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Tag: samsung

  • Samsung Galaxy A3 and Galaxy A5 Review

     2014_note4
    Welcome to the 2015 Samsung Galaxy A3 and A5 review. This is going to be a short review because there are only a few differences including the best build and design compared to any other Android based phone in the same price range. The Galaxy Alpha series phones are about style expected in a mobile phone but for those who missed out on the Galaxy S3 in its heyday. The Galaxy A5 is priced around the $550 mark and the the Galaxy A3 $350 for outright purchases. In terms of construction both A3 and A5 share the same design as the Note 4 except for the removable rear panel. The fit and finish is top of the class. While the design is not leading edge they look and feel good. They are the arguably the best built phones in the current mid-range class. In terms of hardware both Galaxy A3 and A5 have the acceptable specifications, that is quad core CPUs memory and graphics with 4G capability. Both also feature a 5MP selfie camera which is a unusual but excellent selling point in range. The results of the camera sn video look great for a mid-range model too! The only point worth complaining about is the resolution of the main screen of 1280x720 pixels on the A5 and mere 540x960 pixels on the A3. That said both screens still manage to look good. The icing on top at that both have microSD card expansion slots for additional memory despite having metal cases. In terms of use the Galaxy A3 and A5 are the same. Thanks to the customisable nature of Android OS you can have the simplest phone to use or something fully customised. It's the freedom to use in a phone that can't be matched in 2015. Either phone would be a good choice for those who value size and design over top range hardware specs. The industry standard for mid-range phone in 2015 is arguably the quad core for 1.2 CPU and even screen resolution is standard but equipped with AMOLED so gives them colour punch very few phones have in the price range. Both work smoothly with what ever Apps we tried to run on them overall both work really well and amongst the best if not the best choices in the price range that we've tested - not withstanding the slow internet speeds we get in this country. However when you can buy the relatively old and superseded Galaxy S4 for the same price of a A5 it becomes a tougher choice. Specifications
    • Samsung Galaxy A3 and A5
    • Network Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 Tri-band 3G 850/900/2100 Tri-band 4G 899/1800/2600
    • Design Touch screen
    • A3 - L130.1 x W65.5 x D6.9 mm - 110 Grams A5 - L139.3 x W69.7 x D6.7 mm - 123 Grams
    • Weight 131 grams
    • Display A3 - 4.5 inch 1,280 x 1080 AMOLED A5 - 5 inch 1,280 x 1080 AMOLED
    • Camera A3 - 8MP auto-focus A3 - 13MP auto-focus LED Flash 2nd forward facing selfie/video call camera 5MP
    • Video Camera 1080p high definition 30FPS main video camera
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi Bluetooth V4
    • CPU Quad core 1.2 Ghz Separate Andreno 306 Graphics CPU
    • Memory 1.5 Gig RAM Up to 32 Gig for user Up to 64Gig micro-SD expansion
    • Features A-GPS, GLONASS, Accelerometer, Geomagnetic, Hall, RGB, FM Radio A3 - Li-Po 1900 mAh battery - Up to 4 days Standby - Up to 12hours Talk Time A5 - Li-Po 2600 mAh battery - Up to 5 days Standby  - Up to 15 hours Talk Time
    • Price history Galaxy A3 Approx $450 AUD late 2015 (Outright) Galaxy A5 Approx $550 AUD late 2015 (Outright)

  • Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge review

    2015_s6

    Welcome to the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge review. All new for 2015 , the S6 and S6 Edge in particular are two of the most advanced and innovative mobile phones on the market. The iphone it's arch competitor has none of the amazing tech features of the S6 yet the stil copying remarks persist. Samsung deserves appluse and your money for making the most advanced mobile phone on the market in 2016. The iphone has nothing new it is a reskin of the last model with a faster CPU and a larger screen so in essence your are being ripped off!  Anyway the Galaxy S6 is priced around $990 RRP for the 64Gig model and under $900 for the 32Gig model which is noticeably more expensive than the last model.

