Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 review: A pricey tablet not worth a 2-year contract

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 was one of the premier Android tablets when it launched in 2011, with specs that, at the very least, matched top-tier Android tablets at the time.

6.0

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1

The Good

The <b>Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1</b> is a well-designed tablet with powerful speakers, a responsive screen, and expandable storage.

The Bad

The tablet is overpriced, its dual-core CPU has trouble running large 1080p movies smoothly, and its screen color accuracy isn't as high as the previous Tab 10.1's.

The Bottom Line

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 comes up short in performance, features, and value compared with competing tablets.

Unfortunately, the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 feels almost like a disappointing prequel, rather than a full-fledged "we've improved everything" sequel. Also, the asking price for the cellular versions -- both on and off contract -- is too high, given its offerings.

Design
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 is both slightly heavier and a bit less svelte than its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. It still sports the same plastic backside, but now comes in titanium silver as opposed to white.

The tablet feels comfortable in my hands, but it's a bit wide and feels awkward when trying to type and hold at the same time, even if you sport alienlike, Arsenio Hall-length fingers, like me. Also, the bezel isn't completely flush with the outer casing of the tablet, creating a slightly annoying edge.