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Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus Review

Samsung very first tablet came out about 2 years ago. Since then, the Korean company has outed half a dozen other tablets with ranging sizes and form factors (from 5.0, 5.3 to 7.7, 8.9 & 10.1 inches). The Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus is basically a refresh of the very first model. Check out our full review after the jump.

If you’ve owned or tried the Galaxy Tab 10.1 or 8.9, the Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus looks and feels like their fraternal twin. The hardware configuration and design are almost exactly alike.

At 9.9mm thin and 345 grams, the Tab 7.0 Plus is pretty thin and light. The back panel is made up for glossy, white plastic with a silver accent wrapped around the edges.

One of Samsung’s obvious strategy is to flood the market of Android tablets in all sizes to cater to specific needs and lifestyle of consumers and so far, it is working. Yes, size does matter — whether you want a larger one for better screen real estate or you want something smaller for portability.

The Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus sits in the middle — right in between the Galaxy S WiFi at 5 inches and the Galaxy Tab 8.9. So what ou get is a thin and light Android tablet that’s still jacket-pocket friendly.

The 7-inch display is pretty usable, has a nice bright screen and good contrast although the resolution isn’t as packed as what we’ve all wanted (1024×600 pixels). It’s also no match against the sun so you have to deal with glare in the outdoors.

Like the first Galaxy Tab, the Tab 7.0 Plus also comes with cellular features — that means you are able to make phone calls and send/receive SMS with the native apps. The 3G SIM card slot is found on the left side of the tablet along with the microSD card slot for storage expansion.

Of course, to avoid looking silly when holding the tablet up against your ears when taking calls, it is best to use a hands-free earphones or a Bluetooth headset to do so. There’s also that AirDroid App you can download and use to wirelessly use/manage your device over WiFi.

The Tab 7.0 Plus comes with Android 3.2 Honeycomb polished with Samsung TouchWiz UI for tablets. The UI experience is pretty solid, smooth and fluid as expected of the Galaxy Tab series.

From the 5 home screens, you can add widgets, shortcuts, apps and organize them to your liking. You can also set Live Wallpapers for the background but that might just drain the tablet’s battery much faster.

And since this is an Android tablet, it goes without saying that you have access to hundreds of thousands of apps in the Android Market. Some are built for smartphones and a few are made specifically for tablets but you can use any of them as you please.

What the Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus have that no other Samsung tablet (and very few other Android tablets) has is the built-in IR Blaster (found at the middle of the right corner).

The only other Honeycomb tablet I’ve seen that has this same feature is the Sony Tablet S but that one has not yet been launched in the Philippines.

With the right app, you can use the tablet as a remote control for a number of appliances and devices at home. I was able to download Peel SmartRemote and use it to control my 3-year old Samsung TV at home.

It also supports several other devices like Blu-ray players, stereos and streaming media players like the Roku and the Apple TV. This universal remote feature will really come handy when you have multiple devices at home and and always misplace the remote control.

The hardware configuration on the Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus is spot on. In some respects, I feel it’s even a bit better if you compare it to its older siblings, the Tab 8.9 and Tab 10.1.

The bigger Galaxy Tabs were actually using an NVidia chipset so they’re generally good in the gaming department. The Tab 7.0 Plus, on the other hand, uses a 1.2GHz dual-core Exynos chip.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus GT-P6200 specs:
7-inch PLS display @ 1024×600 pixels
1.2GHz Exynos 4210 dual-core processor
Mali-400MP GPU
1GB RAM
16GB and 32GB internal storage
microSD card up to 64GB
3G/HSPA+ 21Mbps
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA
3MP rear camera w/ 720p video recording
2MP front-facing camera
Bluetooth 3.0
GPS w/ aGPS support
IR port
4000mAh Li-Ion battery
Google Android 3.2 Honeycomb

The Tab 7.0 Plus is only available in 16GB and 32GB of internal storage but you can expand it using a microSD card with capacities of up to 64GB (sold separately).

The tablet is also capable of speeds up to 21Mbps over mobile internet on an HSPA+ network (same as the Galaxy S2 and the Galaxy note).

Quadrant Standard score went thru the roof at 3,523 (the Galaxy Note got 4,154). The Galaxy Tab 10.1 only got 1,406 when we did the same benchmark before.

As such, you get really good experience with gaming and video playback. Web browsing is also smooth and the 1024-pixel resolution in the landscape mode is perfect for most websites. It’s in the portrait mode (at 600 pixels) where it gets a little cramped.

The two speakers at the bottom end of the tablet is usable but not really that loud enough. I’d suggest using a headphone hooked to the 3.5mm audio jack at the top corner when listening to music or watching movies.

