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Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 (SM-T590N) Tablet Review

A real entertainer. The Galaxy Tab A 10.5 is Samsung's update of its mid-range Galaxy Tab A 10.1 tablet. The 10.5-inch Android device is supposed to set itself apart from its competition with its WUXGA display, Dolby Atmos sound, a family-friendly kids mode and long battery runtimes.

The Galaxy Tab A from Samsung has grown and been given a good overhaul. While the Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2016) had a 10.1-inch screen, its successor, the Galaxy Tab A 10.5, now measures 10.5 inches.

The tablet is available as Wi-Fi-only or as an LTE version. Both models are equipped with the Qualcomm SoC Snapdragon 450, the Adreno 506, 3 GB of RAM and either 32 or 64 GB of storage. The Wi-Fi version retails for $330. Please note that the LTE version is not available in the US at the time of writing. 

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 has quite a lot of features: It continues in its predecessor's footsteps with a WUXGA resolution of 1920x1200 pixels, offers WLAN 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, an 8-MP camera, the current Android 8.1 Oreo and four speakers with Dolby Atmos.

Find out how well the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 can fare in this highly competitive mid-range market and what has changed in comparison to the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2016) in our review. We have also included the following comparison devices: Acer Iconia Tab 10 (A3-A50)Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML)Amazon Fire HD 10 (2017) and Medion Lifetab P10606.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N (Galaxy Tab A Series)
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 8 x 1.8 GHz, Cortex-A53
Graphics adapter
Memory
3 GB 
Display
10.50 inch 16:10, 1920 x 1200 pixel 216 PPI, capacitive, IPS, Gorilla Glass 4, glossy: yes
Storage
32 GB eMMC Flash, 32 GB 
, 22.5 GB free
Connections
1 USB 2.0, Audio Connections: 3.5 mm audio jack, Card Reader: microSD cards up to 400 GB (FAT, FAT32, exFAT), Brightness Sensor, Sensors: accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, Hall sensor, USB C
Networking
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4.2, body SAR 0.555 W/kg, GPS
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 8 x 260 x 161.1 ( = 0.31 x 10.24 x 6.34 in)
Battery
7300 mAh Lithium-Ion, cannot be exchanged, Battery runtime (according to manufacturer): 15 h
Operating System
Android 8.1 Oreo
Camera
Primary Camera: 8 MPix flash, auto focus, videos with up to 1920 x 1080 pixels @ 30 fps
Secondary Camera: 5 MPix videos with up to 1920 x 1080 pixels @ 30 fps
Additional features
Keyboard: virtual, modular power supply, USB cable (Type C to Type A), SIM tool, quick guide, warranty information, 24 Months Warranty, fanless
Weight
531 g ( = 18.73 oz / 1.17 pounds), Power Supply: 35 g ( = 1.23 oz / 0.08 pounds)
Price
329 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Case - the non-slip surface keeps the tablet secure in your hands

The looks of our Galaxy Tab A 10.5 have remained mostly unchanged compared to its predecessor - apart from the increase in size from 10.1 to 10.5 inches, of course. The Samsung logo that was previously positioned along the top of the tablet has been removed, as has the physical home button, which is now part of the virtual Android buttons on the display. The practical, no-fuss design and the relatively narrow bezels with rounded corners have remained the same.

The tablet has lost half a millimeter in thickness (now 8 mm). The entire front of the tablet is protected by Gorilla Glass 4 while the back cover is made of plastic that still gives a very high-quality impression with its slightly flexible non-slip surface. The tablet is very stable and does not give way under pressure. It can only be warped very slightly.

Size Comparison

267 mm / 10.5 inch 169.2 mm / 6.66 inch 8.9 mm / 0.3504 inch 531 g1.171 lbs262 mm / 10.3 inch 159 mm / 6.26 inch 9.8 mm / 0.3858 inch 497 g1.096 lbs262 mm / 10.3 inch 157 mm / 6.18 inch 8.5 mm / 0.3346 inch 580 g1.279 lbs260 mm / 10.2 inch 161.1 mm / 6.34 inch 8 mm / 0.315 inch 531 g1.171 lbs254.2 mm / 10 inch 155.3 mm / 6.11 inch 8.2 mm / 0.3228 inch 525 g1.157 lbs251.77 mm / 9.91 inch 172.17 mm / 6.78 inch 8.95 mm / 0.3524 inch 490 g1.08 lbs210 mm / 8.27 inch 148 mm / 5.83 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 2.9 g0.00639 lbs

Connectivity - USB-C, connector for docking station, quick-charge function

Samsung has equipped its tablet with the octa-core SoC Qualcomm Snapdragon 450, 3 GB of RAM and the integrated graphics solution Qualcomm Adreno 506. This is a decent mid-range configuration. The device is available with either 32 or 64 GB of storage. Our test unit is the 32-GB version, of which we have 22.5 GB available after setup. The microSD slot supports cards with a capacity of up to 400 GB and it is possible to store apps on there as well.

Apart from the standard ports such as a USB Type-C port with USB 2.0 speeds that supports OTG and a 3.5-mm audio jack, the Samsung tablet also includes a docking port with which the Galaxy Tab A 10.5 can be connected to the charging dock Pogo. This offers some nice features such as the display of favorite photos, the time or current weather forecast while charging. The sound system is another special feature: The Samsung Galaxy Tab A is equipped with four speakers, one in each corner, and it supports Dolby Atmos.

