Samsung has now officially outed the Samsung Galaxy Tab, its eagerly awaited 7-inch Android tablet.
But how does it match up to the Apple iPad, which has set the standard for slate computing? Sure, the iPad has a bigger screen. But there are several areas where the Galaxy Tab is superior...
Samsung Galaxy Tab vs iPad: display
The Apple iPad incorporates a touch-sensitive IPS display that measures 9.7 inches across. It's undoubtedly a gorgeous screen, boasting a resolution of 768 x 1,024 pixels.
Samsung has opted for a smaller display in the Galaxy Tab. It's still a decent size at 7 inches, which is a full 2 inches bigger than the Dell Streak tablet-phone. It gets closer to the iPad's specification with a resolution of 600 x 1,024 pixels, which looks superb on an LCD this size.
Winner: iPad
Samsung Galaxy Tab vs iPad: size & weight
Despite its size, the Apple iPad measures 242.8 x 189.7 x 13.4mm and weighs 680g (although it feels a lot lighter when you hold it in your hand).
With its 7-inch display, the Galaxy Tab is obviously more compact. Samsung's quoted dimensions are 190.09 x 120.45 x 11.98mm, which makes it thinner than Apple's device. The Galaxy Tab weighs a mere 380g, which is almost half the weight of an iPad.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Tab
Samsung Galaxy Tab vs iPad: wireless
As you'll know by now, the Apple iPad is available in two versions, one with 3G networking and one without. We'll use the basic 16GB 3G + Wi-Fi version in this example. It means that Apple's lust-object features data-only 3G/HSDPA connectivity, 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR.
The Galaxy Tab arguably has a better specification. It also packs 3G/HSDPA (up to 7.2Mbps), but like the Dell Streak, the Samsung tablet can be used to make phone calls (via a Bluetooth headset) and to send/receive SMS/MMS data. The addition of 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 3.0 complete a great specification.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Tab
Samsung Galaxy Tab vs iPad: storage
Again, using the basic 3G + Wi-Fi iPad in this comparison, both entry-level models feature 16GB of internal memory. Of course, like Apple's iPhones, the iPad lacks any sort of expansion slot so you're stuck with 16GB if you opt for that model. If you demand more storage, you'll need to look at the 32GB or 64GB models.
In contrast, you can expand the 16GB of memory in the basic Samsung Galaxy Tab (a 32GB variant will also be available). Like its Galaxy S smartphone, the Tab features a microSD slot and will support memory cards up to 32GB. This will boost the overall capacity of a 16GB model to 48GB and elevate the roominess of a 32GB Tab to 64GB.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Tab
Samsung Galaxy Tab vs iPad: camera
The camera in the iPad... No. Wait. There is no camera in the iPad. The Galaxy Tab, meanwhile, boasts a 3 Megapixel lens with an LED flash. In fact, it has TWO cameras. There's also an extra 1.3MP camera on the front for basic QVGA video calling.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Tab
LACKING: The Apple iPad is missing some key functionality. Roll on iPad 2...
Samsung Galaxy Tab vs iPad: battery life
Apple claims a ten-hour battery life for its iPad, which compares to 7 hours quoted by Samsung for the Galaxy Tab. We shouldn't be surprised. The Galaxy Tab is smaller and lighter, there's less space for a meaty Li-Ion cell.
Winner: Apple iPad
Samsung Galaxy Tab vs iPad: performance/usability
In terms of performance, it's hard to separate the two. Both can rev up a 1GHz engine - the iPad is powered by Apple's own A4 chip, while the Galaxy Tab uses a ARM Cortex A8-based 'Hummingbird' processor. It also gets some extra graphical grunt from a PowerVR SGX540 core.
The big difference is in the software. Apple newest updates to the already impressive iOS4 will include a new Game Center, TV rentals, iTunes Ping functionality and AirPlay wireless streaming. Apple's App Store is also a colossus, boasting an unrivalled 250,000 apps.
The Galaxy Tab, meanwhile, runs Android 2.2 (Froyo) and can match the iPad for multi-touch control, pinch-to-zoom and general speediness. The Android Market might have fewer apps (around 70,000+ at last count), but Android still boasts one thing that the iPad doesn't have - Flash 10.1 support.
Winner: Draw
And the rest...
The iPad also includes A-GPS functionality (3G + Wi-Fi models only) and a built-in digital compass. It can playback H.264 video up to 720p and doubles up as a e-reader thanks to Apple's own iBooks app and downloadable Kindle software. Prices start at £429 for the 16GB Wi-Fi only model, rising to £699 for the full-whack 64GB Wi-Fi + 3G variant. Ouch.
