Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 review

Product Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0
Website Samsung
Specifications 1GHz TI OMAP 4430 dual-core processor, 7in 1,024x600 Plane Line Switching (PLS) touchscreen display, 16GB storage, 3MP rear-facing camera, VGA front-facing camera, GSM/HSPA+, 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth and NFC connectivity, microUSB port, microSD slot, Android 4.03 Ice Cream Sandwich, 194x122x10.5mm, 345g
Price £200

A SHRUNKEN VERSION of Samsung's Galaxy Tab 2 10.1, the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 looks to build on the legacy set by the company's popular Galaxy series of smartphones.

However, retailing for the same modest £200 as the Google Nexus 7, we found ourselves asking, what features does the Tab 2 7.0 have to differentiate itself from Google's tablet?

Design and build
Visually the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 looks similar to the Nexus 7, featuring similar rounded edges and metal finish polycarbonate lining.

The Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 also has dimensions similar to those of Google's tablet, measuring 194x122x10.5mm and weighing 345g. The Nexus 7 by comparison measures 197x120x10.5mm and weighs 340g. The only factor differentiating the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 from the Nexus 7 is that it has a smooth rather than textured back.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0's build quality is one area where we were impressed. The tablet feels reassuringly solid and top end, even when compared to the Nexus 7 and its own big brother, the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1.

Despite being built of plastic, the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 feels sturdy and we're confident it can survive the odd bump and scrape. This feeling is in part thanks to the fact that unlike Samsung's larger Galaxy Note 10.1 and Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 tablets, the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0's rear casing doesn't have any give and doesn't bend when pushed down.

Its finish also feels fairly scratch proof, especially when compared to the Nexus 7, which has a tendency to chip.