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Welcome to the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7 GT-P1000 review. The Galaxy Tab 7 was released in late 2010 as one of the first phone/tablet to mount a challenge to the Apple iPad. We liked the Galaxy Tab from the start as it was a combination of a huge screen for tablet use and being able to use it as a regular mobile phone. In fact we liked it so much we bought one! However just because one of us uses it as a main phone doesn't mean that its perfect and there are a few things that can be improved.
The construction of the Galaxy tab is solid and not too heavy compared to a regular mobile phone and it is quite light compared to other tablets like the iPad. It is made of plastic except for the screen which feels like glass. Down the side are the slots fro the SIM card and microSD while the top has the earphones and the bottom the stereo speakers and multipurpose connector. While the screen is huge and the thick bezel makes it bigger than it should - the latest 2011 HTC Flyer is probably what it should have been like from the start but then the Galaxy TAB is 12 months older. Overall not a bad effort for the first of its kind. In terms of size it is quite big but can easily be put in a satchel or hand bag.
(We eventually did appreciate the large bezel because it allows for a place to put your thumbs.)
Note that the screen does not use the latest technology like AMOLED and because it is huge and bright you don't really notice the difference. Sure the picture quality may not match the color reproduction of the N8 for example but the Galaxy TAB is still pretty good. The only issue you'll encounter is that the screen is quite reflective in daylight.
In terms of OS our version runs Android OS 2.3 Gingerbread which is presumably upgradable with future Android OS for phones. There are rumors that it will be a 3.0 version for tablets, however considering that there isn't any phone functionally in 3.0 it is unlikely - but you never know. Regardless of OS the Galaxy is super responsive and works fast. The Samsung desktop software (KIES) is quite limited in functionality since Andriod is centered on online Google apps for data sync.
In terms of every day use the Galaxy Tab is pretty cool, the large screen helps readability and the fully functioning phone software is excellent. The only issue is that you really need the wired headset or an optional bluetooth headset to make use of the phone functions - unless your at home and can use the hand free calling. Call quality is great and likewise signal reception. The integrated Goggle email, calendar and documents work brilliantly and no you don't need to sign up for Gmail to use the basic functions. The web browser works perfectly and quickly and can only improve in the future. The main problem is that if you use Outlook, which most do it is almost impossible to sync the two.
The Galaxy Tab comes with a camera and flash for the odd occasion but the image quality is not impressive - it is just passable for a phone though. Strangely missing is a FM radio - we don't know why it's missing considering its size. The Galaxy's TAB battery life is OK but due to the large screen it sucks most of the power dry quite quickly. We estimate 3-4 hours if used on the middle setting. Standby time is 3-4 days since it is also a mobile phone and hence always on. Turn off all wireless and reduce the screen brightness and you could potentially get 6 hours continuous use.
As we already said we liked the Galaxy TAB it so much one of us actually bought one and still uses it which speaks highly of the concept. Unfortunately it relative size will put the masses off buying one - which is fine with us. These days we carry so much gear that the combination of both tablet and phone works for us. However for the average user it may just a bit too big to be used as a phone and a little too small for a tablet but to just as many its the perfect compromise.
Final words? it is the best 7 inch mobile phone you can get and a pretty good tablet as well. (Much better than the Telstra and Optus offerings)
Specifications
- Samsung Galaxy Tab 7
- Network
Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900
Tri-band 3G 850/900/1900/2100 (dependent on country)
HSDPA 10.2 Mbps data speed (download)
HSUPA 2 Mbps (upload)
- Design
Touch screen
- L190.1 x W120.5 x D12 mm
- Weight 385 grams
- Display/s
7 inch 1,024 x 600
- Camera
8MP
LED Flash
2nd video call camera 1.3MP
Forward facing camera for video calls.
- Video Camera
720 x 480 pixel 30FPS main video camera
- Connectivity
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth V3
- CPU
1 Ghz
Separate Graphic CPU
- Memory
16 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
Approx $500 AUD late 2011 (Outright)
