Top contenders Apple and Samsung are competing in many levels, from Samsung poised to build more processors for Apple devices in 2015, to a slugfest in Smartphones, Tablets, iPads and portable computing.
Today on my GlobalTV Monday Morning News I showed Samsung’s just released Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 $299 squarely set to compete with Apple’s iPad cheapest mini $329 WiFi 16 GB.
How do they compare?
They are very similar in feel and looks and only a hair’s difference in thickness. Both have 8-inch screens but the Tab is noticeably narrower when held vertically and longer. Because both devices are touch screen with very small bezel on the long sides space, I found the Tab to be easier to hold with one hand and not accidentally touch the screen. The actual bezel finish is smoother on the Tab 3.
Both have 16 GB internal memory but the Tab 3 takes a MicroSD card slot for up to 64 GB, a big advantage for just taking additional stuff with you to use when away. Five megapixel cameras on front and a 1.3 MP for the Tab 3 and 1.2 MP for the mini.
The screens are similar, bright and look good from any angle, but the Tab 3 has a bit more detail with 1280 x 800 resolution compared to the mini’s 1024-by-768 resolution.
The Tab3, which is only WiFi, does have GPS for more accurate mapping compared to the WiFi mini, but the pricier cellular mini uses GPS assist.
Since the Tab 3 is brand new it has some cool new features like an adjustable split screen to see and run two apps at once, smart stay that keeps screen lit if it sees you still looking at it and nifty S Translator for speaking, hearing and reading translations between languages.
There is ample free and paid for magazines and books and I would give a small notch to Samsung’s Tab 3 when set in readability mode.
The mini’s Siri and the Tab’s Voice were similar for getting basic things done like asking for a location and driving directions and finding out about the weather in your region. Siri was more entertaining if you have the time to spend.
The bottom line is both devices are so close and top quality. It comes down to if you like a companion tab/pad to your phone and which OS you have been exposed to. iTunes still edges out any competitor but if you are new to this format, check both out. Both come without cover or case. The mini has the cool small smart cover option $45 while the Tab 3 has many makers to choose from, like the heavier duty but attractive stripe cover and stand $40.
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