Monday, September 26, 2011

samsung galaxy tab 10.1 review

By Jennifer (Double Duty Mommy) at 6:33 PM
On June 29th a couple months before I left for BlogHer11 I received a shiny new Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 in the mail. The 10.1 was released nationwide on June 17th so I was so excited to be getting my hands on this beauty so soon.
I'm just going to jump right into this review because there are so many amazing things to say about this product.

To start the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is slightly thinner then the iPad2 and what some people say is the thinnest tablet on the market right now. Lying flat it's just as thick as an iPhone, with my phone on it's side and the Tab standing correct it's quite thinner as you can see, and the last picture shoes how wide the Tab is.


The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is "taller" then an iPad if you stand it on it's side. I tried squeezing it into an iPad2 case since I couldn't find Tab cases anywhere (FYI: you can only find them online right now) and it wouldn't fit at all.

PERFORMANCE
With the new 10.1 Tab model you will be getting the Honeycomb OS that runs off the Android 3.1 market. I love Android and although Honeycomb doesn't support all apps you can definitely find a lot of FREE (yes most are free compared to the ones you have to pay for in the Cupertino's (Apple) store. The downside is that Apple did just announce that it is home to over 95,000 tablet applications where as Android won't say how much it has. You will quickly find out on your own that it doesn't have much in comparison to Apple.
Animations quick, transitions fast, and web browser performance is awesome, and although videos seem to load up in a smaller window as opposed to filling the screen.
As far as the speakers go of course you won't be hearing Doby Digital Sound blaring out from the sides but to me you get some pretty nice crisp audio and video playback. Flash, DivX, MPEG4 and H.264 files all played back petty well. The only problem I have is viewing videos via Facebook. IE: If someone posts a video on their wall and I try to view it, I can hear the sound but the screen is pitch black. I'm not sure why I have this issue and if you will experience the same thing.

BATTERY
I am in love with the battery life of this puppy. Seriously, even with the display brightness at about 70% I was able to get about 10 hours of life before I was seeing the screams of my Tab telling me it needed to be plugged in. Turning the power down just a bit I was able to get about 11.5 hours of up time. I usually keep my settings at "Automatic Brightness" and I still see between 10-11 hours before she dies on me.

SOFTWARE
Again you will be getting Android 3.1 with the Honeycomb Market and that brings along widgets that can be resized vertically and horizontally. Now you cannot do this will all widgets (yet) but for Email, Calender and a few others it is possible.
As you can see I expanded my Gmail widget to take up most of the screen space because I like to glance and see multiple emails before having to open up the application.
I am in love with this feature and cannot wait till more people jump on board and update their applications.

CAMERA
One word. Impressed. You can take 3MP photos/videos using the rear- and- front facing cameras. Now sure in comparison 3MP isn't much but for a Tablet of this size you can get some amazing shots. I'm not entirely sold on using it just because it's a little hard to hold the tab and press the shutter button at the same time. Now I'm not jumping for joy but the image/video quality is nice and better then some tabs/phones.


both pictures using the Galaxy Tab camera.
CONCLUSION
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is the best Honeycomb tablet on the market to date. In due time will we see if it can match up to Apple's extensive store of Apps and if you're willing to wait for that (like I am) then this Tab provides a world-class Gmail experience, better handling than the iPad 2 (in my opinion anyways) and a higher resolution display.


The 16GB WiFi model (that I have) retails for $499 -- exactly in line with the iPad -- while the 32GB variant will demand $100 more out of your pocketbook. If you're looking for some 3G action so you can surf when not on a WiFi line then the 16GB goes for $529 while the 32GB is $629. Some pretty hefty price tags but if you ask me it's definitely worth it and I wish I had the 3G service.


**I was sent the product(s) free of charge by the company or PR representative. It has been used for the purpose of this review. The views are strictly 100% my own. Receiving the product did not influence me to produce a positive review. I truly love the Galaxy Tab and use it each and every day!**

13 commented:

Ellen on September 26, 2011 at 7:40 PM said...

Wow it sounds pretty amazing. I would love to try one out!

Unknown on September 26, 2011 at 7:43 PM said...

How is the price comparison? These things can be pretty pricey (and actually I am currently in the market) and would be willing to sacrifice all of the apps (that I probably wouldn't use anyway) if the price is right!

Kimberly Gauthier, Dog Nutrition Blogger for Keep the Tail Wagging on September 26, 2011 at 8:38 PM said...

I've been looking at tablets and I was settled on a Sony or ASUS and now you've thrown a wrench in my planning. I'm going to have to really give this Samsung a second look.

Thanks for such a detailed review. As a photography lover, I'm really into the quality of the pics. I can't wait to share this on my photography blog - my followers will get a kick out of this too.

Meredith on September 26, 2011 at 9:02 PM said...

It is an awesome tablet. Makes me regret my decision to get the Xoom.

Glenda on September 26, 2011 at 9:17 PM said...

I have been wondering about the Galaxy Tab. I have a first generation ipad, but I love Samsung, so really appreciate your review. Thanks so much for all the info!

Beth on September 26, 2011 at 9:28 PM said...

Cool!!! We have an iPad and love it, but it's a first generation and doesn't do pictures. The Galaxy looks awesome!!

Angie [A Whole Lot of Nothing] on September 26, 2011 at 9:43 PM said...

I'll take one, please and thank you. ;)

Dawn Sandomeno on September 27, 2011 at 7:43 AM said...

SOLD! Christmas is right around the corner and thanks for the review, it's very helpful.

Unknown on September 27, 2011 at 10:48 AM said...

I have a samsung galaxy phone so I'm sure I would love the tablet too. I was waiting for the upgrades before purchasing but ended up getting the ipad.

Candace on September 27, 2011 at 11:21 AM said...

I have heard good things about the Galaxy! I was looking at that one instead of an iPad.

Rachel on September 27, 2011 at 11:32 AM said...

My husband really wants a tablet - and this sounds great! Good to know there are other fantastic options besides the iPad out there :) Thanks!

Dawn Camp on September 28, 2011 at 12:14 AM said...

What a great product to review. Thanks for the honest evaluation!

Sarah on September 29, 2011 at 2:50 PM said...

We have been in the market for a tablet and haven't settled on one yet. I love the features you've highlighted in the Samsung and it has now made our short list! Thanks

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