The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 also known as P3100 with 3G and Wi-Fi is now available in India for just under Rs. 20,000. Well the official price is about Rs. 23,000 but Flipkart and Infibeam are selling it well under Rs. 20,000. So is it a good buy, let’s find out.
Though the new P3100 is still far away from competing with the low cost Chinese tablets that have already started flooding the Indian markets, but the price band is really too good, the Galaxy tab 2 with 16GB internal storage is priced at 19,990 and Samsung is also planning to launch the same tab with 8 GB and 32 GB versions. No doubt 8 GB will be even cheaper.
Hardware
Samsung needs no introduction, the P3100 tablet comes loaded with a 1 GHz dual core processor (Chipset TI OMAP 4430) coupled with PowerVR SGX540 GPU. Powerful enough to run the most demanding applications, yeah including games.
At 334 grams weight and a 10.5 mm thin body, it shouldn’t be a problem carrying around, your personal buddy on the move.
Display
A 7 inch TFT capacitive touchscreen display with a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels (170 ppi) with 16 M colours with PLS will surely impress you. First of all the resolution is perfect for viewing PDF magazines and websites, and even comfortable if you love reading ebooks. The PLS (Plane to Line Switching) technology improves the screen brightness, take any ordinary tablet or tablet with IPS and compare it with the PLS display, you can clearly see the difference.
The touch screen is response and does support multi touch. Once the OS is loaded the TouchWiz UX user interface takes over.
Memory and OS
The P3100 comes with optional 8 GB, 16 GB and 32 GB internal storage. 16 GB is currently available in India. The RAM is 1 GB and micro SD slot is also present for unlimited storage. You can use a single microSD card of up to 64 GB. The Tab 2 runs on ICS (Ice Cream Sandwich) Android 4.0.3.
Data Connectivity
This tab comes with built in SIM slot which supports 3G (HSDPA, 21 Mbps; HSUPA, 5.76 Mbps) and 2G networks (GPRS / EDGE). There is built in Wi-Fi which you can use for connecting to a router or hotspot or even create your own Wi-Fi hotspot for sharing the 3G or 2G connection. You can use this tab for making and receiving calls, just like a phone, a Bluetooth headset is recommended. There is Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP and HS which you can pair with other Bluetooth enabled devices. A microUSB 2.0 port is also available for charging and for connecting with a PC or laptop.
Audio / Video
The Android stock media player supports MP4, MP3, WMA, WMV, Xvid, DivX, WAV and many other audio and video formats. You can watch HD videos and experience 3D sound. The output from the built in speaker is quite high and good, sound quality is even better when you use the 3.5 mm jack.
Camera
There are 2 cameras, a front facing VGA (0.3 MP) camera and a rear facing 3 megapixel, without flash. Camera functions are normal shot, self shot, sepia, negative, geo-tagging, smile detection to name a few. HD Videos at 1280 x 720 pixel resolution is supported at 30 fps.
Additional Features
This tab comes loaded with Accelerometer, proximity, gyro and compass sensors; TV out, image video editor, quickoffice app, java support and built in GPS. There is no built in FM radio.
Battery
If the Tab 2 has already impressed you, the battery performance will bring more smiles. The 4000 mAh battery gives a usage time of up to 20 hours on 3G and up to 30 hours on 2G networks. If you use this tab moderately it will last easily for a day.
Galaxy Tab 2 (P3100) Price
32 GB : Unknown
16 GB under Rs. 19,999 (Buy now from FlipKart)
8 GB : Unknown
Review
For the price this really is a good branded tablet. The 8 GB version will be a bit cheaper. The P3100 does compete with the 10 inch Chinese tabs that are priced at around Rs. 14,000 and even the reliance 3G tab which is still priced at Rs. 12,999 (I wonder who is buying it!). Spend a few bucks more and you can own the Samsung brand.
What I like about the tablet, sincerely, the price and then the dual core processor, Wi-Fi and 3G built in capabilities. The screen size particularly the resolution is impressive. Not to forget the ICS OS. Now when I look at this tab and the BlackBerry Playbook, the Samsung P3100 clearly is the winner.
Hi Gogi sir,
I bought tab 2 3100 about an year ago and it has android 4.1.2. Can I update it to kitkat 4.4.2, if yes then how, please advise.
Thank you so much
regards
Devinder
hi gogi sir
i have galaxy tab 2 7 inch i bought 32 gb card and would like to know how to install apps or move apps from phone memory to sd card as i cannot see any option of moving.Pls help me
Recently tab3 p3200 has come in the news. Samsung has officially launched it in a press note. Some sites are showing 13500 price tag. If its true its going to sell like hell,..
Can Tab 2 play Nova 3 or other demanding games?
Dear Gogi,
I have this tab I have also activated 3G on aircel sim,
but I am unable to see any 3G
Access point name only has: Aircel GPRS and Aircel MMS
Network mode: GSM/WCDMA (auto mode), GSM only and WCDMA only.
Can U help in this regards as to how to connect to 3G in Samsung Tab2
Regards
Zuber
select the network mode to wcdma. if u cant connect dr try callong customer care.
