Samsung Galaxy Tab P1000 (Cortex A8 processor 1.0GHz; 7-inch display)
Arguably the best Android tablet in the market, Samsung took great pains to make the Tab more than just a larger Galaxy S smartphone by offering a slew of customized applications.
| The good | Corning's Gorilla glass; sharp multitouch display with good viewing angles; microSD slot; full-HD video playback; good compatibility with existing Android apps; 3G radio with GPS; Adobe Flash 10.1 compatibility. |
|---|---|
| The bad | Proprietary dock connector; expensive. |
CNET Editors' Rating
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CNET Editors' rating
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Rating breakdown
Instead of merely slapping on Android 2.2 to a larger version of its popular Galaxy S smartphone and calling it a day, Samsung actually took the effort to create a unique experience for its first slate tablet, the Galaxy Tab. By working with mobile operators, the Korean company added apps for localized content. Moreover, Samsung also took pains to ensure compatibility with existing Android applications for the larger screen.
However, the question is whether a 7-inch tablet is really worth the bother in the first place. For smartphone users, whipping out a handset for emails, social network updates and even navigation is easier than pulling out the Galaxy Tab, even if it's significantly more portable than the 9.7-inch iPad. Having tried both Samsung and Apple slates over the week, we found that because the Galaxy Tab doesn't slip easily into pockets, we had to carry a bag anyway. So why not bring along the larger iPad instead? There is one area, however, where the Galaxy Tab excels--and that is for reading e-books. With its lighter heft, we did not experience the same finger cramps that we had with the Apple device.
So, for those deciding between the iPad and Galaxy Tab, the most important factor to consider is usage. If you intend to do lots of e-book reading and movie viewing on the device, the lighter Samsung portable will be better suited for your needs. However, if you read loads of PDFs (which doesn't sport automatic word reflow like ePub e-books) and comics and use your slate for gaming, the larger screen and app availability of the Apple iPad seals the deal.
Design
The Samsung Galaxy Tab may be made from plastic but feels solidly built with a nice heft. The device comes in only one color scheme--a white back with an ebony border and front. Below the screen is a row of capacitive buttons for Menu, Home, Back and Search. The reason the hardware follows the standard smartphone format (but on a larger scale) is that the Android operating system was originally designed for mobile handsets. As such, having a similar layout is important to ensure compatibility with the platform and apps.| Specifications | Samsung Galaxy Tab |
| Price | |
| Processor | 1GHz ARM Cortex A8 processor |
| Memory | 512MB |
| Storage | 16GB |
| Graphics | PowerVR SGX540 |
| Operating system | Android 2.2 |
| Dimensions (W x D) | 190.1 x 120.5mm |
| Height | 12mm |
| Screen size (diagonal) | 7-inch (1,024 x 600-pixel) touchscreen |
| System weight (with AC adapter) | 380g (450g) |
| Category | Slate |
The Galaxy Tab's battery is sealed inside the unit, which requires a trip to the service center once the power cells deteriorate over time. The headphone jack is located on the top, while the microphone is found on the left flank. The right side holds the microSD and SIM card slots and the base sports the dock connector and speakers. While you can make phone calls with the Galaxy Tab, the placement of the speakers and microphone means you'll need a Bluetooth or wired headset for this purpose.
The proprietary dock connector is used for charging the device as well as hooking up to a PC via USB. However, like the iPad, you cannot charge the device from a PC's USB port as the required voltage is not high enough. The port is also used for Galaxy Tab peripherals such as the keyboard dock and video output cables, which allow the unit to hook up to external displays via HDMI or component/composite jacks.
Last but not least, like the Dell Streak, this device uses Corning's Gorilla glass, which has an impressive resistance to scratches even from sharp objects like keys. However, the display does not have the iPad's oleophobic layer to prevent body oils from blurring the screen, and fingerprints show up a little too readily on the Tab than we would have liked.
