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Hardware Review: International Samsung Galaxy Tab

Specs:

Here’s a quick recap of the base specifications for the Samsung International Galaxy Tab:

  • Cortex A8, 1GHz CPU, Hummingbird
  • 7.0″ WSVGA TFT
  • Android 2.2
  • 3G GSM // Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n
  • Rom – 16 GB – Flash
  • Ram – 512 MB
  • Camera (Rear) 3MP Auto Focus with Flash
  • Camera (Front) 1.3MP
  • 720P Video Recording

Build Quality:

The Samsung Galaxy Tab offers in my opinion excellent overall build quality. It feels very sturdy and solid to the hand and offers a very aesthetically pleasing outer design. It has smooth round corners, with a very shiny outer coating. All in all I would say the build quality of the Samsung Galaxy Tab is amazing, and I think I can comfortably say that I don’t believe anyone would be disappointed. Nice Job, Samsung!

Build Quality [rating:5/5] 5/5


Phone Calls:

Although I really wouldn’t consider this tablet to have any real value for making calls, it does have the functionality built in given that it is the international version. You can only use the phone function via speakerphone or headset (which is included). I will admit that the call clarity is the same as a standard cell phone.  I made multiple calls throughout the day and got great results every time on the T-Mobile network. I would rate the phone calls a 3/5 as I really don’t see the tablet being functional for day to day phone use, however it does work well.

Phone Call [rating:3/5] 3/5


Battery Life & Charge:

All I can say is amazing. The battery life is way beyond what I ever imagined. You can play games, browse the web, reply to e-mails, and etc all-day and still have battery left over. I have used it upward of five hours straight and it still had over 40% battery life.

I will note that one negative aspect regarding the battery is your tablet cannot be charged via a laptop or desktop computer. When your tablet is plugged in you will be able to maintain the current charge, however it will not continue to recharge itself until placed on a wall charging system.

Battery Life & Charge [rating:4/5] 4/5


Display:

Although the Samsung Galaxy Tab does not include the Super AMOLED screen which the Galaxy S lines sports, it still has a stunning display, with a resolution of 1024 x 600. The display itself boasts a very bright and crisp look and is very easy to read. Some people have complained about the display being a bit oversaturated in color, however there is a setting to adjust it to your liking.

Display [rating:4/5] 4/5


Performance:

I would consider the performance overall on the Samsung Galaxy Tab better than any other tablet, however with that said there hasn’t really been a device that can compare. Using the Tab to check emails, reply to text messages, play a game, or watch YouTube videos is great, however I will note when using flash within the browser you can definitely notice a bit of sluggishness for a few moments. Boasting a 1GHz processor and 512mb ram, it will easily hold up for your normal day to day usage for the Tab.

Tip: Turning flash off within the browser makes a huge difference in overall speed.

My final conclusion for performance would be that it is what you should expect. I think once Google releases a more tablet friendly version of Android we will see many issue rectified.

Performance [rating:4.5/5] 4.5/5


Conclusion:

I think the Samsung Galaxy Tab is very user friendly and has a lot to offer in such a small package. Weighing in at only 13.4 ounces this Tab is a true powerhouse. It offers web browsing, phone calls, text messaging, email, excellent battery life, and so much more. It’s great at home, on the go, a day in the office, or anything else you can think of with its ultra portability.

Although there have not been any tablets to date I can think of that would really compare to the Samsung Galaxy Tab, I definitely feel you get more than your money’s worth.  If you are looking for something while you’re on the go, at home, in the office, or on vacation, then I believe this tablet would meet all of your expectations.

Overall [rating:4.5/5] 4.5/5