Galaxy watch: Tab hits refresh

Samsung's Galaxy range is possibly one of the most exhaustive Android lines available in the country. With the launch of the Note 510, Samsung expanded its presence in the mid- to high-end segment and it was only a matter of time till its entry-level Tab line was refreshed. We managed to get our hands on the Tab 3 (211), the seven-inch model. Here's a closer look.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 shares the familiar form factor of its predecessor, the Tab 2. The top edge sports the headphone jack, while the right has the power/lock button and the volume rocker, along with a microphone. The left has the microSIM and microSD slots, while the bottom has the two speakers, the microUSB slot and another microphone.

The Tab 3 can also be used as a phone and, hence, just above the nameplate is the earpiece, next to which are the two sensors and the 1.3-megapixel (MP) front camera (the Tab 2 had a 0.3MP front cam). Below the screen is the physical home button flanked by the capacitive back and menu buttons, which aren't backlit. The back sports a three-MP snapper sans flash.

The build quality of the tab is excellent and the metal strip running along the edge, which all new Galaxy devices sport, add to its premium feel. It's comfortable to hold in one hand but one can't operate it one-handed.

Switching on, one is met with Samsung's familiar TouchWiz interface, running on top of Android 4.1.2. The 1.2GHz processor ensures there is no lag while scrolling through apps. The touch response is very good.

The screen resolution is the same as was on its predecessor but it sports a better graphics processor. While this fact may not be evident while playing casual games such as Angry Birds, it makes the performance butter-smooth while playing a game such as Real Racing 3.

The screen is bright and the text appears crisp. Video quality is also decent and the screen supports viewing full HD videos. The quality doesn't take a hit outdoors. Since it's a shade heavier than 300 g, the tab seems the perfect device to read ebooks on the go.

The rear cam takes decent shots but one can rule out low-light snaps due to the absence of a flash. It also records videos at 720p, which is quite decent. The device sports an internal memory of eight GB, of which five GB is available to users and supports memory cards of up to 32GB. However, apps cannot be installed on the microSD card.  

The dual speakers are loud but in the landscape mode - which is the default one for playing movies, games or even video chats - one has to ensure one doesn't cover the speakers and muffle the sound. Browsing over 3G or Wi-Fi is fast and the GPS also latches on fast. But the tab tended to heat up a bit when we browsed with five apps running in the background.

Sticking a seven-inch slab to the face for a call is only for the brave but its available on the Tab 3. A far useful way of calling is to use earphones or a Bluetooth device. Sadly, no earphones are bundled in the package. Another chink is the absence of OTG support.

The Tab 3 is a good device and is recommended for those who want a premium Android tab for less than Rs 20,000 (its available for around Rs 17,000 in the market). However, it doesn't offer much in terms of an upgrade from the Tab 2, other than some changes in hardware. Old wine in a new bottle, as they say.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3
Price: Rs 18,890
Screen: 7-inch 1,024x600 multi-touch
Weight: 323g
OS: Android 4.1
RAM: 1 GB
Processor: 1.2GHz dual core
Memory: 8 GB, expandable via microSD (up to 32GB cards supported)
Camera (rear/front): 3MP/1.3MP
Weight: 304g
Battery: 4,000 mAh