Samsung bares new Galaxy Tab 2 models

MANILA, Philippines - Are you keeping tab of the Samsung Galaxy Tab? Two more variants have just been introduced by the Korean tech giant in the same sizes as the original 7-inch slate and the first 10.1-inch model. They form the latest Galaxy Tab 2 series that will ship with the latest Google Android operating system, Ice Cream Sandwich.

No official date has been set for their local availability, but it’s probably safe to assume within this quarter. Likewise, local prices for the new 7.0 and 10.1 Galaxy Tab 2 models are not yet available.

Overtime, Samsung has flooded the market with its Android tablets starting with the first 7-inch Galaxy Tab model that was pitted against the first Apple iPad. Then it continued to add more slates that include the Tab 8.9, Tab 7.7, Tab 7 Plus and Tab 10.1.

To distinctly remember what features are present or not in each model is quite challenging given the way they are named. But whether or not they are more of the same — with seemingly deliberate modest improvements or occasional leaps of tech ingenuity — the truth is the Galaxy Tab range offered a solid alternative against the dominant brand. And with the release of the Apple iPad 3, the two new Galaxy Tab 2 models have some work cut out for them.

The Galaxy Tab 2 series is available in 3G and Wi-Fi versions, both models run on 1GHz dual-core processor and are fitted with 3-megapixel rear camera and VGA for the front sub-camera for video call. They come preloaded with Samsung applications and services such as the Samsung TouchWiz/Samsung Live Panel, Samsung Apps, Samsung Readers Hub and Game Hub, Samsung Hub Widget, Google Mobile Services, and Polaris document editor, among others.

For storage, on top of the 1GB RAM, the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 is available in 8GB, 16GB or 32GB, while the 10.1 model are limited to 16GB and 32GB options. Memory for both models can be bumped up to 32GB more with the use of a microSD.

The Galaxy Tab 2 10.1’s height, width, depth and weight come in at 256.6 mm x 175.3 mm x 9.7 mm, 588g. The Galaxy Tab 2 7.0, on the other hand, measures 193.7 mm x 122.4 mm x 10.5 mm, 345g. For the sake of comparison, the new iPad 3’s weight and dimensions are 241.2 mm x 185.7 mm x 9.4 mm, 652g.

One must really first explore what these new Galaxy Tab 2 models hold to appreciate them better because at first glance, there seems nothing to write home about. But all in all, the specs and early reviews suggest that Round 2 of the Galaxy Tab’s 7-inch and 10.1-inch models are really decent and together would help Samsung keep the title of world’s best geek Android tablet maker.