Comprehensive Samsung Galaxy Tab TMobile T849 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview

The Samsung Galaxy Tab T-Mobile T849 is an iconic device that marked an important phase in the evolution of tablets. Released in November 2010, this tablet was equipped with features that made it a top competitor in the mobile market at the time. Although now discontinued, it remains a testament to Samsung's innovative approach to mobile technology.

Network Technology

As a device available on T-Mobile, the Galaxy Tab T849 supported GSM / HSPA network technology, ensuring reliable connectivity. It was compatible with 2G bands (GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900) and 3G bands (HSDPA 2100), providing users with global connectivity. The HSPA technology allowed for download speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps and upload speeds of 5.76 Mbps, which was quite competitive for its release period.

Design and Build

The Galaxy Tab T849 was designed with portability and usability in mind. Measuring 190.1 x 120.5 x 12 mm (7.48 x 4.74 x 0.47 in) and weighing 380 g (13.40 oz), it was a compact and lightweight device that easily fit into a bag for mobility. It featured a Mini-SIM card slot and came only in a sleek black variant, adding to its professional appearance.

Display Features

Samsung equipped the Galaxy Tab T849 with a 7.0-inch TFT display, providing an adequate screen area of 137.9 cm² with a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 60.2%. The resolution of 600 x 1024 pixels brought a decent pixel density of around 170 ppi, ensuring clear and vivid visuals. Additionally, the display was protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, offering scratch resistance and durability.

Hardware and Performance

The hardware specifications of the Galaxy Tab T849 included the Hummingbird chipset, powered by a 1.0 GHz Cortex-A8 processor. Combined with a PowerVR SGX540 GPU, it was able to handle the basic tasks and multimedia functions of its era efficiently. Though its 640MB of RAM might seem modest by today’s standards, it was capable of managing the Android 2.2 (Froyo) OS effectively at the time.

Storage Capabilities

The tablet came with 16GB of internal storage, a respectable amount of space for apps and media files. Additionally, it featured a dedicated microSDHC card slot, allowing users to expand their storage further as needed, providing flexibility and utility in managing data.

Photography and Camera Quality

On the photography front, the Galaxy Tab T849 had a single 3.15 MP autofocus rear camera with LED flash. It supported video recording at 480p@30fps, suitable for basic photography needs. For selfies and video calls, the tablet featured a 1.3 MP front-facing camera. While not groundbreaking, these camera specs were typical for tablets of that generation.

Audio and Multimedia

In terms of audio, the Galaxy Tab T849 was equipped with stereo speakers for a richer sound experience. It also had a 3.5mm headphone jack, providing compatibility with a wide range of audio accessories. These features allowed for an enjoyable multimedia experience whether users were watching videos or listening to music.

Connectivity Options

The device offered various connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with DLNA and hotspot capabilities, allowing for seamless internet and local network connectivity. Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP support was included for wireless file transfers and peripheral devices connection. Additionally, the tablet supported GPS and A-GPS, though it lacked a built-in radio.

Battery Life and Usage

The Galaxy Tab T849 was powered by a non-removable Li-Po 4000 mAh battery, which was fairly substantial for its size. It provided up to 12 hours of multimedia usage, ensuring users could rely on it for prolonged periods away from power sources.

Sensors and Additional Features

To enhance the user experience, the tablet was equipped with sensors including an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass. Its browser supported HTML and Adobe Flash, which was crucial for accessing a wider range of web content in 2010. However, it is worth noting the absence of radio capabilities, which might have been a downside for some users.

Pricing and Availability

Initially available at about 270 EUR, the Samsung Galaxy Tab T-Mobile T849 was targeted at users seeking a reliable and portable tablet solution. While it has been discontinued, its influence is still seen in modern Samsung tablets, which have built upon its legacy of innovation and functionality.

Conclusion

In retrospect, the Samsung Galaxy Tab T-Mobile T849 serves as a fascinating case study in the evolution of mobile computing. Its combination of competent performance, practical design, and comprehensive connectivity options made it a popular choice in its time. Despite the discontinuation, it remains a milestone in the trajectory of Samsung's development of mobile devices, paving the way for the advanced tablets we have today.