Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 quick review

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 quick review

Samsung certainly wins the award for the most tablets released since late 2010. It’s pretty hard to keep track of all of them, but they have simplified things with the Tab and Note lines. The Galaxy Tab was introduced in late 2010 as the first Android tablet. It sported the 7-inch form factor, but the following year, they launched both 8.9 and 10.1 inch versions. Then last year, they launched the Galaxy Tab 2 in both 7-inch and 10.1-inch varieties.  For 2013, it’s now the Galaxy Tab 3, but the just like the Note line, they added a third size: 8-inches. This size is for those that think the 7-inch form factor is just a little too small and 10.1-inches is just too big. Priced at $299, it’s $70 higher than the Nexus 7 and it has lower specs. Of course specs isn’t everything as we learned from Motorola. Is the Galaxy Tab 3 worth your hard earned dollars or just another tablet that will be quickly forgotten? Hit the break to get started.

Design

As soon as you take the Galaxy Tab 3 out of the box, there is no mistaking it’s a Samsung product. It resembles a very large Galaxy S III, and it sports the usual Home button along with capacitive menu and back buttons. The only real difference is the faux chrome trim is bronze on the Gold Brown version (silver finish on the white version) and the camera lens moves to the back left corner. The feel is the usual glossy plastic that is synonymous with Samsung, but it’s lightweight and pretty thin. At 309.1 grams and 7.36mm thick, it’s a little heavier than the new Nexus 7, but much thinner (290 grams / 8.65mm). As far as size goes, it’s obviously bigger than the Nexus 7, but to give you a perspective, the Tab 8.0 is 8.26-inches by 4.87-inches and the new Nexus 7 is 7.9-inches by 4.5-inches. The 8-inch form factor experience is going to be different for everyone. For me, if I am going to get a tablet bigger than 7-inches, I would rather just go ahead an get a 10-incher rather than get something that is somewhat bulky.

As far as buttons and ports go, the top has the microphone jack. The right side has the power button towards the top and the volume rocker just below. At the center is the IR blaster. The bottom has the microUSB port and two stereo speakers (one to the right and the other to the left). The left side has the microSD slot just a little lower than the middle.

Hardware

The Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 features an 8-inch WXGA (1200 x 800) TFT display at 189 ppi, a 1.5GHz dual-core Exynos 4212 Dual SoC processor, a Mali 400MP GPU, 1.5GB of RAM, 16GB or 32GB of internal storage, microSDXC slot for up to 64GB of expanded storage, 5MP rear camera, 1.3MP front-facing camera, and 4,450mAh battery, and IR blaster. It’s offered in WiFi only, 3G & WiFi, and 4G/LTE & WiFi models.

Performance

Motorola proved to everyone that you don’t need a quad-core and I would agree. A dual-core is going to allow your battery to last longer and most people won’t notice a difference in speed. It’s similar to PCs. How many people need a quad-core CPU in their desktops or laptops? The bottomline is that unless you plan on playing some really intense hardcore games, the Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 will satisfy your needs. I’m not a benchmark fan, but I always run the AnTuTu. For this device it came in at 17,546, which isn’t too shabby.

The display isn’t going have a wow factor like the Nexus 7, but it does have a good color representation and large viewing angles. You would have to be a display nerd in order to have any complaints.

The speakers are stereo, but they are both placed at the bottom of the display. The 10.1-inch version sports a more stereo approach with one speaker on the left side and one to the right (in portrait mode). With the 8.0, you get sound on one side of the device (right side) when watching a video in landscape mode. The sound is good enough, but could have been much better with proper placement of the speakers.

Battery

Battery life wasn’t as good as I was expecting. In my usual rundown test in which I loop video with WiFi on, Bluetooth on (not connected), GPS on, and the display turned up to 2/3′s, I was able to get just about 7 hours. Granted, normal use won’t be playing videos all day, but it gives us a general guide. For everyday use, you can expect to get about 11 to 13 hours out of it.

Software

The Tab 3 8.0 features Android 4.2.2, which is just one tick under the latest, Android 4.3. As with any Samsung product other than a Google Edition, you will find TouchWiz as the main interface. However, there are some slight differences from the versions that you find on the phones. For example, the settings menu has a more tablet-friendly split screen. You won’t find features like Smart Pause or Air View, but you will find Smart Stay, Multi Window, S Voice and so on. The camera sports a similar interface as the Galaxy S 4, but you won’t find a lot of the features such as Eraser Mode, Animated Photos, or Dual Camera. You will find Sound & Shot however.

Since an IR blaster is onboard, you will find both the Peel Smart Remote and Samsung WatchOn app. The Galaxy S 4 has the WatchOn app only, so I’m not sure why Samsung included both, especially since WatchOn is based on Peel. Both apps allow you to control your home theater devices via IR, find out what’s on TV, and even get recommendations.

Camera

I don’t get into any major tests when it comes to tablet cameras. It’s there if you need it, but it should never be relied upon as your only camera. However, if you find yourself in a pinch. The Tab 3 should get the job done providing it isn’t too dark or there isn’t too much action in the shot.

Closing

Priced at $299, I am having a hard time coming up with a reason to buy the 8.0. Unless you really feel you need an extra inch, you would be better off spending $70 less on a new Nexus 7 or $100 less on the Galaxy Tab 3 7.0. I would opt for the Nexus 7 because it has a better design, display, and performance. However the Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 has one advantage, and that’s a microSDXC slot for up to an additional 64GB. If you haven’t found your way to the cloud, you might go that route, but if you don’t need all that storage, grab the new Nexus 7 for $229/16GB or $269/32GB and enjoy.

