Apple iPad 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

Introduction:

Now that the iPad 2 has made way for its successor in the new iPad, it’s only fitting to pit Apple’s latest baby against the horde of competition that are already littered across the tablet landscape. Rising above most other things, theSamsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 LTE comes to mind as a dubious competitor since it’s regarded as the best of the best from Samsung’s camp. On the surface, both are very similar with their options, which is hardly a surprise, but as we’ve come to expect, there can only be one that will ultimately prove itself to be the sole standout hit. Before diving in, it’s worth noting that the Apple iPad 4G LTE’s price starts at $629.99 for both AT&T and Verizon variants, whereas the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 LTE is a bit more at $699.99 through Verizon only.

Display:

Absolutely, if there’s one reason why the new iPad is such a feared competitor, it has to be none other than the crisp and super detail Retina display it’s bringing to the tablet. Comparing the two, the numbers seemingly do all the talk as the iPad boasts a mind-bending resolution of 2048 x 1536, which blows away the 1280 x 800 resolution of the Galaxy Tab 10.1. Although it’s hardly noticeable to visually see the superiority of the iPad’s Retina display from a far distance, it’s evident once we take a peek at our web site at a full zoomed out view. At times, the iPad’s display is simply surreal with its stunning visuals. Details aside, both offer wide-viewing angles, high contrasts, and natural looking colors – though, the iPad’s display tends to come off warmer looking. When it comes down to it, however, the iPad has the eye candy to pique anyone’s interest from afar.

Design:
From a distance, the two look similar to one another, but once we’re able to grasp both in our hands, the new iPad is able to deliver the impactful wow factor thanks to its premium feel. Well, it’s not to say that the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 isn’t a bad looker, especially when it’s the lighter and slightly thinner tablet, but its all-plastic body doesn’t have the allure to match the impeccable industrial design of the iPad. Indeed, the new iPad’s appearance might not bring anything fresh to the table, especially when its design is a recycled one, but nonetheless, its iconic look combined with its premium construction still hits the high marks in our books.

The Apple iPad 3 (left) and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 (right)

No doubt we dig the responsiveness exhibited by the physical buttons available on both tablets, but the ones on the iPad are raised higher to offer better distinguishability with our fingers. As for charging and data connectivity, both resort to using proprietary 30-pin connection ports, which is also the way they’re able to gain video-out functionality with the aid of optional accessories. For all of you audio buffs, the iPad has a single speaker located of the bottom left corner of its rear, while the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 boasts stereo sound thanks to its two speakers.


Power buttons	Volume rockers	Connection ports	Speakers
The Apple iPad 3 (bottom) and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 (top)

In terms of cameras, there’s plenty to like since the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is outfitted with a 3.2-megapixel snapper with LED flash. Conversely, there might not be a flash on the new iPad, but rather, it’s impressiveness is found with its 5-megapixel iSight camera, which features an F2.8 aperture lens and sensor with backside illumination. On the other hand, front-facing cameras are naturally available with both, as the Galaxy Tab 10.1 packs a higher count 2-megapixel camera, versus the paltry VGA snapper on the iPad.



Viewing angles of the Apple iPad 3 (left) and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 (right)