Samsung Galaxy Tab Review: Specs, Price, vs iPad

Posted: 04 Dec 2010 02:31 AM PST

Samsung Galaxy Tab (GT-P1000) tablet is one of the best selling 7-inch Android tablet computer in 2010. Many people compare Galaxy Tab to Apple iPad, the best selling tablet.

Read on to find out how good (bad?) is Galaxy Tab.

Samsung Galaxy Tab specs

Samsung Galaxy Tab is a 7-inch touch screen tablet runs on Android version 2.2, which also supports phone calls and video calls.

Here are the highlights of Galaxy Tab specification:

CPU: 1 GHz ARM Cortex A8 CPU
OS: Android 2.2 (Froyo)
Size: 190.09mm x 120.45mm x 11.98mm, weight: 380g
Display: 7-inch WSVGA (1024 x 600 pixel)
Battery capacity: 4000mAh
Camera: 3.0 megapixel with flash, auto focus. 1.3 megapixel front camera.
Storage: build-in 16GB, external memory: microSD (up to 32GB)
Connectivity: Bluetooth, WiFi, AGPS, TV-output (HDMI, Composite), 3.5mm audio jack, charging/USB connection port
Phone function: SMS, MMS, phone call, video call, speakerphone, caller ID, call logs.

The retail price of Samsung Galaxy Tab (GT-P1000) in Malaysia is: RM2699

Galaxy Tab review after the break.

Samsung Galaxy Tab, the design

Samsung Galaxy Tab has a shining white back cover but a black front and side, with curved corners. It looks sleek and stylish.

There are not many buttons on Galaxy Tab. On the right side, there are power/lock button and volume keys and slots for SIM card and microSD memory card. It is clean at the left side, no slot, button, nor port.

At the top, there is a 3.5mm audio jack and mic at the top. At the bottom of Galaxy Tab has the connecting port (for charging and USB connection), and stereo speakers.

Samsung Galaxy Tab is about half size of Apple iPad and 3 times bigger than Apple iPhone.

Galaxy Tab review

Holding Galaxy Tab in my hand, it is lighter (380g) than I expected. OK, maybe I was wrong to assume its weight which was only slighter less than Apple iPad, which is quite heavy.

The display is bright and clear. Colors are nice. Text is clear.

I can hold Galaxy Tab with one hand in my big palm. Girls might not able to hold it with one hand.

Typing on Galaxy Tab

With 7-inch display, typing on Galaxy Tab with two hands in vertical mode is a pleasure. The size is just nice to hold with two hands and tab with your thumbs. The virtual keys are big.

However, when holding Galaxy Tab with one hand in vertical mode and type with another hand (see pic here), it could become difficult because I have to carefully rest my thumb on the thin border and not to “miss touch” the touch screen.

In horizontal mode, I have no idea how to type with ease. Use thumbs only? My big thumbs are not long enough to reach the keys in the middle (see pic here).

Use 10 fingers to type in horizontal mode? My big hands are too big for the 7-inch screen…

Therefore, I only use Galaxy Tab in horizontal mode when I am surfing or reading news.

Battery life

Samsung Galaxy Tab battery capacity is 4000mAh and it is enough for whole day usage. I managed to get 12 hours with single charge under careful usage (close background apps when not needed).

Screen resolution vs. Apps

app does not support galaxy tab

Galaxy Tab has higher screen resolution than the other Android smartphones. While most apps can displayed in full screen, some Android apps are not supported.

What you get is a small app screen in the middle of Galaxy Tab. It is like iPhone app on iPad but without the “2x” zoom button. Though, there’s hack for Android to make apps run in full screen on Galaxy Tab.

Camera

Galaxy Tab’s 3.0 megapixel camera is just so-so. Photo quality is acceptable. But, you will look extremely funny when you are taking photos with a 7-inch giant camera (tablet).

Here are the sample photos uploaded to Flickr (click for bigger size):

Galaxy Tab as a phone

make call on galaxy tab

Galaxy Tab is a giant mobile phone! The dial number pad is so big that even your cat/puppy can dial with its foot!

The call function works like normal phone, except that you don’t hold Galaxy Tab near your face to talk (Really, that look stupid!). You make calls on Galaxy Tab using speakerphone, earphone, or bluetooth headset.

I don’t have and dislike bluetooth headset. Whenever there is an incoming call, I have to find earphone and plug into Galaxy Tab before I can answer a call. Usually, it would take 1 minute and the caller would have hung up before I am ready. It is kind of inconvenient for myself.

I didn’t try the video call function but my friend who bought Galaxy Tab told me that the video call is good.

How to bring Galaxy Tab?

Where should you keep the 7-inch Galaxy Tab? It is best to put Galaxy Tab in your bag/handbag. For me, I put it in the big pocket of my cargo pants. It fits but a little heavy for pocket.

Galaxy Tab vs iPad

Many people like to compare Samsung Galaxy Tab vs. Apple iPad. In my opinion, they are two different tablets targeting different consumers.

Apple iPad has bigger display, which is good for reading and web surfing. Longer battery life, last for 2 days. No camera. Cannot make calls.

Galaxy Tab is an all-in-one tablet. It is a big phone and also a smaller tablet. Functionality wise, Galaxy Tab is good. But it is expensive.

iPad is good when you are not on the move. Galaxy Tab is good when you are on the move most of the time. In a nutshell, “If you cannot bring a smartphone and iPad together, then grab Galaxy Tab.”