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Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7-inch review

5.3/10 AVG.
RATING
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Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7-inch
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7-inch
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7-inch
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7-inch
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7-inch
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7-inch
...


5.3/10
Informr score
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7-inch currently has an Informr score of 5.3 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 4 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

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.


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1.2 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.2 GHz
7"
Screen Size
Screen Size
7"
3+ MP
Camera
Camera
3+ MP
4000 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


PhoneArena
PhoneArena

At this point in time, the Samsung 7 incher - as cheap as it is - feels overpriced and dated.

- Victor H., PhoneArena
TechRadar
TechRadar

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 befor...

- Jon Mundy , TechRadar
Fone Arena
Fone Arena

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 co...

- Monish Kumar, Fone Arena
TrustedReviews
TrustedReviews

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.

- Andrew Williams, TrustedReviews


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Quick view

Screen Size
7"

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7-inch's screen size is 7 inches with 600 x 1024 pixels resolution.

Processor
1.2 GHz

There is a Dual core 1.2 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The tablet runs on the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean (Update Available: 4.4.2 KitKat) operating system (OS).

Camera
3+ MP
You can take photos with the phone's onboard 3+ MP camera. There is also a secondary front facing camera with 1+ megapixels resolution.
Storage
8/16 GB

Internal memory is 8/16 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 64 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
4000mAh

The tablet is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 4000 mAh battery. Samsung's performance ratings are 6 hours Wi-Fi surfing.

Galaxy Tab 3 7-inch Specs

Overview
Release Date July 7, 2013
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System Android 4.1 Jelly Bean (Update Available: 4.4.2 KitKat)

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Dual core 1.2 GHz
Internal Storage 8/16 GB
RAM 1 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
SAR Body: 0.702 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual
Cellular
Networks
No
Mobile / Cellular Data
No (Option available)
Wi-Fi Calling Unknown
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Unknown
SIM card size
No
variations
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared Yes
Bluetooth 3.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC, aptX
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 64 GB)
NFC No
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
3+ Megapixels
Zoom
No
Flash
No
Additional Main Camera Info
Auto focus, Brightness control, Effects, Geotagging, Panorama, Self-portrait, Self-timer, Scene mode
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
1+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 600 x 1024 pixels
Pixel density 169 pixels
Size 7 inches
Sensors Ambient Light, Motion / Accelerometer
Backlit Illumination Yes
Zoom / Magnification Yes
Screen Orientation Lock Yes
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 4000 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Battery Charge Time Unknown
Video Playback Time Up to 7 hours
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 6 hours
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Standby Time Unknown
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Material Plastic
Colors White, Gold Brown, Yellow
Dimensions [H x W x D] 11.1 x 18.8 x 1 cm (4.4 x 7.4 x 0.4 in)
Weight 302 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Touchscreen Yes
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key Yes
Physical keyboard No
Text-to-Speech Yes
Screen Reader No
Keypad/Screen Lock Yes
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Graphics: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Screen Orientation Lock: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, SMTP, Microsoft Exchange
PC Synchronization: Yes
DLNA Support: Yes
Audio Formats: AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, MP3, OGG, WMA, WAV
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: Yes
Vibration Alert: Yes
Viewable document types: XLS, PPT, PPTX, DOC, DOCX, PDF
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable, Pre-installed
Included Software / Apps: -
To-Do / Task List, Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Calculator, Maps, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Kids edition available. Comes pre-loaded with top ranked kid’s apps and brand new Kid’s Store aimed at driving the educational possibilities of technology for kids. Comes with a Kids Case featuring a kids-friendly grip, multiple stand options and equipped with an easy-to-grip C Pen.

Related Links Manual (PDF)
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7-inch Reviews
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