Are both you and your checkbook still recouping from the holiday festivities? Well, I hate to be the one to break the news to you, but Valentine’s Day is officially less than a month away. You might want to run and hide, but ignoring the fact isn’t going to make the day disappear. However, I have a suggestion on what to give this February 14th if your cash flow is low and you want to still charm that special someone without having to max out your credit card or push your account to the limit. How about a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2?
Staples generously sent me the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 (Wi-Fi) 8GB for review and I have been evaluating its features the past week. For what I have experienced thus far, the compact tablet offers all the perks and more of an expensive tablet, but does it for half the cost. Priced at only $199.99— it is a steal!
Design
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7″ is enclosed in a plastic frame and built sturdy for its lightweight, slim, sleek design with rounded corners. Measuring 4.8″ x 7.6″ x .41″ and weighing in at .76 lbs, this easy to handle gadget puts a world of endless on the go entertainment in the palm of your hand.
On the right side, toward the top of the tablet, contains the Power/Lock Key, which is pronounced, easy to find, and use. Directly beneath the power button is the volume control. Also, on the same side you will find the Infrared Blaster used to emit infrared signals required for controlling external devices such as your TV utilizing the Smart Remote app. The left side of the device sports a memory card slot allowing you to install a memory card expanding total storage to 32gb.
The front of the tablet features a 1024×600 pixel touch screen display with auto-rotate (can be turned off), light sensor (control screen brightness automatically), 3.5mm headset jack, microphone, and front-facing camera lens.
Backside consists of rear facing camera lens for taking photos or recording videos. The bottom has external speakers and charger/accessory port where you plug in a USB cable for charging or to sync music and files.
Software
Right out of the box the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 comes preloaded with a multitude of fan-favorite apps. to get you up and going. Running Android 4. OS (aka, Ice Cream Sandwich) along with access to Google Play and Samsung Apps. you have a powerful force of multimedia available that many comparable devices can’t match. I was completely blown away with all this tablet has to offer! For instance, the Samsung Media Hub delivers the latest blockbuster and family movies, thrillers, and comedies instantly to your tablet. Missed a favorite TV show? More than likely you can find it available on Samsung Media Hub the day after it airs! You can preview, rent or own movie content and share it with up to 5 devices.
Additionally installed and ready at your fingertips is a plethora of other software including Contacts, Alarm/Clock, S Planner, Camera, Gallery, Photo Editor, Video Maker, Web Browser, My Files, Email, Calculator, World Clock, Task Manager, Music Player, Video Player, Navigation , Google Search, Google Talk, Gmail, YouTube, Latitude, Places, Google Maps, Google +, Google + Messenger, Play Store, Google Play Books, Google Play Music, Google Play Videos, AllShare, ChatON, S-Memo, Smart Remote, Game Hub, Music Hub, Readers Hub, Amazon Kindle, Polaris Office, Dropbox (50GB free for the first year), and Netflix.
Specs
Here are the specs for my tech savvy readers.
- OS: Android 4., Ice Cream Sandwich
- Processor: 1.0GHz, dual-core
- Memory Capacity: 8GB • microSD Card Slot (Up to 32GB)
- Display Screen: 7.0″
- Display Resolution: WSVGA (1024×600)
- Display Type: TFT (PLS)
- Battery Type: Li-Polymer
- Battery Capacity: 4,000mAh
- Color: Titanium Silver
- Wireless Internet WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, WiFi Direct
- Camera: 3MP rear-facing, VGA front-facing
- GPS
- Bluetooth V3.
- USB 2. Host
- Stereo Speakers
- Antenna
- Ear Jack: 3.5mm (Line-in Mic)
- IF Connector: 30Pin
What’s In The Box
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0, USB cable, charger, and operating instructions.
Performance
Samsung Galaxy II 7″ 8GB, WiFi tablet’s battery comes partially charged, so you are able to setup your device immediately and check out all the features. Setting up was a piece of cake and required just a couple minutes following the screens instructions, connecting to my WiFi network, setting date and time, and signing into my Samsung account to use the Samsung services. Very easy and self explanatory.
I am accustomed to my iPad, that features a larger sized display screen. I assumed I would battle with the smaller sized display. However, I discovered the Samsung to be essentially simpler to navigate and the virtual QWERTY keyboard just as easy to use. Not to mention the graphics were extremely bright and crisp.
The duel-core 1.0GHz Processor gives a snappy response allowing multitasking without the annoyance of lag time and freezing. I had no problem jumping from one app, to another! Netflix movies streamed without delay, which is important considering I pay for the subscription. Checking mail, browsing, gaming, and opening up webpages with the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 I found to be effortless!
The battery once fully charged lasted approximately a little over 9 hours with constant gaming, movies, and browsing being applied.
I took the tablet on a trip to my local Dunkin’ Donuts to test the WiFi hot spot connectivity. The device worked wonderfully by picking up the signal once it was in range and connected within a few seconds. Just a quick note -even though the tablet is able to connect to a hot spot is does not have the capability of creating its own like a mobile phone with internet enabled. It does not support a SIM card or cellular wireless data.
The tiny speakers produce a reasonable level of sound great for playing movies and tunes.
Pros
Compact without sacrificing full tablet entertainment.
Upgrading memory is painless and cheap. Expandable up to 32GB using MicroSD card slot.
