Samsung Galaxy Tab: A Rival for the iPad Arrives

It's taken quite a while, but the industry is starting to see some competition for the iPad. The first week of September marked the announcement of the Samsung Galaxy Tab, a direct competitor to the iPad. Here is what tablet purchasing hopefuls and the overall curious can expect from the new device.

The coming of the Samsung Galaxy Tab not only marks the entrance of an iPad rival, but also the arrival of a tablet device based on Google's popular Android operating system. Reportedly scheduled to be released during the first week of September in Europe, and likely shortly thereafter in 2010, the new device is been hailed online as the iPad's first real opposition.

So what does Samsung bring to the table in regards to specifications for the first generation Galaxy Tabs? While the iPad has been sized to compare with a standard sheet of paper, the Galaxy has been referred to as an Kindle sized device with a significant difference in measurement. Courtesy of Android Central, specifications are listed and easily comparable. The iPad which will run on Apple's iOS 3.2 has heftier dimensions of 242.8 x 189.7 x 13.4 mm, compared to the Android 2.2 (Froyo) tablet that is much smaller, measuring at 190.09 x 120.45 x 11.98 mm. Interestingly, the iPad features a standard screen resolution of 1024 x 768, while the Galaxy goes a bit more widescreen with 1024 x 600. Not only is the Galaxy a bit more backpack friendly size-wise, but it weighs-in at almost half the weight as well (380g vs. 680g/730g - for the two currently differing iPad models).

Processing speed is comparable between both devices, with each running at 1 GHz, however, RAM comes doubled on the Galaxy with 512MB versus the iPad's 256. Both devices support Bluetooth, Wireless b/g/n, similar cellular EDGE data rates (2G/3G), 3.5 mm headphone jacks, and built-in internal speaker. Built in storage capacities are similar to both opposing devices, with the Galaxy featuring 16GB/32GB models, and the iPad offering the same, and a 64GB as well. Storage capabilities are upgradable on the Galaxy via a microSD card slot (up to 32 GB), something the iPad lacks.

For those interested in application feature sets, the Galaxy does include both a front and read camera, for video conferencing and stills; another feature the iPad lacks. Finally, one last notable feature provided on the spec sheet: Samsung Galaxy Tab - Adobe Flash: 10.1, the iPad - Adobe Flash: Never. Ever.

Sources/Resources:

Android Central: Samsung Galaxy Tab specs versus the Apple iPad