The iPad 2 is very dominant in the tablet market. But a new device from Samsung, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is going to give it a runs for its money. The Tab 10.1 has some very impressive hardware, and great software to back it up. This article will compare the two devices in detail, and hopefully help your next tablet purchase decision.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Vs iPad 2
Design :
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 isn’t as wide as the iPad, and it feels a bit different because of this. I think the iPad 2 is also the more sturdy machine. Any time a device is going to face off against Apple in the design department, it’s probably not going to win against their amazing industrial designs. But, the two devices are very similarly shaped. That being said, the iPad 2 feels much more sturdy.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Vs iPad 2 Size
Winner: iPad 2
Screen Display :
Although the Galaxy Tab 10.1 isn’t as wide as the iPad, it has the bigger screen. But, only by a fraction of an inch. Unlike the iPhone 4, the iPad 2 didn’t get a huge bump in screen resolution. The display for the Tab has a much better resolution, and is much more crisp than that of the iPad 2.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Vs iPad 2 Screen Comparison
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1
Software :
Android has the task bar at the bottom of the screen. That’s how users will mutli-task and go back to the home screen. The browser on the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is absolutely amazing. Not only does the browser on the Tab support flash, but it does so amazingly well. You won’t be missing out on much of the internet as PC users experience it. Aside from the flash support, the browser is a bit faster as well. The browsing experience is smooth, and after using it, you’ll feel that the iPad 2 is just missing something.
Android Vs iOS
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1
Hardware/Processor :
In raw numbers alone, the processor are actually very hard to compare. The Galaxy Tab 10.1 has a dual core 1 Ghz Tegra 2 CPU–a processor that we’ve been seeing more and more of in the tablet and smart phones markets. The iPad also has a 1 Ghz CPU, but it is Apples own A5 processor. Although the speed of the A5 is 1 Ghz, this is the maximum operating frequency. Most of the time, the iPad 2 will not be using the full power of its CPU in order to save battery life.
A5 Vs NVIDIA Tegra 2
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1
Spec Comparison :
The real differnce between the two devices is the RAM. The Galaxy Tab 10.1 is twice that of the iPad 2, with a total of 1 gigabyte. That being said, the iPad 2 still performs well despite its gap in system memory availability.
|
Feature |
Apple iPad 2 |
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1v |
Verdict? |
|
Operating system (OS) |
Apple iOS 4 | Google Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) | iPad 2 |
|
Display size |
9.7in | 10.1in | Galaxy Tab 10.1v |
|
Display technology |
Capacitive LED-backlit IPS | Capacitive TFT | iPad 2 |
|
Display resolution |
1024×768 pixels | 1280×800 pixels | Galaxy Tab 10.1v |
|
Multitouch |
Yes | Yes | Draw |
|
Front camera |
VGA | 2 megapixels | Galaxy Tab 10.1v |
|
Rear camera |
0.7 megapixels, no flash | 8 megapixels, single LED flash, autofocus | Galaxy Tab 10.1v |
|
Video recording |
Yes, 720p HD | Yes, 1080p HD | Galaxy Tab 10.1v |
|
GPS |
Yes | Yes | Draw |
|
Internal memory |
16GB, 32GB, or 64GB | 16GB or 32GB | iPad 2 |
|
Expandable memory |
None | None | Draw |
|
Dimensions |
241.2 x 185.7 x 8.8mm | 246.2 x 170.4 x 10.9mm | iPad 2 |
|
Weight |
607g | 600g | Galaxy Tab 10.1v |
|
Application store |
Apple App Store | Google Android Market | iPad 2 |
|
Processor |
Apple A5 dual-core (1GHz) | NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual-core (1GHz) | Unknown |
|
RAM |
512MB | 1GB | Galaxy Tab 10.1v |
|
3G networks |
HSDPA 850/900/1900/2100 | HSDPA 850/900/1900/2100 | Draw |
|
Wi-Fi |
802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n | Draw |
|
Bluetooth |
2.1 with A2DP | 2.1 with A2DP | Draw |
|
HDMI-out |
No (Yes with optional digital AV adapter | No | iPad 2 |
|
Battery life |
Up to 10 hours | Up to 7 hours | iPad 2 |
|
Adobe Flash support |
No | Yes | Galaxy Tab 10.1v |
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1
Camera And Multimedia Features :
The camera on the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is 8 megapixels, which is great for a tablet. The camera on the iPad 2 on the other hand is nowhere near this quality. Still shots on the iPad 2 will look terrible in comparison to the Tabs. The placement of the camera is also very different. The iPad has its camera located in the upper corner, while the Tab is in the center of the device. It’s as if Apple knew the camera was so bad, nobody would want to use it as a real camera. But when you hold the Samsung Galaxy tab 10.1 and take a picture, it feels much more like a still camera. The clear winner here is the
Galaxy Tab.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Camera
iPad 2 Camera
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1
Storage and Battery Life :
Specifications for the Samsung Tab 10.1 say the device will play up to 7 hours of video, and 72 hours of music. There’s no telling how well the device will do with web browsing and other such random activities. Reading the text-only version of the New York Times will drain a lot less battery life than watching high res youtube videos. The battery life of the iPad 2 is a bit better, offering 10 hours of video time or web surfing time.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is available in three sizes, 16, 32, and 64 gigabytes–this is identical to the iPad 2.
