Buzz
The choice between iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab has been a perplexing question for many tech enthusiasts in Vietnam recently. On various tech forums and online marketplaces, most consumers find themselves undecided between iPad and Galaxy Tab, two tablet models considered as rivals. Choosing between these two tablet devices is indeed a difficult decision because each device has its own pros and cons.
1. Should You Purchase an iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab?
Choosing iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab remains a perplexing question for many tech enthusiasts in Vietnam recently.
Across various tech forums and online marketplaces, most consumers find themselves torn between iPad and Galaxy Tab, two tablet models often seen as rivals. Deciding on either of these two tablets is a tough call because each has its own strengths and weaknesses.
Hardware Power
In terms of hardware, Galaxy Tab outshines iPad thanks to: supporting phone services equivalent to a 3G mobile phone; having a SIM card slot, front camera for video calls, and a 3.2 MP rear camera with LED flash; integrating a microSDHC expandable memory card slot; Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity...
However, integrating too many features into one device doesn't necessarily make users comfortable. Mr. Duc Trung, who recently purchased this device, says: 'Basically, I'm satisfied with the Galaxy Tab because of its good configuration and high mobility, but it's packed with so many applications that I feel like I'm using a... oversized phone.'
At the same time, many people feel that the phone function is rarely used because it can't completely replace a compact mobile phone.
In addition, Galaxy Tab has to allocate a lot of energy to these applications, so the device's battery is not as durable as the iPad's. Although Apple does not disclose the battery life of the iPad, through testing, the device has a longer usage time than the 4000 mAh battery standard of the Galaxy Tab. However, the iPad takes longer to charge.
Galaxy Tab uses a 16:9 aspect ratio screen while iPad opts for a 4:3 ratio. However, Galaxy Tab has a higher pixel density screen than the iPad.
A strong point of the Galaxy Tab is having a GPS chip attached to all versions, while not every version of the iPad has GPS and 3G.
Portability
With any device, being lighter is an advantage for users to use comfortably. Despite its slender appearance, iPad 1 still weighs nearly double compared to Galaxy Tab (730g versus 380g). Holding the iPad during use quickly tires the hand.
Samsung Galaxy Tab features a 7-inch screen, while the iPad has a large 9.7-inch screen. Ms. Thanh Phuong, manager of an electronics store, commented: 'Operating on a 7-inch screen, I find many customers saying they haven't really 'got used to it.' Furthermore, when introducing the device to customers, it's difficult to showcase all the unique features of a device on this 7-inch screen.'
Performance and Applications
While both support multi-touch, the Apple iPad with its 9.7-inch LED screen runs smoother and faster than the Galaxy Tab thanks to IPS technology, allowing for clearer colors, wider viewing angles, and more accurate colors, whereas Samsung's application of Super TFT technology alone for the Galaxy Tab has made the device less vibrant and reduced viewing angles.
In terms of software, the Android 2.2 operating system on the Galaxy Tab has some advantages over iOS on the iPad. Specifically, the Galaxy Tab supports Adobe Flash for web browsing along with the ability to access unlimited varieties of flash-based applications, something iPad fans are still longing for. However, the iPad surpasses the Galaxy Tab in terms of the quantity and quality of applications within the device.
Currently, Apple's App Store has about 25,000 apps for the iPad, not to mention over 200,000 other iPhone apps that the iPad can use. Along with that is the library of music and copyrighted movies on iTunes with millions of songs and high-quality HD movies.
Meanwhile, despite having over 100,000 apps, the Android app store lacks many apps optimized for the Galaxy Tab's screen.
Pricing
Comparing with the Galaxy Tab in the same 16GB Wi-Fi + 3G version, we can see that the price of the iPad 1 is currently around 11 million when listed on the official website or through online shopping platforms.
Including transaction fees and shipping to Vietnam, the iPad 1 will cost about 12 million dong. As for the Galaxy Tab, the selling price on eBay and Amazon is around 13 million dong when it arrives in Vietnam.
Certainly, you can choose between iPad or Galaxy Tab depending on your purpose and preference. If you're into watching movies, browsing the web, viewing images... then iPad would be the top choice. But if you want a compact, versatile, convenient device, go for Galaxy Tab.
Furthermore, if you're not in a hurry, you can patiently wait for the iPad 2 to drop in price or the new version of Galaxy Tab with a wider screen and higher configuration along with Android 3.0 Honey Comb operating system.
