Samsung Galaxy Tab
The basics
Since the launch of the Apple iPad, several manufacturers have tried to get in on the tablet action, with Samsung being the latest. The Galaxy Tab is a lot more compact than Apple's offering, but it has the potential to be even better.
The good
The Samsung Galaxy Tab is the latest tablet to hit the market, and it has a lot going for it. At 7 inches, it's more compact than the Apple iPad, and it's easier to carry it around with you. Granted, it's still too large to fit in most pockets, but it'll slip into the smallest of bags, and fits perfectly in the hand.
The Tab runs the same Android operating system as many of the latest smartphones. Because of this, there are thousands of apps and games you can download for it, making it an ideal entertainment system when you're out and about.
3G connectivity means you'll be able to browse the internet on the Samsung Galaxy Tab, and you can even make phone calls on it. The 7-inch screen is also perfectly suited to media playback, with movies and photographs displayed in all their glory.
The bad
At over £500, the Samsung Galaxy Tab is even more expensive than the Apple iPad, and it's a serious amount of money for a toy. It's not so good for work use – it's not quite big enough for presentations, for instance, and the onscreen keyboard is also more cramped than the Apple iPad's.
The bottom line
Whether you'll like the Samsung Galaxy Tab or not depends purely on what you want in a tablet. If it's a device for both work and play, the Apple iPad – with its bigger onscreen keyboard, or the Dell Streak – with Bluetooth keyboard compatibility, are both arguably better options. If you want to browse the internet, read e-books, play games or watch movies, however, then the Samsung Galaxy Tab hits the mark.
User comments (21)
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Kevin Pope08 November 2010
I use a Logitech Bluetooth Keyboard with touchpad on my Galaxy Tab, so I don't understand your comment about the Dell Streak having Bluetooth Keyboard. With my Logitech Keyboard connected, I get a mouse pointer controlled by the touchpad, and the keyboard just works the same as it does on my PC.
Report as inappropriateAnonymous14 November 2010
the ipad can not be compared to the samsung galaxy tab, the ipad is to big and is limerted to itunes only
Report as inappropriateAnonymous28 November 2010
All this time i wanted a ipad and this comes out! cool i hope i get one for christmas if not i dont know. what type of applications can u get on it?
Report as inappropriateSimon03 December 2010
Ok the galaxy tab is more expensive than the iPad with wifi only. But the tab is wifi and 3G so surely you should be comparing it with iPad 3G also. The Tab is cheaper than the iPad 3G. Also with the normal sized sim card (compared with iPads micro sim) makes the tab a better choice. When I get mine, I will be able to use the sim from my mifi from Three, so I can use the Internet in the device but also use it as a replacement for my mifi (2.2 so is a wifi hotspot) to hook up to laptop or my pc should I wish. No need to cut down the sim or get the network deals designed just for the iPad
Report as inappropriateJesmond Casha03 December 2010
The Gadget Show is the best half an hour of telly all day. The presenters make the programme wicked. I never miss an episode.Keep it up guys you have a very big fan club in Malta
Report as inappropriatefergs120005 December 2010
You can get android apps only (.apk) and you cannot compare it to the i-pad there was many tablet pc's before the i-pad.
Report as inappropriateandy c06 December 2010
apart from the samsung galaxy tab - which tablet can play flash 10?
Report as inappropriatebillybob199907 December 2010
Who cares about the ipab, its big square and sucks! well it doesnt suck but i wouldnt want to buy it
Report as inappropriateOlivia Moran10 December 2010
Can you search the internet on the Ipad? I really like the sleek look of the Galaxy Tab and it's small enough to easily carry it around or but it in your bag/purse. I do agree the the Ipad has a bigger keyboard, but I need to see the Galaxy Tab in real and not just on the TV screen to actually decide which one is better. P.S huge fan of your show! Watch it all of the time and wish I had tickets to Gadget show Live...
Report as inappropriateAndy Collis11 December 2010
It just feels cheap, like a toy. I'm not tempted the iPad II seems a better option.
