Notebookcheck Logo

Dell Venue 8 Pro 5855 Tablet Review

Back to business. The latest edition of Dell's Venue 8 Pro presents itself as an extremely strong teammate in our test - thanks to the latest Cherry Trail platform in conjunction with generous dual-channel working memory. However, the colleague is not prepared to work overtime.

For the original German review, see here.

The hardware of Dell's tablet lineup for the professional and/or more demanding users has been refreshed. We cannot say with certainty when the devices will be available in "official" German stores – currently, it can only be purchased via Dell USA or some few online import retailers in this country. However, this does not stop us from taking a closer look. After putting a 10-inch sampler through our test course, we now take a look at one of the new 8-inch models.

The current Dell Venue 8 Pro 5855 is the most powerful of three configurations. Equipped with a quad-core CPU (Intel Atom x5-Z8500), 4 GB of working memory and preloaded Window 10 Professional ex-factory, our review sample is definitely one of the premium Windows tablet category. Similarly equipped devices, especially with a "professional" touch, are rare. Neither the business oriented HP Pro Tablet 408 G1 nor the higher-quality consumer devices such as Lenovo's Yoga Tablet 2 8, Toshiba's Satellite Click Mini or Chuwi's Vi8 Plus can consistently compete alone from their key specs. However, first, Dell's Venue 8 Pro 5855 has to prove whether in practice it can also live up to its imposing specs - and then again, pure computer power is not everything.

5855-9576 (Venue Series)
Processor
Intel Atom x5-Z8500 4 x 1.4 - 2.2 GHz, Cherry Trail
Graphics adapter
Memory
4 GB 
, DDR3-1600 (dual-channel), soldered
Display
8.00 inch 16:10, 1920 x 1200 pixel, 10 fingers, native pen support, MS 9001, IPS, glossy: yes
Mainboard
Intel Cherry Trail
Storage
Hynix HCG8E 64 GB, 64 GB 
Soundcard
Intel SST Audio Device
Connections
1 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 Docking Station Port, Audio Connections: combo headphone/microphone, Card Reader: MicroSD / MicroSDXC, Brightness Sensor, Sensors: position
Networking
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8260 (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4.0, LTE
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 10 x 216 x 130 ( = 0.39 x 8.5 x 5.12 in)
Battery
18.3 Wh Lithium-Ion
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: webcam: 1.2MP front, 5MP rear
Additional features
Speakers: stereo, Keyboard Light: no, optional: Wacom Stylus, Port Replicator (HDMI/VGA/Ethernet/USB3.0), Office Mobile, 12 Months Warranty, fanless
Weight
377 g ( = 13.3 oz / 0.83 pounds) ( = 0 oz / 0 pounds)
Price
449 USD
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Case

A pretty wrapping might also be a criterion for business customers who, for example, have many contacts outside the office and appreciate a certain degree of representativeness.

Dell does not take any risks and maintains the plain yet elegant design of the initial Dell Venue 8 Pro, which looks good with a suit and tie. Apparently, the build has been improved. Two years ago, our colleague Bernie Pechlaner criticized the poor torsional stability and pressure resistance, but the review sample is now absolutely inconspicuous: Nothing bends or dents here. At the same time, the Venue 8 Pro has even lost some weight over the years, and now weighs only 377 grams (~13 oz).

235 mm / 9.25 inch 170.6 mm / 6.72 inch 19.9 mm / 0.783 inch 470 g1.036 lbs216 mm / 8.5 inch 130 mm / 5.12 inch 10 mm / 0.3937 inch 377 g0.831 lbs216 mm / 8.5 inch 130 mm / 5.12 inch 9 mm / 0.3543 inch 388 g0.855 lbs215 mm / 8.46 inch 140 mm / 5.51 inch 9 mm / 0.3543 inch 375 g0.827 lbs211 mm / 8.31 inch 123 mm / 4.84 inch 10 mm / 0.3937 inch 346 g0.763 lbs210 mm / 8.27 inch 149 mm / 5.87 inch 7.1 mm / 0.2795 inch 419 g0.924 lbs210 mm / 8.27 inch 148 mm / 5.83 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 2.9 g0.00639 lbs

Connectivity

The limited connectivity of the 8-inch Venue has also been adopted. At a first glance, only one USB port (Type-C) and the audio jack are visible. A micro-SD card reader and a micro-SIM card slot are hidden under a flap.

