samsung did not include in its announcement. They'll spill that info soon, though — the Galaxy Tab S2 is scheduled to go on sale next month.