    In terms of construction the Galaxy S6 is excellent. It's made of glass and metal and the design works look good. The S6 Edge on the other hand even better than the it is literally jewel like. Makes all other mobile phones look cheap and yes especially the iphone. The S6 and S6 Edge are the best looking and feeling phones in th world right now.

    In terms of hardware the S6 and S6 Edge have the latest high specifications available there's not real point of repeating the details. Beats all existing phones to date by a fair margin apart from the Galaxy Note 4 that is. It is unfortunately that claimed leading but clearly small minded bloggers completely fail to point this out. That said the only things missing are a removable battery and expandable memory slot and FM radio which a decreasing number of people require in this type of phone thanks to streaming and online storage. The S6 Edge with the 'additional' screen size is very special in a class which are primarily made up of slab style phones with rounded edges.

    In terms of use the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge have all the advantages and disadvantages of Android OS. Hence they can be as easy or as complex as you would like your phone to be and able to reflect your personality. The ability to customize the interface is optional but it is the representation of freedom we need to embrace. Apart from that the interface is slick despite the so called professional bloggers claim as 'bloatware' it all makes the experience better. Low tech Infra red in particular is a great addition for simple to use TV, cable box and stereo system control. Sure its been trial and error for Samsung to get the interface right but that's the point of being innovative. Regardless if standard functionality is missing there's always an app for it.

    The conclusion of this review is simple - the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge especially deserves respect. Both models are better than their predecessors and of the best mobile phones in the world you can buy at the moment. Mind you the prior range topper the S5 is now a very appealing thanks to the $200 price drop!

    Specifications

    • Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge
    • Network
      Quad-band GSM - All
      Tri-band 3G - All
      Tri-band 4G - All
    • Design
      Touch screen
    • L143.4 x W70.5 x D6.8 mm
      L142.1 x W70.1 x D7.0 mm
    • Weight 138-132 grams
    • Display
      5.1 inch
      2560 x 1440 QHD AMOLED
    • Camera
      16MP auto-focus
      LED Flash
      2nd forward facing video call camera 5MP
    • Video Camera
      4K UHD 30FPS main video camera
    • Connectivity
      Wi-Fi
      Bluetooth V4
    • CPU
      Octa core 2.1 and 1.5 Ghz
      Separate Andreno 330 Graphics CPU
    • Memory
      3Gig RAM
      Approx 32-128 Gig for user
    • Features
      A-GPS, GLONASS BEIDO, Compass, Accelerometer, Gyroscope
      Proximity, Ambient Light, Humidity, Temperature
      UV, Barometer, NFC, Fingerprint
      Google Play store
      Free Google Navigator (requires data plan)
      Li-Po 2550-2600 mAh battery
      Up to 370 hours Standby
      Up to 17 hours Talk Time
    • Price history
      Approx $980 AUD April 2015 (Outright)

  • Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Review

    2014_note4
    Welcome to the 2015 Samsung Galaxy Note 4 review. Finally we managed to post our review on the Galaxy Note 4 because we thought we'd already done one!  After a very long tenure with the Sony Xperia Z1 Ultra it was clear to us that a phone with a large screen is the way of future. Maybe not as big as the on on the Z Ultra but more the screen size on the Galaxy Note 4 and that is exactly we bought one. The Galaxy Note 4 is not a cheap phone with a RRP price of around $900. However with the high price also means it has top specification - and indeed it has arguably the best specification of any mobile phone on the planet - at the time of this post. In terms of construction the Galaxy Note 4 is very well made. The chiseled metal surround and glossy screen make you want to touch it. The rear is a rubberised plastic finish which happens to removable and is the point of the Note 4. The real panel fits perfectly although uses a material unlike any we've collectively touch before which is a first. Overall the conservative design looks good and feels very good thanks to the extra weight and worthy of the prices tag. The design is business class rather than pop candy as per the iphone6 Plus for example. In terms of hardware the Galaxy Note 4 is equipped with all the latest tech hardware you can possibly dream of in 2015. Very few so called reputable websites point out this simple fact. It is the most advanced mobile phone on the planet - even next to the new Samsung Galaxy S6! We can't say much more. So if your shopping based on specifications alone then you do not need to read any more reviews because the Galaxy Note 4 has everything and yes it is future proofed for the next 2 years... For example the QHD screen has more pixels than your regular LCD computer and the first 4K video camera resolution can't be fully appreciated on 99% of displays on sale to date. Other features which literally hammer the tech advantage over the other phones is the inclusion of the Heart rate, UV, oxygen etc sensors and the multi-purpose infrared remote control. The Note 4 is in a specification class on its own for the moment. In terms of use the Galaxy Note can be really easy or really complex. Apart from being fast left in default setup the Note 4 works as good as any other phone, if you haven't setup a new phone in awhile then it is just as easy as a Windows phone or iPhone. However you can really customise your experience on the Note 4 to any level you want to which makes this a key selling point. Lots of standard Apps on the phone including our favourite infrared remote control program now called Smart Remote that makes it the easiest universal remote control we've ever used. No need for weird bluetooth settings or wi-fi etc.. to get your phone to control things through the proven method infrared. The ability to add a microSD card is fantastic. The live widgets which are the key feature of any Android based phone works well on the large screen. Note that despite the larger screen the text has not been proportionally reduced like on the Sony Ultra Z hence everything is nice and readable.  The S pen feature is a great idea for workers, it is faster than any keypad even with swipe activated. The heart rate monitor, UV oxygen sensor on the back of the Note 4 for health trackers are great additions including the strangely hyped non-activty reminders. No other large screen mobile phone has the lot like the Note 4. To conclude, if you want a mobile phone or smart phone with the lot in a still easy to handle size, the ultimate burger so to speak of mobile phones - the Galaxy Note 4 for the time being is THE model to get. It can do everything you could possibly want in a mobile phone in 2015. There is literally nothing else in the class to compare it against. Specifications
    • Samsung Galaxy Note 4
    • Network Quad-band GSM - All Tri-band 3G - All Tri-band 4G - All
    • Design Touch screen
    • L153.6 x W78.6 x D8.5 mm
    • Weight 176 grams
    • Display 5.7 inch 2560 x 1440 QHD AMOLED
    • Camera 16MP auto-focus LED Flash 2nd forward facing video call camera 3.7MP
    • Video Camera 4K UHD 30FPS main video camera 3.7
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi Bluetooth V4
    • CPU Quad core 2.7 Ghz Separate Andreno 330 Graphics CPU
    • Memory 3Gig RAM Up to 32 Gig for user Up to 128 Gig micro-SD expansion
    • Features A-GPS, Compass, Accelerometer, Gyroscope Proximity, Ambient Light, Humidity, Temperature UV, Heart rate, Barometer, RGB, NFC, Fingerprint Ring tones: MIDI, MP3, Video, vibration and others Google Play store Free Google Navigator (requires data plan) MS-Word, Excel and Powerpoint, PDF, ZIP compatible Organiser/Calendar SMS, MMS, IM, Email Speaker Phone/Hands free Li-Po 3220 mAh battery Up to 370 hours Standby Up to 17 hours Talk Time
    • Price history Approx $980 AUD April 2015 (Outright)