The USB port in the Venue 8 Pro is "only" a USB 3.0 Type-C port with no integrated support for DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 3, or USB 3.1 transfer rates. Dell has informed us that the DisplayPort symbol next to the port only indicates that it is compatible with certain docking stations instead.

Right; portrait mode: Micro-SIM slot, SD card reader, volume control, Windows button
Right; portrait mode: Micro-SIM slot, SD card reader, volume control, Windows button
Upper edge; portrait mode: Power button, 3.5 mm jack
Upper edge; portrait mode: Power button, 3.5 mm jack
Lower edge; portrait mode: Speaker, USB 3.0 Type-C
Lower edge; portrait mode: Speaker, USB 3.0 Type-C

Software

Windows 10 64-bit operating system is preloaded in the higher Professional version. To facilitate system maintenance, a small selection of Dell-specific support software (e.g. for acquiring device drivers) is available. A TPM module in standard 2.0 ensures better data security.

Communication

Our review sample is equipped with a dual-band Wi-Fi module from Intel. It supports all common Wi-Fi standards up to 801.11 ac and can transmit a gross maximum of 867 Mbps. Thanks to the 2x2 MIMO antenna configuration, stable connections to the router are possible even over long distances. Transmitting a 1 GB video file over two stories was accomplished at an average rate of 30 MB/s. Miracast support enables streaming screen content to compatible TVs, monitors or projectors, which makes compensates somewhat for the absence of the video output. The Wi-Fi module is also responsible for near field communication via Bluetooth 4.0.

Web content can also be displayed on the Venue 8 Pro's screen away from home and remote from a Wi-Fi hotspot. The LTE WWAN module in conjunction with an inserted micro-SIM card makes this possible. The writer could only access a UMTS mobile network, and we cannot make any statements about the absolute maximum speed. However, subjectively, websites were loaded just as fast as in Wi-Fi in 3G mode. The signal strength always displayed three bars. There is not much room for criticism here in terms of performance - however, a few attempts are needed before the lock mechanism closes and the SIM card stays in its slot.

Cameras & Multimedia

The installed TrueVision cameras from Intel have a resolution of 5 (rear) and 2 (front) megapixels. The color accuracy is quite good, but image noise develops quickly in low-light situations.

Reference photo: Sony Alpha 6000 (ISO200, f/16, 1/20)
Reference photo: Sony Alpha 6000 (ISO200, f/16, 1/20)
Dell Venue 8 Pro - Rear cam (5 MP)
Dell Venue 8 Pro - Rear cam (5 MP)
Dell Venue 8 Pro - Front cam (2 MP)
Dell Venue 8 Pro - Front cam (2 MP)

Accessories & Warranty

Apart from a few papers (quick start guide, instructions for installing the SIM card), Dell does not include any accessories. A small yet exclusive selection of useful extras can be purchased via the manufacturer's online shop.

These include, for example, two different port replicators. An adapter with a full-sized USB port, HDMI, VGA and LAN port can thus be connected to the USB port on the lower edge. However, the power supply that is also connected to the USB port cannot be used then. Users who want to use their tablet connected to an outlet and simultaneously benefit from the additional interfaces, will have to fall back on the roughly 250-Euro (~$280) laptop dock WD15, which adds five USB ports (two times 2.0 and 3 times 3.0) among other ports - and of course the DisplayPort as the small symbol on the casing's lower edge indicates.

Dell's Active Pen is also interesting as an input device. It is based on the pen tablet technologies by the specialist Wacom. It is an alternative for Bluetooth keyboards and allows using the device for sketching or taking notes. Unfortunately, the Venue 8 Pro does not have a keyboard dock, which might limit productive work.

The manufacturer's warranty is only one year in the USA - too short for a self-proclaimed office device.

Input Devices & Handling

The 10-point multi-touchscreen in the Venue 8 Pro detects touch, movements and gestures up into the screen's edges. However, some icons on the 8-inch screen are too small for accurate inputting in maximum resolution. To accurately move individual items from a full-screen folder list via drag & drop, it is recommended that a pen should be used (it does not have to be Dell's expensive stylus).

Windows 10 onscreen keyboard is installed for keyboard inputs. It provides only an acoustic feedback. Naturally, it is not suitable for prolonged typing sessions.

Display

Subpixel-Anordnung
Subpixel-Anordnung

Our review sample is equipped with a glossy IPS panel in the 16:10 format, and has a resolution of 1920x1200 pixels. On an 8-inch screen diagonal, this equates to a relatively high pixel density of 283 PPI on paper and ensures a razor-sharp image in practice. A lower resolution panel with 1280x800 pixels that is installed in the cheapest configuration is optionally available.

