Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10-inch and 7-inch Review
Introduction and Specifications
Samsung's Galaxy Tab line continues to expand, with the latest additions coming in the form of the Galaxy Tab 2 Series. The Galaxy Tab 2 Series is available in 10.1-inch and 7.0-inch screen sizes. While these second-generation models clearly borrow some design cues and other specifications from their predecessors, we were a bit surprised to find out that not a lot has changed from the first-generation models to the new Galaxy Tab 2 series, at least in terms of their internal components.
In fact, many of the key specifications of the first-generation 10.1-inch Galaxy Tab match that of the second-generation Galaxy Tab 2: there's a 10.1-inch WXGA (1280x800) display, 1GHz dual-core processor, and 1GB of RAM. The biggest difference between the two 10.1-inch Galaxy Tabs is price: The second-generation model costs $100 less than its older brother.
;)
The story for the 7.0-inch Galaxy Tab is much the same: similar specifications, but the second-generation model has a price tag that's $100 lower. One key advantage both of the new-generation Galaxy Tab 2 tablets offer is the fact that they run on Android 4.0. Both tablets also feature an integrated IR blaster for universal remote capabilities. You'll find a Smart Remote App on the tablet that works with this blaster.
Although the Galaxy Tab 2 may not offer a lot of new features from its predecessors in the Galaxy Tab lineup, the lower price puts both of these tablets in the mid-range tablet category rather than in the premium category. Given the popularity of tablets and the fact that more people are generally interested in lower cost tablets, rather than a premium price tag, it makes sense that Samsung wants to compete in this space.
;)
We have both the 10.1- and 7.0-inch models in-house for testing. The 10.1-inch Galaxy Tab 2 costs $399.99 while the 7.0-inch model runs $249.99. Join us on the pages ahead as we take a closer look at what these tablets have to offer.
First, here's a quick hands-on with Samsung's new devices...
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Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0) |
Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1) |
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Operating System |
Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich |
Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich |
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Display |
7.0-inch TFT display, WSVGA (1024x600) resolution |
10.1-inch TFT display, WXGA (1280x800) resolution |
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Processor |
1GHz dual-core TI OMAP 4430 |
1GHz dual-core TI OMAP 4430 |
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Memory |
1GB |
1GB |
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Internal Storage |
8GB built-in microSD card slot |
16GB built-in microSD card slot |
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Connectivity |
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n Bluetooth 3.0 USB 2.0 Host 3.5mm headphone jack 30 pin IF connector integrated IR |
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n Bluetooth 3.0 USB 2.0 Host 3.5mm headphone jack 30 pin IF connector integrated IR |
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Camera |
3.2MP rear-facing VGA front-facing |
3.2MP rear-facing VGA front-facing |
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Size |
0.41 x 4.8 x 7.6 inches 0.76 pounds with battery |
0.38 x 10.1 x 6.9 inches 1.28 pounds with battery |
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Battery |
4,000mAh |
7,000 mAh |
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Battery Life |
Approximately 11 hours |
Approximately 14 hours Video playback approximately 7 hours |
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Preloaded Software |
AllShare, Amazon Kindle, ChatON, Dropbox, Game Hub, Media Hub, Memo, Netflix, Polaris Office, Readers Hub, S Planner, Samsung Apps, Smart Remote, Screensaver |
AllShare, Amazon Kindle, ChatON, Dropbox, Game Hub, Media Hub, Memo, Netflix, Next Issue, Polaris Office, Readers Hub, S Planner, S Suggest, Samsung Apps, Smart Remote, Screensaver |
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Price |
$249.99 |
$399.99 |
