How does the Samsung Galaxy Tab Compare Versus an iPad?
The Apple iPad has been with us now for a number of months without any real competition. It created a “new” segment of the market somewhere between a smartphone and a netbook PC and has dominated that sector since it’s launch. Now, mainstream manufacturers are gearing up to launch a challenge, the first tablet from a big-scale manufacturer is the Samsung Galaxy Tab. Today on What Tablet PC we review the Galaxy Tab against the iPad – let the battle commence…
Samsung Galaxy Tab versus iPad
Galaxy Tab Pros:
- Size/Weight: 7-inch display (measured diagonally) with 16:10 screen ratio and 1024 x 600 resolution (WSVGA)
- Processor: 1GHz Cortex A8 processor (reportedly very nippy!)
- Operating System: Android 2.2 (Froyo). Samsung’s TouchWiz User Interface over the top of this looks smooth in motion
- Other features: up to 7 hours of battery life (measured by continuous video playback),16GB or 32GB internal storage, 3G (WCDMA), WiFi (802.11n), video calling (front facing camera and LED flash), 3 megapixel rear-facing camera, HD movie playback, Adobe Flash support, GPS navigation, microSD memory expandability, 30-pin dock connector for HDMI, USB and docking accessories. e-reader software. Access to 100k Android Market apps and also Samsung Apps.
- How much does the Samsung Galaxy Tab Cost? The cost is unknown currently although early rumours suggest the price will be comparable to iPad.
- How do I buy a Samsung Galaxy Tab? It should be available in the next few weeks in Europe and then the US shortly after that
Galaxy Tab Cons:
- Smaller 7-inch format (compared to 10-inch iPad) so less screen real estate but rumours suggest still comparable in price.
- Android Market Place App store is not as advanced as Apple App Store
- Unproven in comparison to iPad
- Battery capable of 7 hours of continuous video playback on a single charge compared to 10 hours on the iPad
Galaxy Tab Accessories – including:
- Bluetooth pen that is a stylus for the Galaxy Tab and a wireless remote control
- USB adapter – makes the Tab’s dock connector into a standard USB port
- Docking station offering an HDMI output for high-definition video on your big screen HD TV.
- Car Dock for GPS navigation on your windshield
- Keyboard dock, Bluetooth Keyboard
- Various covers, chargers, headphones, speakers
Apple iPad Pros:
- Size/Weight: 9.7-inch display (measured diagonally) and 0.5 inch thick with LED-Backlit IPS Display screen with 4:3 Aspect Ratio. Device weighs in at 1.5 pounds
- Processor/Memory: 512 MHz A4 chip
- Operating System: iOS 4 (download from iTunes)
- Other features: up to 10 hours of battery life (measured by continuous video playback), available in 16GB, 32GB or 64GB memory sizes, 3G (on specified models), WiFi, HD movie playback, GPS navigation (only on 3G models), iBooks e-reader software (iTunes download). 250k Apps in Apple App Store. Safari full-featured internet browser. Built in speakers, microphone and a headphone jack
- Cost/Availability: Ranges from $499 (£429) for the WiFi 16GB model up to $829 (£699) for the WiFi + 3G 64GB model. All available now direct from Apple.
Apple iPad Cons:
- No Flash support
- No expandable memory using an external memory card
- No USB port for attaching peripheries or a memory stick
- No Camera for video conferencing or taking pictures
- No true multitasking
- Apps restricted to those approved by Apple App Store – Galaxy Tab doesn’t restrict you to apps only approved by Apple
- Pay extra for the 3G models and can’t tether the iPad to your mobile phone as you should be able to with the Galaxy Tab
Apple iPad Accessories – including:
- Keyboard dock, Bluetooth Keyboard
- Camera connection kit
- Composite AV Cable
- Various covers, chargers, headphones, speakers
- iPad Dock Connector to VGA Adapter
Should You Buy a Samsung Galaxy Tab?
Until we get the Samsung Galaxy Tab in the hands of real users (and have a price confirmed) we won’t be able to totally tell how it compares with the iPad.
The key things going for the iPad is that it’s now established and has first to market advantage. What this means for a user is that its very stable, with an established app market and huge iTunes library of video, music, podcasts etc. We also know that it works real slick.
Things such as the long battery life, excellent video playback with wide viewing angles and user interface are clearly first rate and added to everything else make a fantastic user experience on the iPad.
The Galaxy Tab brings a large number of the things that were missing from the iPad though such as expandable memory, USB connectivity, you’re not tied to Apples controlled eco-system of apps and have Flash support for a more comprehensive view of the web.
Time will tell who is the winner here and we’ll soon see all the other big manufacturers entering this market. Keep an eye on What Tablet PC for more news…
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