The screen has an illumination of 85%. Although theoretically there is still some elbow room, annoying brightness differences between the individual display sectors are not visible to the naked eye in everyday use.

The maximum and average screen brightness of the review sample is only mediocre. The initial Venue 8 Pro and the 2015 update, HP's Pro Tablet 408 G1 as the most direct rival, and the Yoga Tablet 2 8 by Lenovo look much better here.

248
cd/m²
268
cd/m²
247
cd/m²
238
cd/m²
279
cd/m²
242
cd/m²
241
cd/m²
277
cd/m²
252
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
MS 9001 tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 279 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 254.7 cd/m² Minimum: 21 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 85 %
Center on Battery: 279 cd/m²
Contrast: 1395:1 (Black: 0.2 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 7.64 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 6.22 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
71% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
49% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
52.7% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
75.3% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
50.9% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.17
Dell Venue 8 Pro 5855
IPS, 1920x1200
Dell Venue 8 Pro
IPS, 1280x800
HP Pro Tablet 408 G1 L3S97AA
IPS, 1280x800
Toshiba Satellite Click Mini L9W-B-102
IPS, 1920x1200
Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 8
IPS, 1920x1200
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
IPS, 1280x800
Screen
2%
25%
-8%
-2%
-3%
Brightness middle
279
380.2
36%
347
24%
207
-26%
389
39%
234
-16%
Brightness
255
365
43%
333
31%
205
-20%
371
45%
229
-10%
Brightness Distribution
85
86
1%
91
7%
89
5%
88
4%
89
5%
Black Level *
0.2
0.312
-56%
0.11
45%
0.14
30%
0.25
-25%
0.22
-10%
Contrast
1395
1219
-13%
3155
126%
1479
6%
1556
12%
1064
-24%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
7.64
7.03
8%
5.45
29%
7.98
-4%
10.28
-35%
6.2
19%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
15.3
9.42
38%
17.5
-14%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
6.22
7.12
-14%
10.63
-71%
8.36
-34%
9.65
-55%
5.9
5%
Gamma
2.17 101%
1.59 138%
1.34 164%
2.21 100%
1.25 176%
2.53 87%
CCT
6798 96%
6988 93%
6404 101%
7768 84%
6657 98%
7678 85%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
49
53.88
10%
52
6%
41
-16%
51
4%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
71
80
13%
64
-10%
77.7
9%

* ... smaller is better

The contrast of 1395:1 looks somewhat better. This is not bad objectively, and it ensures a rich black in practice. However, there are better devices; for example, the Pro Tablet 408 G1 by HP once again delivered an exceptionally good result here. Overall and subjectively, the screen in the current Venue 8 Pro can be said to have a good image, even if the DeltaE color space deviation of 7.64 is rather too high. On the other hand, the color temperature of just below 6800 Kelvin is still well within the range that can be considered to be unaffected by a bluish tint.

CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - Grayscale
CalMAN - Grayscale
CalMAN - Saturation Sweeps
CalMAN - Saturation Sweeps
Dell Venue 8 Pro vs. sRGB
Dell Venue 8 Pro vs. sRGB
Dell Venue 8 Pro vs. AdobeRGB
Dell Venue 8 Pro vs. AdobeRGB

In the outdoors, Dell's Venue 8 Pro can only be used comfortably in the shade. Although the screen's maximum brightness is available in battery mode, it is rather too low to defy bright ambient light in conjunction with the highly reflective panel.

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM not detected

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18100 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
18 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 5 ms rise
↘ 13 ms fall
The screen shows good response rates in our tests, but may be too slow for competitive gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 34 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
28 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 10 ms rise
↘ 18 ms fall
The screen shows relatively slow response rates in our tests and may be too slow for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 31 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

As expected from an IPS panel, contents can be read well, even from a shifted frontal view. However, the subjectively perceived brightness clearly decreases regardless of which angle the screen is viewed.

The screen of Dell's Venue 8 Pro from different viewing angles
The screen of Dell's Venue 8 Pro from different viewing angles

Performance

The different models of the Venue 8 Pro 5855 are configured almost identically in terms of performance. Dell relies on the same quad-core CPU by Intel, based on the latest Cherry Trail architecture for all three versions. The Atom x5 Z8500 has a base clock of 1.44 GHz, which can be boosted up to 2.24 GHz via Turbo mode when required. However, the clock rate can be throttled to below 400 MHz when the CPU gets too hot. The clock rate seemingly follows the maximum in practical use; even when the normal background processes are running, all four cores usually clock at 1.7 GHz or higher. Intel's integrated HD Graphics with a maximum clock of 600 MHz takes care of video output.