Features
Instead of merely offering users the stock Android OS, Samsung has optimized the platform to differentiate it from the smartphone experience. Besides the Android Market, Samsung has included Readers Hub, Media Hub and Music Hub applications, which offer access to online literature, videos and tunes, respectively. The Korean company has also announced that the reader application has up to 2,500 magazines, 1,600 newspapers and 2 million books. To make it more convenient for users, in Singapore, the company has tied up with local telco SingTel, so that the bill for buying content appears in the mobile phone invoice. By bypassing the need for credit cards and third-party payment methods, Samsung hopes this will spur an increase in digital media purchases.Besides easy access to content, the Korean company has also optimized the Contacts, Calendar, and Memo programs with features such as nested tabs and split-screen views to take advantage of the larger display. However, since Samsung does not have control over third-party applications, the experience differs from app to app. Twitter and Facebook look perfectly fine and fill the display, while some users have reported that other programs either look pixelated or sport black borders (much like how the iPad deals with iPhone-only apps). These are, however, minor factors and we have not encountered any compatibility issues so far. ThinkFree Office is also included for reading and creating Microsoft-compatible documents.
One of the most touted benefits of having an Android tablet is Adobe Flash 10.1 compatibility, a feature which Apple refuses to include on its device. But while this gives the Galaxy Tab unrestricted access to Web content, we found that on some sites the slowdown caused by Flash content results in an unsatisfactory browsing experience. Unless you absolutely must surf Web sites with Flash media, we do not consider this a major must-have feature.
| Samsung Galaxy Tab | Average for category (Netbook) | |
| Video | N.A. | N.A. |
| Audio | Headphone/microphone jacks | Headphone/microphone jacks |
| Data | Micro-SD card reader | SD card reader |
| Connectivity | 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HSDPA | 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HSDPA |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Digital compass | Yes | Yes |
| Other features | Accelerometer, light sensor | Accelerometer, light sensor |
Hardware-wise, the Galaxy Tab has almost every feature found in contemporary smartphones. The built-in accelerometer allows the display to rotate and also provides an additional dimension for control in some games. The screen brightness is automatically adjusted for ambient light sources, while a microSDHC card slot allows users to expand the built-in 16GB storage capacity. The unit also comes with a front-facing 1.3-megapixel Webcam and rear 3-megapixel camera. The former is meant for videoconference calls, though popular programs such as Skype do not allow for this feature at this time. The high-resolution rear camera sports an LED flash and is capable of taking 720 x 480-pixel videos at 30 frames per second. Other functions include GPS, a digital compass, 802.11n and Bluetooth radios, along with HSDPA connectivity.
Despite having a lower pixel count than the iPad, the 1,024 x 600-pixel capacitive display looks especially sharp on the smaller 7-inch Galaxy Tab. The viewing angles are quite good for a conventional LCD display, though we would have liked to see an AMOLED screen instead. The unit is fast enough to provide a smooth multitouch experience. Our only gripe is that the fingerprint-prone reflective display is a little hard to use outdoors, though bumping up the brightness to maximum does help somewhat, even if this kills the battery life rather fast.
| Model/Specifications | Samsung Galaxy Tab | Apple iPad Wi-Fi + 3G | Dell Streak |
| Price | US$500 | ||
| Display | 7-inch (1,024 x 600) | 9.7-inch (1,024 x 768) | 5-inch (800 x 480) |
| Connectivity | 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HSDPA | 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HSDPA (no voice calls) | 802.11g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HSDPA |
| RAM | 512MB | 256MB | 512MB |
| Ports | Micro-SD | N.A. | Micro-SD |
| Storage | 16GB | 16GB | 2GB |
| Operating system | Android 2.2 | iOS 3.2 | Android 2.2 |
| Weight | 380g | 730g | 220g |
Performance And Battery Life
Running on a 1GHZ processor with the Powervr SGX540 graphics engine, it was a joy using the Android OS on the Galaxy Tab. There was no slowdown except when surfing certain Flash sites. Not only did we find the unit capable of playing 1080p full-HD videos, the Tab is also capable of streaming multimedia content to external displays via optional addons. We tried Google Earth on the Tab and was impressed that zooming was as smooth as the desktop equivalent.Battery life on the Samsung slate was equally impressive. Anecdotally, when used as an e-book reader and light Web surfing device via 3G, the Tab was able to last an entire day before the battery ran down. We looped some videos on the slate and managed just over 5 hours 30 minutes before we had to reach for the charging cable, which is quite impressive considering its powerful hardware.
Service And Support
The Samsung Galaxy Tab comes with a one-year international warranty. On its support Web site, you can download user manuals, drivers and software patches. Remote troubleshooting is available via phone or email. though in case of hardware failure the unit has to be brought to a service center for repair.
