Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 review, a great rival to the iPad 2 glory

The tablet craze is sweeping the world off it's feet these days and the most popular ones in the market are either the product of Samsung or Apple. On one side of the competition we have the third tablet unveiled by Samsung - the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, the successor of the Samsung Galaxy tab. On the other hand, we have the Apple iPad 2, the fierce competitor of the Galaxy tab. Considering the fact that this invention is becoming a must have for everyone, ranging from students to business men. Decision on which one to buy is quite a hassle. Thus here we have detailed some eminent aspects of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, which should give you a fair idea of the tablet that we think is good competition for the iPad 2.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

What is it?

If you've never held or seen a Samsung Galaxy Tablet before then the first thing you realize after holding the 10.1 version is its slight profile. In fact, if you keep this beside the iPad you will barely be able to tell the difference between the two. The Android powered Tablet is the newest version of Samsung's range of Galaxy Tablets. Apart from the app feature it also has various other features (further discussed) which makes it stand out from the crowd.

Key Features

Let's start off by comparing the design of the two. Firstly, if you look at the screen size, then Samsung takes the point with a 10.1" screen whereas the display of the iPad 2 is 9.7". Though, the weights of the two are identical at 1.3 pounds yet the difference between the two lies in the depth. The Galaxy tab 10.1 has a depth of 0.43" whereas the iPad 2 comes in at 0.34". The Galaxy Tab has a resolution of 1280x800 while the resolution offered by iPad 2 is 1024x768. You have to also keep in mind that the screen size of the two differs. However, you will notice that not much difference lies between the resolution of the two. The iPad uses the "dual core 1GHz A5 Processor" which makes the device incredibly fast. The Samsung tab also uses the dual core 1GHz Processor. The iPad has an iOS 4.3 operating system which increases the speed of browsing. The Galaxy tab 10.1 also runs on the Android 3.0 operating system also called the Honeycomb, which gives it all the power required to multitask and customize widgets easily.

What's Innovative?

As discussed before the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 has a bigger screen width while the iPad 2 has a smaller depth i.e, it is thinner. But, the two have more or less the same comparable screen resolution and the weight. The memory choice offered by the two is similar again; the iPad 2 offers a choice between 16GB, 32GB and 64GB of internal memory whereas for the Galaxy Tab 10.1 you have a choice between 16GB and 32GB. Both tablets come with rear and front facing cameras. The Galaxy Tab 10.1 has a 2MP front and 8MP rear facing one along with the video capture support of 1080p but the specifications of the iPad 2 cameras have not yet been released.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Factbox

Prices and Availability

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is set to be released in the Asian and European markets by early July. The 16GB model with Wi-Fi is set to be priced at around $530 which is exactly on the heels of the iPad 2. While the 32GB model is expected to be priced around $100 more.

Picture Gallery

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

Android 3.1 brings along widgets that can be resized vertically and horizontally, access to the newfangled Movies section of the Android Market, improved overall performance and support for a host of USB accessories.

The Up Side

If you want a comparatively bigger screen and the best Honeycomb tablet, then look no further because you have just found it. This ingenious device will give you brilliant handling experience which actually surpasses the iPad 2 plus as a bonus you get a higher resolution!

The Down Side

There is always two sides to a story so even the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 has a down side. The movie department opens only for the Android 3.1 Tablets which has a 3G radio. And, if you use the 16GB Wi-Fi unit then this feature will not be available to you.

The Bottom line

The Galaxy Tab 10.1 has a brilliant design and is probably the best Honeycomb tablet around. Those of you who love light weight and the slick designs will be pleased with this tablet. Apart from the tiny little glitches with the camera, the performance of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is astounding, and you don't even get tired of holding it while reading for long sessions! So, those of you who are waiting for it, we promise you, your wait is not in vain.