With the global launch of the new Galaxy Tab S2 today, it was clear that Samsung did not quite depart from its primary motivation, which has driven a redesign of its tablet lineup last year. The goal was, of course, to challenge Apple's iPad, and the case is still the same today. For this reason, the Tab S2 sports key design features that immediately invite comparison with its competitor: 8-inch size and stunning metal chassis and fingerprint scanner, along with features that Samsung is known for such as an incredible Super AMOLED display.

The announcement also included a 9.7-inch model. Both tablets' hardware are of premium quality - quite different from what Samsung consumers were used to. The norm before had been plastic body for all Samsung mobile devices. JK Shin, CEO at Samsung Electronics, said that "the Galaxy Tab S2 is not only our thinnest and lightest tablet of its size ever, it also gives users quick, easy access to a wealth of superior viewing and productivity features," the Financial Express reported. The Tab S2 is 0.22 inches thin.

Samsung introduced subtle changes along the "viewing" and "productivity" lines. The Tab S2 was made lighter than its predecessor to ensure ease in handling. This complemented the adjustment to the display, which now sports a slightly lower resolution than last year. It allows for almost the same media viewing experience, such as video and games, but it's more comfortable for reading digital content such as books, magazines, webpages and newsfeeds, Jagran Post observed.

The much-maligned TouchWiz Android skin was toned down further. Samsung, however, retained and refined some of its own functionalities, such as Multitasking, which allows users to use two applications at the same time, and Pop-Up Windows, which gives users the ability to "easily navigate between multiple apps at once," according to a Samsung press release.

Both Tab S2 models have the same specifications: "octa-core, 1.9GHz/1.3GHz processor, 8-megapixel rear camera and a 2.1-megapixel selfie cam, 3GB of RAM, 32 or 64GB of internal memory (expandable via microSD cards)," according to Mashable.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 will be available in global markets in August.