Samsung says its own research shows older Galaxy tablets are still popular with many people, mainly because they can be found for a lower price yet still offer strong features and performance. To make it easier for those considering an old Tab tablet, Samsung has made the Galaxy Tab S5e, which costs $400 and delivers the premium experience Samsung sees people wanting without a ridiculous price tag. The company has managed to succeed, too. The most striking aspect of the Galaxy Tab S5e is the metal body — and just how thin it is. The metal unibody is only 5.5mm thin, which we worried would make the tablet too difficult to hold comfortably, especially combined with the 399 gram weight; but the design is spot-on. The S5e is well balanced, and the large body negates any problems holding the thin chassis. It’s a great combination for a tablet of the S5e’s overall size, and your arms won’t become quickly fatigued holding it while watching video.
Samsung’s dedication to ergonomics can also be seen in the wise decision to put the fingerprint sensor in the power button, removing it from the bezels around the screen. This slims them down for a more modern, picture-frame style look. It’s not as natural to use the sensor on the Tab S5e as it is on the Galaxy S10e though, due to the device’s size, and some may find the side sensor less speedy to use than a front sensor, particularly when the tablet is laid flat on a table. We overcame this by registering other fingerprints, rather than just our thumb.
