[MWC 2012] Samsung has announced a refresh with the Galaxy Tab 2 line, that features 10.1” and 7” model that come with various levels of internal storage (8GB, 16GB, 32GB). Surprisingly, the new Galaxy Tab 2 aren’t so different from their predecessors. Both have gotten a facelift and feature a newer design, and the two things that I really cared about were Android 4.0 and the microSD slot. In my opinion, Android 4.0 aka Ice Cream Sandwich does make a noticeable difference in terms of user interface responsiveness, and the microSD slot allows users to upgrade the storage for very cheap. While the microSD slot is welcome, does this really justify calling it Galaxy Tab 2? After all, upgrading the existing Tabs to Android 4.0 would have done most of the job.
Internally, things are very similar as well: both devices feature a dual-core 1GHz processor, and there were no obvious performance difference on the CPU or GPU front (more benchmarking would be needed). Even the cameras are similar, if not identical to the existing models. Finally, both Galaxy Tab 2 devices will come with an HSPA+ option, and we’re guessing that down the road an LTE option will be available – at least for Verizon. It is just speculation at the moment.
In conclusion, I would say that while I like the updated design, the reason for creating a new line remains not obvious. I think that Samsung should focus its efforts on adding quad-core capabilities to its tablets, and possibly merge the while line into the Galaxy Note brand, and provide pen support for all its tablets. Quad-core could really help with some of the drawing, ink and image processing that the Galaxy Note does, and in the end having a single line of tablets may lower the cost enough to sell the Notes for the prices of the Tabs. What do you think?
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