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Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 review

7.5/10 AVG.
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Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9
Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9
Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9
Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9
...


7.5/10
Informr score
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 currently has an Informr score of 7.5 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 22 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

After tinkering with the new Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9, one thing is clear: Samsung has really done its homework on the tablet market. The Tab 8.9 offers the same functionality and performance of its big brother, the Tab 10.1, but with a smaller display size (8.9 inches vs. 10.1 inches, of course) and lighter weight. Despite its smaller screen, the Tab 8.9 still has the same crisp, colorful 170 ppi display that has made the Tab 10.1 so popular. Both are a super slim 8.6 mm thick, which makes the Tab 8.9 both lighter and thinner than its closest non-Samsung competitor, the iPad 2.

The Galaxy Tab 8.9 is available with 16GB, 32GB or 64GB of storage; it also sports built-in WiFi and 3G, with added ability to support up to 4G. Android fans, rejoice: the Galaxy Tab 8.9 runs the Android 3.0 Honeycomb OS, which is beloved for its speed and responsiveness. The tablet also comes pre-loaded with access to the ever-growing Android Market and Amazon App Store, which gives users a choice of over 250,000 news, entertainment, business, reference and gaming apps.

Music lovers and snap-happy photographers will swoon over the Micro-SD card slot, which is a rare feature in the tablet market and allows for up to 32GB of extra storage of MP3s, pictures and video. Speaking of pictures, the Tab 8.9 sports both a front and rear camera (2 megapixels and 3 megapixels, respectively). Better yet, the rear-camera has a built-in flash and allows users to record video in high-definition. Samsung's Galaxy tablet also offers a great deal of flexibility. Unlike the iPad 2, it includes 2 USB ports to allow for a customizable, adaptable tablet experience.

All in all, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 is a quick, versatile and portable tablet that effectively makes the most of its smaller display. It is one of the lightest and thinnest tablets available on the market and is one of the few tablets that can easily go head-to-head with the iPad.

Need to Know: Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9

1. This is ideal for those who value portability; its dimensions make it one of the lightest, slimmest tablets available. (The Good)

2. Despite its diminutive size, the 8.9-inch display betrays nothing in terms of definition or visibility. (The Good)

3. The number of apps in the Android Market is pitiful compared to the number of iPad-ready apps. (The Bad)

4. The Android OS can be a bit contrary at times; running multiple apps simultaneously may cause notable lagging. (The Bad)


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1 GHz
Processor
Processor
1 GHz
8.9"
Screen Size
Screen Size
8.9"
3+ MP
Camera
Camera
3+ MP
6100 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


BitBitByte
BitBitByte

All-in-all, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 is a decent tablet. If you are looking for a size between the popular 10-11” tabs around and the smaller 7” variety, this is definitely something to take a look at. As I mentioned earlier, it felt great in my hands. I had no problem using it on the...

- Jordan Carpenter, BitBitByte
T3
T3

So where does the Samsung 8.9 rank in the current hierarchy of tablets? Well, we’d say quite highly. It shares so many of the characteristics that made the Galaxy Tab 10.1 such an impressive device, but manages to condense it all into a smaller, more bag-friendly design. The screen is brilliant and...

- Michael Sawh, T3
Mobile Syrup
Mobile Syrup

As far as Android tablets go, the Tab 8.9 is currently at the top of the heap. But comparing an Android tablet to the iPad is a completely different conversation than comparing an Android phone to the iPhone. In many ways, we are in a holding pattern: Android 4.0 has yet to be revealed for tablets,...

- Daniel Bader, Mobile Syrup
Ubergizmo
Ubergizmo

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 is ta great addition to the Galaxy Tab lineup. The hardware packs an elegant and sleek design combined with great performance, in a thinner and lighter chassis than the Apple tablet. the smaller size (8.9 inch) can be great for road warriors who need to travel light.

- Eliane Fiolet , Ubergizmo
PhoneArena
PhoneArena

Looking at AT&T’s selection of 4G LTE tablets, it’s obviously limited right now with only the Samsung GALAXY Tab 8.9 LTE and the HTC Jetstream. As much as we feel that its $479.99 on-contract ($629.99 outright) is still on the pricey side, since you’ll be tied down with it for 2 whole years, it’s fa...

- John V., PhoneArena


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Quick view

Screen Size
8.9"

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9's screen size is 8.9 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1 GHz

There is a Nvidia Tegra 2 Dual-core 1 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The tablet runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
3+ MP
You can take photos or capture video with the tablet's onboard 3+ MP camera. There is also a secondary front facing camera with 2+ megapixels resolution.
Storage
16/32 GB

Internal memory is 16/32 GB. An external, MicroSD (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
6100mAh

The tablet is powered by a Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol), 6100 mAh battery. Samsung's performance ratings are 35 days standby time, 10 hours Wi-Fi surfing.

Galaxy Tab 8.9 Specs

Overview
Release Date October 2, 2011
Regions Available USA, Canada
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Nvidia Tegra 2 Dual-core 1 GHz
Internal Storage 16/32 GB
RAM 1 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
SAR Unknown
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
No
Mobile / Cellular Data
No (Option available)
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
No
variations
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Yes
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 3.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD (up to 32 GB)
NFC No
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
3+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Main Camera Info
Auto focus
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, DivX, XviD
Video Recording Parameters
HD (1280 x 720 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
2+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel density Unknown
Size 8.9 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 CapacitiveTouchscreen
Power & Battery
Type Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol)
Battery Capacity 6100 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging
Fast Charging No
Battery Charge Time 4 hours
Video Playback Time Up to 8 hours
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 10 hours
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Standby Time Up to 35 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Material Plastic
Colors Black
Dimensions [H x W x D] 15.8 x 23.1 x 0.9 cm (6.2 x 9.1 x 0.4 in)
Weight 470 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Stereo
Input / Navigation
Touchscreen Yes
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key No
Physical keyboard No
Text-to-Speech Yes
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: Swype
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Email address, Other fields
Contact Groups: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, Microsoft Exchange
PC Synchronization: Yes
Audio Formats: MP3, eAAC+, WAV, OGG
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, DivX, XviD
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Viewable document types: BMP, DOC, DOCX, GIF, JPG, PPT, PPTX, XLS
Games: Yes
Apps: Yes
Included Software / Apps: -
To-Do / Task List, Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Calculator, Weather, Stocks, Maps, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): Samsung GT-P7310, Galaxy Tab 8.9 Wi-Fi

Available in 16gb, 32gb and 64gb models.
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 Reviews
Where to buy Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9
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