  • Samsung S5 Active review

    lgvssony
    Welcome to the 2014 Samsung Galaxy S5 Active quick review. Our recent trip to Japan saw us trying out the latest ruggedised phone from Samsung, begin the S5 Active. Now we did much thinking and realised that all the current crop of 'ruggedised' phones should really be how regular phones are designed. That is phones that can be used in doors and outdoors without worrying about a few drops of water or dust and indeed accidentally.  That said the S5 Active is not indestructible but made with real more hard wearing materials than the regular Galaxy S5 and easily better than the iPhone 6 that has the potential to die when you leave your air conditioned car or plane to a humid environment - for instance. In terms of construction the S5 Active looks and feels very good but we feel designed to be held by guy we think its just the colour scheme of the phone we tested which was the  military style camouflage scheme. In a regular grey it stands out as being more like a prop from a sci-fi movie. The S5 Active feels solid yet light enough considering the extra bumper protection system. We're not sure how much actual metal there is on the phone but to be honest it didn't matter. We have no complaints about anything and neither will you and we regard it as one of best made and impressive looking phones available in 2014. In terms of hardware features the S5 Active has everything you could possibly want in 2014. It has things like infra-red blaster perfect of universal remote control, heart rate monitor, replaceable battery and even a micro SD slot. It is superior than the previous Galaxy S4 Active which was short changed on specs compare to the regular S4 of the same time. When compared to the regular Galaxy S5 we think the Active is the better looking phone. Since both have the same top end features In terms of use the Galaxy S5 Active is very good. We didn't find the interface daunting apart from the various update and status notifications seemingly more numerous than other operating systems. In fact the settings screen was more accurately described than on the iPhone OS for instance but Windows Phone 8 OS settings is better than either. Samsung's Andriod OS appeals to those who want flexibility, customisation options and ability to do things that you can only dream of on an iPhone! However it has also become clear that if you want simplicity go for any Windows Phone 8.1 which easily beats the iPhone or Android. The Samsung Galaxy S5 Active is a very appealing smartphone in terms of looks and feel. It also has all the features of a top end smartphone that you can use without worrying too much about weather conditions and in this sense it is unique. All other phones have lower spec hardware and require additional, bulky and largely unattractive cases although admittedly providing very good protection to deal the day to day use. We definitely like the the S5 Active even more because it doesn't come with any PR that goes too far. Specifications
    • Samsung Galaxy S5 Active
    • Network Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 All 3G frequencies All 4G frequencies
    • Design Touch screen
    • L145.3 x W73.4 x D8.9 mm
    • Weight 170 grams
    • Display 5.1 inch 1,280 x 1080 AMOLED
    • Camera 16MP auto-focus LED Flash 2nd forward facing still/video call camera 2MP
    • Video Camera 1080p high definition 30FPS main video camera 2MP Video phone camera
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi Bluetooth V4
    • CPU Quad core 2.5 Ghz Separate Andreno 330 Graphics CPU
    • Memory 2Gig RAM Up to 16 Gig for user Up to 128Gig micro-SD expansion
    • Features A-GPS, GLANOSS, Compass, Accelerometer, Gyroscope Proximity, Ambient Light, Barometer, Heart rate monitor Google Play store and Samsung Store Li-Po 2800 mAh battery Up to 20 Days standby Up to 24 hours Talk Time
    • Price history Approx $800 AUD late 2014 (Outright)

