Moving to Tab 7 from iPad -- Apps?

[Eck81]

I'm interested in replacing my iPad (Pro, 10.5) with a new Tab 7. I like the iPad fine, but it is my only device in the Apple ecosystem, and I’d prefer to leave that completely. I use my tablet primarily for consuming media – mostly mainstream news and streaming sites (New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, etc.), though I occasionally use it for note-taking and editing with Microsoft Word and OneNote.

My biggest hesitation is how Android apps are limited on tablets. I know that Apple has more optimized apps – and I’m OK if most of the Android apps are just larger versions of phone apps. But I like to use my tablet in landscape mode and am not eager to take the leap if I have to do most of my reading via web browser.

Is there a place where I can see a list of apps that are optimized for Android tabs? Can anyone offer thoughts or suggestions? I’m not coming here as a skeptic. I really would like someone to convince me to make the change.

Thanks!

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! In the Play Store on my old Pixel C, if I go to the Top Charts category, one of the filters is "Designed for tablets." I think that's the only place I can find an official category. You can also try searching the Play Store for "designed for tablets," because it might also be part of the app description.

 

[Eck81]

Thanks, B.Diddy. I don't have that filter on my Galaxy S20 phone, but will search through the Play Store as you suggest. Eager to hear what others have to say as well.

 

[pduffer]

I have the Tab S7+ and can't think of any reason why it wouldn't satisfy your expressed needs. I use mine in Dex mode probably 98% of the time, which also is landscape.

 

[Eck81]

Thanks, pduffer. When the Tab S7+ is in Dex mode, do you use native Android apps or are you reading/streaming through a web browser?

 

[spARTacus]

I don't notice any issues using web browser for sites (sometimes as opposed to having a site's app) in landscape mode on my TabA. Lots of sites have mobile versions also, and will tailor how they provide their content if they are able to detect a tablet is being used. I periodically also use the web browser on my Samsung A21 in landscape orientation.

 

[srgonu]

I force all apps to open in landscape using an option in multistar (Good luck). I too moved from iPad Pro 9.7 to Tab S4 and now to Tab S7+. For consuming media and to multitask this form factor is absolutely great. I really enjoy this tablet.

 

[o4liberty]

Apps are better on android then apple in my comparison.

 

[Evilguppy]

Apps are better on android then apple in my comparison.

That's been my experience as well. Smoother, clearer, faster, more user friendly.

 

[Eck81]

@srgonu - Thanks again for your tip. I received a Tab S7 yesterday and (with help from you and others here) am enjoying it.

Can someone point me to a site where I can learn more about Good Lock, and Multistar in particular? I am able to force most apps into landscape mode by swiping from a corner of the screen. But it doesn't work with a few apps. (Perhaps that's just the way it is.) Also ... is there any way to set the default window size for apps? Mine open small and then I have to stretch them each time I open the app. Thank you!

 

[srgonu]

Below videos are very detailed on goodlock and should help you take advantage of the features.

https://youtu.be/TuG0EVkX9ZQ

https://youtu.be/RuGbjQrCXfs

 

[Eck81]

Great - thanks!

 

[o4liberty]

How do you like the new tab seven coming from the iPad do you think it’s better or worse.

 

[Eck81]

On the whole, I like it better. Here's a few impressions after about a week.

The screen is excellent. The 16:10 aspect ratio makes standard video better than on the iPad. Streaming on Netflix, Hulu, etc., fills the whole screen on the Galaxy Tab.

I *really* like the Galaxy Tab's integration with my Samsung phone, especially the "call and text on other devices" setting. Also, Smart Switch made it very easy to bring over settings and apps from the phone.

The S pen is great. It works well for taking notes, and I even find myself using it occasionally to navigate the tablet. The magnetic connection to the back of the tablet is solid.

The Galaxy has fewer apps that are tablet-optimized than the iPad. I had read this repeatedly in reviews, and it was the one thing that made me hesitant to switch. The criticism is accurate, but it has not been as big of a deal as I feared. Using Good Lock/Multistar helps with the handful of apps that won't otherwise open in landscape mode, though it is a bit more cumbersome to use them that way. Also, even some apps that do open horizontally on the Galaxy Tab don't look as nice as iPad counterparts.

All in all, I'd say the tradeoff in moving from an iPad is living with a slightly diminished app experience vs. the benefit of better streaming and much better integration with a Samsung phone. So far, I'm glad I decided to make the switch.