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Samsung ATIV Tab review

4.7/10 AVG.
RATING
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Samsung ATIV Tab
Samsung ATIV Tab
Samsung ATIV Tab
Samsung ATIV Tab
Samsung ATIV Tab
Samsung ATIV Tab
Samsung ATIV Tab
Samsung ATIV Tab
Samsung ATIV Tab
...


4.7/10
Informr score
The Samsung ATIV Tab currently has an Informr score of 4.7 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 9 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The Samsung ATIV Tab has decent features under the hood and an attractive design that makes it an adept alternative to Microsoft's $499 Surface RT. The ATIV Tab though doesn't stand out against the market-leading iPad, as well as other Windows RT tablets.

Resembling the Android-running Galaxy tablet with a Windows logo underneath the screen, the ATIV Tab has a classy build quality. It has a 9mm-thick brushed metal body, subtle curves, and is among the lightest Windows 8 tablets weighing in at only 1.2 pounds.

The tablet has decent hardware, which include a dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor, an SD card for additional storage, front and rear cameras, NFC for contact-less payments and data transfers, Bluetooth and a full-sized USB port to connect to accessories. It has no 3G or 4G connectivity, thus will connect to the Internet only via Wi-Fi.

The 10.1-inch screen on the ATIV has a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, which gives a pixel density of about 155ppi. Although the resolution is miles away from the 264 ppi Retina display of the fourth generation iPad, its still a bright, crisp and clear display at normal viewing distances.

While pre-installed with a trial version of Microsoft Office 2013, the ATIV Tab, like the Surface RT, is unable to run legacy software or desktop programs available for Windows 8 or previous versions. Only apps designed for the new "Metro" interface, which so far only total 10,000 in Microsoft's own Marketplace, can be downloaded to the device.

For Windows fans looking for an entry level tablet, the ATIV Tab should be a decent choice. But users who want a device that's able to run their desktop apps or want cellular connectivity should instead opt for the full-blown Windows 8-running and the cellular-ready Ativ Smart PC or the Ativ Smart PC Pro.

Need to know: Samsung ATIV Tab

1. Slim and light-weight design. (The Good)

2. Bright, crisp and clear display. (The Good)

3. Other than the NFC and full-sized USB not found in the iPad, the ATIV Tab offers basic functionality. (The Bad)

4. Windows RT devices have yet to gain ground in the tablet market and have limited apps available for download. (The Bad)


Windows
Operating system
Operating system
Windows
1.5 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.5 GHz
10.1"
Screen Size
Screen Size
10.1"
5+ MP
Camera
Camera
5+ MP
8200 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


SamMobile
SamMobile

In terms of design and hardware the ATIV Tab is a not a revolutionary product but the software is new and even in this stage with some issues it’s still delivers a good user experience. The gestures based navigation is easy and natural to use. We liked the split view option were you can open 2...

- admin, SamMobile
Engadget
Engadget

- Daniel Cooper, Engadget
Tom's Hardware
Tom's Hardware

Does the ATIV Tab deliver a better experience in Windows RT than its competition? Not really. The same limitations we ran into on the Surface apply here as well. Samsung's device does wield faster hardware, but IE10 still stutters if you ask too much of it. Moreover, in a multi-monitor configuration...

- Andrew Ku, Tom's Hardware
TechRadar
TechRadar

The Samsung Ativ Tab is a solid, even premium device, with generally good specs, a good build quality and a great battery life

- James Rogerson, TechRadar
Notebookcheck
Notebookcheck

The Samsung ATIV Tab is the company's first tablet running the ARM-optimised Windows RT operating system. The plastic case is of very good quality. The latest wireless technologies, the performance of the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Plus SoC, and the positioning of the speakers are all convincing advanta...

- Felix Sold, Notebookcheck


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Quick view

Screen Size
10.1"

The Samsung ATIV Tab's screen size is 10.1 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1.5 GHz

There is a Snapdragon S4 Plus APQ8060A Dual-core 1.5 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The tablet runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
5+ MP
You can take photos or capture video with the tablet's onboard 5+ MP camera. There is also a secondary front facing camera with 1+ megapixels resolution.
Storage
32/64 GB

Internal memory is 32/64 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 64 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
8200mAh

The tablet is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 8200 mAh battery.

ATIV Tab Specs

Overview
Release Date November 9, 2012
Regions Available USA
Operating System No

Compare Windows Smartphones

Processor Snapdragon S4 Plus APQ8060A Dual-core 1.5 GHz
Internal Storage 32/64 GB
RAM 2 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
SAR Unknown
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual
Cellular
Networks
Mobile / Cellular Data
No (Option available)
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
No
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Yes
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type S-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.0
Bluetooth Profiles No
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 64 GB)
NFC Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
5+ Megapixels
Zoom
Unknown
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Main Camera Info
Auto focus
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV
Video Recording Parameters
HD (1280 x 720 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
1+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel density 155 pixels
Size 10.1 inches
Sensors Ambient Light, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope
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 8200 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Battery Charge Time Unknown
Video Playback Time Unknown
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Standby Time Unknown
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Material Plastic
Colors Black
Dimensions [H x W x D] 16.8 x 26.6 x 0.9 cm (6.6 x 10.5 x 0.4 in)
Weight 570 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 No
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: No
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, SMTP, Microsoft Exchange
PC Synchronization: Yes
TV Out Info: HDMI
Audio Formats: MP3, eAAC, AAC+, AAC, WMA
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Viewable document types: DOC, DOCX, PPT, PPTX, XLS
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable
Included Software / Apps: -
Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Calculator, Maps, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA):
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