The 3MP camera and LED flash at the back is decent and usable but not that great so I did not bother taking sample shots for here. The photos seems to be grainy and has a lot of noise when used in low-light conditions. It’s got autofocus and can be controlled when you tap the screen for refocusing. It’s capable of recording 720p HD videos though so that’s a plus point in that department.

Battery life is also quite good. I managed to squeeze in around 7 hours of movie playback on a single full charge. That’s at full volume and 50% screen brightness. I reckon it can do better when the settings are dialed down a bit.

Take note though that battery life will heavily depend on case use, the apps running in the background and the idle settings (WiFi, 3G, Bluetooth, etc).

The Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus surely offered a better experience and performance over its predecessor. It also provided an alternative form factor to those looking at the Tab 8.9 and 10.1 and felt they’re still a bit bulky to carry around. The 7.0 Plus gives that good balance between portability and performance in a very affordable price point.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus has been available in stores since December 2011 and has a suggested retail price of Php23,990USD 409INR 34,656EUR 389CNY 2,977.

Abe Olandres
Abe Olandres
Abe is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of YugaTech with over 20 years of experience in the technology industry. He is one of the pioneers of blogging in the country and considered by many as the Father of Tech Blogging in the Philippines. He is also a technology consultant, a tech columnist with several national publications, resource speaker and mentor/advisor to several start-up companies.
  1. The 7″ flavor of Samsung Tab is my all time favorite. Very handy, powerful and most of all, very useful on my part.

  2. one of my friend has this, he is so hpy with it, he says: better than ipad2

  3. Nice form factor with nice specs, very portable. Im planning to buy one of this but I put on waiting to see what ipad3 might offer this coming March.

  4. mas ok sana kung below 20k lang ang price nito…

    • If you can’t afford it, well buy it!

  5. sana meron na din xang usb port..

  6. sir abe, bakit ung available d2 s Philippines walang IR?

  7. i have mine… but iam wondering why it has no ir port. yuga help me…. baka may defect to…

    • no defect, there are units talaga with no IR blaster on them

  8. have confirmed with digital walker that they don’t have IR on their units. been scouting for one for a while now and the units that have IR’s are the dummy’s on display.

  9. nice! I want a cheaper WiFi only version of this one please.

  10. The galaxy is a great piece of kit.

  11. I will Pass on this 7.0. It is too large as a smartphone and too small for a tablet.

  12. Hi Abe. Is this upgradable to ICS? If so, when?

  13. off topic:
    what is the best smartphone that i can buy for a 17k-18k budget? anyone, thanks?

  14. off topic:
    what is the best smartphone that i can buy for a 17k-18k budget? anyone, thanks!!

  15. Hi Yuga,

    Ask lang kung saan nyo nabili yung case for Galaxy Note. Thank you

  16. Kind of misleading of samsung naman kung walang IR ang actual units being sold here. Don’t you think? Malapit na ko ma in love after playing around with it sa Samsung store. So disappointing.

    -Sent via YugaTech Mobile App

  17. I really like this tab, used to own the prev tab and it was ok. This one is even a better tab :-)

  18. Very tempting. But I’m actually waiting for Asus Transformer Prime. ^__^

  19. nice. i think i like this gadget.

  20. The 7″ flavor of Samsung Tab is my all time favorite. Ìt is even better than the ipad 2. So Apple has to build that one better.

  21. Now if only Smart or Globe would offer this through plan. I will get one for sure!

  22. Hi Sir Abe, San niyo po nabili yung may IR blaster? Am planning to get one of these babies for my Birthday.. :P

  23. Samsung Galaxy Tablet 7.7 coming this February 2012 and will be better in specs and features than this tablet.It will add to my collections of 7 inch tablets (Kindle Fire and Nook Tablet) In U.S. they ll be selling the new model at around $349 (Php14,500) a reasonable price which can be bought by lots of people compare to the expensive and unreasonable price that Samsung Philippines put on their unit.

  24. I bought this unit last week and I love it! Great as a tablet, phone is just a bonus. I still use Blackberry as a phone and for messaging. The unit that I bought from Samsung MOA has no infrared.

  25. i just bought this tablet for my daughter., and it makes me WOW! as well as my little girl! nice samsung!

  26. Ganda ng Galaxy 7 Plus, I’m sure it will be a hit as well like the 1st gen Galaxy 7. Sana nga lang mabilis support ng Samsung sa updates at panalo na lahat.

    Pero Di ko kasi kailangan ng 3G, still waiting for the transformer prime. Sana dumating na >.<

    Kaingit un review ng taga asus, nakakapang-laway lang.

    http://asusfandom.blogspot.com/2012/01/review-eee-pad-transformer-prime.html

  27. this is an model already. it has been replaced by the samsung galaxy tab 7.7. i bought mine in greenhills for P31K 2 weeks ago. the screen resolution is super amoled plus and it’s a tablet/celfone. sadly no ir also like all the rest. the verizon version will have it though.

