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Samsung Galaxy Tab Review – Part I
Recently I got to use a brand new Samsung Galaxy Tab – the Android powered tablet which purportedly rivals the famed Apple iPad in features. I had the Galaxy Tab with me for a whole day (enough time to take it for an extensive run). During this time, I explored the Google Android and various Apps installed on the tablet. And I even snapped a couple of photos of the device. So read on to know what I think of Samsung Galaxy Tab.
My friend who bought the Samsung Galaxy Tab got it for a price of Indian Rs 30090 (including tax). The shopkeeper also offered to sell a dust resistant pouch with the Galaxy Tab for an extra Rs 2000 which my friend declined. However, the Galaxy Tab he bought came with a free 2GB SD Card.
Samsung Galaxy Tab Unboxing
Samsung Galaxy Tab box
Samsung Galaxy Tab - First viewing
The Samsung Galaxy Tab box contained the following accessories.
Samsung Galaxy Tab Accessories
- Samsung Galaxy Tablet,
- Quick start guide (booklet),
- Two CDs containing necessary drivers needed to interact with your PC running Windows,
- One USB cord,
- Adapter for charging your tablet from the mains,
- A good earphone, and
- Spare ear buds.
Samsung Galaxy dock connector is non-standard
The USB cord has a non-standard interface for connecting to the dock connector of Samsung Galaxy Tab.
Samsung Galaxy Tab Specs
The Galaxy Tab is quite sturdy when you pick it up, and even though it has a plastic case, the build quality is exceptional. The screen (7″) has a sticker stuck on it and you should peel it off before you start using the device.
Galaxy Tab has a capacitive touch screen made of scratch resistant Corning Gorilla glass.
At the bottom of the screen underneath it, there are 4 capacitive touch buttons.
Samsung Galaxy Buttons
They are for Settings, Home, Back, and Search respectively.
On the top right side of the screen, there is a 1.3 MP front facing camera for video calling.
Samsung Galaxy Tab front facing camera
On the right you have the power button, the volume rocker, micro SD slot, and a slot for your SIM card.
Samsung Galaxy Tab right side buttons
The left side sports only a microphone pin hole.
On the top side, you have the 3.5 mm audio jack.
Samsung Galaxy Tablet - top sports a 3.5 mm audio jack
And the bottom part contain two loud speakers, and the dock connector for hooking your Samsung Galaxy Tab with your PC or to the mains for charging.
Samsung Galaxy Tablet - Connector and speakers
The glossy white back pane sports a 3.5MP camera with flash.
Samsung Galaxy Tablet - back portion
Samsung Galaxy Tab is powered by a 1GHz Samsung Hummingbird (ARM) processor, PowerVR SGX 540 GPU, 512MB RAM, 16GB integrated solid state drive, and an integrated battery.
Unlike Samsung Wave cellphone, the Galaxy tablet does not come with any advanced display technologies such as AMOLED, or S-LCD. However, what it does have is a very high quality LED-backlit LCD panel. Quality wise, the display is sharp and vibrant. The viewing angle is also very good. And when in use, the capacitive screen is very responsive.
At 7″ it fits comfortably in the palm of your hand.
Samsung Galaxy Tablet
The whole device weighs only 380g. I really like the form factor of Samsung Galaxy Tab which is just a little larger in length and width than a paper back novel.
As far as connectivity is concerned, Samsung Galaxy Tab has it all – GPS, WiFi, 3G, Bluetooth, et al.
If you are more curious about the innards of Samsung Galaxy Tab, do read the article “Samsung Galaxy Tab Teardown” at iFixit website. It is replete with photos.