Left: docking port
Left: docking port
Right: microSD slot, volume rocker, power button
Right: microSD slot, volume rocker, power button
Top: speakers, 3.5-mm audio jack
Top: speakers, 3.5-mm audio jack
Bottom: speakers, USB-C port (USB 2.0)
Bottom: speakers, USB-C port (USB 2.0)

Software - Android 8.1 and Samsung Experience 9.5

The Galaxy Tab A 10.5 runs on the current Android 8.1 Oreo, which Samsung has supplemented with its own user interface, Experience, in the version 9.5. Although it offers numerous additional features and settings, the navigation is similar enough for Android users to quickly get used to the Samsung UI. The Android security patches were dated June 1, 2018 at the time of testing (mid-October), so they are no longer really up to date. This is because Samsung only offers quarterly updates for some of its mobile devices, including tablets.

The tablet comes with the obligatory Google apps as well as a selection of Microsoft apps such as Word, Excel and Skype. The third app package consists of Samsung's own apps such as a file manager and the app store Galaxy Apps. The tablet is made family-friendly by introducing a kids mode, which turns the Galaxy Tab A 10.5 into a simple, child-friendly interface with special apps and games. If you swipe to the right on the home screen you get to Bixby Home, which offers a compilation of news, appointments, weather and activities.

Communication and GPS - fast and precise positioning

The Galaxy Tab A 10.5 is available in two versions: with LTE and with Wi-Fi only. Our test unit is the Wi-Fi-only version that is equipped with Bluetooth 4.2 and the IEEE 802.11 standards a/b/g/n/ac. It can connect to both the 2.4 and the 5-GHz bands.

The Galaxy Tab A 10.5 was very fast in our Wi-Fi test. We measured 216 Mb/s when receiving data from our reference router, Linksys EA8500, although this rate could have been higher had there not been a short-term drop in the transfer rates. There were no issues when it came to sending data (312 Mb/s). Overall, the Galaxy Tab A 10.5 has similar speeds to the Acer Iconia Tab 10 (A3-A50), the Amazon Fire HD 10 (2017) and the Medion Lifetab P10606. Only the Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML) cannot keep up here.

Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N
Adreno 506, SD 450, 32 GB eMMC Flash
312 (291min - 325max) MBit/s
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50
PowerVR GX6250, MT8176, 64 GB eMMC Flash
240 MBit/s -23%
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017
PowerVR GX6250, MT8173, 64 GB eMMC Flash
227 MBit/s -27%
Medion Lifetab P10606
Adreno 505, 430, 32 GB eMMC Flash
186 MBit/s -40%
Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML)
Mali-T720 MP2, MT8735, 16 GB eMMC Flash
84.9 MBit/s -73%
iperf3 receive AX12
Medion Lifetab P10606
Adreno 505, 430, 32 GB eMMC Flash
305 MBit/s +41%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50
PowerVR GX6250, MT8176, 64 GB eMMC Flash
262 MBit/s +21%
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017
PowerVR GX6250, MT8173, 64 GB eMMC Flash
241 MBit/s +12%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N
Adreno 506, SD 450, 32 GB eMMC Flash
216 (49min - 250max) MBit/s
Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML)
Mali-T720 MP2, MT8735, 16 GB eMMC Flash
85.2 MBit/s -61%
020406080100120140160180200220240260280300320Tooltip
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N Adreno 506, SD 450, 32 GB eMMC Flash; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø216 (49-250)
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N Adreno 506, SD 450, 32 GB eMMC Flash; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø312 (291-325)
GPS reception: indoors
GPS reception: indoors
GPS reception: outdoors
GPS reception: outdoors

The Samsung tablet uses GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou for its location services. While it needed some time to locate us indoors, the Galaxy Tab A 10.5 still managed to position us within three meters, which is just as precise as it was outdoors. We did not have to wait as long for our location outdoors.

We tested the GPS module by taking the tablet on a bike ride together with the professional navigator Garmin Edge 500. The result shows that the Galaxy Tab A 10.5 fares very well while navigating. Both devices offered a similar performance, although the Garmin did a little better. The Galaxy Tab A 10.5 passes on very precise location data to apps.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5: overview
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5: overview
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5: lake
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5: lake
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5: turning point
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5: turning point
Garmin Edge 500: overview
Garmin Edge 500: overview
Garmin Edge 500: lake
Garmin Edge 500: lake
Garmin Edge 500: turning point
Garmin Edge 500: turning point

Cameras - good for occasional snapshots

Picture taken with main camera
Picture taken with main camera
Picture taken with webcam
Picture taken with webcam

The 8-MP main camera that is equipped with a flash and auto focus can take pictures with a resolution of up to 3264x2448 pixels. If you want your photos to be in the 16:9 format, the image size will be reduced to 6 MP. Videos can be recorded in Full HD and with 30 images per second both with the main camera and with the 5-MP webcam. 

Both cameras offer several image modes. The main camera supports panorama pictures, HDR and Burst mode. The webcam is obviously directed at selfies and fun photos and includes a sticker mode with many options. Both cameras support Bixby Vision, an augmented reality app that does things like automatically translate texts, find places and read QR codes.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 takes decent photos, although they cannot be compared with those taken with good entry-level smartphones. The pictures always appear slightly washed-out, even in ideal lighting, and the tablet cannot display small details accurately. The camera cannot deal with bad ambient lighting. But overall, the image quality of both the main camera and the webcam are sufficient for occasional snapshots.