Thanks for most helpful information; I agree with you that this product is
Samsung Galaxy Tab 7″ P3100 – 3-In-1 wireless Bluetooth keyboard is very smart then another keyboard. Its nice plastic case stands also ultra-thin. I buy this product at very low price.
hello gogi i am big fan of you. i want to buy this tab please tell me can i make call from this tab lyk mobile phone. thanks in advance
it has a slot for sim.. surely works like phone.
hello gogi i am big fan of you i want to buy this product please tell me can i use samsung galaxy tab 2 as a mobile phone i mean can i make a phone call from this device like any normal mobile phone..thanks in advance
yes you can
Does it support class 10 microsd cards? please reply ASAP! there’s a good offer today and I wanna buy the tablet today only! thanks 🙂
I want to buy this tab .. pls tell it support gtalk or yahoo video chat?
Latest news for tab2 lovers … Prices slashed to 16499 so now you can buy the tab in around 16000.
what is the battery life in hours after continous use…?????
plz reply gogi…please..
Over 7 hours or a day of minimal usage.
Hey, I have tab2 but don’t have a 3g network were I stay, I have a OTG cable, can I connect a dongle to my tab2?
Pls tell me via otg cable any dongle is conect on gt p3100
Thank
Rajesh
Can we access internet on galxy tab2 7.0 using 2g sim card or we can access net only thru 3g sim and wi-fi? please help me!
Of course, one can access net easily with 2G SIM. But check the price in the market. It may differ from online prices.
Can I connect my galaxy tab310 to my tv?
Great reviews!
I am thinking of buying it, what I have seen somewhere can't remember though that with wireless Bluetooth keyboard one cannot use this tab in landscape mode. Has anyone used external wireless keyboard.
Mahmood
Dear sir / Friends
Please help me.
Having Samsung GT -P3100 model tablet. Inserted the charger cable to my Samsung LCD tv to see some videos from tab in the large screen. But able to see only photos other than this nothing displayed. Then called toll free number of Samsung and inquired how to view. They replied need a MHL TO HDMI CABLE TO CONNECT THE TAB WITH LCD TV.
In Chennai searched through out the Samsung authorized shops and could not get the cable.
Requesting you all can you give the exact part number of the cable to enable me to order or inform from where I can get the cable or give suitable advise.
With thanks
Mobile no 99 40 132 132
Check this site….http://www.tabletworld.co.za/2563/hdtv-adapter
hai, gogi, can u pls. tell me that, can I download files from different torrent sites? and zip files by samsung tab 2 3100?
Barun, have not tried it but here are the apps https://play.google.com/store/search?q=torrent&c=…
Does tab 2 supports 2g voice calls & packet data for internet?
Yes it does.
hey gogi, after your verdict I bought this tab, its amazing, I just wanted to know that can I use a dongle in it?
Akash, dongle is basically for getting 3G connectivity on device. You need a SIM card with 3G enabled to be inserted in the Dongle and after that you can use it on other devices. Now the tab 2 already has built in 3G SIM slot, there is no need for connecting the dongle. Also I don't think you can connect dongle on the tab and even Samsung will not support / recommend it.
When will 8 gb version available in in gujarat? At about how much price range?
So far there is no word about the 8GB Tab 2 release in India.
I'm not able to connect My tab2 p3100 to Bluetooth Headset HS1200 … Any Help ..
Hi gogi, confused between sony xperia u and samsung tab 2, both can be used for making call,but one can be easily carried and not the other. Please help me to buy.
Its 3.5 inch v/s 7 inch. Both are good and can perform well, just think which will be comfortable for you to carry – a 7 inch or a 3.5 inch device 247.
hi guys, I would like to buy a new samsung tab 2 but heard that there are few heating issues with it, secondly wanted to know whether it is possible to connect to a dongle to it for 3g and 4g network in India, I am in Bangalore which is the best place to buy this device and what is the better option(read config) to buy, is there any other tab I can buy in my budget which is around 20000 so plz help me out with this as soon as possible.
I am using samsung tab2 that I purchased from abroad, but suddenly network shows no service by using an idea sim, then I took it to service center but they could not do anything. Please help me.
Just go on settings…which is on lowest right hand side then go on network, then go on network mode, change it to gsm only, ur idea sim will also work…
Good luck.
Dear Arun.
where you get the otg cable? is there any name or code number. Is it from online shop, if so please inform me.
I got this OTG cable from ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.in/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&…
It works fine with my P3100 tablet. I tested USB keyboard, mouse and an 8GB pen drive. Everything is working fine.
hi dude, review is excellent very much impressed gonna buy this, but can you please tell me does it support pendrives?
Yes it supports pen drive.
Dear GOGI
I may kindly be informed whether the
"Leather Case Cover Bluetooth keypad Keyboard for Samsung Galaxy Tab Plus 7 620
is usable for my Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 GT-3100 ?
Donald, Bluetooth keyboard should not be an issue it will work with any tab, I think it will fit any 7 inch tab, if you are buying it online then do have a chat with the support, just to confirm if it will work, most probably it will.