It is not as much due to the CPU that our review sample makes an above average impression throughout all tests - mostly equal terms prevail in the field, especially since the change from Bay Trail to Cherry Trail only involved marginal speed advantages. The secret is found in the working memory configuration: 4 GB of RAM that operate in dual-channel mode have a tremendously positive impact on performance. Only considerably more expensive convertibles, such as the Surface 3 or Surface Pro 4 by Microsoft, clearly outclass the Venue 8 Pro.

In conjunction with a fast 64 GB eMMC, the system's computing performance is also reflected in daily workload. It was always possible to work smoothly with the review sample during the test. The cheapest of the three models of Dell's Venue 8 Pro is equipped with only 2 rather than 4 GB of RAM, but is identically configured apart from a lower-resolution panel.

 

Systeminformationen Dell Venue 8 Pro

3DMark
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Score (sort by value)
Dell Venue 8 Pro 5855
Z8500, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 4096
1498 Points
Dell Venue 8 Pro 3845
Z3735G, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 1024
998 Points -33%
HP Pro Tablet 408 G1 L3S97AA
Z3736F, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 2048
1016 Points -32%
Toshiba Satellite Click Mini L9W-B-102
Z3735F, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 2048
1156 Points -23%
Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 8
Z3745, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 2048
1222 Points -18%
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
Z8300, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 2048
1426 Points -5%
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
6Y30, HD Graphics 515, 4096
4604 Points +207%
1280x720 Ice Storm Standard Score (sort by value)
Dell Venue 8 Pro 5855
Z8500, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 4096
14631 Points
Dell Venue 8 Pro 3845
Z3735G, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 1024
13071 Points -11%
HP Pro Tablet 408 G1 L3S97AA
Z3736F, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 2048
11436 Points -22%
Toshiba Satellite Click Mini L9W-B-102
Z3735F, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 2048
14495 Points -1%
Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 8
Z3745, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 2048
14701 Points 0%
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
6Y30, HD Graphics 515, 4096
42046 Points +187%
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance (sort by value)
Dell Venue 8 Pro 5855
Z8500, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 4096
344 Points
Dell Venue 8 Pro 3845
Z3735G, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 1024
200 Points -42%
HP Pro Tablet 408 G1 L3S97AA
Z3736F, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 2048
190 Points -45%
Toshiba Satellite Click Mini L9W-B-102
Z3735F, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 2048
210 Points -39%
Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 8
Z3745, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 2048
225 Points -35%
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
Z8300, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 2048
325 Points -6%
Microsoft Surface 3
Z8700, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 4096
562 Points +63%
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
6Y30, HD Graphics 515, 4096
1344 Points +291%
PCMark 8
Home Score Accelerated v2 (sort by value)
Dell Venue 8 Pro 5855
Z8500, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 4096
1426 Points
Dell Venue 8 Pro 3845
Z3735G, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 1024
1062 Points -26%
HP Pro Tablet 408 G1 L3S97AA
Z3736F, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 2048
1104 Points -23%
Toshiba Satellite Click Mini L9W-B-102
Z3735F, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 2048
911 Points -36%
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
Z8300, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 2048
1394 Points -2%
Microsoft Surface 3
Z8700, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 4096
1677 Points +18%
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
6Y30, HD Graphics 515, 4096
2426 Points +70%
Work Score Accelerated v2 (sort by value)
Dell Venue 8 Pro 5855
Z8500, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 4096
1196 Points
Dell Venue 8 Pro 3845
Z3735G, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 1024
1150 Points -4%
HP Pro Tablet 408 G1 L3S97AA
Z3736F, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 2048
1172 Points -2%
Toshiba Satellite Click Mini L9W-B-102
Z3735F, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 2048
1008 Points -16%
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
Z8300, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 2048
1202 Points +1%
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
6Y30, HD Graphics 515, 4096
3186 Points +166%
CrystalDiskMark 3.0
Read Seq (sort by value)
Dell Venue 8 Pro 5855
Z8500, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 4096
125.9 MB/s
Dell Venue 8 Pro 3845
Z3735G, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 1024
88.7 MB/s -30%
HP Pro Tablet 408 G1 L3S97AA
Z3736F, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 2048
114.8 MB/s -9%
Toshiba Satellite Click Mini L9W-B-102
Z3735F, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 2048
90.1 MB/s -28%
Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 8
Z3745, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 2048
176 MB/s +40%
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
Z8300, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 2048
65.6 MB/s -48%
Microsoft Surface 3
Z8700, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 4096
149.3 MB/s +19%
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
6Y30, HD Graphics 515, 4096
663 MB/s +427%
Write Seq (sort by value)
Dell Venue 8 Pro 5855
Z8500, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 4096
58.4 MB/s
Dell Venue 8 Pro 3845
Z3735G, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 1024
50.7 MB/s -13%
HP Pro Tablet 408 G1 L3S97AA
Z3736F, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 2048
55.3 MB/s -5%
Toshiba Satellite Click Mini L9W-B-102
Z3735F, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 2048
44.71 MB/s -23%
Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 8
Z3745, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 2048
71 MB/s +22%
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
Z8300, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 2048
11.8 MB/s -80%
Microsoft Surface 3
Z8700, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 4096
47.99 MB/s -18%
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
