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Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1) review: Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1)

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1)

Headshot of Eric Franklin
Headshot of Eric Franklin
Eric Franklin Former Editorial Director
Eric Franklin led the CNET Tech team as Editorial Director. A 20-plus-year industry veteran, Eric began his tech journey testing computers in the CNET Labs. When not at work he can usually be found at the gym, chauffeuring his kids around town, or absorbing every motivational book he can get his hands on.
Expertise Graphics and display technology Credentials
  • Once wrote 50 articles in one month.
Eric Franklin
7 min read

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.

6.3

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 comes with Android 4.0 installed.

The Bad

At $400, the tablet is overpriced compared with more-powerful competing tablets that offer better features for around the same price. The tablet's dual-core CPU has trouble running large 1080p movies smoothly, and its screen color accuracy isn't as high as on the previous Tab 10.1.

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.

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.

Not quite as thin as the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, but you'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference. Josh Miller/CNET

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-long fingers, like me. Also, the bezel isn't completely flush with the outer casing of the tablet, creating a slightly annoying edge.

6.3

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1)

Score Breakdown

Design 7Features 6Performance 6