Tablet war unfolds: Galaxy Tab 10.1 takes on the iPad 2

Tablets may have started out as a novel line of products that just banked on portability as its advantageous feature. When, Microsoft brought this 'tablet PC' concept, it got commercially shot down mainly because of the relatively high cost and more importantly lack of proper functionality. But fast forwarding to April, 2010 - this tablet domain got a fresh lease of life, when Apple released their acclaimed iPad. And now in the present scenario tablets have technologically evolved than just being considered as bantam cousins of laptops.

Galaxy Tab 10.1 vs iPad 2

The Challenge:

Of course, with high-tech prowess comes stringent competition. And this time the encounter is between two equally eminent electronic giants - the ever innovative Apple and the notably adept Samsung, with their respective products of the iPad 2 and the Galaxy Tab 10.1. Now, some of us may have different opinions, but we have found these two to be the leaders in the electronic market, when it comes to tablet technology.

1. Interface and Functionality

With dual core processors making their foray into the tablet realm, it is not really a surprise that both of the products are incorporated by this mechanism. Coming to Apple's iPad2, it has a dual core Apple A5 processor, which according to Apple has 2 times faster CPU and a 9 times faster GPU than its predecessor A4 (used in iPad). The results clearly showcase this improved effect, as dabbling with apps and screens are quite nonchalantly achieved without any technical respite or glitch. Now, coming to Samsung's Galaxy tab 10.1, it is fused with a more traditional 1 GHz NVIDIA Tegra 2 CPU. The processing of data is again sufficiently responsive, but we may encounter a bit of 'slowdown' specifically related to the home-screen (though the main cause may be in relation to the inherent Honeycomb technology).

Winner:

Apple with its iOS 4.3.5 is all about simplicity of user experience (with more number of applications), but that may come at the expense of relegating some user oriented features. On the other hand, there is a certain level of complexity associated with the Android 3.1 Honeycomb found in Galaxy. But the interface itself powers the the high level of multitasking and myriad of 'personalized' applications (like live wallpapers). So, the Galaxy Tab might just take honors for this one.

2. Internet and Connectivity

Apple's iPad2 features two unique attributes of kinetic scrolling and pinch zooming. Moreover, web browsing is certainly fluent with the Wi-Fi support and connectivity features such as Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR, assisted GPS. Samsung's Galaxy Tab also contains similar network elements. But coming to the singular surfing experience, it has the added benefit of having Adobe Flash support and Chrome like incognito mode.

Winner:

These small touches of user friendliness give the Samsung Galaxy a slight edge. Moreover, from the perspective of connectivity, the iPad2 will feature 3G. But the Galaxy can have the LTE (sometime marketed as 4G) network technology in the future.

3. Software

The big difference between the two tablets is that Galaxy is intrinsically powered by the one and only Google. With this Google platform, the Galaxy is expected to fare better in related features such as Google Map, Talk and Buzz. An apt example would be the free voice that guides turn-by-turn directions with Google Maps Navigation. Other detailed attributes such as a full 3D map (in some cities) will be readily available in the Galaxy, in stark contrast to the basic functions of Google Map that are found in iPad2.

Winner:

Unlike other elements, Samsung is miles ahead in this one. Furthermore, with YouTube options of HD (and low quality) viewing enhances the overall user experience in Galaxy. On the other hand, iPad 2 selects one of the options, based upon your net connectivity.

4. Multimedia

Coming to the music component, iPad 2 features the same setup as with the original iPad. With its single speaker system, the contraption rather emanates a deeper bass note. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 has two (left and right) speaker system, with a more balanced output. Coming to the visual element, the embedded music player in the Galaxy is also certainly more 'prettier' with its carousel interface. Finally, for a video experience, the Galaxy exhibits a 16:9 aspect ratio, which is conducive to movie viewing. The iPad2 showcases a more 'traditional' 4:3 aspect ratio, which is again apt for internet browsing.

Winner:

Again the Galaxy should score higher, mostly based on its visual enthralling presentation (along with displaying an adaptable field of depth). Even beyond the vivacious yet adroit aesthetics, the Galaxy has more media sharing options, in comparison to iPad2's single way of sharing (through emails).

5. Performance

The very reason we are comparing these tablets (and not others) is because of the fact that both of them exhibit that ultra high level of performance. From the perspective of charging specs, there is nothing much to choose, with iPad 2 having a 25Wh (~6750mAh @ 3.7V) battery and Galaxy Tab 10.1 having a 6800 mAh battery.

Winner:

It's certainly very difficult to choose, especially based on their improved battery life attribute. But with iPad2 functioning a tad bit swifter (on the same charge level with Galaxy Tab), we must give the honors to Apple's machine.

Galaxy Tab 10.1 vs I pad factbox

The Verdict

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is marketed as the thinnest and lightest tablet currently available on the market. But when you feel that deft metallic touch of the iPad2, you can surely comprehend the pristine yet solid demeanor of the contraption. On the other hand, Galaxy Tab provides a plethora of 'personalized' interactive measures (powered by its inherent platform), which can score high on user optimization. Though, Apple's iPad2 holds its own by smooth and simplistic interface, not troubled by technical inflexibility.

So at the end of the day it depends upon you to go one way or the other. Apple started this technological evolution of tablets, and paradoxically, it holds on to those same ingenious attributes (established by the first iPad), albeit in a more improved tone. Samsung on the other hand had fascinatingly advanced beyond this 'conventional' scope with more user oriented features; but at the same time (somewhat) relegating the essence of functional fluidity.