Samsung Galaxy Tab 101v P7100 All Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Release and Discontinuation

The Samsung P7100 Galaxy Tab 10.1v was announced in February 2011 and released on April 26, 2011. It was positioned as a higher-end tablet option from Samsung, especially in a market rapidly evolving and growing due to increased consumer demand for portable compute devices. However, the Galaxy Tab 10.1v was eventually discontinued, making it a sought-after device for tech enthusiasts and collectors who admired its balance of performance and design in its era.

Design and Build

In terms of design, the Galaxy Tab 10.1v sports dimensions of 246.2 x 170.4 x 10.9 mm, making it a slim and handheld-friendly device at only 589 grams. It featured a sleek aesthetic with a significant screen-to-body ratio, thanks to the 10.1-inch display. Though the materials used were largely plastic, this contributed to its lightweight nature, making it easy to carry and use on the go.

Display Quality

The 10.1-inch TFT display stood out with a resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels and a 16:10 aspect ratio. Although the pixel density of approximately 149 ppi did not match the sharpness offered by later models or other competitors' high-end tablets, the display was adequate for video playback, browsing, and general use activities.

Processor and Performance

Under the hood, the Galaxy Tab 10.1v was powered by the Nvidia Tegra 2 T20 chipset, which featured a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU and a ULP GeForce GPU. This combination was quite potent at the time, offering smooth multitasking capabilities and decent gaming performance, especially given the graphics-intensive nature of applications emerging during its release period.

Operating System

The tablet ran on Android 3.0 (Honeycomb), which was a version of Android optimized specifically for tablets. Honeycomb introduced features like a redesigned UI specifically for larger screens, enhanced multitasking, and better app management, helping to distinguish the tablet experience from smartphones.

Memory and Storage

The device offered either 16GB or 32GB of internal storage, which was generous for its time, though it lacked a card slot for memory expansion. This limitation meant users needed to manage storage carefully, especially if they planned to store large media files or download numerous applications.

Camera Capabilities

The Galaxy Tab 10.1v was equipped with an 8 MP rear camera capable of autofocus and accompanied by an LED flash, enabling it to capture decent-quality photos and 1080p videos at 30fps, which was impressive for a tablet. The 2 MP front-facing camera was intended for video calls and selfies, offering basic functionality for these purposes.

Audio and Connectivity

On the audio front, the device included stereo speakers, which enhanced media consumption by providing quality sound output. It also retained a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing for the use of wired audio solutions without adapters. Connectivity features of the tablet included Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n with dual-band and hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR, and support for GPS and A-GPS for accurate location tracking. However, it did not include a radio or the latest USB standards.

Battery Life

The non-removable 6860 mAh Li-Po battery provided substantial power, capable of approximately 1810 hours on standby and up to 10 hours of talk time, offering users confidence for all-day use without needing frequent recharges, something highly appreciated during intensive usage or travel.

Sensors and Other Features

The device was packed with several sensors including an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, catering to different user interactions and applications that relied on these capabilities. It also supported HTML browsing with Adobe Flash, once a staple for rich media content on the web.

Pricing and Market Position

During its release, the Samsung P7100 Galaxy Tab 10.1v was priced around 290 EUR, placing it in the mid-to-upper market segment. It offered a competitive balance of features and performance, making it a viable choice for consumers looking for a reliable, feature-rich Android tablet at the time.

Conclusion

The Samsung P7100 Galaxy Tab 10.1v represented a pivotal moment in Samsung's tablet strategy, offering consumers a taste of what was possible from a portable multimedia device. Although it has since been discontinued, its legacy is appreciated in the context of evolving tablet technologies and consumer expectations. The Galaxy Tab 10.1v remains a testament to Samsung's innovative spirit during the early 2010s and continues to be remembered fondly by tech enthusiasts.