Review Senior TAB tablet

Adam Munsterman

The Senior TAB model SA8W is a standard (Samsung) tablet with the Android operating system. On top of this is an extra layer (so-called shell) with an enlarged and clear menu for bundling related applications. Bold arrows take the user to the next menu screen and back again. The settings of the tablet are optimized for the target group.

Adjustments
Inexperienced seniors and also less experienced seniors are sometimes afraid that they are doing something wrong on a device, causing the device to become confused or applications to disappear. This is prevented with this device. For example, the display of text, buttons and programs is very large and clear and that starts with the start of the opening screen. To help the user get started quickly and easily, a manual is included that can be followed step by step. This conveys the layout and basics of using the tablet in large letters. If questions still arise, the user can consult his own circle or take out a support contract through the supplying company. For emergencies, there is an SOS button where a call is made to a pre-programmed e-mail address, for example a family member, as soon as the button is pressed. Within the control menu is an icon with which you can add applications to the unique menu. All applications that are standard on the tablet or that are downloaded later can also be accessed via the menu. One step further is to activate the Google Assistant, with which you can verbally ask Google questions and possibly give commands, such as playing music or reading the news.

Supplier and support
SeniorenTAB is a Dutch company and the market leader in senior tablets in the Netherlands and Belgium and part of Ben Media Groep BV. In addition to various types of tablets, they also supply telephones with additional software to make them suitable for the senior target group. It concerns Android tablets and phones that come with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty. The additions to the systems have been developed with knowledge gained in the senior and care world. And tests were carried out with that group, resulting in the various adapted systems that can now be ordered. For people with limited vision or hearing problems, the company SeniorenTAB can provide customization with special options.

Underlying technique
The tablet supplied with the SeniorenTAB SAW8 model is the Samsung Tab A8. It has a weight of 500 grams and the following size: 250 x 160 x 7mm. The color of the side and sturdy plastic back is anthracite grey. The tablet works with the Android 12 operating system with 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage memory and an Octa Core 2GHz processor. The 10.5 inch TFT screen is bright and has 1920 x 1200 pixels and is great for indoor use. Wi-Fi communication is available up to and including Wi-Fi 5. The front and back have resp. a 5MP and 8MP camera that is good for taking a picture and for video calls with family and friends. The battery has a capacity of 6,820 mAh, so you can work with the device all day without any problems. If you are short of storage memory, an SD card with extra memory can be added. There is also a multifunctional USB-C connection, which recharges the tablet within 4 hours thanks to the included 15W charger. Headphones can be connected via the 3.5mm jack connection, another option is to connect the headphones wirelessly via Bluetooth. GPS is present, so that the tablet can also be used as a route planner. Samsung promises another update to Android 13 and security updates up to and including 2025. All elements of the Android operating system can also be reached via the menu shell.

Conclusion
The SeniorenTAB offers added value for people with some restraint and fear of digital techniques. The concept with the simplified operation or menu shell makes it a lot more accessible, so that this group also has access to all kinds of applications that they are not used to and with which they can discover the contemporary world. The underlying tablet technology used is not the fastest, but is sufficient for the target group. There are still some optimization points to be found here and there, but in general this tablet works fine. The product comes with a 30-day cooling-off period.

Discount offer
A discount offer is also available for model SA8W (see here). This set consists of the above tablet supplemented with a 32 GB SD card for a total of 64 GB of storage memory. In addition, a handy protective cover with built-in stand is supplied, with which the tablet can rotate 360° and can therefore be placed both horizontally and vertically. With the standard unfolded, you can listen to music with free hands, make video calls with acquaintances and, for example, follow a farewell service remotely.

Product: Senior TAB tablet model SA8W