  • Samsung Galaxy S4 Review

    galaxys4_1
    Welcome to the 2014 Samsung Galaxy S4 review. We know our quick review is a bit late but since the new S5 is due to be released and that our latest benchmark phone is a Z Ultra we decided to do this write up. Furthermore we know that the S4 will be around as a 'budget' model for at least another year or two! So if you've being holding off here's our review on one of the best mobile phones for sale a the moment. In terms of construction the S4 looks cheap than its competitors for its price tag BUT it is a solid phone. It is the glossy back and seemingly slim frame that disappoints. That said the vast majority of phone users including iPhone almost always purchase cheap looking and generally tacky protectors. So in the end overall good but not fitting of a top end phone we expect. Of course thanks to the design its signal reception is notably better than metal/alloy phones. Only Nokia seems to be able to construct plastic phones are are both sleek aka expensive and hard wearing. In terms of hardware the Galaxy S4 has everything you could possibly want in 2014. Of note is the ever useful IR Blaster or infrared for controlling TV, the highly sensitive 5 inch touch screen and very good image and colour reproduction. There are many standard Apps that utilise its hardware features that it is quite daunting to start off with. The sound quality is also pretty good on both ends of the line. There is not much to complain about or that it is deficient in any way . The camera is one of the best out there too according to more reputable publications that said the images we took and examined are just as good as any other bar the Nokia 1020. The expandable memory so means you can store and view what ever content you want! In terms of use the Galaxy S4 is good and bad. Good and bad because what makes it good can be bad - in that it is easy enough to use but there are so many standard features that novice Andriod OS users will be over whelmed. The Galaxy S4 does require a short introduction before leaving the store especially if you've never had a smartphone before. For novice users we simply say to buy a Windows phone instead  which are much easier to use than the iPhone or Android. Nonethless the S4 is slick and fast and really shows those upgrading in particular, how quickly Android has matured. If you are youthful in mind and want a phone you can customise and can do everything you could possibly want than this is really all you need. Samsung Galaxy S4 Vs Sony Z Ultra: Ignoring size for obvious reasons the S4 has more hardware features than the Z Ultra. The Galaxy S4 screen is also brighter which help readability in sun light. The S4's camera is also very good! However where the Sony wins is in terms of speed - the Z Ultra is a noticeably fast phone. The lack of standard bloatware on the Z Ultra helps present a very convincing demonstration of the Android OS. If you want a mobile phone or smart phone with the lot in a easy to handle size, the Big Mac so to speak of mobile phones - the Galaxy 4S for the time being is THE model to get. It can do everything you could possibly want in a mobile phone in 2014. When it does become the 'budget model' there is no reason why its shouldn't very well indeed - if it's priced right! Specifications
    • Samsung Galaxy S4
    • Network Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 Tri-band 3G 850/900/2100 Tri-band 4G 899/1800/2600
    • Design Touch screen
    • L136.6 x W69.8 x D7.9 mm
    • Weight 131 grams
    • Display 5 inch 1,280 x 1080 AMOLED
    • Camera 8MP auto-focus LED Flash 2nd forward facing video call camera 2MP
    • Video Camera 1080p high definition 30FPS main video camera 2MP Video phone camera
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi Bluetooth V4
    • CPU Quad core 2.3 Ghz Separate Andreno 330 Graphics CPU
    • Memory 2Gig RAM Up to 32 Gig for user Up to 64Gig micro-SD expansion
    • Features A-GPS, Compass, Accelerometer, Gyroscope Proximity, Ambient Light, Humidity, Temperature Ring tones: MIDI, MP3, Video, vibration and others Google Play store Free Google Navigator (requires data plan) MS-Word, Excel and Powerpoint, PDF, ZIP compatible Organiser/Calendar SMS, MMS, IM, Email Speaker Phone/Hands free Li-Po 2600 mAh battery Up to 370 hours Standby Up to 17 hours Talk Time
    • Price history Approx $650 AUD late 2013-2014 (Outright) Approx $750 AUD late 2012 (Outright)

  • Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus Review

    BLANK
    Welcome to the 2013 Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus mobile phone review. The Galaxy Ace Plus is priced under $200 at most retail shops and an upgrade to the original Ace. This Ace Plus version is equipped with a faster but older 1Ghz processor and some other enhancements. However in comparison to the equally priced Nokia Lumia 520 the Ace Plus isn't quite as good... In terms of construction the Ace Plus is just like the original although it takes a side by side look to tell the difference which revels a larger screen and size. It is well made in an industry standard way for this price range. In terms of specifications the low resolution screen is a turn off because its low resolution and hence washed out. It as an older 1Ghz CPU  which works OK. Apart from that there's is nothing really standout which is barely acceptable. There are better specified mobiles or even less that work better... In terms of use the Galaxy Ace Plus still uses the old Android 2.3 OS which means not all the latest Apps will work but the majority o f the popular ones for social networks will. The smoothness of the interface is not up to the latest versions which shows how far Android has come in the space of a few years. Most of the features but a few key features like hotpots appeared to be missing. Overall and in isolation the Ace Plus is an Ok sort of phone but when compared to others in the price range in particular the Microsoft OS based  Lumia 520 it shows its age. The Ace Plus needs the latest OS and a better screen for it to be any good and even then the 520 (as an example) is still better except for the number of 3rd party apps available for it. Specifications
    • Samsung Galaxy Ace
    • Network Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 Dual-band 3G 900/2100 or 850/1990 HSDPA 7.2 Mbits data speed (download) 384kpbs data speed (upload)
    • Design Touch screen
    • L114.7 x W62.5 x D12.2 mm Weight 115 grams
    • Display/s External 3.65 Inch TFT 320 x 480
    • Camera 5MP LED Flash
    • Video Camera 800 x 480 video camera 24FPS
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi Bluetooth V3
    • CPU 1000Mhz
    • Memory Up to 2.7MB available to user MicroSD up to 32Gig
    • Ring tones MIDI, MP3, Video, vibration and others
    • Features A-GPS Proximity Compass Accelerometer (G-Sensor) Light Sensor FM Radio with RDS Music and Media player Organiser/Calender SMS, MMS, IM, Email FM radio Speaker Phone/Hands free Li-Po 1300mAh battery Up to 500 Mins Standby Up to 600 minutes Talk Time
    • Price history Under $199 AUD June 2013 (Pre-paid)

  • Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 Review

    hyp4mhz
    Welcome to the 2012 Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 review. The Galaxy Tab 2 is the replacement for the original TAB which is we think was a pretty good tablet to begin with. You CAN NOT possibly mistake it for Apple's iPad unless you are just plain brainless - let's face it even a blind person can tell the difference. (Surely I don't need to explain!) We are not anti-Apple just tired of hype and monopoly style tactics and lack of any innovation for the past 2 years unless you call bouncing icons - just like what Microsoft used to do. Do something truly innovative like the original iPhone. The Android OS has been customized by Samsung and for tablet use, so its missing mobile phone functionality even in the 3G version. It also does not have infrared which is disappointing. The TAB2 10.1 construction is plastic with metal like panels but it feels solid in the hand. Until they can make plastic feel like metal this perception or at least educate us that plastic does not always mean cheap the iPad will have the upper hand in this area. Since almost everyone will purchase a cheap plastic cover for their tablet especially the iPad we DO NOT see the construction material as a disadvantage. The best part of the Android and the TAB 2 is the ability to expand its user memory by a microSD card AND the ability to play virtually any video file format DViX, MP4, FLV or whatever common format you want. No need to convert or understand just copy the file over and the play it. Sure you may need additional software but the Google Play store has everything you need just download the most popular player. The only thing missing is the phone functionality even if you have a 3G version. The interface is smooth although it depends on whether your running a cool animated wallpaper or have widgets accessing the internet for updates. In this situation there can be micro lags as they update but left alone and without these interactive widgets running the interface is pretty slick. The standard web browser is noticeably faster than Safari on the iPad left is standard settings too! There are plenty of customisation settings to play with and all are quite logical. However it will take a longer time to get used to all the available features but at least they are already there. Overall the Samsung Galaxy TAB 2 is a very good tablet and if the 10.1 inch size is what you're after then this is perfect. There is room for improvement in that a faster CPU and future software upgrades will no doubt address. It is a little expensive at this point in time if can still buy one... Specifications
    • Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1
    • Network GSM 850/900/1,800/1,900MHz Quad-band 3G 850/900/1900/2100 (dependent on country) HSDPA 21 Mbps data speed (download) HSUPA 5.76 Mbps (upload)
    • Design Touch screen
    • L257 x W175.5  x D9.7 mm
    • Weight 587 grams
    • Display/s 10.1 inch 1,280 x 800
    • Camera 3MP auto-focus 2nd video call camera 2MP Forward facing camera for video calls.
    • Video Camera 720p high definition 30FPS main video camera
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi Bluetooth V3 3G networks
    • CPU 1.0 Ghz Dual Core Separate Graphic CPU
    • Memory 1Gig RAM 16 or 32 Gig for user Up to 32Gig micro-SD expansion
    • Features A-GPS AndroidApp store Samsung App store Free Google Navigator (requires data plan) Compass Accelerometer Proximity Ambient Light Dolby Digital Music and Media player MS-Word, Excel and Powerpoint, PDF, ZIP compatible Organiser/Calender SMS, MMS, IM, Email Speaker Phone/Hands free Li-Po 7,000 mAh battery Up to 2650 hours Standby Up to 8 hours
    • Price history Approx $500-800 AUD late 2012 (Outright)

  • Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 Review

    hyp4mhz
    Welcome to the 2012 Samsung Galaxy Tab 7 GT-P3110 review. The Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 is the 2nd update to the original Tab 7 version, the 7 Plus being the 2nd update which was not available globally. The Tab 2 7.0 is a slight downgrade to the Plus version in some ways but many will not really notice any difference due the same up to date Android OS. Australia's version is called the GT-P3110 which includes the 850 Mhz Telstra 3G frequency but missing infrared so be careful which version you order. The Tab 2 7.0 construction is very good with a nice curved back, minimal gaps and great finish.  Sure plastic doesn't look 'expensive' as per the iPad but lets face it everyone hides their tablet with an often hideous case. In terms of hardware features the faster dual core CPU, more efficient electronics and updated OS does make the tablet work smoother with a flashier interface. The Tab 2 may not have as many features of say the Samsung Galaxy S3 but it is much cheaper and certainly a match than any of it's few competitors. The Tab 2 7.0 is easily a match for the current iPhone 4S in terms of functionality but obviously bigger and more useful than the Amazon Kindle or any other tablet without phone functionality at this point in time. We like the TAB 2 due to its smoother interface and speed but since our original TAB is still working perfectly I think we'd wait till the next version. If you have not got the TAB then the TAB 2 is a perfect starting point. Final words? The Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 is the new and  best 7 inch tablet and mobile phone you can get for a great price too. Specifications
    • Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 GT-P3110
    • Network Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 Quad-band 3G 850/900/1900/2100 HSDPA 21 Mbps data speed (download) HSUPA 5.8 Mbps (upload)
    • Design Touch screen tablet
    • L193.7 x W122.4 x D10.5 mm
    • Weight 341 grams
    • Display/s 7 inch 1,024 x 600
    • Camera 3 MP LED Flash 2nd video call camera 1.3MP Forward facing camera for video calls.
    • Video Camera 720P 30FPS main video camera
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi Bluetooth V3 *Infraed on some models
    • CPU 1 Ghz Dual Core Separate Graphic CPU
    • Memory 8 - 32 Gig for user Up to 32Gig micro-SD expansion Ring tones MIDI, MP3, Video, vibration and others
    • Features A-GPS AndroidApp store Samsung App store Free Google Navigator (requires data plan) Compass Accelerometer Dolby Digital Proximity Ambient Light Music and Media player MS-Word, Excel and Powerpoint, PDF, ZIP compatible Organiser/Calender SMS, MMS, IM, Email Speaker Phone/Hands free Li-Po 4,000 mAh battery Up to 1000 hours Standby Up to 10 hours Talk Time
    • Price history Under $400 AUD mid 2012 (Outright)