About the author
Tracking laptop and PC trends since 2005, Darius Chang may have been knee deep in bits and bytes but is certainly not a binary person. Under that big and soft exterior holds a marshmallow core which dotes on his god-daughters and nephew. Suspected of ADD, his interests span disparate fields such as sustainability studies, diving, sports, politics, etc. A true jack of all trades, but master of one (maybe two).
Latest comments
Pros: Portability, Phone, Top Shelf Apps, Good Battery life.
Cons: Gorilla Glass smudges too easily, hard to use in sunlight
Summary: Fantastic first effort Samsung, a really good Slate, worth every cent *********
Easily transported, good apps, everything just WORKS, and the screen is sharp ( a little hard to see in sunlight ) with vibrant colors. I would have liked to see a user battery compartment for battery replacement instead of a call to a service centre, but that's only a minor gripe. On the whole, I am very impressed with the Galaxy Tab P1000, good work Samsung.
Pros: Pocket size! very nice.
Cons: count on spending countless hours with tech support. Data wiped out for no reason. Can NOT backup calendar files, can't root galaxy tab. Kies which is supposed to sync Galaxy Tab, fails to recognize Galaxy Tab.
Summary: It had so much potential... fell flat. It was everything I wanted, but failed to deliver almost everything due to numerous problems and random issues.
timeline and review: 1/29/11, bought GALAXY TAB 7" tablet computer. $399.99 $39.33 9.5% tax. 1/30/11 Pd. $51.33 for case & Screen protector for GALAXY TAB 7" tablet computer. @ Cell Treasures @ Mall. 1/30/11, 6:30pm downloaded free ical sync program into Galaxy Tab, took over an hour. then crashed, trying to sync the most current ical file that I'd installed on Tab using disk mode, saved directly to a folder on Tab taking one second to load! Problem due to: ical .ics file is just likely way too big? mixed reviews online for this ical sync program. but sounds like it works. just hard for some (& me) to figure out how to use it. If I succeed in syncing, I will need to figure out a way to backup the copy on galaxy tab. I was very hopeful it would transfer. hehe. but not giving up yet. trying sync again, and will try other ways. (I canceled verizon, effective 1/31/11 and one way to transfer is using google calendar, which I'm locked out of recently. buggy, and creates duplicates. so don't want to use anyway. (Tried this later, but Google fails to upload data from iCal to google calendar.) 2/1/11, 8:45pm synced iphone notes to outlook in windows 7, with itunes then sync outlook notes to galaxy tab using compainionlink. companionlink works but takes 45 min to an hour to sync, EVERY time it syncs. It fails to sync Notes however. I had succeeded in getting all of my iCal events (7mb) and all my contacts, and some of my Notes onto Outlook 2007 on my MacPC windows 7. 2/3/11, 12pm, online purchase: Salling Media Sync, v1.1.9, Seller: Salling Software AB (4 ) $9.99 to xfr files from iphone to outlook, or outlook to Galaxy Tab, ? (this program completely failed to work.) 2/26/11, 9pm Downloaded kies, sync Galaxy Tab with Outlook . Free download www.samsung.com/ae/consumer/mobile-phones/infotainment/ Scary tho, can't (no way to) backup calendar files, can't root galaxy tab. Kies, which is supposed to sync Galaxy Tab, fails to recognize Galaxy Tab. checking online blogs and this problem seems to be pretty common. I have spent all of 2/28/11 and most of 3/1/11 work days trying to recover a serious problem with Galaxy tab: for some reason, it wiped out all Calendar data, except 2/3rd of the month of Feb 2011 calendar events. All gone!! (Thats 7mb of data that took me 3 weeks to finally get onto this Galaxy Tab. but there was no way to back it up. I downloaded 3 apps that claim to do that, but none would save the CALENDAR data to SD or anywhere else. Most of them were able to back up contacts, but none could back up the calendar data.) So, when this data came up missing while talking to Samsung tech support, I was devastated! Prior to this I've talked to APPLE tech support; tech support for several programs I've purchased or trying out. I didn't find out until talking to Samsung tech support that some of my problems could be due to my having closed the google account, since I had canceled the 'data' plan, which I only had for one day. I was thinking I needed to clear up programs that might be draining my Galaxy Tab battery. Tech support said the Galaxy tab needs an update and would get that over wifi, and may be why I'm having problems. However: Since I reinstated the google account access on the Galaxy Tab, things have not improved, and I am unable to get Galaxy Tab to do a successful factory wipe and reset, which is what the tech said is needed to get things going correctly. It just plain does NOT reset, completely fails to operate correctly. The next option suggested by the Samsung tech, is to send it in to them for repair. I have also talked to tech support at VERIZON, who can not warrantee tablets, and talked to Costco tech support, who also can not warrantee this device. I CAN return it to Costco for refund, since there is a 90day return policy. Now, it wont' start up, only showing VERZON logo. with or without the SD card (before I erased it) installed. 3/6/11, (first backed up to mac and MacPC, then erased data on micro SD card. overwrote with music, then deleted everything on the card) returned Galaxy Tab at Costco. Tech supports says it's defective: but Verizon won't replace it, Costco concierge won't replace it, Samsung may repair it but takes too long. AND would need to sign up with Verizon again ($35 fee) to find out if it works at all. (I REALLY don't like Verizon.) bottom line: whether this particular unit was defective or not, and whether my ignorance hindered the process, the bottom line is that the Galaxy Tab is not ready for release yet. Most of the programs sold for it fail to work as advertised or fail to work at all. There is no ease of use, and no easy way to copy data from existing PDA's or phones with calendar and notes data. I really tried to make this work. I really WANTED it to work!
