The various leaks and certifications have already confirmed the impending launch of the Galaxy Tab A2 XL. Considering the codename gta2xl and the model number SM-T590 (SM-T595 for the LTE variant), the Galaxy Tab A2 XL appears to be a successor to the Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2016) which carried the codename gtaxl and model numbers SM-T580/T585.
XDA Developers, with the help of one of their regular contributors, have uncovered some details about the upcoming tablet by digging into the device’s firmware files. These files apparently mention support for a “wink_key,” which when cross-referenced with the Galaxy S8, S9 and Note 8 firmware, turns out to be a codename for the Bixby button. It means that the Galaxy Tab A2 XL might sport a dedicated Bixby button, similar to the one found in Samsung flagship phones.
Will be powered by a Snapdragon 450 SoC
The firmware files also revealed some of the specifications of the tablet. It comes with a Snapdragon 450 SoC, 5MP rear camera, and Android 8.1 Oreo. There is some confusion on the screen size and type as the firmware mentions a ‘TV101WUM' display while other reports point to a 10.5″ or a 10.1″ LCD panel. The files also confirm that the device will come with a fingerprint scanner, although we couldn’t see one in the leaked images.
While uncovering specifications through firmware files is a bit more credible than other unverified reports, it is still far from a done deal. Things could always change before the launch, and so it is prudent to not take any of this information as final. With Bixby 2.0 on the horizon, it would be a sensible step for Samsung to start putting the Bixby key on non-flagship devices, but it remains to be seen if that turns out to be the case.
We don’t know when Samsung is planning to launch the Galaxy Tab A2 XL, but the certifications do indicate the date is not too far.