  • Samsung Galaxy Note Review

    hyp4mhz
    Welcome to the 2012 Samsung Galaxy Note (GT-N7000) review. This is the first ever Galaxy Note model made by the company with its amazing 5.3 inch AMOLED screen! - and it is a fantastic piece of mobile phone technology!  Some seemingly reputable BLOGs and other reviews websites - you know who we're talking about dismiss it as a novelty or a stupid idea. We say you people are so out of touch or perhaps you are trying to stay in Apple's good books? Hmm regardless we think the Note is an excellent phone and perfect size for those wanting a very portable tablet and phone  in one package. We even asked one lady owner while in Singapore why she bought one and answer was exactly what we expected - she said it was perfect size to use for a long time without getting eye strain like on her pervious iPhone. She was a petite lady and the Galaxy Note didn't look bulky at all! We agree and hence on our shopping list for our next phone purchase. When we told her that infra-red was on option on other Samsung models she that it would be perfect and started searching Google! Anyway we are digressing slightly... The construction of the Galaxy Note is pretty good, better than the Galaxy SII. It also looks good in Grey or Blue if you can find one. We were impressed by its lightness which makes it easy to hold for a long time. However we wished that Samsung would start making cool looking phones with equally cool materials like Nokia and now HTC. In terms of size everyone (incluing various so called reputable websites) initially thought the iPhone was way too big, now the same people dismiss any other screen size which we think is so pathetic. Incidentally the same people who said that getting rid of infra-red was the way to go. On the other hand we have and will always be disappointed at the lack of infra-red in any phone. The Galaxy Note's touch screen has also been optimised with software for use with a S-pen or stylus.We don't think that finger pointing or stylus use exclusively is not the answer to everything and that is why the Galaxy Note succeeds - it works great using both methods.  University students will find this phone perfect for their daily lives as pen input is so much faster and neater than typing and all in one device. Older people and those with bi focal glasses will find the larger buttons and text easier to deal with as well. It even has changeable batteries which is a rarity these days. In terms of performance and use the Galaxy Note is quick and very responsive.  There are slight micro second lags despite the fast 1.4 Ghz CPU, every so often as with all Android based phones, we believe it is caused by genuine multi-tasking of apps and poorly programmed and usually 3rd party widgets that require faster data connections rather than anything faulty with the OS. The updated widgets are cool too, along with the animated backgrounds. The calendar, email and news widget for example are live and are much more convenient than having to push different buttons to run apps all the time. It honestly makes the iPhone OS look dated. No wonder Apple is suing Samsung. To conclude, we like the Galaxy Note very much. It is an excellent phone and one that many people including those with regular sized hands like us will appreciate. It does everything you could want and more except for infrared! We still refer the 7 inch version purely due to the larger screen ie. used as an e-book reader but the Note is yet another model we can serious consider and so should you. We leave you with our final thought after putting down the Galaxy Note - anyone who claims that the Galaxy Note is too large has a really small mind and hands! Specifications
    • Samsung Galaxy Note
    • Network Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 Quad-band 3G 850/900/1900/2100 Single band 4G LTE
    • Design Touch screen
    • L146.5 x W82.95 x D9.65 mm
    • Weight 178 grams
    • Display/s 5.3 inch 1,280 x 800 AMOLED
    • Camera 8MP auto-focus LED Flash 2nd forward facing video call camera 2MP
    • Video Camera 1080p high definition 30FPS main video camera
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi Bluetooth V3 GSM and 3G networks
    • CPU 1.4 Ghz Separate Graphic CPU
    • Memory 1Gig RAM 16 Gig for user Up to 32Gig micro-SD expansion
    • Features A-GPS FM Radio with RDS Ring tones: MIDI, MP3, Video, vibration and others AndroidApp store Samsung App store Free Google Navigator (requires data plan) Compass Accelerometer Proximity Ambient Light Dolby Digital Music and Media player MS-Word, Excel and Powerpoint, PDF, ZIP compatible Organiser/Calendar SMS, MMS, IM, Email Speaker Phone/Hands free Li-Po 2,500 mAh battery Up to xxx hours Standby Up to xx hours Talk Time
    • Price history Under $800 AUD late 2012 (Outright)