Samsung Galaxy Tab versus iPad 2

Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 WiFi versus Apple iPad 2 WiFi

This comparison is not a death match between the two devices. This is simply a list of differences I noticed between them. I hope to help someone decide which device to get.

We already have iPhones and iPads, so I felt it was necessary to have an Android-based device to further round out our website testing.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab has a few things it does better, and a few things it does worse. Overall, as a computer geek, I love it and choose it over the iPad.

I did, however, recently purchase a tablet for a relative, and I simply could not justify getting them anything but an Apple iPad 2. I know without a doubt they will be able to use it and will not be calling me for help with something they can’t figure out.

Until Android devices achieve this type of simplicity, I’ll have to give the Apple product a leg up for novice users.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 Wifi Pros versus iPad Wifi 2:

Lighter

Battery lasts extremely long with the smaller screen

Much easier to read books with and hold for long duration.

Skyping is better with the smaller device because of how light it is.

Amazon App Store You get 1 free app each day that usually is a paid app. Also shows only apps that WILL work on my tablet.

Widgets on the home screen are useful by making it really easy to glance at important things like weather, news, and stocks.

All apps I use on iPad or iPhone are on the Android Market. Even most games I have are available. There are things that are not, but for me, the transition was seamless in this department.

Integration with Google is very convenient.

The on-screen buttons On the screen at all times, there is a back, home, list of recent apps, screen shot, and settings button. The back button seemed weird at first, but after using it for a month, and then going to an iPad and having to hit the master button to close the app, really highlighted having a back button OR a home button right there on the screen.

The screen shot button makes it WAY easier to take screen shots over using the two external buttons on an iPad. I found myself accidentally hitting it all the time though, so it does have its downfall.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 WiFi Cons versus iPad 2 Wifi

Crashes randomly. I’ve had it two months, and it’s crashed and rebooted itself 4 times.

Android Market does not tell me if apps are tablet or not, or even if they work with the app on the tablet. If you open the Android market via the web, it tells you if apps will work on your device, but it still does not do a good job.

Interface is not as simple as iPad. It took me a little bit to get my mind around the different sections to find things, instead of it all just being in one place at the same time.

No way to create folders for apps. This is ridiculous!

However, for me, the Samsung is the way to go. For novice users, I’d stick with the Apple product.

(Source: Skynet Solutions)

By Jed Parmenter