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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)
