Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 is a simple, smooth operator

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 is a basic midsize tablet powered by the feature-packed Touchwiz UI. However, its slow-but-steady performance and plastic build make its $270 starting price a bit of a deal-breaker for bargain shoppers.

The Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 features a split-screen mode that allows two apps to run at once. Compatible apps are limited, but the tablet runs surprisingly smooth while multitasking.

For an 8-inch tablet, the Tab 4 8.0 is appropriately compact and light. The right edge houses the power button, volume rocker, IR blaster, and microSD card expansion slot.

The capacitive buttons on the bottom edge don't get in the way during gaming, browsing, or reading, but accidentally triggering them while watching video is easy to do if you're not careful.

The single speaker on the back side is easy to block, but that might be a good thing since its audio quality is tinny and weak.

A 1,280x800-pixel resolution screen is standard for a budget tablet, but at $270, the Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 doesn't qualify as one. The screen's sharpness and range of colors are still decent, but it's far from the likes of the super-HD Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 or the higher-end Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 tablets.

The Tab 4 8.0's textured back is comfortable to the touch while providing sufficient grip support. However, the plastic build gives the tablet a cheap feel.