Comprehensive Review Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 101 P5210 – Specs Prices and More

Design and Build

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 P5210, released in 2013, showcases a design that was characteristic of that era. It boasts dimensions of 243.1 x 176.1 x 8 mm and weighs approximately 510 grams. The tablet's exterior is made of plastic, which may not offer the premium feel of metal or glass but does help in keeping the device lightweight. Available in black and white, its design is simple yet functional. It lacks a SIM card slot, emphasizing its non-cellular connectivity nature, which positions it as a device meant for Wi-Fi or offline use.

Display

The Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 features a 10.1-inch TFT display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels, offering a 16:10 aspect ratio. While the pixel density of approximately 149 ppi might not compete with modern displays, it was fairly standard at the time of its release. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, which provides a level of durability against scratches and minor impacts. The display quality is adequate for watching videos, browsing the web, and playing casual games, though it may not offer the crispness and vibrancy expected from current high-definition screens.

Performance

Under the hood, the Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 is powered by the Intel Atom Z2560 chipset, a dual-core processor clocked at 1.6 GHz. Coupled with 1GB of RAM, this device was built to handle basic multitasking and run the Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean operating system with Samsung's TouchWiz UI. While the performance might be satisfactory for daily tasks and light usage, it may struggle with more demanding applications or heavy multitasking. The PowerVR SGX544MP2 GPU provides modest graphics performance sufficient for casual games and video playback.

Storage

This model comes with two variants of internal storage: 16GB and 32GB. Despite the limited internal storage capacity by today’s standards, the inclusion of a microSDXC card slot allows for storage expansion, providing users with the option to increase capacity and store more apps, photos, and videos.

Battery Life

One of the significant advantages of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 is its battery life. The non-removable Li-Po 6800 mAh battery ensures extended usage periods, making it suitable for media consumption or browsing without frequent recharges. Users can expect all-day performance with average use, though battery life may decrease with intense usage or over time.

Camera

The device is equipped with a 3.15 MP rear camera, along with a 1.3 MP front-camera. While it won't compete with dedicated cameras or even modern smartphone cameras, it serves adequately for video calls and basic photography needs. The rear camera is capable of 720p video recording, which was relatively standard for tablets of its time.

Connectivity and Features

The Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 relies heavily on Wi-Fi connectivity as it lacks cellular capabilities. It supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, and has the ability to act as a hotspot. Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP support allows for easy connectivity with other Bluetooth-enabled devices. Additionally, it offers GPS and GLONASS for positioning services. The device includes a microUSB 2.0 for charging and data transfer, which also supports USB On-The-Go (OTG).

Audio

The tablet includes stereo speakers for audio playback and a 3.5mm headphone jack for private listening. The loudspeaker outputs an average sound level, which is decent for a tablet of its era. For casual listening or videos, the audio quality should suffice, though audiophiles might prefer external audio solutions for a better experience.

Sensors

The device comes equipped with basic sensors such as an accelerometer and compass. These sensors support the user experience in applications requiring screen rotation or navigation cues, although the lack of more advanced sensors might limit some functionalities seen in newer devices.

Software

Running on Android 4.2.2 with Samsung's TouchWiz UI, the user interface is intuitive, albeit less refined than later iterations. The OS might limit access to newer applications, given advancements in Android versions. However, for basic tasks, media consumption, and light gaming, the software should still function adequately.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 P5210 serves as a testament to the technology of its time. Its design, performance, and features were competitive upon its release, offering a balanced mix for media consumption, gaming, and internet browsing without the need for cellular data. However, as technology has advanced significantly since 2013, potential users should consider their needs and whether they align with the capabilities of this device. For users seeking modern performance and features, newer tablets would likely be a better investment. Nevertheless, for those looking for a simple, reliable tablet for basic tasks, the Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 remains a viable option.