Hey there cool kids, we're back with an unboxing and review of the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 5.
Spoiler alert - I got the 5G LTE version to test the tablets ability to make and receive phone calls and texts directly using the SIM card from the carrier (as opposed to a 3rd party app) - and it did not work.
Samsung clarified that this limitation is in place so that consumers don't stop buying phones. Take that for what you will.
Also tested, using Whatsapp to send/receive calls using the SIM's call plan - does not work. Whatsapp does work over data, but not as a dialer.
Google Phone will not install on the tablet at all whatsoever. It won't appear as an option in the play store app. Going to the play store via chrome will show the app, but will not let you attempt to install it - claiming the device isn't compatible. Incidentally, the only compatibility requirement listed for Google Phone is the Android OS version, so the tablet is definitely compatible with the app, it's just been limited in an agreement between Google and the manufacturer. I also tried to sideload Google Phone with developer mode enabled on the tablet, but it just gave a message saying the application was not installed - even after all necessary permissions were enabled.
You MIGHT be able to port your existing phone number from your carrier into Google Voice and use it as a data/VOIP line instead of a SIM/carrier line - however due to Google's tendency to discontinue apps I like and use (RIP Duo) - I'm not ready to make that leap so I didn't test it. Google Voice provides it's own phone number - and this does work (using data - not SIM calling) to make & receive phone calls & texts.
Google Meet also works (using data - not SIM calling) to make & receive Video Calls, as does Microsoft Teams.
Bottom line, 5G LTE on this tablet (and as far as I can tell, any tablet) is a lie. You cannot make and receive calls and texts directly using the SIM's phone number. The Phone and Messages apps for the Tablet are not the same apps provided by Samsung for their phones. And Samsung's business customer support line confirmed this is intentional to keep consumers tied to using phones in addition to tablets/watches/etc.
I've returned this product and am exploring other options. In fairness, I really love the Tab Active line - and I use the Active 3 as my daily driver presently. I may end up going with the Active 5 WIFI (only) version in the end, as their are a lot of features this line has that other product lines are missing. That being said, it's certainly not worth paying an extra $150 USD for the 5g LTE version, as you're still going to be tied to your phone either way. Why not be tied to your phone as a hotspot too?
I hope this info was helpful and saved consumers some time, energy, and frustration trying to make 5G LTE functionality a reality on this device.
I also hope that Samsung takes note - that many consumers are looking for an ecosystem change. At some point, some company is going to make a tablet that actually has LTE call & texting functionality - and at that point the big dogs like Samsung and Apple are going to have to either adapt to that change in the market or lose marketshare to consumers like me.
If you are interested in the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 5, it can be found on the Samsung Business website, or on Amazon.com from the Samsung store.
The magnet charger I show in this video can be found here:
www.amazon.com/VAFOTON-Magnetic-Charging-Cords-Nylon-i-Product/dp/B0CRDS2RXY/ref=sr_1_3?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.6AT_AX_HYcYqhpaaKcsagoHYxJESF8Th2NgkvzKMMuk7v_qMoHiPeJO7hOFDnKTb4iTI5y1lFAaJ1EC3JuLYkf6sU8BofHTIJixkGMCG7zAur6j2JSNk6dpqT71A3CJSUW45HxkKDNiN2DkiVvo2jrjp3R6wfPENcgFwId-0GXYmPhbrNdFeqd_Z1D_8ZDWxDVd7ewbJdUCng3agU-3sGHho_zVIjLtgsRjxKE-BuEw.2wCKEYxwI3eGft6H7gy0zHzn540Mf32Moz48kfUmHXQ&dib_tag=se&qid=1715112628
The theme for our channel is from Broken Disco by TeknoAxe. You can find it here:
ua-cam.com/video/7ePOzTYSu-A/v-deo.html
Thanks for watching, and I'll see you next time on Make & Believe! :)