3G tablet shootout: Apple iPad 2 WiFi+ 3G (16 GB) versus the Samsung P6200 Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus

The Apple iPad 2 is the tablet to beat, starting at Php30,990 for the 3G capable model with with 16 GB of memory it is a bit expensive, but when you look at the competition is reasonably priced. Since Samsung did not release a 16 GB model of its Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, the cheapest Galaxy Tab 10.1 with 3G and a 32GB of internal storage cost a bit more than the iPad 2 WiFi+ 3G 16 GB. 

Apple iPad 2

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 with a 8.9-inch screen, 3G and 16GB of memory could be had for about Php29,900 and added phone functionality which would make it a better choice than the iPad 2 for some. Still, with the Apple iPad 2 and its 100,000 dedicated iPad apps just 2K away, the iPad 2 is the more tempting device.

Samsung Galaxy Tab Plus 7.0

Samsung has released another Galaxy Tab, this one the successor of its original tablet Samsung P6200 Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus, and this one is priced at a point that will give tablet buyers reason to pause and think.

Price.  Samsung's P6200 Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus offering is priced all of 7K below the Apple iPad 2 3G.

• Apple iPad 2 WiFi+ 3G (16GB) - Php30,990
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus (WiFi and 3G, 16GB) - Php23,990

Screen size is an important issue. The Samsung's P6200 Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus has a smaller 7-inch screen versus the 9.7-inch screen of the Apple iPad 2. Physically, it is half the size.

• Apple iPad 2 - 9.7-inch -(768 x 1024)
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus - 7-inch (600 x 1024)

If you are looking for a larger screen, the Apple iPad 2 is the better choice. If you are looking for the more portable unit, the Samsung P6200 Galaxy Tab 7.0 is much easier to lug around.

Physical size and weight. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus is almost half the size and weight of Apple iPad 2.

• Apple iPad 2 - 241.2 x 185.7 x 8.8 mm, 607 g
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus - 193.7 x 122.4 x 9.9 mm, 345 g

Storage. The Apple iPad 2 comes with 16GB of non-expandable memory. For Php35,990 you can get a 32 GB model. For Php40,990 you can get one with 64GB of storage. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus has 16GB of internal storage expandable to 80Gb via MicroSD card.

• Apple iPad 2 @Php30,990 - 16GB
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus - 16GB expandable to 80Gb via MicroSD card.

Connectivity. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus has the edge in 3G speeds.

 

• Apple iPad 2  - WiFi, HSDPA 14.4 Mbps
  
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus - WiFi, HSDPA+ 21.1 Mbps, Bluetooth file transfer.

Video. Nothing too exciting here.

• Apple iPad 2  - 720p
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus - 720p
  

Others. 

• Apple iPad 2 - iCloud, Facetime
  
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus -Full GSM phone functionality (call and text), Paid apps are offered free at the Samsung Hub

Which one is better? Both of these tablets are fast modern dual core tablets. Yet, the two are so different that a user will really picked based on size. I think the Apple iPad 2 is the best large tablet on the market, while the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 plus is the best mid-sized tablet on the market.