This year has really started with a bang. In the recent mobile world congress hosted in Barcelona big manufacturers have proudly presented their android tablets to the public and some were love at first sight and some just didn’t have anything special to offer. We have picked three models that will compete for the title of the best android tablet of the year and we believe you will love to own.
Motorola XOOM
The XOOM made one hell of a show during the expo in Las Vegas (January 2011). It houses the most recent operating system of Android which is the Android 3.0 (aka Honeycomb). Together with this powerful system is a powerful dual core processor (NVDIA Tegra 2) at 1.0GHz. The XOOM has a beautiful 10.1 inch wide screen with 1280×800 resolution.
Motorola XOOM can be connected to WiFi, 3G and Bluetooth and according to Motorola it will be upgraded to 4G sometime this year (The XOOM is currently bound to Verizon’s network in the US while the Wi-Fi only version is spotted in Europe – expected Q2). With 1GB of RAM and 32GB storage, you have plenty of space to put all your files and optionally you can add another 32GB through the microSD slot. The rear facing 5MP camera is capable of recording videos at 720p and a 1080 HD video playback and you can watch astonishing videos in large TV screens through HDMI connection. A secondary 2MP camera can be found at the front, convenient for video chatting.
The tablet weights 730 grams and it is said to have up to 10 hours of video playback. Other add-ons that consumers will surely love are the accelerometer, barometer and e-compass. Motorola XOOM is already available at any Verizon outlet, selling the tablet at $599.99 with a 2-year contract and an LTE-ready at $699.99.
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Samsung Galaxy Tab 10
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10 has the same specifications when it comes to the screen size, resolution, processor and operating system as the XOOM. It runs Android 3.0 as well and there is no word yet on the RAM but a lot of people speculate that it will be the 1 GB which somehow became a standard for Android 3.0 tablets.
Unlike the Motorola XOOM, it does not have a microSD slot for additional storage and no HDMI port. The Galaxy Tab 10 is offered with a 16GB or 32GB internal memory. It also has two cameras; the back camera has a resolution of 8MP (the best so far on a tablet device) and 2MP front camera. This device is much lighter than the XOOM weighting at 599 grams only. It also has an accelerometer, digital compass and gyroscope. While, 4G is not yet a connectivity option for this device it is able to connect to 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth and HSPA+. For better music and movie experience, the Galaxy Tab 10 is equipped with surround sound speakers.
There is still no final notice on the price of this Android tablet (although it was spotted in Vodafone Portugal for $700) but most probably it will be at the same price range as the XOOM.
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LG Optimus Pad
Last but certainly not least is the LG G Slate or Optimus Pad as it will be known in the European market. Same with the XOOM and the Galaxy Tab 10, the Optimus Pad runs Android 3.0 Honeycomb with a 1GZ Dual Core Tegra 2. While it has the same operating system and processor as the previously mentioned Android 3.0 tablets, the Optimus Pad has a rather smaller screen size at 8.9 inches with a 1280×768 inches resolution. Just like the others, it has the basic connectivity features and even has 4G support.
The main feature that differentiates it from the rest is that it has 3 cameras. The two rear facing 5MP cameras are able to capture 1080p 3D videos and front camera at 2MP simply for video chatting or self-portrait. It is also capable of 3D playback but you need to have one of those 3D glasses to be able to appreciate the video. This awesome feature may or may not be impressive for some but still it sounds cool!
The LG Optimus Pad was spotted in MobileCity for $699 but with no precise release date.
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All three tablets are great and promising. You can view more android tablet reviews to help you make your decision but whatever you choose, you will surely have an awesome Android experience!
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on March 7, 2011 at 9:11 am
Another nomination is HP Touchpad, I’ve seen its demo version available and it seems great.
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on March 8, 2011 at 8:25 am
I’ll have to look at the HP Touchpad and possible write something about it in the future. Thanks for the information.
on March 7, 2011 at 1:34 pm
According to an article which I read a couple of days ago the Motorola XOOM should be the iPad killer…
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on March 8, 2011 at 8:24 am
It would be interesting to see which tablet reduces the iPad’s domination. The issue is that most people are only familiar with the iPad because of Apple’s marketing machine.
on March 8, 2011 at 2:06 pm
Yes, that’s true but I really believe that people will see and eventually go for other options other then iPad’s. This as this market is just “opened” and the iPad is nothing more then a hype.
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on March 8, 2011 at 8:44 pm
The best part is with more competition for tablets, the prices should begin to drop quickly. The consumer wins out when there is competition.
The Android tablets may do as well as the Android phones when compared to Apple’s offerings. This will be an interesting product line to watch.
on March 7, 2011 at 9:36 pm
Motorola XOOM may be a great Tablet PC but the price too high to kill the iPad in my opinion.
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on March 8, 2011 at 8:26 am
Tablets are expensive now, but if they become more common, then their price will drop for sure.
on March 8, 2011 at 2:07 pm
You’re right.. I read somewhere that Samsung will reduce the prices of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10″ so they can compete with the iPad.
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on March 8, 2011 at 8:44 pm
In a year or two tables will be only a few hundred dollars. With the lower price, they’ll start being more common-place.
on March 14, 2011 at 9:16 am
Paul,
I guess this year will be tablet year, everyone will use tablet, except me maybe lol..
I don’t know why, I can’t use those tiny screen computer, at least i need a 13″ toy to carry everywhere. Tablet is too small and expensive,
But I agree, motorolla xoom will top iPad, maybe, except the brand and the coolness.
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on March 14, 2011 at 9:24 am
I’d rather have a large laptop myself. I can’t seem myself using a small tablet. I even have trouble typing with a small laptop. I guess using a desktop for most of my life has spoiled me.
on March 16, 2011 at 7:38 pm
I saw the Xoom today and was impressed. Love the onscreen keyboard. Waiting for the WIFI only version though. Why be tied to a carrier when I can use EasyTether from my android for cell/internet access
on March 17, 2011 at 8:12 am
Most people probably don’t want to be tied to a carrier. Tablets are portable, so should the ability to connect the device online.