Pros: light easy to carry ,no boot up wait ,fatastic apps and games ,mail easy to see and send
Cons: The screen needs to be wiped too often screenguard helped fingerprint magnet .easily wiped with a good cleaming cloth
Summary: Dont feel like using my laptop anymore ,the pad is awesome
I got this unit after studying all the reviews and trying the tab for a day ,i must say its a purchase i dont regret at all ,the size / weight is a small sacrifice for having something that is really user friendly works great on 3g and wifi ,the games esp the car racing where you just tilt the screen to steer ,the screen is crystal clear ,works well as a television too thanks to the applications . So for me its a all in one unit which i think with its weight and size (its like carrying a paperback novel in your hand)it beats the apple and all the bigger units by a mile ,you need a carry case with the bigger ones so why not carry a laptop instead .it replaces for me my ipod for music just a separate 32 gb card and there a music player. I think Samsung has done a great job combining the android mobile platform and made a tab the big screen is no nice to use for games movies websites pictures music .great
Pros: almost all
Cons: connectivity
Summary: so nice so bad
A big bug issue of connectivity with some routers that leaves you impotent with your device. Samsung Knows about this problem, but until now there is not a solution.
Pros: handy size, android, great sreen, great battery, phone functions, highly functional
Cons: no hard keyboard :), no usb host function/port (!), pricey.
Summary: The 7" Tab to beat- well done Samsung!
Used for 2 weeks. Singtel plan. I do not own any shares in Samsung or have any financial interests in the success of this product. Extremely happy user of the Tab so far. This device has been so useful, my phone and laptops are being neglected. It fills a niche for when you're too lazy to boot up the PC/laptop but want something bigger than a tiny phone screen to use. It's also easy to carry around. Fits into a guys trouser pocket easily- not the best fit, but practical enough for every day use. With a 3G-GSM plan, this is the device to rule them all. Despite what some ppl say abt Android 2.2 not being up to the task of a tablet, I can say that so far, this has not been my experience. Android functions well with the Galaxy- responsive and versatile, with many customizable features- unlike more proprietary OS's. *cough cough*. I shudder to think how much more powerful it can get with future upgrades to Android. Screen is gorgeous. May not be AMOLED, but very pleasing and easy on the eye. Absolutely no complaints here. Ebook reading is brilliant. The device is not so heavy, so makes reading with it pleasant enough without you having to workout at the gym. Battery is commendable. Moderate to heavy users will find it lasts abt a day or two. Light and economical users will find it lasts 2-3 days before requiring a recharge. No complaints here either. Speakers are great. Very happy with the sound quality output. Phone functions work well. The speaker phone works clearly and well in the absence of bluetooth or wired headsets. I am a hard keyboard junky, so it has taken me some time to adapt to the haptic touch screen pad. I must say, the unique "swipe" keyboard that you can opt to use, is very easy to use and makes things tolerable when it comes to typing stuff in. Apps wise and software are more than adequate for most needs. With easy access to Android Market, no complaints again here. Sure, it won't be able to compete with Apple market, but I predict in 3-5 years time, Android market could be leading Apple? :) Samsung has included FOC a Navigator software that gives you verbal directions to your destination ala Garmins/etc. Haven't tried it personally, but looks good. The only negatives I have are small issues, that are not deal breakers. Why no USB host function? I can't see why it would be so difficult to fit a usb port so you can shove a thumbdrive in or download your camera pics. Perhaps there are technical issues I am not aware of, but this is one of the main reasons I have not given it a 10/10. It would have been perfect with a USB port. I have found a small bug with the Wifi connection- very often when I switch WiFi networks, the tab soft resets itself. Not a biggie cos I mainly use 3G, but can be a tad annoying sometimes. Again, not really a deal breaker, and hopefully they sort it out with an update patch later. Portability makes this thing ADDICTIVE. So if you buy this, be prepared to neglect your other phones and PC/laptops. Overall, HIGHLY recommended device. Samsung has done well. The price is steep, but with a 3G plan, well worth it imho.
