Samsung’s attempts at challenging the
iPad have never been as successful as its iPhone-bothering smartphones. But
that could change with its latest and arguably most formidable large-screen
tablet yet.
But while its features look good on paper,
first impressions are less impressive. Costing roughly the same as the iPad for
the 16GB model, it features a plastic build that looks and feels cheap. We
expected better.
Still, get it up and running and things
start to improve. The 10.1in screen is bright and colorful and, with a 1.4GHz
quad-core processor under the hood, it’s responsive as you swipe through its
five customizable home screens. Even the most power-hungry tasks are handled
without issue.
Samsung
Galaxy Note 10.1
Nice sound but so-so video
Since we last tested the Note 10.1, it’s
had an upgrade to Android Jelly Bean, Google’s latest operating system and gets
a faster, smoother, more intuitive experience. The Note’s S Pen stylus also
becomes more useful with new features including better handwriting recognition,
though we found little use for it in day-to-day use.
Samsung is keen to push its services for
video, games and music through its various hubs. The Music Hub is powered by
7Digital and offers a decent library of content to buy for a slightly high
price per track. TV and movie selection is less impressive – third party
services offer a much better selection.
The
Music Hub is powered by 7Digital and offers a decent library of content to buy
for a slightly high price per track
The Note’s speakers are a pleasant
surprise, capable of going pretty loud without distorting and giving a decently
detailed, punchy sound
The screen resolution is disappointing. At
1280 x 800 it’s the same resolution as the 7in Google Nexus 7, so HD detail is
way off its closest rivals. Colors are bright and punchy, but not the most
natural
Audio performance is better, though. Many tablets
have iffy speakers, but, the Notes are a pleasant surprise, and capable of
going pretty loud without distorting. Sound is detailed and punchy, if not
hugely subtle, but if you’re streaming music from TuneIn, say, you’ll be
suitably entertained.
The Note 10.1 is a promising proposition,
but it’s let down by a disappointing screen and a poor build quality. In this
market, it’s a simple case of must try harder.
At
1280 x 800 it’s the same resolution as the 7in Google Nexus 7, so HD detail is
way off its closest rivals. Colors are bright and punchy, but not the most
natural
More Memory
The Note is only available in a 16GB form
in India, but its inclusion of a microSD card slot means you can add up to 64GB
more
Stylus included
The Galaxy Note 10.1 comes with a stylus,
but that doesn’t mean it has regressed to using the spongy touchscreens of old.
In fact, the Note 10.1 will work well with both your finger and the stylus.
There are dedicated apps for the S Pen built in to the Note 10.1 too, including
‘S Note’ for making quick handwritten notes. Useful? We’re not totally sold…
Killer apps: Don’t leave home without
these...
Shazam ($5.5): Never wonder what ‘that’
song is again – fire up Shazam and in a few seconds it can tell you the name of
the song and artist, and will even give you a link to the lyrics.
Swiftkey ($1.75): Swiftkey offers more
intelligent auto correction, learns words you use often, can understand three
languages and can even predict your next word before you’ve
typed a letter.
Chrome ($free): You won’t find Google’s
browser of choice pre-loaded on the Note 10.1. Add it for quicker searching,
faster browsing and shared bookmarks with your computer or smartphone.
Rating: 3/5
For: Bright screen; speedy interface;
impressive speakers; enjoyable sound
Against: Video lacks detail; cheap build
Verdict: An underwhelming effort from
Samsung – it needs some serious refinement
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Specifications
·
Price: $622
·
Operating system: Android 4.1
·
Screen size: 10.1in
·
Resolution: 1280 x 800
·
Processor: 1.4GHz Exynos quad-core
·
Storage: 16GB
·
Expansion card slot: Yes
·
HDMI output: No
·
Battery life (music/video): 8 hours
·
Wi-Fi: 802.11a/b/g/n
·
3G: Optional
·
Bluetooth: 4.0
·
Dimensions (H x W x D): 26 x 10 x 0.9cm
·
Weight: 583g
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