Samsung’s original Galaxy Tab was Android’s first iPad rival. “Rival” probably isn’t the best word, though: the iPad sold in bunches while the overpriced (US$600) Galaxy Tab collected dust. Almost three years later, a much more popular Samsung has announced the 7-inch slate’s second proper sequel: the Galaxy Tab 3.
The Tab 3 takes some design cues from the Galaxy Note line, but make no mistake. This tablet is far from being a high-end piece of hardware.
We’re looking at a mediocre display: 1024 x 600, spread over 7 inches. It also sports a nondescript 1.2 GHz dual core processor and 1 GB of RAM. Its camera is low-res (3-megapixels in the rear shooter), and it even runs last year’s version of Android (4.1 Jelly Bean).
So we’re probably also looking at budget pricing here. The US$400 Galaxy Note 8.0 doesn’t have the most cutting-edge hardware either, but – in addition to supporting the S Pen – its components are at least a notch or two above these ho-hum Galaxy Tab 3 specs.
Of course mid-range isn't necessarily a bad thing – when the price is right. Unless it somehow drops below the US$200 mark, though, it will have some tough competition. At least on paper, the Nexus 7 – which could soon come in a new version – easily outpaces the Tab 3.
The official word on pricing will have to wait, though, as Samsung hasn’t announced the Tab 3 for any specific markets yet. The global rollout for the Wi-Fi version begins in May, and a 3G version will follow in June. Yep, 3G: it also lacks LTE. Mid-range indeed.
Source: Samsung
Will Shanklin covers mobile technology for Gizmag. He's previously written for Android Central, Geek, GottaBeMobile, Android Police, and The Huffington Post.
He lives in New Mexico, U.S., with his lovely wife, Jessica.
All articles by Will Shanklin
The Tab 3 takes some design cues from the Galaxy Note line, but make no mistake. This tablet is far from being a high-end piece of hardware.
We’re looking at a mediocre display: 1024 x 600, spread over 7 inches. It also sports a nondescript 1.2 GHz dual core processor and 1 GB of RAM. Its camera is low-res (3-megapixels in the rear shooter), and it even runs last year’s version of Android (4.1 Jelly Bean).
So we’re probably also looking at budget pricing here. The US$400 Galaxy Note 8.0 doesn’t have the most cutting-edge hardware either, but – in addition to supporting the S Pen – its components are at least a notch or two above these ho-hum Galaxy Tab 3 specs.
Of course mid-range isn't necessarily a bad thing – when the price is right. Unless it somehow drops below the US$200 mark, though, it will have some tough competition. At least on paper, the Nexus 7 – which could soon come in a new version – easily outpaces the Tab 3.
The official word on pricing will have to wait, though, as Samsung hasn’t announced the Tab 3 for any specific markets yet. The global rollout for the Wi-Fi version begins in May, and a 3G version will follow in June. Yep, 3G: it also lacks LTE. Mid-range indeed.
Source: Samsung
Will Shanklin covers mobile technology for Gizmag. He's previously written for Android Central, Geek, GottaBeMobile, Android Police, and The Huffington Post.He lives in New Mexico, U.S., with his lovely wife, Jessica.
All articles by Will Shanklin