6Y30, HD Graphics 515, 4096
158.2 MB/s +171%
Read 512 (sort by value)
Dell Venue 8 Pro 5855
Z8500, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 4096
101.9 MB/s
Dell Venue 8 Pro 3845
Z3735G, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 1024
80.6 MB/s -21%
HP Pro Tablet 408 G1 L3S97AA
Z3736F, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 2048
118 MB/s +16%
Toshiba Satellite Click Mini L9W-B-102
Z3735F, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 2048
86.1 MB/s -16%
Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 8
Z3745, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 2048
156 MB/s +53%
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
Z8300, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 2048
63.5 MB/s -38%
Microsoft Surface 3
Z8700, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 4096
133.7 MB/s +31%
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
6Y30, HD Graphics 515, 4096
313.1 MB/s +207%
Write 512 (sort by value)
Dell Venue 8 Pro 5855
Z8500, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 4096
43.9 MB/s
Dell Venue 8 Pro 3845
Z3735G, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 1024
43.57 MB/s -1%
HP Pro Tablet 408 G1 L3S97AA
Z3736F, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 2048
63.5 MB/s +45%
Toshiba Satellite Click Mini L9W-B-102
Z3735F, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 2048
38.17 MB/s -13%
Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 8
Z3745, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 2048
43 MB/s -2%
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
Z8300, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 2048
11.3 MB/s -74%
Microsoft Surface 3
Z8700, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 4096
39.9 MB/s -9%
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
6Y30, HD Graphics 515, 4096
158.2 MB/s +260%
Read 4k (sort by value)
Dell Venue 8 Pro 5855
Z8500, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 4096
13.6 MB/s
Dell Venue 8 Pro 3845
Z3735G, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 1024
10.66 MB/s -22%
HP Pro Tablet 408 G1 L3S97AA
Z3736F, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 2048
17.4 MB/s +28%
Toshiba Satellite Click Mini L9W-B-102
Z3735F, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 2048
9.12 MB/s -33%
Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 8
Z3745, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 2048
12 MB/s -12%
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
Z8300, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 2048
8.9 MB/s -35%
Microsoft Surface 3
Z8700, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 4096
12.64 MB/s -7%
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
6Y30, HD Graphics 515, 4096
30.14 MB/s +122%
Write 4k (sort by value)
Dell Venue 8 Pro 5855
Z8500, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 4096
8.2 MB/s
Dell Venue 8 Pro 3845
Z3735G, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 1024
8.261 MB/s +1%
HP Pro Tablet 408 G1 L3S97AA
Z3736F, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 2048
8.719 MB/s +6%
Toshiba Satellite Click Mini L9W-B-102
Z3735F, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 2048
10.26 MB/s +25%
Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 8
Z3745, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 2048
10 MB/s +22%
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
Z8300, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 2048
1.3 MB/s -84%
Microsoft Surface 3
Z8700, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 4096
9.52 MB/s +16%
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
6Y30, HD Graphics 515, 4096
68 MB/s +729%
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score (sort by value)
Dell Venue 8 Pro 5855
Z8500, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 4096
54.6 Points
HP Pro Tablet 408 G1 L3S97AA
Z3736F, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 2048
42.11 Points -23%
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
Z8300, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 2048
41.8 Points -23%
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total (sort by value)
Dell Venue 8 Pro 5855
Z8500, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 4096
4897 ms *
Dell Venue 8 Pro 3845
Z3735G, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 1024
8969 ms * -83%
HP Pro Tablet 408 G1 L3S97AA
Z3736F, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 2048
5502 ms * -12%
Toshiba Satellite Click Mini L9W-B-102
Z3735F, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 2048
8959 ms * -83%
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
Z8300, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 2048
5656 ms * -15%
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
6Y30, HD Graphics 515, 4096
1556 ms * +68%
Octane V2 - Total Score (sort by value)
Dell Venue 8 Pro 5855
Z8500, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 4096
7843 Points
Dell Venue 8 Pro 3845
Z3735G, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 1024
3375 Points -57%
HP Pro Tablet 408 G1 L3S97AA
Z3736F, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 2048
7007 Points -11%
Toshiba Satellite Click Mini L9W-B-102
Z3735F, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 2048
3067 Points -61%
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
Z8300, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 2048
6282 Points -20%
Cinebench R11.5
CPU Multi 64Bit (sort by value)
Dell Venue 8 Pro 5855
Z8500, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 4096
1.21 Points
Microsoft Surface 3
Z8700, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 4096
1.79 Points +48%
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
6Y30, HD Graphics 515, 4096
2.27 Points +88%
CPU Single 64Bit (sort by value)
Dell Venue 8 Pro 5855
Z8500, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 4096
0.43 Points
Microsoft Surface 3
Z8700, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 4096
0.46 Points +7%
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
6Y30, HD Graphics 515, 4096
0.98 Points +128%
Cinebench R15
CPU Multi 64Bit (sort by value)
Dell Venue 8 Pro 5855
Z8500, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 4096
73 Points
Microsoft Surface 3
Z8700, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 4096
134 Points +84%
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
6Y30, HD Graphics 515, 4096
206 Points +182%
CPU Single 64Bit (sort by value)
Dell Venue 8 Pro 5855
Z8500, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 4096
35 Points
Microsoft Surface 3
Z8700, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 4096
38 Points +9%
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
6Y30, HD Graphics 515, 4096
88 Points +151%