Bluetooth V3. paired with my Soundfreaq.
Has 3MP rear-facing and a VGA front-facing camera.
Supports Adobe Flash player.
Virtually endless amount of apps. available.
Comes loaded with quality apps.
Has Wi-Fi Direct.
Priced under $200 ($199.99)
Cons
Cannot play songs from Apple iTunes.
Does not provide own hot spots.
Does not support external keyboards.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy II 7″ 8GB, WiFi Tablet presents an enormous amount of entertainment for a more than reasonable price tag. The sleek and stylish design is excellent for traveling and will fit fantastically in a purse or briefcase. If you want to be connected to the online world while you are away from your home and don’t mind locating a WiFi hot spot to do it—this is your gadget! All of the enjoyment supplied in sharp detail with none of the fuss. Would make an excellent Valentine’s Day gift for the blogger, movie/music lover, internet freak, Facebook junky, social media nut on your gift list!
Buy It
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 (Wi-Fi) 8GB is available for purchase at Staples.com for $199.99!
Disclosure: Staples provided me with this Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 (Wi-Fi) 8GB for review purposes. The words opinions express in this review are strictly my own. To see the full line of tablets visit Staples.com.
Your review was very helpful. I’m looking for a gift for my Hubby & I think he would really like this 🙂
It is wonderful that a tablet like this can be bought for only $199. It will definitely be on the list for my son’s birthday in March. Thank you for such a comprehensive review.
It looks very useful!
this looks like something we could use
I have a Samsung Galaxy Tablet and LOVE it!! I have been very happy with it! (My kids and husband love it too!)
I had no idea this had sooooo many capabilities! What an awesome new techy product!
What a thorough review! I’m contemplating getting a tablet, and comprehensive reviews like this help me find my way through – as I’m not all that tech savvy. I hate to buy something then a few months later find I know enough to have gotten something else if I had only known!!!!
Ive really only ever thought about buying an iPad if I bought a tablet but since I had a Galaxy S3 phone it might make more sense to get a Samsung tablet as well!
I love how small it is and you can’t beat the price! Thanks for the review!!
I’m impressed with the battery life during ongoing use. Wish my laptop had half that. The price is great and the size. Thanks for sharing this review with us.
This would be a great Valentine’s day gift. I’ll have to show your review to my hubby & hint, hint, hint 🙂
I owe my daughter a 7″ tablet, this is on my short list. Thanks for the review!
i think i would choose the samsung galaxy over the ipad
I am looking for a tablet and appreciate your review! Now I have to consider this one too!
We recently bought our 2 sons each their own tablets. This one looks good.
I’ve been really wanting to get one of these. Very helpful review. Thanks.
I like that these companies are coming out with good quality competitors to the Ipad. I cannot stand the Apple cultists that are all around.
Looks great! Thank you for the review!
I want of these so badly,,but I dont have a clue where to start,im afraid id be so confused an over whelmed
Love the comprehensive review. I would love to get a tablet for myself soon and this looks like a winner.
Make sure to get a durable case for it so it will not break WHEN you drop it.
I actually own a Galaxy Tab, and I love it – but I think if I did not already have one I would buy one. Very informative review, I really appreciate it. I actually learned a few things about my device from this!
Your review was very informative. I will definitely consider purchasing it.
That looks like a great Tab. My wife wants one and we may consider this particular model.
My brother got both of his children one of these for Christmas. I got a chance to look at them in person. I was also impressed. Thanks for all the additional info.
Thanks I have been wondering how these would compare to an iPad and other tablets out there.
That is a great price for all the features you get! My grandson would love to play apps on this!
I would love to have one of these, they sound like a great product.
Wow…I’d love to get one of these for my hubby! I’m an iPad girl, but he would love this!
I love your reviews you get right down to the point. This review helps me understand more of the Ipads/Tablets world. I want one so bad. It’s easier for me to have one small that way I can read when I’m stuck in the bed. Thanks for your review.
Great review, sounds like the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7 offers a lot for a Tablet without having to pay a lot for it.
I’m glad that I read this review as my daughter has been asking for one of these for her b-day.
It’s nice to be able to read the pros and cons of an honest review before making a purchase.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
Looks pretty cool!
Thanks for the review! There are so many tablets out there, it’s hard to know which is the best fit
hmmm… sounds great! A bit of a bummer that it doesn’t do iTunes… but I like what it DOES do… Thanks
sounds like an awesome device! Thanks for the review
I love this tablet and wanted to get my daughter one for Christmas when it was priced for $179 on black friday along with a bonus gift card but they sold out and ended up with the new kindle fire hd. Great review, but wondered wouldn’t the only device able to play iTunes be an Apple device?
I think this tablet looks awesome! Thanks for the great review. It was very informational. 🙂
this tablet is on my wish list now
This is a great review on a wonderful product! Thanks for the info!
This is something I have been considering purchasing so thanks for the review.
Me likey and I love that it doesn’t lag or freeze. I could happily watch Netflix and play games all day with this sweet device 🙂
I think the price is good for the features t offers. Looks like a good deal.
Nice! I didn’t even know that tablets had cameras, great concept!
great review. I think the price point is great with all the features they offer.
It’s so thin!
this looks like a great one. we have been looking into getting one.