  28. this is an old model already. it has been replaced by the samsung galaxy tab 7.7. i bought mine in greenhills for P31K 2 weeks ago. the screen resolution is super amoled plus and it’s a tablet/celfone. sadly no ir also like all the rest. the verizon version will have it though.

  29. as for the asus transformer prime, do not buy the model that’s out in the market right now because it’s been proven to have buggy wifi, gps and bluetooth capabilities. better wait for the upcoming model tf700t in the second quarter of the year 2012. this model has a higher screen resolution plus all the bugs have been wiped out.

  30. Finally Samsung Galaxy 7.7 has arrived in the Philippines but with a unreasonable expensive price tag of Php30,000 w/c i saw at CMK.Cellphones. There is no update yet on how much it is in U.S. but other say its around $500-600

  31. i must say that i like the way you write review, iwas considering to buy this on comming week.I also run Mobile App Marketing blog intented to provide tips and news on mobile app promotions.

  32. Why YugaTech is not updating anymore?? no new posts..what’s the matter??

  33. Meron na akong iPad 2, eh. Di na to kailangan. Android sucks naman, eh.

    • bitter CRAPple fanboy. tsk2 android FTW!

    • you are of the so called i-sheep. ang apple sa u.s., puro babae at mga bata lang ang gumagamit. bakla ka siguro.

    • PLEASE JUST PLEASE DONT TROLL !!!!!!!

  34. Thnx, I loved your article! You really were able to trigger my mind. Gonna buy this thing!

  35. For me, Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 is better than others. I like it.

  36. The Tablet market is gearing up for a nice competitive environment :) Your pics are really clear of the product. I have bookmarked your post

  37. Samsung Tablets should have better battery life. I have used on these Tablets it ran out after just 2 hours of use.

  38. It is a shame there is no infrared port

  39. Buhay pa ba itong blog na ‘to? Magi-isang buwan na ‘yatang walang bagong post/entry.

  40. Aww, ba’t ganun? After ako mag-comment dito, ngayon ko lang nakita lahat ng bagong posts/entries dito sa blog. Before nito, Jan 17 yung latest posts/entries na nakikita ko.

  41. Very nice review of Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0!! I’m using this gadget and I know how good this device is. Thanks

  42. Hi Yuga,

    Just a question, I’m confused, is the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus WIFI only version a phone?

  43. Hi everyone. Im just confused here, I bought this same Tab, Galaxy 7.0 Plus but only now i saw that it doesnt have the IR port. Ibought the metalic grey. Can anyone help me with this.

    Thank you.

    • No Infra red ang Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus namin from Globe. Sabi sa mga reviews meron. Tsk…

  44. hi guys, read the info sa page 1. So Philippine version has no IR port. Hmmm…hey samsung, WHY?

  45. I love this tablet. 5 months ko na rin ginagamit basically as a web browser, emails, ebook reader, and games paminsan minsan. Ipad 2 sana bibilhin ko kaso ayaw ko ma-tali sa iTunes at kailangan ko ng medyo mas portable na tablet kaya ito na lang binili ko. No regrets!

    The best din ang after sales support ng Samsung. Nag crash/bootloop kasi yung tablet ko recently (kasalanan ko dahil mahilig ako mag mod). Dinala ko sa service center at naayos nila after 2 hours on the same day at no charge.

    • What if magpapaupdate ka ng OS? Do they charge you for that? I

  46. love ko tlaga tong tablet nato..had mine last month as a gift really smooth and fast..tapos yung teethering useful tlaga when i’m using it with my galaxy y and alcatel one touch..i hate ipad ang daming restrictions wla pang text&call feature sa 3g..i love the screen resolution but nag da-darken yung screen kapag naarawan..pero snappy cya at useful sa studies ko..

    • wala bang additional cost kapag nag tethering ka?

  47. im planning to have this gadget at the end of this month and so far im getting so convinced that this tab is very good.. whew~ i can’t wait! im having it in globe plan! soooo excited…

  48. Guys, I just bought Galaxy Tab 7.0 and i am having problems with the bluetooth device. I can’t seem to receive nor send data despite my device being discoverable. I can pair with other devices but they will always register as not connected. What do i do?

  49. Hi guys, ask ko lang kung anong alternative sa connectify? di ko kasi ma-install sa GT 7.0 Plus. Or ano yong ibang way na ma-share ko ang unli net nito na hindi ako ma-charge ng globe?

    Thanks.

  50. Hi everyone! Just bought this one and it really is a very nice tablet (considering the low price point). Dual core processor on a 7 inch display is perfect match of portability and power to browse the internet. Bottom line, I like it.

  51. may ics update na po PH?

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