Report as inappropriatesean13 December 2010
And the point of waiting for the ipad 2 is what exactly? You will not get anymore functionality out of it lol unlike the android tablet market where you are not restricted to what you are capable of. I have an android pad it has mini host ish port. Can connect usb peripherals to it like a pc, external storage port, hdmi port 1080p output. 3.5mm jack. Android 2.2 with flash player support better for web browsing. Can decode also hd video which I believe ipad cannot. To be fair android is an all round winner and what iv stated is just the start
Report as inappropriateRob14 December 2010
Come on Guy's. For some one that is sponsored by Dixons which owns nearly every high street electrical retailer (Don't really know how they legally done that? Monopoly!) Where is the review of the Archos 70? If you want a Samsung Galaxy Tab then Staples is doing a trade in deal on your old Laptop which knocks a load of dosh off the price! So far for Tablets i'm waiting on the Nvidia Tegra 2 ones that come out next year! Don't really want a Advent Veag as Advent is a no buy!
Report as inappropriateSteve King04 January 2011
I was going to buy one of these at the weekend, as the size really appeals and wanted something mobile that was good on the internet. but then read some rather disturbing reviews. The internet application is described as quirky at best, and certainly no better than on any mobile phone. The screen is apparently useless in daylight and android 2.2 is designed for a phone, not a tablet. Think i'll stay with the Archos 7 for now and leave my money in the bank until there is a bit more competition, i certainly wouldn't waste my money on an iPad either
Report as inappropriateAnonymous11 January 2011
i've had mine for a few months now, i'm on bt mobile so i have my main sim in my mobile phone ( a galaxy ) and have a second sim which costs my a fiver a month in my tab and split the minutes, texts and the internet. its a great little machine. loads of apps many of which are free off android market or off samsung. i think its sturdier than the ipad and despite having very big fingers i have very few problems with the keyboard. i tried the ipad but i didn't like it, mostly the lack of flash. i think its a great little machine.
Report as inappropriateJoseppiee12 January 2011
I have had a Galaxy Tab for about 3 weeks now. Having an Android phone has meant getting to grips with the Tab has been no problem. The compare with ipad should really not be made. Its an alternative device, not something that be all that Apple has defined in a pad. The openness and Flash support are its biggest gains for me. The browser does suck. It can crash, hang and feels like its been thrown in rather than adapted and optimised. You could root (Jailbreak - for you fruit based users) it and revert to a stock rom browser which is what it was before Samsung played with it. I chose to download another browser which works a treat. The keyboard is a bit werid also. But you can install another keyboard to suit your tastes (see what I mean about the openness..). I love the size of the unit. Handheld, pocketable (well if you have big pockets) and plays all the popular encoded videos. Flash is the major plus point for me. Being able to view any Flash site I make on the move is cool. It has been a real joy using the device and I would recommend it to anyone who wants a device they can personalise.
Report as inappropriatesheerdrop01 February 2011
I just picked one up today for £359 brand new from a large supermarket chain! so that takes the overprice issue out of the equation!
Report as inappropriateJack16 February 2011
Samsung tabs are slower, bad versions of ipads! All samsung ever do is copy other peoples ideas at never quite as good quality. I'm using an ipad to right this comment and i have a friend who has a samsung tab and we both agree the ipad is so much better!
Report as inappropriatePeter 05 March 2011
I have a galaxy tab and got it on a tesco offer half price but i am quite sure the apple ipad is more expensive if you get with wifi and 3g. Also with all the eccessories you can get with it e.g. A plug in keyboard it is a great device to use round the house!
Report as inappropriateAnonymous11 April 2011
the galaxy tab has a phone on it who would use a phone on a tablet????????????????????
Report as inappropriateDavid Marshall26 July 2011
Bought my Samsung galaxy tab about a month ago from a major high street phone shop in Hereford, i paid £250.00 quid for it, all i can say its the best bitt of kitt ive come across, so easy to use and the apps out there on the android market are brill and most are free, ive got 3g and it came unlocked i think thats what you would call value for money.
Report as inappropriateDigitalman05 August 2011
I recently bought the Samsung Tab as well. I love it but recently I did a software update and the wireless is not reliable now as it does not want to stay connected to my wireless router. I also find when using the screen to take pictures or to film when outside I cant see the screen.
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