SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB 3 10.1

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 isn’t so much an upgrade of the device’s Tab 2 version as a remake. Most all specs and features are identical to the earlier model and, with the exception of the update in operating system to Android 4.2.2, many aspects of the Tab 3 10.1 feel a bit outdated.

In terms of design, the Tab 3 10.1 is slimmed down and resembles the Apple iPad more closely than previous Samsung tablets. The twin “menu” and “back” buttons are still here, as well as the micro SD card expansion slot and IR blaster, but the thinner bezel makes the increasing approximation to Apple’s product evident.

A feature that has helped keep Samsung tablets notable against the competition is the aforementioned IR blaster, which allows the Tab 3 10.1 to be used as a universal remote – after opening some apps. Unfortunately, more typical use may not be ideal to run on this Tab 3. The 1.6 GHz dual-core Atom Z2560 is an improvement over two years ago, but is beaten by many like models on the market. Simply put, video viewing may be choppier than many users would like. The Samsung Tab 3 10.1 can be bought with 16 GB or 32 GB of internal memory, with expansion of up to 64 GB via the micro SD slot.

Ultimately, this latest Samsung Tab is a bit of an underwhelming device that will leave most merely waiting for the Tab 4 10.1 – and hopefully an upgrade in the truer sense.