Winner: iPad 2
Price and Models :
The iPad has two modes available: the wifi and 3G. While the Galaxy Tab 10.1 also offers the same features. But, Tab is more expensive than the iPad 2s wifi only model. It’s very rare that a device costs more than the iPad 2, but the Tab definitely does. Although you get a bit more RAM, and a slightly bigger screen, the iPad 2 still wins the price war.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Price:
16GB Galaxy Tab 10.1 Price with Wi-Fi : $499
16GB Galaxy Tab 10.1 Price with Wi-Fi : $599
iPad 2 Price:
16 GB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi: $499
32 GB iPad 2 With Wi-Fi: $599
64 GB iPad 2 With Wi-Fi: $699
16 GB iPad 2 with iPad 2 with Wi-Fi + 3G: $629
32 GB iPad 2 With iPad 2 with Wi-Fi + 3G: $729
64 GB iPad 2 With iPad 2 with Wi-Fi + 3G: $829
Winner: iPad 2
Conclusion:
This is a tough choice, honestly. If you prefer to have the freedom and customization ability of a PC, you’ll probably prefer the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. But, if you prefer the Apple iOS experience then there is no real substitute. That being said, the Samsung Tab is going to be the premier tablet in battling the iPad’s dominance.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1
It comes down to a question of personal preference. If you like Android devices, then the Tab is THE tablet to buy. Its hardware is amazing, it feels great, and is a wonderful device overall. If you’re thinking about getting an iOS device, then your only option is the iPad 2–until the iPad 3 makes its debut (whenever that may be).
Apple iPad 2
GizmoDigit Winner : Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1
Read our Samsung Galaxy S2 Vs iPhone 4 comparison article here: Samsung Galaxy S2 Vs iPhone 4.
Related posts:
- Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1: First Look Review Of Android 3.1 Honeycomb Tablet
- Samsung’s Ultra-Thin Tablet Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Now Available At New York City Best Buy For Pre-Orders
- Showdown: Samsung Galaxy S2 Vs Apple iPhone 4
- Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Shipping With Updated Android 3.1 Honeycomb
- Sprint Samsung Galaxy Tab Gets Android 2.3 Gingerbread On July 5th, Kernel Source Code Released
Article by Scott Robertson
Scott has written 59 articles .
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
It’s actually surprising that a lot of consumers are not considering other tablet computers as an option. Even some experts have vouched to the quality of Motorola Xoom and Samsung Galaxy Tab but still, their sales can’t catch up. I think it’s in the way Apple market their devices and it’s truly an advantage to be the pioneering product.
You seem to have chosen the pre-release version of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 for this comparison. The actual finished one differs in a few points, giving it an even bigger margin of advantage over the iPad2. For one, it’s thinner (8.6mm) and lighter(535g) than the iPad2, and there’s a 9+ hour battery life, which is almost exactly on par with the iPad2. Further, I’m pretty sure it also does HDMI out with the dock adapter, just like the iPad2. Other reviews also commented on the much more solid and build quality since the re-working, some even going as far as claiming it felt like higher quality than the iPad2.
You may want to revise some of your points. Otherwise, nice article, thanks.
Well don’t forget the rapid rise of android devices. As a person in the IT field I have to say that Android breaks all the rules. I love the fact that people are coming up with great alternate OS designs for their various systems. Apple has always came off as a cut and dry – what you see is what you get company, and alter our product in any way and we will see you in court (I.E. George Hotz). I completely agree with the articles statement, if you want the simplicity of apple, go for it, but if you are a little on the nerdy, side I feel the galaxy is the way to go.
HDMI is supported by Samsung galaxy tab with an external dock or cable which is priced similar to ipad2
The real “street” pricing is nearly identical between the iPad2 and Galaxy 10.1. Both are $499 for a 16gb wifi version and $599 for a 32gb wi-fi version. The iPad is available in a 64gb version which the Galaxy is not. Of course you can probably find the tab on sale for even less while we all know hell will freeze over (or the iPad 3 is released) before the iPad ever goes on sale.
I’ve bought a Tab 10.1, and love it. Just one point though that everyone seems to be missing. The iPad2 actually has a larger screen than the Tab 10.1. The 4×3 aspect ratio brings a bigger square area than the 16×9 Tab ….45.16 sq” iPad versus
43.7 for the Tab. No big deal, as the widescreen ratio more than compensates for it.It’s just nice to get the maths right.
The GT is actually $399 in walmart now… so the price part would actually be the GT winning.Also the camera is 3mp front and 2mp back on the galaxy tab 10.1. Well besides, nice review.