Once again, Samsung has added a new member to its premium line of Galaxy Tabs. We were pleased with the performance of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and we were also charmed by the Galaxy Tab 8.9’s thin and lightweight design. But today, we are going to review an even smaller tablet that is being dubbed as the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus.
Apparently, it can be noticed that Samsung didn’t change much of the 7 inch slate’s outer appearance. Though, there are some elements that differ from the earlier models of Galaxy Tabs. Apart from the fact that the Samsung logo at the back of the slate can now be viewed in portrait mode, the tablet’s SIM slot, 3.5mm stereo jack and volume buttons have been repositioned. In addition, the Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus weighs much lighter than the Galaxy Tab 8.9. The list below showcases the slate’s specs:
- Display: 7.0 inch WSVGA PLS
- Screen Resolution: 1024 x 600 pixels
- Processor: 1.2GHz Dual Core CPU
- Operating System: Android 3.2 Honeycomb
- Memory: 1GB of RAM
- Storage: 16GB / 32GB of ROM
- Expandable Storage: up to 32GB (via Micro SD card)
- Camera: 3 mega pixels rear facing camera with auto-focus and LED flash
- Video: 1080p full HD playback, 720p HD video record
- Secondary Camera: 2 mega pixels front facing camera
- Connectivity: HSPA+, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 3.0
- Browser: Android Browser with Adobe Flash Support
- Input / Output Ports: 3.5mm stereo headset jack, 30-pin dock connector port
- Battery: 4000 mAh Battery
- Weight: 345 grams
- Dimensions: 7.62 x 4.82 x 0.39 inches
The WiFi only 16GB version of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus can now be yours for $399. If you choose the 32GB version, you will need to pay the sum amount of $499. We can’t deny that for a 7 inch Android slate, the Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus is far more expensive than the Amazon Kindle Fire. But come to think of it, the latter doesn’t offer any front-facing web camera and it even cuts your built-in storage to half.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus tablet was officially made available last November 14, 2011. It hasn’t been a month since the slate’s release but it seems that its price is one of its main drawbacks against the HTC Flyer as well as the Kindle Fire.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus is a very portable slate that you can easily tuck inside your bag, pocket or purse. Its 7.0 inch WSVGA PLS display may not be as vivid as those with Super AMOLED Plus displays but you can pretty much depend on its 1024 x 600 pixels of screen resolution. If you’re not too keen with the quality of the graphics, then the tablet’s decent display can pretty much do the work.
Moreover, the Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus can take pride of its Android 3.2 Honeycomb Operating System with TouchWiz UX. There is no doubt that you will be pleased with its Live Panel, Mini Apps and Clipboard. Add to that the resizable widgets that you can easily customize together with your favorite mini applications.
If you are the type who would bring your tablet on parties or camping trips, then you can certainly rely on its 3 mega pixels rear-facing shooter with AF and LED flash. Your photo won’t be as crisp as the ones taken from an 8MP or 12MP camera but it is quite reliable especially when you feel the need to capture such important occasion. You can also use the slate’s 2MP front-facing camera for video calls.
When it comes to performance and responsiveness, you can definitely rely on the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus’ 1.2GHz Dual Core Processor. It is pretty swift and it quickly responds to a variety of multi-touch gestures. You can also enlarge your high-res images via pinch-to-zoom. There isn’t any need for you to complain of any sluggish responses. But if you feel the need to type a lengthy email, better skip the slate’s virtual QWERTY keyboard. Instead, you can opt for a full sized keyboard dock that you can purchase for a separate cost.
Meanwhile, avid social network users can integrate their Facebook, Twitter and IM accounts in one panel. There is no need for you to open a lot of tabs or windows. Simply go to the Samsung Social Hub and you’re good to go.
CONCLUSION
Samsung may have exerted such effort in polishing its Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus tablet but we also have to accept that there are lots of budget-friendly tablets that is currently being offered in the market. Though there is no doubt about the slate’s jam-packed features, let us also admit that its display quality needs to be enhanced.
It would really be tough for the slate to beat its worthy competitors but we can also conclude that it is a matter of personal choice. And if you really prefer to own a 7.0 inch tablet and you are searching for a high-quality Android device, then you might want to give this new Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus a try.
