Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 review

The popular Galaxy Tab gets a reboot and redesign for 2012

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 review
On-par Android tablet plays it straight down the middle

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There is a handful of messaging options available on the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 out of the box, with the standard Gmail and Email applications present - letting you set up a number of accounts, with the latter offering a unified inbox, allowing you to see all your new mails in one place.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 review

Samsung has also included its ChatOn messaging service, similar to that of BlackBerry's BBM and Apple's iMessage – although this offering is a broader service, working across all Android devices, as well as Samsung's Bada featurephones, iOS and BlackBerrys.

Working in a similar way to the popular WhatsApp, the interface is clean and clear, making it simple to operate, but we found there was a serve lack of people to chat to, as it's still a relatively underused service, with most consumers using on of the rivals we've mentioned.

Samsung has squashed in a 7,000mAh battery into the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1, and with moderate usage it should last you the day with the spot of web browsing, social networking plus a smattering of music playback and short video viewing.

In our more measured test we got over six hours out of the Tab 2 10.1 when we streamed HD video over Wi-Fi, with the screen at full brightness.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 review

If you hammer the tablet with demanding games or excessive streaming activities then you will need to charge it again before bed time, but on the whole we were impressed with the battery life on the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1.

John McCann
Global Managing Editor

John joined TechRadar over a decade ago as Staff Writer for Phones, and over the years has built up a vast knowledge of the tech industry. He's interviewed CEOs from some of the world's biggest tech firms, visited their HQs and has appeared on live TV and radio, including Sky News, BBC News, BBC World News, Al Jazeera, LBC and BBC Radio 4. Originally specializing in phones, tablets and wearables, John is now TechRadar's resident automotive expert, reviewing the latest and greatest EVs and PHEVs on the market. John also looks after the day-to-day running of the site.