* ... smaller is better

Games

While all games from the Windows Store should be easily playable, only older 3D games for the PC will achieve playable frame rates. However, they will hardly be fun even then without being touch optimized, and providing that games like "Tomb Raider" (2013) still run smoothly in minimum settings.

The comparison clearly illustrates the impact of dual-channel mode in systems with integrated graphics unit. Toshiba's Satellite Click 10 with 2 GB of RAM (single-channel) and a marginally lower clock rate lags behind the 4 GB systems quite considerably.

Tomb Raider
1024x768 Low Preset (sort by value)
Dell Venue 8 Pro 5855
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8500, Hynix HCG8E 64 GB
27.8 fps
Microsoft Surface 3
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8700, 128 GB eMMC Flash
33.6 fps +21%
Toshiba Satellite Click 10 LX0W-C-104
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8300, 32 GB eMMC Flash
19.7 fps -29%
1366x768 Normal Preset AA:FX AF:4x (sort by value)
Dell Venue 8 Pro 5855
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8500, Hynix HCG8E 64 GB
13.5 fps
Microsoft Surface 3
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8700, 128 GB eMMC Flash
14.8 fps +10%
Toshiba Satellite Click 10 LX0W-C-104
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8300, 32 GB eMMC Flash
10.5 fps -22%

Emissions

Stress test: FurMark + Prime95
Stress test: FurMark + Prime95

Temperature

No one will burn their fingers on our review sample during normal use; it remains below 30 degrees Celsius (~86 degrees Fahrenheit) with only a few exceptions. However, it can sometimes get quite unpleasant during prolonged full load. That is not only true for the Venue 8 Pro but also for virtually all passively cooled tablets based on an Atom (and thus the all pursuers in the field).

The tablet cannot maintain its maximum performance for very long during full load. This is not surprising since it cannot actively discharge waste heat, which means that the temperature development has to be forced down. The clock dropped consistently shortly after initiating our stress test, and finally settled at 480 MHz (so almost one GHz below the base clock). Even at this low level, it took a very long time for the CPU's temperature to drop; while, it needed only a few minutes to reach its maximum of 83 degrees Celsius (~181 degrees Fahrenheit).

