Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 Explained

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0
Aka:GT-P3100 (3G & Wifi)
GT-P3110 (Wifi)/GT-P3113 (with Infrared port)
SCH-i705 (Verizon model)
Developer:Samsung
Family:Galaxy Tab
Type:phablet, media player, PC
Releasedate:22 April 2012 (US)
Soc:Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Plus (Verizon model)
Os:Original: Android 4.0.3 "Ice Cream Sandwich"
Current: Android 4.2.2 "Jelly Bean"
Unofficial: Android 6.0 (CyanogenMod 13) via custom ROMs
Power:4000 mAh Li-Ion battery
Cpu:1.0 GHz dual-core
TI OMAP4430 (Cortex A9) SoC processor[1] Qualcomm Krait clocked @ 1.2 GHz (Verizon model)
Storage:8/16/32 GB flash memory,
microSD slot (up to 32 GB)
Memory:1 GB
Display:1024×600 px,
7inches diagonal,
PLS TFT LCD display
Graphics:PowerVR SGX540Adreno 225 (Verizon model)
Input:Multi-touch screen, digital compass, proximity and ambient light sensors, accelerometer, GPS
Camera:3.0 MP rear facing, VGA (0.3 MP) front facing
Connectivity:HSPA+ 21 Mbit/s 850/900/1900/2100 MHz (3G & WiFi model)
EDGE/GPRS 850/900/1800/1900 MHz (3G & WiFi model)
Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0
LTE (Verizon model)
Dimensions:122.4mm H
193.7mm W
10.5mm D
Weight:344g
Predecessor:Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus
Successor:Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 is a 7-inch Android tablet produced and marketed by Samsung Electronics. Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 is an Ice Cream Sandwich sequel. It belongs to the second generation of the Samsung Galaxy Tab series, which also includes a 10.1-inch model, the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1. It was announced on 13 February 2012, and launched in the US on 22 April 2012. It is the successor to the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus.

History

The Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 was announced on 13 February 2012.[2] It was shown along with the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 at the 2012 Mobile World Conference. Although the two devices were originally scheduled to launch in March, they did not do so, with Samsung explaining that the delay was due to unspecified problems with Ice Cream Sandwich and that they would instead be released at the end of April.[3] Samsung later confirmed that the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 would be released on 22 April, with a price of $250 for the 8GB model.[4]

Features

The Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 was originally released with Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich. An upgrade to Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean was later made available.[5] Samsung has customized the interface with its TouchWiz UX software. As well as apps from Google, including Google Play, Gmail and YouTube, it has access to Samsung apps such as ChatON, S Suggest and All Share Play.[6]

The Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 is available in WiFi-only, WiFi with an IR Blaster (only available in the US and Canada), and 3G & WiFi variants. Storage ranges from 8 GB to 32 GB depending on the model, with a microSD card slot for expansion. It has a 7-inch PLS LCD screen with a resolution of 1024x600 pixels, and both front- and rear-facing cameras.[7] [8] It is listed with 1GB of RAM but only 0.77GB are usable.

An additional feature is the Samsung "Find my mobile" functionality which allows one to track the location of their mobile device if it is lost or remotely wipe it.

The device utilizes the Samsung proprietary connector for connecting a USB charging/data cable. In addition an adapter can be used that adds a USB OTG port enabling the tablet to be a USB host device. USB Mass Storage devices can be attached without any need for drivers. Additionally support for USB HID keyboard and mice are possible with this port. Limitations of device options are based on the Linux kernel version installed.

Reception

Reception for the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 has been generally positive. The Verge reviewer David Pierce commented, "The Tab 2 is more powerful than either the Kindle Fire or the Nook Tablet, and because it runs a fuller version of Android it's a more capable device if you're interested in more than just reading."[9] Both Pierce and TechRadar's James Stables praised the size and weight of the device, as well as the low price compared to other full-size tablets.[10] Some criticism was made of the screen quality, with Stables describing it as "dull and unresponsive", and Expert Reviews' David Ludlow criticizing the low resolution compared to the 2012 Google Nexus 7, despite otherwise finding it impressive.[11]

Variants

Verizon released the Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0) under the name "Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0) 4G LTE". This device was sold in Verizon Wireless stores.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Kerr. Rob. Google Nexus 7 vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 – specs comparison. 27 July 2012. ITProPortal. 16 January 2013. 13 April 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140413123357/http://www.itproportal.com/2012/07/27/google-nexus-7-vs-samsung-galaxy-tab-2-70---specs-comparison/. dead.
  2. Web site: Trenton. 13 February 2012. Rich. Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 is Ice Cream Sandwich sequel. CNET UK. 15 January 2013. 16 February 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120216060630/http://crave.cnet.co.uk/laptops/samsung-galaxy-tab-2-is-ice-cream-sandwich-sequel-50006940/. dead.
  3. Web site: Chacksfield. Marc. Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 suffering from Ice Cream headache. TechRadar. 18 January 2013. 4 April 2012.
  4. Web site: Rougeau. Michael. Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 Will Debut on April 22. . 3 April 2012 . 15 January 2013.
  5. Web site: Yalburgi. Vinod. Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 P3110 Gets Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean Update via XXCLL3 Official Firmware. . 12 January 2013 . 15 January 2013.
  6. Web site: Samsung GALAXY Tab 2. Samsung Mobile. 15 January 2013.
  7. Web site: Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0-inch WiFi – Tech Specs. Samsung UK. 15 January 2013.
  8. Web site: Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0-inch 3G & WiFi – Tech Specs. Samsung UK. 15 January 2013.
  9. Web site: Pierce. David. Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 review. The Verge. 16 January 2013. 11 April 2012.
  10. Web site: Stables. James. Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 review. TechRadar. 16 January 2013. 31 May 2012.
  11. Web site: Ludlow. David. Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 review. Expert Reviews. 16 January 2013. 17 August 2012.