The Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 is a powerful and feature-rich tablet that has been designed to cater to the needs of individuals who require a device that can handle both personal and professional tasks with ease. One of the most common questions that people have about this device is whether it can be used as a phone. In this article, we will delve into the possibilities and limitations of using the Galaxy Tab S4 as a phone, exploring its features, capabilities, and potential drawbacks.
Understanding The Galaxy Tab S4’s Design And Features
The Galaxy Tab S4 is a sleek and sophisticated device that boasts a large 10.5-inch Super AMOLED display, making it ideal for watching videos, browsing the web, and working on documents. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, which provides fast and efficient performance, and comes with up to 6GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The device also features a long-lasting 7300mAh battery, which can easily last a full day with moderate use. The Galaxy Tab S4 also supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, making it easy to connect to the internet and other devices.
Phone Functionality: Can The Galaxy Tab S4 Make And Receive Calls?
One of the primary functions of a phone is to make and receive calls. The Galaxy Tab S4 does support phone functionality, but it is not as straightforward as using a traditional smartphone. The device does not have a built-in cellular radio, which means that it cannot connect to a cellular network directly. However, it can be used to make and receive calls using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services such as Skype or Google Voice, or by using a separate cellular device as a mediator.
To use the Galaxy Tab S4 as a phone, you can pair it with a Samsung smartphone using the SideSync feature, which allows you to make and receive calls, send texts, and access your phone’s notifications directly from the tablet. You can also use the Wi-Fi Calling feature, which allows you to make and receive calls over a Wi-Fi network, provided that your carrier supports this feature.
Setting Up Phone Functionality on the Galaxy Tab S4
Setting up phone functionality on the Galaxy Tab S4 is relatively straightforward. To get started, you will need to pair your Samsung smartphone with the tablet using the SideSync feature. This will allow you to access your phone’s calls, texts, and notifications directly from the tablet. You can also download and install VoIP apps such as Skype or Google Voice, which will allow you to make and receive calls over the internet.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| SideSync | Allows you to pair your Samsung smartphone with the Galaxy Tab S4 and access your phone’s calls, texts, and notifications |
| Wi-Fi Calling | Allows you to make and receive calls over a Wi-Fi network, provided that your carrier supports this feature |
| VoIP Apps | Allow you to make and receive calls over the internet, using apps such as Skype or Google Voice |
Pros And Cons Of Using The Galaxy Tab S4 As A Phone
Using the Galaxy Tab S4 as a phone has both advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, the device offers a large and high-quality display, making it ideal for watching videos, browsing the web, and working on documents. It also has a long-lasting battery and supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, making it easy to connect to the internet and other devices. Additionally, the device is very portable and can be easily carried around, making it a great option for individuals who need a device that can keep up with their active lifestyle.
On the other hand, the Galaxy Tab S4 does not have a built-in cellular radio, which means that it cannot connect to a cellular network directly. This can be a major limitation for individuals who need to make and receive calls in areas with no Wi-Fi coverage. Additionally, the device is not as discreet as a traditional smartphone, which can make it more difficult to use in public.
Alternatives To Using The Galaxy Tab S4 As A Phone
If you are looking for a device that can be used as a phone, there are several alternatives to the Galaxy Tab S4 that you may want to consider. Samsung’s Galaxy S series smartphones are a popular option, offering a range of devices with advanced features and capabilities. Other tablets with cellular connectivity are also available, such as the Apple iPad or the Google Pixel Slate, which offer a similar range of features and capabilities to the Galaxy Tab S4.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Device
When choosing a device to use as a phone, there are several key considerations that you will want to keep in mind. These include the device’s display size and quality, its processing power and performance, its battery life, and its connectivity options. You will also want to consider the device’s price and value, as well as its compatibility with your existing devices and services.
In conclusion, the Galaxy Tab S4 can be used as a phone, but it is not a traditional smartphone and has some limitations. The device does not have a built-in cellular radio, which means that it cannot connect to a cellular network directly. However, it can be used to make and receive calls using VoIP services or by pairing it with a Samsung smartphone using the SideSync feature. Whether or not the Galaxy Tab S4 is a good option for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a device that can be used to make and receive calls, as well as to access the internet and use apps, the Galaxy Tab S4 may be a good choice. However, if you need a device that can connect to a cellular network directly, you may want to consider a traditional smartphone or a tablet with cellular connectivity.
Can I Make Phone Calls On My Galaxy Tab S4?
The Galaxy Tab S4 is a tablet that can be used for various purposes, including making phone calls. However, it does not come with a traditional phone dialer app, and you cannot insert a SIM card directly into the device. To make phone calls, you need to use a third-party app or a service that provides voice over internet protocol (VoIP) functionality. You can also use the tablet’s Wi-Fi connectivity to make voice calls through various messaging apps that support VoIP.
