SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB 2 7.0

As in the 10” version of its Galaxy tablet PCs, Samsung has released its Galaxy Tab 2 7.0. And like the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1, the Tab 2 7.0 offers little advancement over its original Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus version beyond the Android 4.0 operating system.

Samsung chose to release what is essentially an upgraded version of the Galaxy Tab 7.0 as an entirely separate tablet, despite the fact that its specs and design are nearly identical to the original version. Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 specs include 1 GB RAM with either 16 GB or 32 GB of internal memory; HPSA+ and WiFi connectivity; built-in calling function; suite of standard Google apps; micro SD port; 3MP camera and VGA camera.

Backed by Samsung technology, the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 naturally gets high marks for its excellent display of 1024 x 600px, which provides one of the sharpest pictures in the 7” tablet PC world. This tablet adds a tiny bit in width in going from the original model’s 0.38” (0.96cm) to 0.4” (1.05cm), but the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 maintains a 0.76-pound (0.345-kg) weight.

On its own, the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 keeps Samsung near the head of the class in 7” tablet PCs. Still one of the better choices among this range in early 2012, the electronics giant may have to make at least a few substantial changes to the Galaxy range if they want to impress in 2013 and beyond.