The Samsung Galaxy Tab: A Missed Opportunity

When I first ventured into the realm of tablets, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 (GT-P7500) caught my eye. However, my initial excitement quickly turned into disillusionment and, eventually, disappointment. It became evident to me that I would never again purchase a Galaxy device.

Back in 2011, I decided to invest in this high-performance tablet to avoid using an Apple iPad. At that time, Android tablets with a 10-inch touchscreen were still relatively uncommon. Apple had introduced the first iPad in 2010, and the majority of tablet users owned an iPad. Samsung then followed suit in the same year with the initial Galaxy Tab, which featured a 7-inch touchscreen.

While the 7-inch size was a bit smaller than ideal, I eagerly awaited the release of the 10-inch model in 2011 and promptly purchased it from Amazon on October 13th for €579.

The Galaxy tablet was responsive to my gestures and ran smoothly. Samsung had equipped it with impressive hardware for its time: a 1 GHz dual-core processor, a 25.65 cm screen, Wi-Fi, a 3.2 MP rear camera, a 2.0 MP front camera, stereo speakers, and a 7000 mAh battery.

With the tablet weighing only 570g, I could comfortably browse the web, shop online, and watch YouTube videos from the sofa without the bulk and heat of a laptop. The larger and more readable screen compared to my HTC Desire smartphone, which was the main competitor to the iPhone at the time, made a significant difference.

I was genuinely impressed with the Galaxy tablet and began carrying it everywhere with me. I invested in a durable plastic case to protect it from damage, even though it made the tablet appear bulkier and heavier. Security was my top priority, and the tablet also provided entertainment with games like Cut the Rope and Fruit Ninja.

Comparison of Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 Prices:

Only Receiving One Minor Android Update:

As time passed, I began to question whether I would receive the next Android version update. I assumed I would, considering I owned a relatively new and powerful tablet from a leading manufacturer. My tablet was initially shipped with Android 3.1. However, I was only granted one minor Android update, which was a major disappointment.

HCD

Encountering Technical Issues:

The situation worsened when, shortly after the warranty expired, the screen of the tablet suddenly stopped functioning. There were no prior indications of any issues, and the tablet had been working perfectly the day before. I initially suspected a dead battery and attempted to charge it, but the screen remained unresponsive even while charging.

Subsequent efforts to restart the tablet were futile, including the forced restart/hard reset using the appropriate key combination. The Galaxy Tab ceased to function after just under two years, without any physical damage or mishandling. This premature failure was highly disappointing for such a costly device.

Unable to rely on my HTC Desire due to storage limitations and lack of Android updates, I made the switch to the dark side by purchasing an iPad for the first time. To this day, I have encountered no issues with my iPad or its subsequent iterations. Whenever I upgraded to a newer model, I passed down the older device to family members, where it continued to serve faithfully.

If you’re considering upgrading your tablet, be sure to explore our top recommendations in our comprehensive guide to the best tablets we’ve reviewed.