As for the new Galaxy Tab, it will come with built-in gyroscopic and geo-magnetic sensors, plus A-GPS or even full-blown GPS - Samsung's press release is vague on the details. It has its own iBooks rival too in the shape of 'Readers Hub', which has access to 2 million books, over 2,500 magazines and more than 1,600 newspapers. Samsung has yet to reveal pricing details, which will probably be set by the mobile carriers who sell it.
Samsung Galaxy Tab vs iPad: Our verdict
While the iPad is still the most desirable tablet computer available, the Galaxy Tab will provide some stiff competition. Especially if it's sold at a sub-£300 price point.
Samsung's device can't match the iPad for screen loveliness or battery life. But it steps up the technology battle by including a built-in camera and expandable memory.
With Android rapidly improving and Samsung currently producing some of the best mobile hardware on the planet, the prospects for the Galaxy Tab look bright. As ever, seeing the new device, holding it, surfing the web and watching videos on it will be key.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Tab
Ooh. Now that's controversial...
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Your comments (22) Click to add a new comment
kornhill
December 27th 2010
22. One thing they do not tell you.
The battery in Galaxy will not charge using USB in a PC or with a 1A Battery supply. Even a 1Pad charger cannot do the job.
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djmobi
November 24th 2010
21. This kind of thing annoys me. The only reason people are buying these things is because Steve Jobs says that you need one.
I have an iPhone 4 running 4.2.1 which does everything I need it to do if I cant be bothered to open my laptop. If I need to watch a film, stream something, download something or do some office type work I use my laptop.
What on gods earth is an iPad going to do that I cant already and why would I want to replace my laptop with one of these? I have read a few reviews and peoples comments and I cant see why people are buying these things......am I missing something?
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kuzy
November 20th 2010
20. To "Dean Evans" (the author of this article):
The Graphics: Galaxy tab have PowerVR SGX540 vs. PowerVR SGX535 on iPad.
The RAM: 512mb on Galaxy Tab vs. 256mb on iPad.
Hope this info helps on this review. TechRadar make good job :)
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zisel77
September 17th 2010
19. I prefer ipad. Galaxy Tab is just a phone,but ipad not only a big ipod touch, but also a computer. It has almost completely replaced my personal computer. For the things I do... Is is perfect! Much nicer than any CPU I have ever owned. All my other computers would do a lot of things I would never use it for, and do it painfully in the process (slow, buggy, etc.). When you get down to what you do most on you personal computer... the iPad does almost all of the things an average user needs, and with a much much nicer U/I. Easy of use, fast, and efficient. The other computer manufacturers could learn a thing or two from this, but even if they do... they will probably screw-up the one they come out with by adding all the **** back in again. Ugggggg!!!!
I am sticking with my iPad. I think other will do the same once they try it and realize it is the perfect personal computer :-)
And let us keep an eye on iFunia ipad column. the third party supply the free recource for download and powerful app for use.
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gameshack
September 7th 2010
18. The main show stopper on a device like the Samsung for me is a SIM contract. Lucifer will be practicing ice sculpture before I give the mobile telco's any more of my money than I absolutely have to.
So I either need to be able to route data traffic through my existing phone (bluetooth, wireless, osmosis, don't care), or I'm able to stick in a SIM which shares the account details of my phone. So I can use both.
Don't care which but Telco's need to wake up that multiple devices does not = multiple accounts.
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xmb
September 7th 2010
17. Quote... "Wait for the Android 3.0 tabs would be best best."
Or just go and buy an iPad or iPhone! (Depending on how you are primarily going to use the device.)
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slaguru
September 6th 2010
16. After listening to the Engadget reviews of the Samsung it seems to me that unless its selling for 1/2 price of the iPad its going to fail.
At half the price it might be worth while for people to spend on a device that will be unsupported in 6 months time (no word on the compatibility of this with 3.0 or beyond.
Wait for the Android 3.0 tabs would be best bet.
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xmb
September 5th 2010
15. textnut says "......already the signs are not looking good for Apple, competition wise. It seems they only managed to push themselves in front for a short while thanks to some stuffs they nicked from Nokia. Now they have had to move the iPhone forward and they have not done so well. The iPad is already behind even before the competition begins."
How can they be behind when they are selling two million iPads a month! How is the iPhone not moved on well? All companies make incremental updates to their products to ensure customers keep on buying new gear, if not they would soon be out of business. The iPhone has evolved nicely both in software and hardware terms, still keeping ahead of the game.
