In May 2011, Samsung has presented a new model of the tablet – Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9. Here is a close look at the new ultra-modern tablet.
Design and construction
The tablet weighs only 465 grams, and its size is 230.9 x 157.8 x 8.6 mm. Proceeding from the parameters, one can definitely say that it is easy and convenient to carry the device. The housing is made of plastic; color of the end faces is silver. Smooth white back part, on which there is camera lens and flash, looks very good. At the top end face there is 3.5mm jack, a microphone, SIM card slot, while and on the bottom there is a proprietary connection port. Dynamic speakers, in the amount of two units, are located on the sides. It is worth to say that they are very loud, compact music system can be replaced by an alternative Tab, surround sound experience can not but please. Location of a power button is the top end face; a volume rocker is also there. These buttons are not touch-sensitive.
Black color is selected for framing the display. At the top over the display light sensor and front camera are set. The tablet is assembled as a whole thing, and the developers did their best in order to avoid backlash and squeaks.
Display
There is a capacitive PLS LCD display with 8.9 inches diagonal and a 1280×800 pixel resolution (WXGA). Multi-touch function is supported; a light sensor with automatic backlight is available. The screen is sensitive, it responds well to touch. 16:10 widescreen aspect ratio is very handy for watching videos, games and much more. The display has good contrast and color reproduction. Viewing angles are also good. The display provides possibility of excellent readability in sunlight, which a plus in favor of the tablet.
Performance and Hardware
Cortex A9 Dual-core processor is selected for use in the tablet, with 1GHz clock speed. 1 GB RAM is provided. The tablet has GeForce Tegra 2 graphics chipset. The chip is responsible for working with three-dimensional graphics and video rendering in high definition. Applications run quite fast, which is peculiar to the majority of Honeycomb tablets, but of course if you don’t work with a great number of apps at the same time. There are no delays during installation of some software for Android, and Angry Birds. Performance doesn’t depend on TouchWiz. For storage internal memory is available, with three variants – 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64GB.
Operating system
Android 3.0.1 Honeycomb is used in Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9. The only difference is that there is a TouchWiz interface and a few brand features are available. The upper notification area, familiar to users in Android, is located on the bottom. There are virtual buttons for calling up the list of applications and the transition to the desktop on the side panel. There is an icon, needed to take a screenshot. The right side of the interface line displays icons that notify about a variety of information and installed programs. Here is also quick access to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G, etc., as well as the notifications, available for closing not relevant information, brightness control, and percentage of battery charge.
The services, the usual for all Samsung devices, are available in Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9. They are Music Hub, Social Hub, and Readers Hub. TouchWiz interface implies the obligatory brand icons and widgets. The new tablet is equipped with all possible means of communication. Menu for adding widgets is made very comfortable, and is a great implementation. The producers enabled users to use the tablet as a navigator. The coordinates are loaded not only quickly but also qualitatively. Besides various hubs, the tablet has its individual programs. They include link to the Samsung Apps store, programs for reading, AllShare, possibility to read the Pulse news. At the top of the desktop, in the corner on the left side there is a Google search, including a voice search, and the performance level of all this is excellent. And on the right there is the menu button. You can also add or delete widgets.
Communication
Due to a slot for standard SIM cards, the tablet can provide communication and data transfer all over the world. International roaming is possible thanks to Quad-band GSM, and a high-speed data transfer is possible, using HSDPA with HSUPA. To provide local communication, Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 tablet is equipped with Wi-Fi/B/G/N modules (with the possibility of creating a Wi-Fi access point) and Bluetooth 3.0 + HS. In addition, there is a standard MicroUSB port, standard 3.5 mm jack for headphones and HDMI TV-out (via adapter).
Cameras
Galaxy Tab 8.9 has a 3.15 megapixel camera that can shoot 720p video. The camera has autofocus and LED flash. Moreover, on the front panel there is also a 2-megapixel front camera. Two cameras are mainly intended for providing the functionality, needed in a video chat. The camera interface is an oversized version of what is installed in Samsung mobile phones.
Video player
There is no video player in Android Honeycomb, so Samsung decided to install its own version. The main view can be displayed as outlines, list, or folders. Application is quite functional, and can handle 1080p video rendering, but only in MP4 format, as there is no DivX and Xvid support. However, Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 can be a good home media center.
Battery life
The tablet has a battery with a capacity of 6800 mAh. Estimated time of work in video mode is 10 hours, but, of course, the number of connected updates, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth work must be taken into account.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 is the tablet of a new generation. Among the main advantages of the new Tab 8.9 a very nice and impressive display, ability to support a large number of audio and video formats in the database, loud dynamic speakers, support of the most wireless interfaces, HD-quality video should be mentioned. And of course, the user will enjoy the ultra-slim housing, and light weight of the Galaxy Tab 8.9, which allows using it for quite a long time and not being tired.