Image Comparison

Choose a scene and navigate within the first image. One click changes the position on touchscreens. One click on the zoomed-in image opens the original in a new window. The first image shows the scaled photograph of the test device.

Scene 1Scene 2Scene 3

We use the ColorChecker Passport to find out how well colors are reproduced by the Samsung Galaxy A 10.5 camera. Colors and grayscales are always displayed too brightly, which makes pictures appear quite flashy.

The sharpness test chart, photographed in controlled lighting, shows the same result as our test photos. Details are relatively sharp, but the camera cannot display fine details correctly.

ColorChecker. The reference color is in the bottom half of the field.
ColorChecker. The reference color is in the bottom half of the field.
Section of test chart
Section of test chart
Photo of test chart
Photo of test chart

Accessories and Warranty - optional docking station

Samsung ships the Galaxy Tab A 10.5 together with a modular quick-charge power supply (9V/1.67A or 5V/2A), a USB cable (Type-C to Type-A) and a SIM tool. There is also a quick-start guide and warranty information. Users can purchase the Book Cover ($60) in black or gray as well as the black charging dock Pogo (also $60) via the online store. The latter can also be used for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 has a 24-month warranty. Please see our Guarantees, Return policies and Warranties FAQ for country-specific information.

Input Devices & Handling - authentication with face recognition

The capacitive WUXGA touchscreen of the Galaxy Tab A 10.5 recognizes up to 10 simultaneous inputs. It is very responsive and precise even in the corners. The two physical buttons (power button and volume rocker) also respond very well. Both have a clear pressure point and sit tight, which gives an impression of high quality. So does the back cover, despite being made of plastic. The tablet does not have a fingerprint reader, but you can use face recognition to log on to the tablet, which worked well in our test. 

The slightly rubbery surface of the back does not just feel nice, it also enables a secure grip. The tablet can easily be held without the risk of it slipping out of your hand and falling to the ground.

The only flaw is that the generally highly reactive Galaxy Tab A 10.5 occasionally takes some time to perform the requested action. This happened particularly often after restarting the tablet or waking it after being in standby for a long time. But in the end, these pauses were so short when they occurred that they are hardly worth mentioning. 

The standard keyboard (Samsung keyboard) in landscape mode
The standard keyboard (Samsung keyboard) in landscape mode
Keyboard in portrait mode
Keyboard in portrait mode

Display - very bright, very accurate

Subpixel array
Subpixel array

Samsung has equipped the Galaxy Tab A 10.5 with a 10.5-inch IPS panel that has a WUXGA resolution of 1920x1200 pixels. This equates to a pixel density of 216 PPI.

The display is very bright on an all-white background at around 514.3 cd/m². A more realistic, even distribution of bright and dark areas (APL50) increases the luminosity to 570 cd/m². With the ambient light sensor turned off, the brightness only reaches up to 489 cd/m².

The predecessor, Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2016), had a brightness of 520.1 cd/m², which is comparable to today's test unit. However, its brightness distribution was slightly better at 91 instead of 87%. The comparison devices are all way behind in this area with brightness levels below 400 cd/m².

491
cd/m²
512
cd/m²
485
cd/m²
518
cd/m²
556
cd/m²
490
cd/m²
528
cd/m²
532
cd/m²
517
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 556 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 514.3 cd/m² Minimum: 4.46 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 87 %
Center on Battery: 556 cd/m²
Contrast: 1324:1 (Black: 0.42 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 1.8 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 2.2 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
Gamma: 2.26
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N
IPS, 1920x1200, 10.50
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50
IPS, 1920x1200, 10.10
Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML)
IPS, 1280x800, 10.10
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017
IPS, 1920x1200, 10.10
Medion Lifetab P10606
IPS, 1920x1200, 10.10
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2016 SM-T585
TFT, 1920x1200, 10.10
Screen
-177%
-52%
-60%
-185%
-57%
Brightness middle
556
340
-39%
392
-29%
426
-23%
326
-41%
542
-3%
Brightness
514
320
-38%
383
-25%
399
-22%
338
-34%
520
1%
Brightness Distribution
87
84
-3%
81
-7%
91
5%
92
6%
91
5%
Black Level *
0.42
0.19
55%
0.25
40%
0.38
10%
0.56
-33%
0.68
-62%
Contrast
1324
1789
35%
1568
18%
1121
-15%
582
-56%
797
-40%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
1.8
15
-733%
4.2
-133%
4.5
-150%
9.1
-406%
4.2
-133%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
3.2
22.8
-613%
11.2
-250%
7.9
-147%
18.2
-469%
6.7
-109%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
2.2
4
-82%
2.9
-32%
5.2
-136%
12
-445%
4.8
-118%
Gamma
2.26 97%
2.09 105%
2.23 99%
2.23 99%
2.32 95%
2.42 91%
CCT
6819 95%
6940 94%
7115 91%
6875 95%
11359 57%
7434 87%

* ... smaller is better

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 18110 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

Our measurements with the colorimeter X-Rite i1pro 2 and the CalMAN software show that the Samsung tablet is already very well calibrated ex-works. We are also giving Samsung additional points for the very good contrast ratio of 1324:1, which makes colors appear very vivid on the Galaxy Tab A 10.5. The color and grayscale DeltaE values are all within the ideal rate with a maximum measurement of 2.2. The color temperature is almost perfect at 6819 K.

