After much rumour and speculation Samsung has revealed two new sizes for its Galaxy Tab 3 range of Android tablets. An 8-inch model and the more conventional 10.1-inch size will be joining the already announced 7-inch model.
The 8-inch model, although merely offering an extra inch of screen real estate over the 7-inch, is Samsung’s answer to the iPad Mini. It is designed for portrait use, eReader style, with an 8-inch TFT screen offering a resolution of 1,280 x 800 pixels – that works out at 189 pixels per inch, which isn’t bad but at the same time won’t blow your mind.
The 10.1-inch model is designed for landscape use and features a 10.1-inch display sporting the same resolution as its little brother. This means that the pixel density is brought down to 149 pixels per inch, which doesn’t sound all that crisp, if you ask us.
Dual cameras are to be found on both models, with the 8-inch having the best offering with a 5 megapixel rear camera and a 1.3 megapixel front facing camera. The larger device has a 3 megapixel rear camera and a 1.3 megapixel front facing cam, but let’s face it – tablets of this size are too unwieldy to be taking photos with anyway.
In keeping with the “smaller one is better” theme, the 8-inch model is powered by a dual-core 1.5GHz processor and 1.5GB of RAM, whereas the 10.1-inch model is powered by a dual-core 1.6GHz Intel processor with only 1GB of RAM.
Both devices are finished in glossy white with Samsung’s traditional physical home button and two capacitive touch either sides to take care of the multitasking and back functions. Storage comes in 16 and 32GB options for both models, with a micro SD card slot in each to offer expansion by up to 64GB. As is tradition, Wi-Fi and cellular models will be available in each size, with the cellular option supporting speedy 4G. Both also run Android Jelly Bean 4.2, which means access to Google’s latest pack of mobile features.
Samsung says both devices will be available in shops ‘early June’, which should mean within the next week or so. No word on pricing just yet.