The 7-inch tablet market was once booming, and these two contenders, the Toshiba Thrive 7 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0, were popular choices. But how do they stack up today? We'll dive deep into their specs, performance, and features to help you decide which one might still be worth considering.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 generally edges out the Toshiba Thrive 7 due to its more refined software experience and slightly better overall value. While the Thrive 7 boasted a unique detachable keyboard, the Tab 2 7.0 offered a more polished and reliable Android experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - GT-P3100 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA |
| | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - GT-P3105 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, September. Released 2011, December | 2012, February. Released 2012, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 189 x 128.1 x 11.9 mm (7.44 x 5.04 x 0.47 in) | 193.7 x 122.4 x 10.5 mm (7.63 x 4.82 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | No | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 400 g (14.11 oz) | 345 g (12.17 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1280 x 800 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) | 600 x 1024 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~170 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 142.1 cm2 (~58.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 7.0 inches, 137.9 cm2 (~58.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | LED-backlit 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 3.2 (Honeycomb) | Android 4.0.3 (Ice Cream Sandwich), upgradable to 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean), TouchWiz UX UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 3.15 MP |
| Video | 720p | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | VGA |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP | 3.0, A2DP |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | miniUSB 2.0 | 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | HDMI port
MP3/WAV/WMA/eAAC+ player
MP4/H.264/WMV player
Organizer
Document viewer
Photo editor
Voice memo
Predictive text input (Swype) | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 1190 h (2G) / Up to 1080 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 6 h | Up to 40 h (2G) / Up to 20 h (3G) |
| Type | Non-removable Li-Ion battery (15 Wh) | Non-removable Li-Ion 4000 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, White, Red |
| Models | - | GT-P3105, GT-P3100, GT-P3105 |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.71 W/kg (head) |
Toshiba Thrive 7
- Detachable keyboard (unique feature)
- Slightly more powerful GPU (for basic gaming)
- Expandable storage via microSD
- Outdated software
- Lower screen quality
- Shorter battery life
- Keyboard can be flimsy
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 P3100
- Smoother Android experience
- Better software optimization
- Slightly better battery life
- More reliable overall
- No detachable keyboard
- Limited internal storage (depending on model)
- Outdated hardware
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 7-inch displays with resolutions around 1024x600. The Samsung Tab 2 7.0's display is generally considered slightly better in terms of color accuracy and viewing angles. The Thrive 7's screen is adequate but can appear a bit washed out.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality on both devices is unremarkable, typical for tablets of this era. Both feature front and rear cameras, but image quality is low and best suited for basic video calls. Expect grainy photos and poor low-light performance on both.
Performance
While both have dual-core 1.0 GHz processors, the Nvidia Tegra 2 in the Thrive 7 benefits from a slightly more powerful GPU. However, the Samsung's OMAP 4430 chipset and optimized software often result in a smoother, more responsive user experience in everyday tasks. App loading times and multitasking are generally faster on the Tab 2.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 typically offers slightly better battery life, often lasting around 6-8 hours of moderate use, compared to the Thrive 7's 5-7 hours. This difference is largely due to software optimization and power management.
Buying Guide
The Toshiba Thrive 7 might appeal to users seeking a keyboard accessory for basic typing tasks, though its age shows. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 is a better choice for those prioritizing a smoother Android experience, wider app compatibility, and a more reliable device overall, especially if found at a budget price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Toshiba Thrive 7 keyboard worth it?
The keyboard is a unique selling point, but its quality is questionable. It's best suited for very basic typing and isn't a replacement for a dedicated laptop or tablet keyboard.
❓ Which tablet has better app compatibility?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 generally has better app compatibility due to its more widely supported Android version and ongoing updates (even if limited).