Color accuracy (target color space: P3)
Color accuracy (target color space: P3)
Color space (target color space: P3)
Color space (target color space: P3)
Grayscales (target color space: P3)
Grayscales (target color space: P3)
Saturation (target color space: P3)
Saturation (target color space: P3)

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
24.8 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 8.4 ms rise
↘ 16.4 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. » 52 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
54.8 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 24.8 ms rise
↘ 30 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 90 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

As long as there are not too many reflections on the display, users should not have any difficulties using the Galaxy Tab A 10.5 in bright surroundings thanks to its great brightness levels. The IPS panel further increases readability with its good viewing angles. Although there might be some loss in brightness and reddish discoloration in certain areas at very wide angles, this is not particularly strong and should not be an issue during everyday use.

Outdoor use
Outdoor use
Viewing angles
Viewing angles

Performance - sufficient for everyday tasks

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.0 is equipped with the mid-range SoC Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 that has eight ARM Cortex A53 processor cores that clock at up to 1.8 GHz. The processor is supported by 3 GB of RAM and the integrated GPU Qualcomm Adreno 506. Together, these components offer good, although not brilliant, system performance that can handle everyday tasks with ease. 

The synthetic benchmarks place the Galaxy Tab A 10.5 on the same level as the Amazon Fire HD 10 (2017) and just above the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2016). 

