True to the promises of their recent teaser video, Samsung have today launched their latest Android offering – the Samsung Galaxy Tab tablet device. This marks the end of months of speculation over the device as people wondered and argued over everything from the name to whether it would be able to make phone calls.

We now have official word on the Galaxy Tab’s specifications. So how does it look? Who had it right and who had it wrong? Maybe most importantly, how does it measure up against its main rival, Apple’s iPad? Here’s the lowdown:

1. Phone calls

While we’re still not sure on whether to call the Galaxy Tab a very large phone or a relatively small tablet, we are at least sure that it makes phone calls so either label is probably fine.

2. Android 2.2 Froyo

As expected, the Galaxy Tab will be running the latest release of Google’s Android operating system. This means optimised performance and browsing and access to a whole range of apps from the Android Market.

3. A 7 inch super-TFT LCD screen

Most people were predicting a 7 inch screen, and they were absolutely right, but those who had their bets on super-AMOLED have missed the mark. The TFT LCD screen has a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixel resolution. This is slightly lower than the iPad’s 1024 x 768 resolution but since the screen is 2.7 inches smaller, the Galaxy Tab’s pixel density is pleasingly higher than that of the iPad and easily capable of full HD video playback.

4. Two cameras

Samsung have packed both a rear camera and a front facing camera (for video calls) into their tablet device. We can only assume this is another move aimed directly at competing with the iPad, which doesn’t have a camera at all. Sadly, the Galaxy Tab’s back and front facing cameras aren’t exactly the best available – at 3 mega pixel and 1.3 mega pixel respectively. Still, they’re decent enough to take quick snaps and handle video calls, which is enough to give an extra little edge over the iPad.

5. High spec

With a Cortex A8 1 Ghz processor, 512 Mb of RAM, and an internal memory of either 16 or 32 Gbs, expandable with microSD cards, there are no corners cut with the internal electronics of the device. There is also a full range of connectivity options: WiFi, EDGE, HSDPA, etc.

6. Lightweight and sleek

The Galaxy Tab is noticeably lighter than an iPad, thanks in part to its plastic body and smaller size, but still feels solidly built. The design is simple, smooth and sleek, with a glossy finish.

7. Price tag

This is the one big mystery about the Tab left unsolved, though from the specifications and design it seems like Samsung should be able to undercut the iPad in terms of price. As a 3G enabled phone device we can even expect some networks to provide it for free, though likely only on high cost monthly contracts. So far only Vodafone have confirmed that they’ll be stocking the Galaxy Tab, and they’re keeping quiet about the cost for now. It’s likely that other operators will want in on the action, so we’ll just have to wait and see.

Tags: android-2.2-froyo, Apple-iPad, google-android, Samsung, Samsung-Galaxy-Tab, Tablets

This entry was posted on Thursday, September 2nd, 2010 at 2:49 pm and is filed under Android, Android 2.2 Froyo, Galaxy Tab, Samsung, Samsung News, Tablets. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.