Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7-inch
Key specs
Critic consensus
“There's no getting around it - the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 is a deeply average tablet that's been way over-priced by Samsung. Its specs aren't really good enough to show off the best of the Android platform. In particular, the tablet's 1024 x 600 display seems like it's from a bygone era before 720p YouTube videos became the norm. It seems to actively discourage protracted web browsing sessions, too, which is surely much of the point of a modern tablet.”
“The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 bears many of the hallmarks of the Galaxy series, including the plastic body and TouchWiz UI. However, it hasn’t kept as in line with its competitors. Its middling CPU and very low screen resolution mean it just isn’t worth the money.”
“The 7-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 goes for an affordable device and is right now sold for around $150 for the Wi-Fi-only version while the cellular data enabled model is hard to come by and thus much more expensive, selling for over $250. It’s very affordable in its Wi-Fi version, and that’s its biggest plus. We also like the Samsung tablet experience that feels just a bit more intuitive and better optimized than others. Having the narrow side bezel is also hugely importantt for ergonomics and we appreciate this compactness in daily use.”
“Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 T211 is mainly aimed at budget buyers who seek to get the most out of a price, but can compromise on the performance. Galaxy Tab 3 T211 offers most of the smartphone features and comes with a big 7inch display which should be good for media consumption and gaming. Overall you could get a lot more out of a smartphone instead of this tablet.”
Watch before you decide
In Depth
The Galaxy Tab 3 series from Samsung offers a few choices for those looking for an affordable mid-range tablet. The Tab 3 7.0 is the entry-level device of the series, featuring a 7-inch TFT display, 1 GB of RAM, a dual core 1.2-GHz processor and 8GB of internal storage. While this might seem a little low, support for microSD cards allows you to easily upgrade storage capacity for a small fee. MakeUseOf’s Dave LeClair recently said “While the Galaxy Tab 3 isn’t heavily specced, it’s actually quite fast, especially when you consider that it is a sub-$200 budget tablet.”
The tablet features Samsung’s TouchWiz UI. This is something that might be a good thing or a bad thing depending on your tastes. Support for the Google Play store provides access to any app you might need to communicate, watch movies, listen to music or type up a quick report.
Bluetooth and Wireless-N support provide flexible, portable enjoyment while the 4,000-mAh battery provides enough life to keep it running for more than a day with light to moderate use. Although the device is not bleeding edge technology, it is respectable. MakeUseOf says “for students on a budget, a $200 device like the Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 can meet their needs perfectly.”
Unfortunately, there are a number of potential issues with the Tab 3 series. The leading issue is the display. At a resolution of only 1024-by-600, there are plenty of competitors at a similar price point that feature much higher resolutions. The TFT display also has minor brightness issues and limited viewing angles.
At 3.15 megapixels, the camera is underwhelming as well. While the 1.2-GHz processor will handle basic tasks with ease, power users might notice performance issues and aging of the device should be considered. AndroidCentral’s Andrew Vacca said “Though not horrendously slow, these products lack the speed and agility of vanilla Android tablets, and lack the top-of-the-line specs that the Galaxy S4 utilizes to power a speedy TouchWiz experience.”
The final issue is the build materials. While it is a nice looking tablet, Samsung’s choice of plastic components adds a fragile feel to the device.
The Good: Memory expansion with microSD, respectable battery life and sleek design.
The Bad: Lackluster display, aging processor, price versus competitors and flimsy feeling design.
What people actually want to know
When was the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7-inch released?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7-inch was released on July 7, 2013.
How long does the battery last on the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7-inch?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7-inch has a 4,000 mAh battery.
Does the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7-inch have a headphone jack?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7-inch has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Does the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7-inch have NFC?
No, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7-inch does not have NFC. Contactless payments and tap-to-pair will not be available.
Where can I get support for the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7-inch?
Visit Samsung's official support page for warranty info, repairs, and troubleshooting.
Where can I download the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7-inch manual?
You can view and download the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7-inch manual on our dedicated manual page.
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