I brought one Samsung Galaxy Tab P3100 one week ago. Good clarity, good battery life good graphics. I love it very much. Samsung not provided any pouch for keeping it tact. I inserted BSNL sim card, but not functioning keeys saying "Network not registered", How to activate my sim?
Congrats Donald, the SIM should have worked right away, can you try some other SIM, your' friends, just to confirm if its the SIM issue or its happening with every other SIM.
Thank you very much for you instant reply, now I tried my wife's sim and it works fine.
Thank you again.
I bought this tab recently and I thought it was upgradeable to only 32 GB through microsd can some one please clarify if its really upgradeable to 64GB and if so what class of microsd it will support?
nand says on May 27, 2012 at 7:30 pm
On ebay.in, the price is Rs 18,990/-.
is this one a Chinese make or with out manufacturer warranty?
flipkart price is 19900, Rs. 1000 higher.
where to buy?
Well on ebay.in also it is the same as on the flipkart site, but I don't think it is available now on ebay (sold out). Other option is flipkart, but if you find a deal on ebay it is safe to buy.
Anyone know if we can connect wireless or wired keyboard and mouse for P3100?
If yes, through which port? If no port and adaptor required, how much it costs and where to buy?
Is flipkart is reliable online site?
Yes, one of the best, I had ordered many items from them.
Should I wait for a price drop of this product or a 8 GB version or purchase it ? What's your view brother ?
16 GB price, I don't think will drop even after the 8 GB is launched, yes 8 GB will be cheaper and what we need to see is by how much? if the difference is not much then users might just go with the 16 GB version. I would suggest wait for the 8 GB to be launched, if that does not happen soon, or you cannot wait 16 GB is always the last options.
On ebay.in, the price is Rs 18,990/-.
Is a SIM slot present? I am not so sure about it. Can you please let me know? If it is it will be deal clincher.
Yes it has SIM slot, its on one side along with microSD slot.
Bought it this week. Absolute value for money. Very happy with it. A small review
phone: works flawlessly with my idea connection, using 3g to surf at non-wifi locations. Did not use Bluetooth headset( yeah! i held it to my ear :-))
wifi: no drops. even at the least receptive point in my residence it worked well without dropping
performance: no lag, satisfied,superb touch, viewing angles good.
skype: tested OK
games: temple run: smooth, tilt works, did not try asphalt6. fruit ninja – played with all fingers, smooth
app support: most work fine and are available at play store.
supports my 32gb micro sd. I used a class 4 card
Thanks Gogi!
all readers, if you are considering a chinese tab, get it only if budget is an issue, otherwise sell your existing phone and get this tab phone. Paisa Vasool. Period!
Thanks Arun for the review, no doubt this is the best (brand) low cost tab. Can you also check if you can access content from a pendrive? Connecting the pendrive to the USB host.
I do agree with Arun. This tab is working excellent.
I bought an otg cable meant for the 10 inch tab. It fits this tab also because the connector is the same. Pen drive window opens immediately after connecting. Access to all files. Played a movie, .mp3, read an ebook off my pen drive. I don't have a dongle , so i could not test that part.
Regards
Arun
Thanks a lot Arun, there is no need for the dongle part really, as you can use built in SIM.
Yes. if samsung selling galaxy tab 620 with Preinstalled ICS on it, then it is worth to buy.
Flipkart is selling Samsung Galaxy tab 620 for Rs 22900
1000 Instant Cashback
Final price= Rs21900
& you also get Free Samsung HM 1700 Bluetooth Headset And Stylish Book Case Cover Worth Rs. 4298
Its a good deal!
but disadvantage Of tab is only Android 3.2 honeycomb os
http://www.flipkart.com/m/samsung-galaxy-tab-620/…
Not only that the 3.x android versions do not support phone functionality.
Is that true? I found this in the description of P620 "The Samsung Tab has eliminated the need of using a headset or Bluetooth for making voice calls with integrated Receiver Mode." and also gsmarena lists the P6200 in the list of devices capable of making and receiving calls.
Also, . lists GSM under the bands section.
Dominic, Honey comb OS 3.2 does not have phone features enabled by default, but it can be enabled, as in this case by Samsung. The receiver mode is using the tab as a normal phone, place the tab to your ear (just like you do with a phone).
2MP front camera & Led flash on back in galaxy 620
I can't understand why Samsung launched too many tabs with same specifications & price
To be able to understand that, you need a little brain.
Galaxy tab 310 not
But Galaxy tab 620 Has hdmi port & its also have 1.2 ghz dual core proccesor
but its price is little higher & its come with honeycomb os (can't say when samsung release ICS updates for this tab, because they even released ICS for S2 too late which is flagship device of samsung)
what does multi touch means?
You can use 2 or more fingers for example when viewing images you can pinch in / out to zoom in and out.
I just saw a tab named domo slate x3d dual core for just 6990 at homeshop 18. Any idea about this tab?
I have not checked this tab will let you know later.
Thanks for the review. Does this tab has HDMI port?
No don't think so, it is not even mentioned on the Samsung website.
No it does not have any HDMI port.