The Galaxy Tab 10.1 (known as the Note) is out — well, it’s been out for a while, but Samsung’s first release notes were just a teaser. Now that the experts have fully gotten their hands on the gadget, the proper reviews are starting to roll in.
What you need to know first
The Samsung Galaxy phablet—a tablet phone, for being too big to be a phone, too small to be a tablet, and capable of doing what both gadgets can do—has been in the limelight, due to its impressive features and specifications. It’s become somewhat popular, and it has given its manufacturer (still pissed over Apple’s troubles) some hope of making a dent in the tablet space. The final version of the Galaxy expected to arrive on American shelves is currently ranked as one of the best, if not the best Android tablet of the season.
Feature
- Screen: As the name suggests, 10.1-inch LCD screen, with a resolution of 1280x720p
- Processor: The tablet works with 1.4GHz quad-core Samsung Exynoswhich is highly respectable and able to meet the tough processing requirements.
- Memory: The RAM is ample at 2GB, enough to run a laptop, more than enough to support a tablet. Its internal hard drive memory ranges from 16 to 32 GB. If that’s still not enough for you, the Note is equipped to handle microSD cards of up to 64GB — a very competitive memory capability.
- OS: Galaxy Note runs on Android 4.0.4. Don’t worry if you’re looking for the Jelly Bean upgrade, it’s coming for the Tabs in a year.
- Connectivity: Unfortunately, so far the Note only runs on WiFi in terms of availability.
- Camera: From the trigger-happy Instagrammer to the focused, possessive businessperson video conferencing through their preferred telephone serviceusers will be able to take advantage of the 5MP rear camera and 1.9MP front camera.
More features
Samsung is definitely not cutting corners with this device. It looks like everything from its initial preview back in February has been honed in even further to enhance the experience.
The Note is slim and sleek, which is a quality Samsung loves, and light. At 8.89mm thin and 1.31lbs in weight, it certainly feels impressive. Samsung’s focus is on making tablets that aren’t heavy. The OS has also been refined to Samsung specs, working on the regular Android OS and modifying it to be as “brand friendly” as possible. Even the S-pen that comes with the tablet gets special mention. It no longer has an opposing end (dubbed the “wiper” end), and has been given its own dock on the device to rest.
Due to its specs, memory and processor, performance, Note is a clear contender. It boasts quality performance and experience. It’s not without its drawbacks, but the Note performs above and beyond expectations, and may offer more than what was originally advertised. If we only look in the Android field, the latest Galaxy Note is the one to get.