Pros: handy, long battery life, just like a PC
Cons: typing is a pain, navigation cryptic, and Singtel preloaded apps are useless
Summary: Galaxy Tab battery can be recharged via USB port on PC
I am readinv this revies and writing the response on the Tab, after recharging the flat out battery on my laptop. Ahree with everything except the USB charging part and the image, movie part. Imagss and photos look grainy npt as good as iPAD. The touchscreen keyboard is also aweful and difficult to hit the right keys
Pros: Small & Light, easy to use, It makes calls, Built in cameras loads of useful pre installed apps , running with my existing mobile phone sim perfect
Cons: Not as smooth as Ipad, no usb too many app sources can confuse, too addictive cant put it down.
Summary: Samsung Galaxy Tab wont kill Ipad each has different user appeals.
OK how many Ipad users held their Ipad while drinking their coffee this morning or eating their cereal, or while on the phone looking at a word document they created on the same device. Portability Ladies & Gentleman is the key here. If your sat on your desk showing a presentation yes you would rather your Ipad was showing it. if you want your music and e books and apps coming from one source ie I tunes then you want an Ipad. If you want to look at a report or read a book while commuting on the train during rush hour, you will want the Samsung Galaxy Tab. If you want to cut down on some of the devices into one device ie Tablet Pc and mobile you will go for the Galaxy which means now I have my Iphone 4 which I still love but now I can read my emails and read the daily news or an e-magazine without straining my eyes on the mobile screen, but don't need a massive 9 inches in my face, you get my drift. Samsung Galaxy Tabs is my portable choice.
Pros: cool stuff, cool features, love have it....
Cons: cool stuff, cool features, love have it....
Summary: cool stuff, cool features, love have it....
cool stuff, cool features, love have it....
Pros: Has Android Market, connectivity to the rest of the world unlike Apple's closed eco sys
Cons: LAGGY! Not that light
Summary: Hands on demo is a deal breaker for me
Just tried the Tab at the C3 show at suntec. went to sgcarmart.com and the scrolling was waaay too laggy. even worse than the 2.1 Sony X10. i even tried on 2 different units, used ATK to kill all background apps, and compared side by side to my Galaxy S (which is very smooth). i am not a techie, but wonder is this ram, cpu, or screen size? what a shame cos i really liked it.
Pros: Size, the number of suitable applications, technical performance.
Cons: as for now it's hard to find anything significant.
Summary: A laptop without keyboard or a handy slate ?
To the discussion of Apple or non Apple products it is worth comparing the tech industry to the fashion industry. You can buy a hyped product to double the price for the sake of the image which you can attach yourself on to as people watch you in envy.......you think. Maybe everyone buy it. Maybe there is a consensus that it's the best. But let us try to emulate the procurement officer in a company or an objective researcher who takes the very important step of comparing price to performance. A consensus have never been a valid proof of true performance. After several Apple products I am tired of being boxed in by a company who think they know what is right and wrong for me and who demand excessive prices for products which can be purchased from other brands at half the price. With the frequency we change our phones, computers, slates etc. how vise is it to tell the producers we want substandard price performance. To the discussion of size and weight between the iPad and the Galaxy Tab then I can affirm through observations I have done in various airport lounges that there is something to it. I have seen many a iPad user getting tired of holding the tablet after a short while and that reflections at times demands that a certain angel of view is maintained. That is true with any slate but how handheld do we want it to be actually? How light do we want it to be? The answer is in most cases: As light and handy as possible.
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