Christmas is once again fast approaching and that yearly question is coming with it, "what should I get you for Christmas?" the answer a lot of us are turning to in this digital age, is a nice tablet device for loved ones or to make for a nice gift for ourselves. Not too long ago, the obvious answer was "iPad." But now a tablet computer such as Apple's iPad or the Samsung Galaxy Tab is hard to make the choice". So iPad vs Samsung Galaxy Tab, which one we should buy? In unbiased fashion, I take a look at the hardware, software, and overall ecosystem of both devices and determine which would be the better buy to put under that nice tree this December.
iPad vs Samsung Galaxy Tab:
Dimensions :
1st - Samsung Galaxy Tab 190.09 x 120.45 x 11.98mm, 380g
2nd - iPad 242.8 x 189.7 x 13.4mm, 680g/730g Wi-Fi/3G
Despite its size, the Apple iPad measures 242.8 x 189.7 x 13.4mm and weighs 680g. With its 7-inch display, the Galaxy Tab is obviously more compact. Samsung's quoted dimensions are 190.09 x 120.45 x 11.98mm, which makes it thinner than Apple's device. The Galaxy Tab weighs a mere 380g, which is almost half the weight of an iPad.
Display
1st - iPad 9.7", 1024 x 768, LED-backlit IPS LCD
2nd - Samsung Galaxy Tab 7", 1024 x 600, Super TFT-LCD
The Apple iPad incorporates a touch-sensitive IPS display that measures 9.7 inches across. It's undoubtedly a gorgeous screen, boasting a resolution of 768 x 1,024 pixels. Samsung has opted for a smaller display in the Galaxy Tab. It's still a decent size at 7 inches, which is a full 2 inches bigger than the Dell Streak tablet-phone. Video playback on Galaxy Tab is just fine, but not as clear or as brilliant, but streaming videos look great on the iPad.
Capacity
1st - iPad 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB flash
2nd - Samsung Galaxy Tab 16GB, 32GB + microSD
The iPad tops the storage table with its built-in 64GB memory capacity, although it also offers 16 and 32GB versions. Not to be completely outdone, the Tab may only offer 16 and 32GB variants, but it also includes the option of topping that up with a microSD card at your expense and ability to lose, of course. While RIM hasn't officially confirmed how big the storage is for the device, we noticed when snapping our first look of the new tablet the words 16GB and 32GB on the back of the models.
Battery
1st - iPad 10 hrs video, 140 hrs audio playback, 1 mnth stdby
2nd - Samsung Galaxy Tab 7 hours video
Apple claims a ten-hour battery life for its iPad, which compares to 7 hours quoted by Samsung for the Galaxy Tab. At the size and weight profile, one would imagine that the iPad still safely takes the prize.
Software
1st - iPad iOS 4
2nd - Samsung Galaxy Tab Google Android 2.2 Froyo
The big difference is in the software. Apple newest updates to the already impressive iOS4 will include a new Game Center, TV rentals, iTunes Ping functionality and AirPlay wireless streaming. Apple's App Store is also a colossus, boasting an unrivalled 250,000 apps. The Galaxy Tab, meanwhile, runs Android 2.2 (Froyo) and can match the iPad for multi-touch control, pinch-to-zoom and general speediness. The Android Market might have fewer apps (around 70,000+ at last count), but Android still boasts one thing that the iPad doesn't have - Flash 10.1 support.
Connectivity
1st - Samsung Galaxy Tab Wi/3G/Bluetooth 3.0/DLNA
2nd - iPad Wi/3G/Bluetooth 2.1
The Apple iPad is available in two versions, one with 3G networking and one without. Along with Wi-Fi and 3G, Samsung's Tab also offers Bluetooth 3 and also gets one up on the Apple by functioning as a mobile phone. What the SamTab also has, and what lifts the PlayBook above the iPad, is DLNA connectivity which is going to be lots of fun for people turning up at a new place and being able to beam their content straight over a local network and onto a TV.
Camera
1st - Samsung Galaxy Tab 1.3MP front, 3.2MP rear + flash
2nd - iPad Try your phone
As much as I'd like to keep an objective tone, I must say that this is actually a chapter where Apple really blew it up. The Galaxy Tab, boasts a 3 Megapixel lens with an LED flash. In fact, it has TWO cameras. There's also an extra 1.3MP camera on the front for basic QVGA video calling. However, the iPad comes empty handed. But more rumors out of the supply chain has suggest that the Apple iPad 2, expected to arrive in Q2 2011, will have two cameras - a rear one for photography and a front-facing one for video calls.
Price
1st - iPad Wi-Fi: $429/$499/$599, Wi-Fi + 3G: $529/$599/$699
2nd - Samsung Galaxy Tab $599
Apple shocked audiences at its iPad launch by announcing that the cheapest iPad would go for only $499, making it one of the most affordable items in the Apple catalog. Samsung's Galaxy Tab isn't exactly cheap either - it's listed at a staggering $599 on Amazon, while prices may vary according to mobile phone operators. Just in time for the holiday shopping crunch. Apple has reduced the price on select refurbished iPad models, Previously discounted $50, select models are now reduced by as much as $100. Specifically, the, sale extends to the Wi-Fi models, with the 16GB model retailing for $429 and the 64GB available for $599. The 64GB model offers the biggest discount, a respectable $100 off the original $699.
Conclusion
Both the iPad and the Galaxy Tab are unique in their own way and they both have their ups and downs and if you come to think about it,The iPad is still one of the preferred choices and remains top tablet pick in the market, however it may not be the best pick for everyone.
It's just a thing of every user's preferences and expectations. For instance, if what matters the most to you is portability, then the Galaxy Tab is definitely the right choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tablet with a proper operating system that really fits this design, then the iPad would surely fit your needs. Ultimately, it's every user's choice!