To use your Galaxy Tab S4 as a phone for making calls, you can download and install apps like Skype, Google Voice, or Facebook Messenger, which offer VoIP functionality. You can also use the Samsung Dex feature, which allows you to use your tablet like a desktop computer and make voice calls through the internet. However, please note that the quality of voice calls may vary depending on your internet connection and the app you are using. Additionally, you may need to purchase a separate plan or subscription to use these services, and not all apps may be compatible with your device or location.
Does The Galaxy Tab S4 Support SIM Cards Or Only Wi-Fi?
The Galaxy Tab S4 is available in two variants: Wi-Fi only and LTE. The LTE variant supports SIM cards and can connect to cellular networks, allowing you to use your tablet as a phone with a data plan. However, the Wi-Fi only variant does not support SIM cards and can only connect to the internet through Wi-Fi networks. If you want to use your tablet as a phone, you need to purchase the LTE variant and insert a SIM card from your carrier.
If you have the LTE variant of the Galaxy Tab S4, you can insert a SIM card from your carrier and use your tablet as a phone. However, please note that not all carriers support tablet devices or offer plans that include voice and data services. You may need to purchase a separate plan or add your tablet to your existing phone plan, and the costs and coverage may vary depending on your location and carrier. Additionally, you should check with your carrier to see if they support the Galaxy Tab S4 and what plans are available for the device.
How Do I Activate The Phone Feature On My Galaxy Tab S4?
To activate the phone feature on your Galaxy Tab S4, you need to purchase the LTE variant and insert a SIM card from your carrier. Once you have inserted the SIM card, you can activate the phone feature by going to the settings menu and selecting the “SIM card manager” or “Mobile networks” option. From there, you can select the SIM card and activate the phone feature. You may also need to contact your carrier to activate the service and set up a plan that includes voice and data services.
After activating the phone feature, you can use your Galaxy Tab S4 as a phone to make and receive calls, send text messages, and access the internet through your carrier’s cellular network. However, please note that the phone feature may not be available in all areas or countries, and the quality of service may vary depending on your location and carrier. Additionally, you should check with your carrier to see if they have any specific requirements or settings that need to be configured on your device to use the phone feature.
Can I Use My Galaxy Tab S4 As A Phone With A Bluetooth Headset Or Speaker?
Yes, you can use your Galaxy Tab S4 as a phone with a Bluetooth headset or speaker. The tablet supports Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to connect to external devices such as headsets, speakers, or cars. To use your Galaxy Tab S4 as a phone with a Bluetooth device, you need to pair the device with your tablet and configure the settings to use the Bluetooth device for phone calls. You can do this by going to the settings menu and selecting the “Bluetooth” option, then pairing the device and selecting it as the default device for phone calls.
Once you have paired the Bluetooth device with your Galaxy Tab S4, you can use it to make and receive phone calls. The audio will be routed through the Bluetooth device, allowing you to use your tablet as a phone hands-free. However, please note that the quality of audio may vary depending on the Bluetooth device and the environment you are in. Additionally, you should check that your Bluetooth device is compatible with your Galaxy Tab S4 and that it supports the necessary profiles for phone calls, such as the Hands-Free Profile (HFP) or the Headset Profile (HSP).
Are There Any Limitations To Using My Galaxy Tab S4 As A Phone?
Yes, there are several limitations to using your Galaxy Tab S4 as a phone. One of the main limitations is the size of the device, which can make it difficult to hold and use as a traditional phone. Additionally, the tablet may not be compatible with all phone apps or services, and the quality of voice calls may vary depending on your internet connection or carrier. Furthermore, using your tablet as a phone may require a separate plan or subscription, and the costs and coverage may vary depending on your location and carrier.
Another limitation of using your Galaxy Tab S4 as a phone is the lack of traditional phone features, such as a built-in phone dialer app or a physical keypad. You may need to use third-party apps or services to make phone calls, which can be inconvenient and may require additional setup or configuration. Additionally, the battery life of your tablet may be affected by using it as a phone, especially if you are making or receiving a lot of calls. However, the Samsung Dex feature can help to mitigate some of these limitations by providing a desktop-like experience and allowing you to use your tablet like a traditional computer.
Can I Use My Galaxy Tab S4 As A Phone For Texting And Multimedia Messaging?
Yes, you can use your Galaxy Tab S4 as a phone for texting and multimedia messaging. The tablet supports SMS and MMS messaging, allowing you to send and receive text messages and multimedia content such as images and videos. To use your Galaxy Tab S4 for texting and multimedia messaging, you need to insert a SIM card from your carrier and activate the messaging feature. You can then use the built-in messaging app or download a third-party app to send and receive messages.
However, please note that the messaging feature may not be available in all areas or countries, and the quality of service may vary depending on your location and carrier. Additionally, you should check with your carrier to see if they support SMS and MMS messaging on tablets and what plans are available for the service. You can also use third-party messaging apps such as WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, which offer messaging services over the internet and do not require a SIM card or cellular network. These apps can provide a convenient and cost-effective way to send and receive messages, especially if you are using your tablet as a phone.