Max. Load
 39 °C
102 F
37.8 °C
100 F
34.2 °C
94 F
 
 38.1 °C
101 F
34.3 °C
94 F
35.8 °C
96 F
 
 35.5 °C
96 F
33 °C
91 F
34.3 °C
94 F
 
Maximum: 39 °C = 102 F
Average: 35.8 °C = 96 F
37.2 °C
99 F
38 °C
100 F
46.8 °C
116 F
33.3 °C
92 F
33.9 °C
93 F
45.6 °C
114 F
32.6 °C
91 F
32.3 °C
90 F
36.2 °C
97 F
Maximum: 46.8 °C = 116 F
Average: 37.3 °C = 99 F
Power Supply (max.)  45.2 °C = 113 F | Room Temperature 20.9 °C = 70 F | FIRT 550-Pocket
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 35.8 °C / 96 F, compared to the average of 30 °C / 86 F for the devices in the class Tablet.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 39 °C / 102 F, compared to the average of 33.8 °C / 93 F, ranging from 20.7 to 53.2 °C for the class Tablet.
(-) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 46.8 °C / 116 F, compared to the average of 33.3 °C / 92 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 28.7 °C / 84 F, compared to the device average of 30 °C / 86 F.
Dell Venue 8 Pro 5855
Z8500, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail)
Dell Venue 8 Pro 3845
Z3735G, HD Graphics (Bay Trail)
HP Pro Tablet 408 G1 L3S97AA
Z3736F, HD Graphics (Bay Trail)
Toshiba Satellite Click Mini L9W-B-102
Z3735F, HD Graphics (Bay Trail)
Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 8
Z3745, HD Graphics (Bay Trail)
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
Z8300, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail)
Heat
-2%
-6%
-11%
11%
-3%
Maximum Upper Side *
39
40.4
-4%
44.7
-15%
47.6
-22%
35.1
10%
47
-21%
Maximum Bottom *
46.8
48
-3%
48.5
-4%
47.6
-2%
44.5
5%
49
-5%
Idle Upper Side *
32.4
32.3
-0%
31.2
4%
35
-8%
26.3
19%
30
7%
Idle Bottom *
29.2
29.2
-0%
31.4
-8%
32.4
-11%
26.3
10%
27
8%

* ... smaller is better

Speakers

Pink Noise
Pink Noise

Like its predecessor, the Venue 8 Pro is configured with a so-to-say mono speaker. In fact, two speakers are installed, but they are very close together on the casing's lower side. Actually, this is too bad since they produce a relatively rich sound and hardly distort at higher volumes. Although they are satisfactory for watching a video, the lack of any surround is particularly irritating in this case.

It is not only in playback that the Venue 8 Pro shows weaknesses. The voice recording quality via the installed microphone is not satisfactory - it sounds muffled and is relatively quiet even when the speaker is only a few centimeters away from the microphone. Consequently, there is actually no way of connecting external devices to the mini-jack in terms of sound.

Energy Management

Venue 8 Pro's 10 watt power supply
Venue 8 Pro's 10 watt power supply

Power Consumption

The power consumption of the new Venue Pro 8 is average. It looks good compared with its predecessor and HP's Pro Tablet as the most direct rival, especially in the everyday-relevant average consumption during low load. However, more frugal devices are found even among the opponents based on the somewhat energy hungry Bay Trail architecture, such as Lenovo's Yoga. Finally, the very frugal Chuwi's Vi8 Plus indicates that the review sample is probably not one of the most economic Cherry Trail models.

The Venue 8 Pro requires a maximum of 9 watts during load. The 10-watt power supply delivers enough energy to prevent the battery from draining even in demanding application scenarios. However, it takes its time for recharging a depleted device - that is a good 5 hours in standby mode to be more precise.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.3 / 0.32 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 2.4 / 4 / 4.2 Watt
Load midlight 8.8 / 9 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
Dell Venue 8 Pro 5855
Intel Atom x5-Z8500
Dell Venue 8 Pro 3845
Intel Atom Z3735G
HP Pro Tablet 408 G1 L3S97AA
Intel Atom Z3736F
Toshiba Satellite Click Mini L9W-B-102
Intel Atom Z3735F
Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 8
Intel Atom Z3745
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
Intel Atom x5-Z8300
Power Consumption
-34%
-65%
-0%
15%
18%
Idle Minimum *
2.4
4
-67%
5.6
-133%
1.8
25%
1.3
46%
1.7
29%
Idle Average *
4
6.4
-60%
7.4
-85%
3.2
20%
3.2
20%
1.7
57%
Idle Maximum *
4.2
6.6
-57%
7.6
-81%
4.4
-5%
3.4
19%
3.3
21%
Load Average *
8.8
8.6
2%
8.6
2%
10.8
-23%
8.6
2%
7.4
16%
Load Maximum *
9
8.1
10%
11.5
-28%
10.6
-18%
10
-11%
12.1
-34%

* ... smaller is better

Battery Runtime

The battery in the Venue 8 Pro 5855 has a capacity of 18.3 Wh. The tablet achieves quite "interesting" results with this energy reserve. Both the idle and load runtimes are very good, and are clearly longer than that of the Venue 8 Pro 2015 despite an only marginally larger battery. The runtimes in our practical Wi-Fi test and during video playback clearly lag behind (even when considering that the former Venue went through a slightly different Wi-Fi test). We performed the test twice to exclude measuring errors - the results barely changed.

