In the final analysis, it's not really a tough call when it comes to choosing the better tablet. Given that it all falls down to what your particular needs are, we can conclude that the Samsung Galaxy Tab's main advantage here is its way more compact size. It makes it easier to pick up, handle and carry around, which isn't a characteristic that should be overlooked at all. Another significant advantage of the Galaxy Tab is its ability to visualize Flash content within the browser and open Flash-based sites. Finally, it can take pictures and videos for you through its 3.2MP camera with flash, and you can even place a phone call, if you have the EU version.
That's as far as it goes though. Even if we try to ignore the fact that the iPad makes for a more appealing tablet in a number of areas because of its bigger screen, the reality of its far superior software remains. This is evident with almost every application and functionality, from the internet browser to the YouTube client. While not as versatile as the Galaxy Tab, due to the lack of some secondary features (for a tablet, that is), say a camera, the iPad is still much more functional due to its far better app support. And when it comes to games and entertainment, the Apple
device is simply ahead of its time, compared to the rest of the market, including the Samsung Galaxy Tab. So it is the software that ultimately proves that Samsung's device is not ready yet. Note that the Galaxty Tab is perfectly ready in terms of pure hardware, but the operating system it runs on is hampering its experience. Android got to the point where it's more than capable to run a phone, but a tablet - nope, not yet, at least when you compare it to the iPad. The price is where the iPad delivers its final punch, as the Galaxy Tab ended up pretty similarly priced, which is downright frustrating for a device that does less.
Conclusion:
In the end, pricing will always factor into the decision making process of what consumers will end up choosing. Using the same capacities, the 32GB Motorola XOOM will set you back $799 – which is $70 more than the similarly equipped $730 32GB iPad 2 3G. Sure it’s more expensive, but the XOOM’s price is justified when you take into consideration its high count cameras, upcoming support for Verizon’s 4G LTE network, and built-in HDMI port. But come to think of it more, the first thing to capture our attention is the streamlined look of the iPad 2 – which is overly acceptable for a tablet that costs $500 for its base model. We also shouldn't forget that you can actually own the iPad 2 at such a low price (be it equipped with 16GB and no 3G), whereas with the XOOM you just don't get that option. The W-Fi-only Motorola XOOM will be available on March 27 for $599.
Once you overlook their hardware and design, the biggest thing that will test their longevity is their platform experience. With that, Android 3.0 Honeycomb is already positioning itself as a remarkable leap forward in the tablet space since it heavily improves on the various aspects of Android’s foundation. In comparison, there isn’t anything particularly evolutionary seen with iOS 4.3 on the iPad 2, but then again, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Ultimately, there’s no arguing the fact that these two are the most highly regarded tablets right now on the market. And even when newer ones decide to come around to test their legacy, you can still sit back knowing that these two will still stand prominently over the course of the next year. These aren’t devices that only meet the criteria of being a good tablet; in fact, they push forward in setting the bar for everything else moving forward.
Key features
- 9.7” capacitive IPS touchscreen display with a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels; oleophobic coating
- Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n connectivity
- Optional 3G connectivity (data only)
- Optional GPS with A-GPS support
- Apple A5 SoC - 1 GHz dual-core ARM Cortex A9 processor, PowerVR SGX543MP2 graphics
- 512MB RAM
- iOS 4.3
- 16/32/64GB of onboard storage
- Weight of 601 grams (607 grams for the 3G version)
- Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
- 10 hours battery life
- Accelerometer, compass and three-axis gyro-sensor
- Compatible with every iPhone app without any modifications
- The cheapest version costs less than an unlocked iPhone
- 0.7MP auto-focus camera, 720p video recording at 30fps
- VGA secondary camera capable of Facetime calls
- Impressively slim 8.8mm waistline
- Four and five-finger gestures (locked by default, but easy to enable with a Mac and a $5 app)
- 1080p TV-output with the Apple Digital AV Adapter (purchased separately for $39), 720p video streaming
- Magnetic Smart cover ($39 or $69)
Main disadvantages
- iTunes required for uploading content
- No Flash support in the web browser
- Poor still cameras – though, really, this thing isn’t meant for taking candids
- No standard USB port
- No kickstand – it cannot stand on a table without the help of a dock stand or a Smart cover
- Non replaceable battery
- No stereo loudspeakers
- No GPS receiver for the Wi-Fi only version
- No memory card slot
- 3G model uses micro-SIM, instead of a regular size SIM
- iPhone apps designed for HVGA resolution squander screen real estate or look pretty bad uspcaled