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Source: talkandroid

Samsung Galaxy Mega officially released to U.S. market

Samsung Galaxy Mega

Yesterday we saw a leaked image of the 6.3-inch Samsung Galaxy Mega sporting AT&T branding, so it should not be a major surprise that Samsung has finally issued their official confirmation that the device is coming to the U.S. market. The Galaxy Mega has already been released to a few markets around the globe since it was officially unveiled, but official word on the U.S. market was lacking until now. According to Samsung’s press release, the Galaxy Mega will be available beginning this month on AT&T, Sprint and US Cellular. The device is only available in Nova Black and Polaris White, but it will be up to each carrier to decided which of those two colors, or both, it will offer.

Sprint has followed up on Samsung’s statement with their own indicating buyers can take advantage of a Sprint Unlimited Guarantee to lock-in unlimited talk, text and data for the life of the line of service. Meanwhile, AT&T indicates the device will be available starting August 23rd for $24 per month with AT&T Next of $149.99 with a standard two-year agreement.

You can read Samsung’s full announcement after the break.

Samsung Brings the Galaxy Mega to U.S. Consumers

6.3-inch HD screen combines a tablet experience with the functionality of an everyday smartphone

Dallas, TX – August 19, 2013 – Continuing its commitment to provide choice to consumers, Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC (Samsung Mobile) today announces the Samsung Galaxy Mega™ for the U.S. market. The 6.3-inch Galaxy Mega is the ideal hybrid mobile device for those who want to experience smartphone portability with the immersive experience of a tablet.

“We continue to bring innovation with our Galaxy family of devices, with the Galaxy Mega representing a manifestation of consumer’s enthusiasm for our thin, large screen designs,” said Nick DiCarlo, vice president of product planning and marketing at Samsung Mobile.  “The Galaxy Mega combines exceptional features from the Samsung Galaxy smartphone family with a 6.3-inch screen, making it an optimal device for movies, books, music and games.”

Superior Galaxy® Features

The Galaxy Mega allows users to enjoy many of the benefits of Samsung’s latest flagship device, the Galaxy S® 4, on an even larger screen. The Galaxy Mega’s big-screen experience enhances everything you do on a smartphone – whether it’s watching a video, browsing web pages or composing an email.

• Air View™: Explore information and content on your Galaxy Mega without ever touching the screen. Simply hover your finger an inch above the screen to preview emails and photos, initiate speed-dial and even magnify text.
• Multi Window: Multi Window split screen multitasking allows users to seamlessly run multiple apps on one screen simultaneously, and is now better than ever on the 6.3-inch HD screen of the Galaxy Mega. Watch a movie on Samsung Hub™ and check email at the same time, all by dragging and dropping apps on the same screen.
• WatchON™: Control your television using the Galaxy Mega as a remote control. Discover a rich TV viewing experience with the Integrated Infrared (IR) controller that makes Smart Remote functional with any IR capable TV or Set Top Box. Users can share content from the Galaxy Mega to a TV effortlessly, as well as channel surf in a smart, new way that lets you browse by genre, search by title or receive recommendations based on your interests.
• Easy Mode: Helps smooth the transition for first-time smartphone owners by simplifying the home screen layout, camera, calendar, messaging and the internet browser to make the settings menu easy to navigate. Once a user is more comfortable with their Galaxy Mega, they can easily switch back to the standard home screen interface.

Captivating Camera

At 8-megapixels, the Galaxy Mega rear-facing camera has zero shutter lag to capture life’s memorable moments without delay. The Galaxy Mega is equipped with the easy-to-navigate Galaxy Camera™ user interface which supports numerous shooting modes such as Beauty Face, Best Photo, Sound & Shot,Panorama and more to enhance photos taken by even the most novice photographer. Galaxy Mega users can also create photo albums on the fly with Story Album™ - a unique way to group content by event or date. With the spacious display and a variety of filters and editing tools, smartphone photos have never looked better.

Powerful Performance

The Galaxy Mega has 6.3 inches of screen real estate with a HD Super Clear LCD (720×1280) display that beautifully showcases photos, e-books and magazines, or PowerPoint presentations. Wide viewing angles mean that users can maximize productivity and never sacrifice their experience.

The Galaxy Mega runs Android™ 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean), powered by a 1.7 GHz dual core CPU and 1.5 GB of internal RAM. Users can store large libraries of photos, music and videos with expandable storage of up to 64 GB of memory with an external microSD™ card.

The Galaxy Mega is also SAFE™ (Samsung for Enterprise), allowing users to work and play with confidence that their photos, emails and contacts are protected. Built with enough power to get you through the longest work days, the Galaxy Mega is powered by a removable 3,200 mAh battery for extended use on a single charge.

Protect the Galaxy Mega with an assortment of cover options, such as the S-View Flip Cover, a specially designed flip cover with a clear window to answer or reject a call and view battery status. The traditional Flip Cover provides similar functionality without a viewing window, and the Protective Cover + fits snugly around the Galaxy Mega to protect against bumps and falls. Sold separately, the S-View Flip Cover, Flip Cover and Protective Cover + come in a variety of vibrant colors to add personality and style, all while protecting the Galaxy Mega.

The Galaxy Mega comes in Nova Black and Polaris White color options and will be available beginning this month. AT&T, Sprint and US Cellular will carry the device – each carrier will announce their specific availability, colors and timing.

» See more articles by Jeff Causey

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Source: talkandroid.com