AnTuTu v6 - Total Score
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50
78980 Points +43%
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017
63777 Points +15%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (54731 - 60077, n=10)
57703 Points +4%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N
55314 Points
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2016 SM-T585
44191 Points -20%
Medion Lifetab P10606
44015 Points -20%
Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML)
34009 Points -39%
AnTuTu v7 - Total Score
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017
77717 Points +10%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N
70431 Points
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (56497 - 73468, n=11)
69869 Points -1%
Medion Lifetab P10606
44992 Points -36%
PCMark for Android
Work performance score
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50
5843 Points +19%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (4836 - 6062, n=14)
5364 Points +9%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N
4914 Points
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017
4895 Points 0%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2016 SM-T585
4796 Points -2%
Medion Lifetab P10606
4449 Points -9%
Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML)
3948 Points -20%
Work 2.0 performance score
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50
4827 Points +16%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (4171 - 4759, n=14)
4502 Points +8%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N
4171 Points
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017
3678 Points -12%
Medion Lifetab P10606
3508 Points -16%
Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML)
2980 Points -29%
BaseMark OS II
Overall
Average of class Tablet (444 - 8886, n=51, last 2 years)
3569 Points +817%
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017
1312 Points +237%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (389 - 1337, n=14)
1083 Points +178%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50
1016 Points +161%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2016 SM-T585
1015 Points +161%
Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML)
647 Points +66%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N
389 Points
Medion Lifetab P10606
313 Points -20%
System
Average of class Tablet (1103 - 14097, n=51, last 2 years)
6449 Points +152%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (2560 - 2898, n=14)
2736 Points +7%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N
2561 Points
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017
2329 Points -9%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2016 SM-T585
2240 Points -13%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50
1957 Points -24%
Medion Lifetab P10606
1744 Points -32%
Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML)
1192 Points -53%
Memory
Average of class Tablet (916 - 8890, n=51, last 2 years)
4229 Points +336%
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017
1513 Points +56%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2016 SM-T585
1362 Points +41%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (770 - 1522, n=14)
1058 Points +9%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N
969 Points
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50
968 Points 0%
Medion Lifetab P10606
772 Points -20%
Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML)
752 Points -22%
Graphics
Average of class Tablet (580 - 31738, n=51, last 2 years)
6458 Points +585%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (943 - 984, n=14)
962 Points +2%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N
943 Points
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017
833 Points -12%
Medion Lifetab P10606
729 Points -23%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50
701 Points -26%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2016 SM-T585
511 Points -46%
Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML)
292 Points -69%
Web
Average of class Tablet (10 - 1907, n=51, last 2 years)
1196 Points +11860%
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017
1010 Points +10000%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50
803 Points +7930%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2016 SM-T585
682 Points +6720%
Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML)
672 Points +6620%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (10 - 981, n=14)
671 Points +6610%
Medion Lifetab P10606
10 Points 0%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N
10 Points
Geekbench 4.4
64 Bit Single-Core Score
Average of class Tablet (745 - 5713, n=15, last 2 years)
2711 Points +264%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50
1541 Points +107%
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017
1204 Points +62%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (741 - 787, n=13)
761 Points +2%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N
745 Points
Medion Lifetab P10606
658 Points -12%
Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML)
588 Points -21%
64 Bit Multi-Core Score
Average of class Tablet (1418 - 15310, n=15, last 2 years)
7880 Points +105%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (3272 - 4022, n=13)
3862 Points 0%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N
3846 Points
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017
3305 Points -14%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50
2489 Points -35%
Medion Lifetab P10606
2477 Points -36%
Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML)
1697 Points -56%
Compute RenderScript Score
Average of class Tablet (2128 - 9945, n=10, last 2 years)
6573 Points
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (2777 - 3374, n=10)
3146 Points
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50
3081 Points
Medion Lifetab P10606
2091 Points
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017
1562 Points
Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML)
1103 Points
3DMark
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Score
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017
13227 Points +4%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (12562 - 13203, n=12)
12801 Points +1%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N
12686 Points
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50
11209 Points -12%
Medion Lifetab P10606
9460 Points -25%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2016 SM-T585
6905 Points -46%
Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML)
5188 Points -59%
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Graphics Score
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017
12771 Points +4%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (12281 - 12736, n=12)
12470 Points +1%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N
12323 Points
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50
11719 Points -5%
Medion Lifetab P10606
9602 Points -22%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2016 SM-T585
6151 Points -50%
Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML)
4622 Points -62%
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Physics
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017
15117 Points +7%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (13596 - 15273, n=12)
14216 Points 0%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N
14147 Points
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2016 SM-T585
12095 Points -15%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50
9729 Points -31%
Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML)
9076 Points -36%
Medion Lifetab P10606
8995 Points -36%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0
Average of class Tablet (507 - 8472, n=19, last 2 years)
2878 Points +257%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50
929 Points +15%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (800 - 829, n=14)
812 Points +1%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N
806 Points
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017
682 Points -15%
Medion Lifetab P10606
570 Points -29%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2016 SM-T585
468 Points -42%
Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML)
203 Points -75%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Graphics
Average of class Tablet (454 - 10759, n=19, last 2 years)
3021 Points +334%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50
884 Points +27%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (690 - 716, n=14)
701 Points +1%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N
696 Points
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017
598 Points -14%
Medion Lifetab P10606
496 Points -29%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2016 SM-T585
388 Points -44%
Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML)
167 Points -76%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Physics
Average of class Tablet (863 - 4858, n=19, last 2 years)
2901 Points +61%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N
1802 Points
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (1504 - 1901, n=14)
1785 Points -1%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2016 SM-T585
1657 Points -8%
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017
1347 Points -25%
Medion Lifetab P10606
1199 Points -33%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50
1128 Points -37%
Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML)
810 Points -55%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1)
Average of class Tablet (361 - 14235, n=49, last 2 years)
2029 Points +360%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50
602 Points +37%
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017
489 Points +11%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (438 - 449, n=14)
443 Points 0%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N
441 Points
Medion Lifetab P10606
292 Points -34%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2016 SM-T585
290 Points -34%
Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML)
134 Points -70%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Graphics
Average of class Tablet (290 - 24605, n=49, last 2 years)
2147 Points +491%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50
557 Points +53%
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017
413 Points +14%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (349 - 382, n=14)
365 Points +1%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N
363 Points
Medion Lifetab P10606
240 Points -34%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2016 SM-T585
235 Points -35%
Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML)
108 Points -70%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Physics
Average of class Tablet (858 - 5751, n=49, last 2 years)
2781 Points +57%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (1521 - 1860, n=14)
1790 Points +1%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N
1775 Points
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2016 SM-T585
1646 Points -7%
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017
1363 Points -23%
Medion Lifetab P10606
1221 Points -31%
Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML)
860 Points -52%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50
843 Points -53%
GFXBench (DX / GLBenchmark) 2.7
T-Rex Onscreen
Average of class Tablet (14 - 120, n=57, last 2 years)
58.3 fps +192%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (20 - 34, n=13)
28.1 fps +41%
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017
21 fps +5%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N
20 fps
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50
17 fps -15%
Medion Lifetab P10606
15 fps -25%
Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML)
14 fps -30%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2016 SM-T585
11 fps -45%
1920x1080 T-Rex Offscreen
Average of class Tablet (15 - 873, n=57, last 2 years)
144.2 fps +587%
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017
22 fps +5%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (21 - 23, n=13)
21.8 fps +4%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N
21 fps
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50
18 fps -14%
Medion Lifetab P10606
16 fps -24%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2016 SM-T585
12 fps -43%
Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML)
8.6 fps -59%
GFXBench 3.0
on screen Manhattan Onscreen OGL
Average of class Tablet (8.1 - 120, n=57, last 2 years)
45 fps +411%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (8.7 - 18, n=13)
13.9 fps +58%
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017
9.5 fps +8%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N
8.8 fps
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50
8.3 fps -6%
Medion Lifetab P10606
6.6 fps -25%
Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML)
6.2 fps -30%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2016 SM-T585
4.5 fps -49%
1920x1080 1080p Manhattan Offscreen
Average of class Tablet (7.3 - 494, n=57, last 2 years)
87.3 fps +849%
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017
9.9 fps +8%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (9.2 - 9.4, n=13)
9.3 fps +1%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N
9.2 fps
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50
8.5 fps -8%
Medion Lifetab P10606
7.1 fps -23%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2016 SM-T585
4.9 fps -47%
Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML)
3.1 fps -66%
GFXBench 3.1
on screen Manhattan ES 3.1 Onscreen
Average of class Tablet (4.8 - 118.3, n=57, last 2 years)
33.5 fps +488%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (5.7 - 13, n=13)
9.98 fps +75%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50
5.7 fps 0%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N
5.7 fps
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017
4.7 fps -18%
Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML)
4.3 fps -25%
Medion Lifetab P10606
4.3 fps -25%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2016 SM-T585
2.8 fps -51%
1920x1080 Manhattan ES 3.1 Offscreen
Average of class Tablet (5 - 340, n=57, last 2 years)
59.9 fps +882%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (6 - 6.9, n=13)
6.15 fps +1%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N
6.1 fps
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50
6 fps -2%
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017
4.9 fps -20%
Medion Lifetab P10606
2.2 fps -64%
Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML)
2 fps -67%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2016 SM-T585
1.7 fps -72%
GFXBench
on screen Car Chase Onscreen
Average of class Tablet (3.1 - 94.5, n=57, last 2 years)
21.2 fps +542%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (3.3 - 7, n=13)
5.4 fps +64%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N
3.3 fps
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50
3.1 fps -6%
Medion Lifetab P10606
2.4 fps -27%
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017
2 fps -39%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2016 SM-T585
1.7 fps -48%
1920x1080 Car Chase Offscreen
Average of class Tablet (2.2 - 214, n=57, last 2 years)
35.8 fps +953%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (3.3 - 3.6, n=13)
3.44 fps +1%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N
3.4 fps
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50
3 fps -12%
Medion Lifetab P10606
2.5 fps -26%
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017
2 fps -41%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2016 SM-T585
1.8 fps -47%