Apple make good products that people want and desire, maybe not perfect but then no one makes a perfect product! Each individual needs to look at all products on the market and choose the one that suits their requirements best.
Resorting to company bashing is pointless and brings nothing to the table.
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lovlid
September 5th 2010
14. "only sadly deranged haters or people on the payrole of the Google Federation think otherwise.."
Idiot.
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biberkopf
September 3rd 2010
13. If you're going to have BOTH a smartphone and a tablet then iPhone 4 and iPad are the way to go. The Tab is a high performance smart phone that took to much HGH. It's a compromise if you're only going to have one device. I want both (plus I hate bluetooth earpieces since I always use my headphones.)The thing that sealed it for me was Samsung's customer service. A non tech WAG can get an Apple anything fixed with their CS. I still can't get the proper support for my Samsung burner - ahhhhh!
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gorgeousninja
September 3rd 2010
12. Ooh. Now that's controversial...
Hardly, didnt you also right off the iphone with a similarly dodgy comparison test?
Display; "the iphone 4 has the most gorgeous display of ANY phone in the world, BUT in our minds the 'generic android device' wins." ???? brilliant! No explanation why.
The Tab might be good, it might even be better, (depends if you value you and your families privacy), but it will never be as innovative or groundbreaking. Some people follow the herd, others lead. Apple leads, and only sadly deranged haters or people on the payrole of the Google Federation think otherwise..
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joeyli
September 3rd 2010
11. the ipad is too heavy, when playing a driving game, my arms get tired before the game is over and it gets real hot real fast. i hate the 4:3 screen. only thing i like about the ipad is it's UI. galaxy seems to have all the stuff ipad don't. i can't wait for the galaxy tab to come to the US.
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texnut
September 2nd 2010
10. already the signs are not looking good for Apple, competition wise. It seems they only managed to push themselves in front for a short while thanks to some stuffs they nicked from Nokia. Now they have had to move the iPhone forward and they have not done so well. The iPad is already behind even before the competition begins.
History repeating itself some may say.
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xmb
September 2nd 2010
9. The Samsung is just an over sized smartphone, which without network subsidies, would be as costly as the iPad.
Buy an iPhone 4 if you need a 'real' portable smartphone and get the iPad for a home surfer and e-book reader rather than a laptop (assuming you already have a iMac, PC or laptop).
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slaguru
September 2nd 2010
8. @XMB Said
"For me the iPad has the edge but I would say that as I am using one now after succumbing to it's lure yesterday!"
As missed in the original article, you can at least get an iPad without any strings attached (no contract, no worry about carriers).
One of the big 'selling points' for the Samsung, and all the proposed tablets that are heading this way is that its likely to be carried on networks. Does that mean that you will have to buy an Orange Samsung and that will only work on that network. What about if you cant get Orange, are you locked out. ????
And do the networks get a say on customising these devices. Does it mean we will get one tablet with some functions but not others, do they get OS updates at the same time ???
All ignored in the article.
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phila
September 2nd 2010
7. Hang on a second - for display you have the iPad as the winner...
Yet most people say that the iPhone has a better display than the larger (lower resolution) mobiles because of higher Pixels Per Inch.
So, since the Tab has the higher pixels per inch (same horizontal resolution on a smaller screen), then shouldn't the Tab win that choice???
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xmb
September 2nd 2010
6. Like others I don't think the two are directly comparable due to the size difference. For use around the house as a laptop/net book replacement the iPad wins, also as an e-book reader the screen again wins out.
If you want a large screen device for use out and about then maybe the Samsung has the edge but I would rather have an iPhone or similar for that task.
For me the iPad has the edge but I would say that as I am using one now after succumbing to it's lure yesterday!
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texnut
September 2nd 2010
5. could it be that the iPad and the Galaxy Tab are made for different group of users rather than competing? I have been to the Apple shop once to see the ipad. There is no way on earth I will be carrying that about. I might as well carry my laptop. The Galaxy Tab creates clear water between itself and a Netbook in terms of size and portability. In this respect it brings something new to party.
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slaguru
September 2nd 2010
4. Performance / Usability = Draw ?????
You know this how ???, can you show me the in-depth video review of you performing various tasks on both platforms, and side by side app evaluations...
As for a winner, well I suppose like all these comparisons you leave out small factors like availability, peripherals (docks, cases, add ons), support, resale value, build quality.. then the Samsung will kick the iPads ***. So thats one android tablet every three minutes then !!
Oh well.
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