Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0
| Industry | Consumer electronics |
|---|---|
| Founded | March 1, 1938 in Daegu, South Korea |
| Headquarters | Suwon , South Korea |
| Products | Smartphones, tablets, consumer electronics |
| Website | www |
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 Overview
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 is a compact 7-inch Android tablet developed and sold by Samsung Electronics. As a follow-up to the original Ice Cream Sandwich tablet, it represents the second iteration within the Samsung Galaxy Tab lineup. This generation also features a larger sibling, the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1, with a 10.1-inch display. Officially unveiled on 13 February 2012, the device became available in the United States starting 22 April 2012. It serves as the direct replacement for the previous model, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus.
History
The Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 was unveiled on 13 February 2012. It debuted alongside the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 during the 2012 Mobile World Congress. Although both models were initially planned for a March release, Samsung postponed the launch, citing unspecified issues related to Ice Cream Sandwich. The company subsequently announced that the tablets would become available by the end of April. Samsung confirmed the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0's release date as 22 April, pricing the 8GB version at $250.
Features
At launch, the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 operated on Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich, with a later update to Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean provided. Samsung integrated its proprietary TouchWiz UX interface to enhance the user experience. Alongside Google's suite of applications such as Google Play, Gmail, and YouTube, the device supports Samsung-exclusive apps including ChatON, S Suggest, and All Share Play.
This tablet is offered in multiple configurations: WiFi-only, WiFi with an IR Blaster (available exclusively in the US and Canada), and a combined 3G & WiFi version. Storage options vary from 8 GB up to 32 GB depending on the model, complemented by a microSD slot for additional memory expansion. The display features a 7-inch PLS LCD screen with a resolution of 1024x600 pixels and includes both front and rear cameras. While equipped with 1GB of RAM, only approximately 0.77GB is accessible for use.
Among its capabilities is Samsung's "Find my mobile" service, which enables users to locate their device remotely or erase its data if lost.
Connectivity is facilitated through Samsung’s proprietary port for USB charging and data transfer. An optional adapter allows the tablet to function as a USB host via USB On-The-Go (OTG), permitting connection to USB mass storage devices without requiring additional drivers. Furthermore, this port supports USB Human Interface Device (HID) peripherals such as keyboards and mice, although compatibility depends on the installed Linux kernel version.
Reception
The Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 has generally received favorable reviews. David Pierce from The Verge noted that the tablet offers greater performance compared to the Kindle Fire and Nook Tablet, highlighting that its use of a full Android version makes it a more versatile option for users seeking more than just an e-reading device. Both Pierce and James Stables of TechRadar commended the device's compact dimensions and lightweight design, along with its competitive pricing relative to other tablets of similar size. However, some critiques were directed at the display quality; Stables described the screen as "dull and unresponsive," while David Ludlow from Expert Reviews pointed out the lower resolution when contrasted with the 2012 Google Nexus 7, even though he found other aspects of the tablet impressive.
Variants
Verizon marketed a version of the Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0) under the name "Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0) 4G LTE," which was available through Verizon Wireless retail outlets.