Legend

 
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N Qualcomm Snapdragon 450, Qualcomm Adreno 506, 32 GB eMMC Flash
 
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50 Mediatek MT8176, PowerVR GX6250, 64 GB eMMC Flash
 
Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML) Mediatek MT8735, ARM Mali-T720 MP2, 16 GB eMMC Flash
 
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017 Mediatek MT8173, PowerVR GX6250, 64 GB eMMC Flash
 
Medion Lifetab P10606 Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 (MSM8937), Qualcomm Adreno 505, 32 GB eMMC Flash
 
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2016 SM-T585 Samsung Exynos 7870 Octa, ARM Mali-T830 MP2, 16 GB eMMC Flash

The preinstalled Chrome browser (test version Chrome 69.0.3497.100) loads websites quickly but cannot set itself apart from its competitors despite the good synthetic benchmark results. The Acer Iconia Tab 10 (A3-A50) and the Amazon Fire HD 10 (2017) are the fastest devices in our browser benchmarks.

Octane V2 - Total Score
Average of class Tablet (2672 - 74614, n=70, last 2 years)
23400 Points +474%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50 (Browser: Chrome Version 63)
8897 Points +118%
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017 (Amazon Silk 61.2)
8570 Points +110%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N (Chrome 69.0.3497.100)
4078 Points
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (3470 - 4115, n=14)
3981 Points -2%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2016 SM-T585 (Chrome 52.0.2743.98)
3855 Points -5%
Medion Lifetab P10606 (Chrome 60)
3059 Points -25%
Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML) (Chrome 59)
2290 Points -44%
WebXPRT 2015 - Overall
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017 (Amazon Silk 61.2)
137 Points +38%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N (Chrome 69.0.3497.100)
99 Points
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (90 - 103, n=7)
97 Points -2%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2016 SM-T585 (Chrome 52.0.2743.98)
65 Points -34%
Medion Lifetab P10606 (Chrome 60)
63 Points -36%
Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML) (Chrome 59)
54 Points -45%
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score
Average of class Tablet (57.3 - 436, n=6, last 2 years)
143.8 Points +551%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50 (Browser: Chrome Version 63)
47.34 Points +114%
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017 (Amazon Silk 61.2)
46.39 Points +110%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2016 SM-T585 (Chrome 52.0.2743.98)
23.71 Points +7%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (22 - 22.7, n=13)
22.4 Points +1%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N (Chrome 69.0.3497.100)
22.08 Points
Medion Lifetab P10606 (Chrome 60)
18.87 Points -15%
Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML) (Chrome 59)
15.41 Points -30%
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total
Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML) (Chrome 59)
13705 ms * -19%
Medion Lifetab P10606 (Chrome 60)
12794 ms * -11%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N (Chrome 69.0.3497.100)
11529 ms *
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (11012 - 11863, n=14)
11506 ms * -0%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2016 SM-T585 (Chrome 52.0.2743.98)
9789 ms * +15%
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017 (Amazon Silk 61.2)
3976 ms * +66%
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50 (Browser: Chrome Version 63)
3756 ms * +67%
Average of class Tablet (451 - 34733, n=59, last 2 years)
3204 ms * +72%

* ... smaller is better

Depending on the configuration, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 has up to 64 GB of eMMC flash storage available. Our Wi-Fi test unit is equipped with 32 GB, the smaller of the two storage options. The Androbench speed test places the tablet slightly above its competition and the tablet can actually take the lead by a wide margin in the 4 KB Random Read test. 

The microSD slot enables users to expand internal storage by up to 400 GB. The Samsung tablet offered good mid-range performance with transfer rates of up to 80.5 MB/s in our test with our reference card Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 (max read: 270 MB/s, write: 150 MB/s). 

Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590NAcer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML)Amazon Fire HD 10 2017Medion Lifetab P10606Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2016 SM-T585Average 32 GB eMMC FlashAverage of class Tablet
AndroBench 3-5
-29%
-41%
-23%
-15%
-33%
-2%
442%
Sequential Read 256KB
285.6
173.7
-39%
216
-24%
262.2
-8%
274.7
-4%
215.8
-24%
242 ?(25.8 - 452, n=247)
-15%
848 ?(163 - 3414, n=65, last 2 years)
197%
Sequential Write 256KB
103.3
92.4
-11%
66
-36%
147.7
43%
74.2
-28%
45.88
-56%
100.5 ?(14.8 - 196, n=247)
-3%
537 ?(78.2 - 2528, n=65, last 2 years)
420%
Random Read 4KB
71.1
13.7
-81%
23
-68%
27.72
-61%
34.59
-51%
23.46
-67%
43.2 ?(3.59 - 117.2, n=247)
-39%
166.7 ?(18.4 - 451, n=65, last 2 years)
134%
Random Write 4KB
13.39
8.77
-35%
9.8
-27%
9.37
-30%
12.02
-10%
10.01
-25%
22.4 ?(0.75 - 91, n=247)
67%
149.4 ?(8.23 - 503, n=65, last 2 years)
1016%
Sequential Read 256KB SDCard
80.6 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
80.4 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
0%
40.9
-49%
55.5 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
-31%
79.6 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
-1%
75.5 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M401)
-6%
71.8 ?(8.2 - 96.5, n=178)
-11%
Sequential Write 256KB SDCard
60.4 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
56.8 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
-6%
34.9
-42%
30.14 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
-50%
64.9 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
7%
50.1 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M401)
-17%
52.9 ?(3.4 - 87.1, n=178)
-12%

