The Samsung Galaxy Tab series offered a range of Android tablets at different price points. Two popular models were the Galaxy Tab 10.1 (P7510) and the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 (P3100). But which one holds up best today? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Tab 10.1 (P7510) generally edges out the Tab 2 7.0 (P3100) thanks to its superior Nvidia Tegra 2 chipset, offering noticeably better performance. However, the Tab 2 7.0's smaller size and potentially better portability might appeal to some users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - GT-P3100 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA |
| | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - GT-P3105 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, March. Released 2011, July | 2012, February. Released 2012, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 256.7 x 175.3 x 8.6 mm (10.11 x 6.90 x 0.34 in) | 193.7 x 122.4 x 10.5 mm (7.63 x 4.82 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | No | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 560 g (1.23 lb) | 345 g (12.17 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | - |
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 600 x 1024 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~170 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~65.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 7.0 inches, 137.9 cm2 (~58.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 | Dual-core 1.0 GHz |
| Chipset | Nvidia Tegra 2 T20 | TI OMAP 4430 |
| GPU | ULP GeForce | PowerVR SGX540 |
| OS | Android 3.0 (Honeycomb), upgradable to 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), TouchWiz UX UI | Android 4.0.3 (Ice Cream Sandwich), upgradable to 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean), TouchWiz UX UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 64GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 3.15 MP, AF | 3.15 MP |
| Video | 720p | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 2 MP | VGA |
| Video | | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 3.0, A2DP | 3.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | - |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | 2.0 | 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | HTML, Adobe Flash | - |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | TV-out | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 72 h | - |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 1190 h (2G) / Up to 1080 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 9 h (multimedia) | Up to 40 h (2G) / Up to 20 h (3G) |
| Type | Non-removable Li-Po 7000 mAh battery | Non-removable Li-Ion 4000 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, White, Red |
| Models | - | GT-P3105, GT-P3100, GT-P3105 |
| Price | About 310 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR | 0.97 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | - | 0.71 W/kg (head) |
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 P7510
- Larger Display
- Better Performance (Tegra 2)
- More Suitable for Media Consumption
- Potentially More App Compatibility (due to slightly newer hardware)
- Shorter Battery Life (compared to Tab 2 7.0)
- Larger Size - Less Portable
- Dated Camera Quality
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 P3100
- More Portable
- Potentially Longer Battery Life
- Slightly Better Front-Facing Camera (potentially)
- Lower Performance (OMAP 4430)
- Smaller Display
- Limited Gaming Capabilities
- Dated Camera Quality
Display Comparison
The Tab 10.1 boasts a 10.1-inch display, offering a significantly larger viewing area compared to the Tab 2 7.0's 7-inch screen. Both utilize LCD technology, but the Tab 10.1's larger size makes it better suited for watching videos and browsing the web. Resolution is similar, but the larger screen means a slightly lower pixel density on the Tab 10.1.
Camera Comparison
Both tablets feature front and rear-facing cameras, but image quality is generally mediocre by today's standards. The Tab 2 7.0 might have a slightly better front-facing camera for video calls, but overall, camera performance is not a strong point for either device. Expect grainy images and limited low-light performance.
Performance
This is where the Tab 10.1 shines. The Nvidia Tegra 2 T20 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the TI OMAP 4430 in the Tab 2 7.0. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Tab 10.1. Both have dual-core 1.0 GHz CPUs, but the Tegra 2's GPU is significantly more powerful.
Battery Life
The Tab 2 7.0, with its smaller screen and generally lower power consumption, often offers slightly better battery life than the Tab 10.1. However, battery life on both devices is now quite dated, and you can expect around 6-8 hours of moderate use.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 P7510 is ideal for users who prioritize performance and a larger screen for media consumption and light productivity. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 P3100 is a better choice for those seeking a compact, portable tablet for basic tasks and on-the-go entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these tablets still worth buying in 2024?
Given their age, neither tablet is recommended for primary use. They are severely outdated and lack modern features and security updates. However, they might be suitable for very basic tasks or as a secondary device for a child, if acquired at a very low price.
❓ Which chipset is better: Nvidia Tegra 2 or TI OMAP 4430?
The Nvidia Tegra 2 is significantly better. It offers superior GPU performance, resulting in smoother graphics and better overall responsiveness compared to the TI OMAP 4430.