A logical explanation would be that the new Cherry Trail CPU consumes less power, but the higher-resolution screen needs considerably more than that of its predecessor. As long as the CPU is the "main consumer" (i.e. maximum screen dimming or maximum performance), the runtimes would turn out better (as observed) than with the Bay Trail Venue. On the other hand, the consumption-related disadvantages of the new screen would prevail in medium screen brightness and, at the same time, low CPU load as in the case of the Wi-Fi or H.264 test.

In a nutshell, it can be said that it will probably not be enough for a full 8 hour workday in daily routine. This appears to be a shortcoming for a tablet that is aggressively advertised as a productive tool; the office oriented HP Pro Tablet is more convincing here. Users who have to frequently work overtime could also take Toshiba's Satellite Click Mini that lasts for a full 10 hours in Wi-Fi mode. However, to be fair, we have to add that it also has a considerably higher battery capacity and weighs 100 grams (~3.5 oz) more than our review sample.

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
14h 17min
WiFi Websurfing
5h 20min
Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p
5h 14min
Load (maximum brightness)
3h 07min
Dell Venue 8 Pro 5855
18.3 Wh
Dell Venue 8 Pro 3845
18 Wh
HP Pro Tablet 408 G1 L3S97AA
18 Wh
Toshiba Satellite Click Mini L9W-B-102
39 Wh
Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 8
24 Wh
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
 Wh
Battery Runtime
-10%
53%
49%
-3%
-38%
Reader / Idle
857
711
-17%
1066
24%
829
-3%
H.264
314
367
17%
180
-43%
WiFi v1.3
320
491
53%
600
88%
214
-33%
Load
187
130
-30%
251
34%
WiFi
402
368

Pros

+ high hardware performance
+ furnished with Windows 10 Professional
+ solid build

Cons

- slightly dark screen
- middling battery life
- poor connectivity

Verdict

In review: Dell Venue 8 Pro. Test model courtesy of Dell.
In review: Dell Venue 8 Pro. Test model courtesy of Dell.

Dell's Venue 8 Pro is undoubtedly a solid tablet. The performance that Dell extracts from Intel's Cherry Trail platform seems quite amazing.

The configuration of 4 GB of working memory in dual-channel mode ensures measurable performance advantages compared with many rivals. Supported by Windows 10 Professional and 64 GB of high-performance eMMC read only memory, the Venue 8 Pro is very pleasant to work with in everyday tasks.

The high-resolution screen is not as prominent - although it delivers sharp and rich colored images, it only has a mediocre brightness. The connectivity is very meager and almost forces the user to buy one of the relatively expensive port replicators. The absence of a keyboard dock would have been desirable in times of convertible and co., especially since another battery might have found room in the keyboard to compensate for the somewhat below average battery life.

Ultimately, Dell's Venue 8 Pro convinces as a total package. Buyers looking for such a compact Windows tablet with high-performance hardware will only find few alternatives. First convertibles based on Core m CPUs, such as Microsoft's Surface Pro 4, provide noticeably more performance, but they are also usually larger (and of course considerably more expensive than our review sample that costs around 450 US Dollars).

We can only hope that the new model lineup will soon find its way across the pond into German stores.

Dell Venue 8 Pro 5855 - 04/19/2016 v5.1(old)
Oliver Moebel

Chassis
81%
Keyboard
64 / 80 → 80%
Pointing Device
80%
Connectivity
39 / 65 → 61%
Weight
85 / 40-88 → 94%
Battery
82%
Display
79%
Games Performance
34 / 68 → 51%
Application Performance
45 / 76 → 60%
Temperature
89%
Noise
100%
Audio
41 / 91 → 45%
Camera
55 / 85 → 64%
Average
67%
80%
Tablet - Weighted Average

Pricecompare

Read all 2 comments / answer
static version load dynamic
Loading Comments
Comment on this article
Please share our article, every link counts!
Oliver Moebel, 2016-05-20 (Update: 2018-05-15)