Games - suitable for gaming but medium settings recommended

The Galaxy Tab A 10.5 improves the gaming experience with its impressive Dolby Atmos sound system. The four speakers are placed along the two narrow sides for the best possible sound when holding the tablet in landscape mode. The Galaxy Tab A 10.5 further supports games with its non-slip back and good gyroscope. 

However, the Samsung tablet can only be called a gaming machine to a certain extent. As our test app GameBench shows, not every game can be played in every setting. Some current graphically undemanding games such as Shadow Fight 3 can be played at a smooth 50 fps even with maximum details. But then the Galaxy Tab A 10.5 reaches its limits quite quickly with other games that have more demanding system requirements such as PUBG Mobile. Even with the graphics settings turned to "balanced", the average of 26 fps is too low for smooth gaming.

Shadow Fight 3
Shadow Fight 3
PUBG Mobile
PUBG Mobile
Shadow Fight 3
 SettingsValue
 high50 fps
  Your browser does not support the canvas element!
PUBG Mobile
 SettingsValue
 Balanced26 fps

Emissions - no throttling, Dolby Atmos sound

Temperature

GFXBench battery test (Manhattan)
GFXBench battery test (Manhattan)

The Galaxy Tab A 10.5 remained unimpressed by high loads during our tests. Even after running the stress test for one hour, the surface temperatures did not go above 35 °C. The average temperatures are below the 30 °C mark. We even measured an average of only 27.7 °C on both the front and back while idling. 

We used the battery test from GFXBench to find out whether the tablet has any heat issues on the inside. The result: There is no throttling. Even during the demanding Manhattan scenario, in which the same game scene is repeated 30 times in a row, the performance remained constant the entire time.

Max. Load
 30.7 °C
87 F
29.6 °C
85 F
34 °C
93 F
 
 28.6 °C
83 F
26.2 °C
79 F
34.5 °C
94 F
 
 25.8 °C
78 F
26.1 °C
79 F
35 °C
95 F
 
Maximum: 35 °C = 95 F
Average: 30.1 °C = 86 F
28.5 °C
83 F
28.1 °C
83 F
30.5 °C
87 F
28.3 °C
83 F
26.8 °C
80 F
30.5 °C
87 F
30 °C
86 F
27 °C
81 F
26.1 °C
79 F
Maximum: 30.5 °C = 87 F
Average: 28.4 °C = 83 F
Power Supply (max.)  26.1 °C = 79 F | Room Temperature 20.5 °C = 69 F | Voltcraft IR-260
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 30.1 °C / 86 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 35 °C / 95 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 30.5 °C / 87 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.

Speakers

Speaker characteristics
Speaker characteristics

The most important multimedia feature of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 is hidden behind inconspicuous covers on either side in landscape mode: four speakers with Dolby Atmos support.

The virtual sound improvement software can be turned on via the Android sound settings and includes an equalizer as well as predefined sound profiles for videos, voice or various styles of music. When switching between portrait and landscape mode, the tablet automatically adjusts the virtual surround sound. Dolby Atmos sounds good, but it cannot turn the Galaxy Tab A 10.5 into a mobile concert hall. While the speakers have very linear highs and mids, the bass is rather weak.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs203231.72527.622.53125.324.64026.920.75036.430.36325.926.58021.52710027.120.812524.522.316015.742.22001746.825017.556.131518.461.240016.26350014.669.863015.272.580014.772.7100014.572.9125014.271.7160013.971.7200013.868.6250014.466.5315013.963.1400014.260.6500014.561.7630014.864800014.664.31000014.959.9125001557.1160001551.5SPL26.880.7N0.947.9median 14.8median 63Delta1.58.637.932.437.930.931.330.934.231.734.233.72633.731.439.431.430.436.230.431.628.631.625.125.425.126.921.326.932.823.332.842.522.542.549.322.449.356.121.356.160.618.460.666.117.566.170.517.570.573.217.273.277.216.877.276.917.376.975.517.475.574.516.674.575.417.375.475.317.675.380.317.680.380.517.780.579.717.479.781.717.781.776.917.976.969.818.169.863.818.163.889.429.889.479.21.379.2median 74.5median 17.7median 74.510.91.710.9hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseSamsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590NSamsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2016 SM-T585
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (80.7 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 21.4% lower than median
(-) | bass is not linear (16.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | higher mids - on average 7.4% higher than median
(+) | mids are linear (4.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 1.8% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (4.8% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (20.8% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 54% of all tested devices in this class were better, 5% similar, 40% worse
» The best had a delta of 7%, average was 23%, worst was 129%
Compared to all devices tested
» 51% of all tested devices were better, 8% similar, 41% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2016 SM-T585 audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (89.4 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 35.7% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (11% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 4.2% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (5.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 4.1% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (3.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (21.9% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 59% of all tested devices in this class were better, 5% similar, 36% worse
» The best had a delta of 7%, average was 23%, worst was 129%
Compared to all devices tested
» 58% of all tested devices were better, 7% similar, 36% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Energy Management - incredible runtimes

