Last updated on December 27, 2010

Samsung Galaxy Tab

Filed under Android, Home & Leisure, Mobile Tech

Key Facts

  • A Samsung tablet computer, with 7″ touchscreen1
  • Seen as a rival to Apple’s iPad, though much smaller and lighter23
  • Runs the latest version of Android operating system
  • Boasts two cameras, unlike the iPad which has none
  • Pricing starts from $400 in the US

The Samsung Galaxy Tab was unveiled in early September 2010, and quickly became seen as the state-of-the-art in Android based tablet computers, and the first real rival to the Apple iPad.4

The Galaxy Tab has a 7″ touchscreen and weighs about 0.8 lbs, making it a little smaller and half the weight of the iPad. Samsung’s advertising positions the Tab as a go-anywhere device almost like a phone, showing a user walking around the supermarket with it, looking up product information online while they shop, and later using the Tab as a recipe book as they prepare a meal.

The Galaxy Tab can function in this way as it is just about small enough to slip into a large jacket pocket, and light enough to easily use while holding it in one hand for long periods of time. In keeping with these uses, the Tab can function as a 3G phone using a headset, and also has two cameras for taking pictures and videos, and for making video-calls.

In the US, all five major carriers offer the Tab, with prices starting at $400 when bought with a contract for 3G service, or $600 without a contract. The cost of data plans currently ranges from the $15 per month for 200MB of data, up to the largest plans at $80 per month for 10 GB.5

Galaxy Tab Specs

Some of the most important specifications of the Galaxy tab are as follows:

  • Internet access via 3G phone network and all current versions of wi-fi
  • 7″ touchscreen with 1024×600 resolution and 169 pixels per inch
  • Approx 7.5 by 4.75 by 0.5 inches in size, 0.8 pounds in weight6
  • Custom version of Android 2.2, aka Froyo
  • 16GB or 32GB memory, with additional memory card slot up to 32GB
  • Phoning via speakerphone or Bluetooth headset
  • Battery life of 7 hours for video playback
  • 3.2 MP rear camera + 1.3 MP forward facing camera
  • GPS built-in

Video – Hands on with the Samsung Galaxy Tab

Galaxy Tab Reviews

Most reviewers liked the Galaxy Tab a good deal after getting their hands on one for extended use. The few who were less than impressed tended to be people looking for a very iPad-like experience, who found that the significantly smaller-sized Galaxy Tab didn’t fit their expectations well.78

Notably David Pogue of the New York Times and Walt Mossberg of the Wall Street Journal, both well known fans of Apple products, felt that the Galaxy Tab was a slick, well-made device, distinctive enough from the iPad to offer a genuine choice to the market, while being of a high enough quality to be a real contender against Apple’s offering.910

Fortune’s Seth Weintraub opined: “If I was only allowed one mobile device besides my computer, I’d pick the Galaxy Tab.” He noted that being half the size and weight of an iPad made the Tab “anything but an iPad”, but that for him this smaller form factor was a good thing. 11

Refurbished Galaxy Tab

At present the Galaxy Tab does not seem to be available refurbished, as it is too new and likely in too great demand. However, it is worth keeping an eye on the market, and following the general advice on buying refurbished products such as iPads.

Footnotes

  1. http://galaxytab.samsungmobile.com/  (back)

  2. http://www.pcworld.com/article/205552/first_impressions_samsungs_galaxy_tab.html  (back)

  3. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11163687  (back)

  4. http://www.pcworld.com/article/205566/samsung_galaxy_tab_the_tablet_comes_of_age.html  (back)

  5. http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/17/samsung-galaxy-tab-price-wars-us-carriers-face-off/  (back)

  6. http://www.pcworld.com/zoom?id=205566&page=2&zoomIdx=1  (back)

  7. http://www.pcworld.com/article/210388/galaxy_tab_review_roundup_the_antiipad_has_come.html  (back)

  8. http://gizmodo.com/5686161/samsung-galaxy-tab-review-a-pocketable-train-wreck  (back)

  9. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/11/technology/personaltech/11pogue.html  (back)

  10. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703805004575606580224319038.html  (back)

  11. http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2010/11/11/samsung-galaxy-tab-review-dont-call-it-an-ipad-competitor/  (back)

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