Power Consumption

Both while idling and under load, the Galaxy Tab A 10.5 is satisfied with a comparatively low amount of power. Only the Acer Iconia Tab 10 (A3-A50) consumes less power. Like its predecessor, the Samsung device has a larger battery than the Acer tablet. All in all, these are ideal conditions for long battery runtimes.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.01 / 0.28 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 1.26 / 4.22 / 4.29 Watt
Load midlight 5.48 / 6.57 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.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N
7300 mAh
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50
6100 mAh
Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML)
4680 mAh
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017
6300 mAh
Medion Lifetab P10606
7000 mAh
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2016 SM-T585
7300 mAh
Power Consumption
-74%
22%
-20%
-31%
-5%
Idle Minimum *
1.26
3.21
-155%
0.76
40%
1.55
-23%
1.4
-11%
1.18
6%
Idle Average *
4.22
5.97
-41%
3.23
23%
4.17
1%
4.17
1%
4.65
-10%
Idle Maximum *
4.29
6.19
-44%
3.35
22%
4.25
1%
4.2
2%
4.74
-10%
Load Average *
5.48
9.72
-77%
4.79
13%
7.13
-30%
7.5
-37%
5.75
-5%
Load Maximum *
6.57
9.97
-52%
5.72
13%
9.63
-47%
13.71
-109%
6.97
-6%

* ... smaller is better

Battery Runtime

The Galaxy Tab A 10.5 proved to be very long-lasting in our test. It managed a great battery runtime of 15:38 hours during our realistic Wi-Fi test. That is two hours longer than its predecessor, which already had an impressive runtime at 13:46 hours. The tablet can play videos for over 16 hours. Overall, this device should easily manage one to several days without a power supply if used normally.

The tablet recharges very fast, which is great. The included quick-charge power supply (9V/1.67A or 5V/2A) recharged our test unit in about 3:20 hours.

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
32h 40min
WiFi Websurfing
15h 38min
Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p
16h 03min
Load (maximum brightness)
6h 25min
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N
7300 mAh
Acer Iconia Tab 10 A3-A50
6100 mAh
Asus ZenPad 10 (Z301ML)
4680 mAh
Amazon Fire HD 10 2017
6300 mAh
Medion Lifetab P10606
7000 mAh
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2016 SM-T585
7300 mAh
Battery Runtime
-59%
-35%
-40%
-12%
7%
Reader / Idle
1960
735
-62%
1321
-33%
960
-51%
1506
-23%
2634
34%
H.264
963
622
-35%
585
-39%
660
-31%
893
-7%
WiFi v1.3
938
387
-59%
467
-50%
542
-42%
796
-15%
826
-12%
Load
385
175
-55%
302
-22%
274
-29%
463
20%
428
11%

Pros

+ rubbery, non-slip back
+ USB-C port
+ Android 8.1
+ child mode
+ precise GPS
+ bright, well-balanced WUXGA display
+ remains cool during use
+ surround sound
+ very long battery runtimes
+ quick-charge power supply

Cons

- no fingerprint reader
- Android security patches not quite up to date
- average camera
- occasional lags during use
- not all games run smoothly

Verdict - a successful update

Reviewed: Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5. Test unit provided by Cyberport.
Reviewed: Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5. Test unit provided by Cyberport.

The Galaxy Tab A 10.5 is a very good mid-range tablet from Samsung. The Wi-Fi version is available at an online price of around $330 at the time of writing and offers a color-accurate 10.5-inch display with a resolution of 1920x1200. It can be described as an enduring traveling companion that offers sufficient performance for everyday use. If you are often on the go, you may want to consider the LTE version of the Galaxy Tab A 10.5. Please note that the LTE version is not available in the US at the time of writing.

A successful update: The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 is a good multimedia tablet that has a lot to offer considering its price range.

The tablet can easily be used for gaming, as long as users can accept turning down the graphic details a little when necessary. The Dolby Atmos speakers make up for this weakness by offering great sound. The optional kids mode makes the Samsung tablet suitable to be used as a family tablet.

There are only very few points of criticism for this tablet. The most important one is the fact that the camera can only really be used for occasional snapshots, although the quality is still sufficient for video chats and selfies. The Galaxy Tab A 10.5 does not include a fingerprint reader but supports identification via face recognition. We would have hoped for more regular Android security patches.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T590N - 11/05/2019 v7
Manuel Masiero

Chassis
83 / 98 → 85%
Keyboard
75 / 80 → 93%
Pointing Device
90%
Connectivity
41 / 70 → 58%
Weight
83 / 40-88 → 89%
Battery
90%
Display
89%
Games Performance
6 / 78 → 8%
Application Performance
37 / 92 → 40%
Temperature
92%
Noise
100%
Audio
73 / 91 → 80%
Camera
46 / 85 → 54%
Average
70%
81%
Tablet - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 (SM-T590N) Tablet Review
Manuel Masiero, 2018-10-15 (Update: 2019-02-26)