HP TouchPad vs Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

Introduction:

With only a single month separating their releases, both the HP TouchPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 are the newest members to arrive in the always competitive tablet market – albeit, they sport two totally different platforms that have their unique characteristics. As we all know by now, Samsung’s Honeycomb beauty went through a reengineering process to chisel itself into the device we currently see today, which has the prestigious title of being the thinnest and lightest 10.1” tablet on the market. Oppositely, the HP TouchPad marks the beginning of the new relationship forged between HP and Palm since it’s running the tablet-optimized webOS 3.0 platform. Knowing that these two will be competing against one another to win over the hearts of wandering consumers, it’s undoubtedly fitting to place these two in the ring to see which one will actually cater to their ever growing demands.

Design:

Without a doubt, the two tablets are on the complete opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to design because we’re greeted with the thinner (0.34” thick) and lighter (20.99 oz) Galaxy Tab 10.1 on one side, while the HP TouchPad tips the scale with its larger (0.54” thick) and heavier (26.10 oz) frame. Needless to say, both are more than comfortable to hold, but the weighty feel of the TouchPad is indeed blatantly evident during prolonged usage. On the surface, the only similarities we see between the two are their uniform black bezels and  plastic exterior. However, the TouchPad’s glossy piano black plastic is extremely prone in getting dirty very quickly – whereas the white plastic in use with the Galaxy Tab 10.1 does a better job in masking them. Overall, both are solidly built to ease any worries about workmanship, but the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 comes out on top with its favorable looks and lighter weight.


From a cursory glance, one might not be able to distinguish any differences between the quality of their displays since they both exhibit good viewing angles and sharp looking details to make even the finest of text more than visible. However, we find that the Samsung Galaxy Tab’s 10.1” PLS-LCD display has a cooler looking color production since it has a slightly more bluish tinge with it.  Visually, we find the saturated colors produced by the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 a bit more alluring, but seeing that it also has a stronger brightness output as well, it’s easily the better of the two with clarity.


In terms of volume control, their volume rockers are actually evenly sized, tactile, and distinctive to the touch to offer us a hassle-free experience in modifying their output.

Unfortunately, there isn’t any kind of LED light with the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 to alert us of any incoming notifications. However, we do like that the HP TouchPad’s physical home button doubles as the tablet’s LED light notifications system as well.

With the TouchPad’s 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera, it’s only enabled to offer Skype video chat – and that’s all. Conversely, the higher count 2-megapixel front-facing camera of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 can be used to execute other complementary functions like shooting photos and videos.

Flaunting a preferred microUSB port, there isn’t much of a worry if you happen to lose the USB cable included with the TouchPad. On the other hand, we can’t say the same for the proprietary port found on the Galaxy Tab 10.1 since losing the cable means that you’ll more than likely need to contact the manufacturer for a replacement. Still, the one advantage with its proprietary port is that you can connect it with its optional Multi-Media Dock to get a mirrored experience on your high-definition television set.

Finally, as we all know by now, the TouchPad lacks any kind of rear camera, but the Galaxy Tab 10.1 features a 3-megapixel snapper in the rear. However, the TouchPad has a treat of its own as it can be charged wirelessly thanks to its inductive charging system.

Interface and Functionality:

Modernized to say the least, both tablets feature dual-core processors that keep them chugging along at a decent rate. With the TouchPad’s 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, it’s able to keep it running at a reasonable rate when it’s cooperating, but there are some stifling performance issues that can sometimes hinder its operation – like inconsistent delays, long app load times, and sluggishness. Sporting the all too usual 1GHz NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor in use by many other Honeycomb tablets, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is able to operate at a fluid rate in landscape – albeit, there is some choppiness when navigating the homescreen in portrait. Regardless, we find their performance to be more than sufficient to our liking, and despite experiencing some anomalies with their operation, we’re nevertheless still accepting of their output.

Similarities between the two obviously end on the surface, but looking further down to their respective platform experiences, there’s no kidding that the two can be any bit far from one another. Specifically, webOS 3.0 on the HP TouchPad resorts to taking a more conventional approach with its appearance since it plays it safe by sticking with a simplistic and neutral layout. At the same time, webOS 3.0 has a lower learning curve – thus making it relatively easy to comprehend for most people. However, the Android 3.1 Honeycomb appearance is  by comparison far more flashy and futuristic looking with its subtleties – though, coming off as being more complex with its operation at the same time.

Personalization is remarkably more abundant with the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 with its useful set of widgets, which of course, provides the convenience of having some relevant information on hand through the homescreen. Additionally, it features other practical customizations that astoundingly beautify the experience on so many levels – like its dynamic live wallpapers. Sadly, there isn’t much to expect with the TouchPad’s webOS 3.0 experience seeing that the single personalization aspect found with it is the option to change its background wallpaper.

Even though they offer their own take with multi-tasking, the HP TouchPad incorporates a slightly more sophisticated implementation with its gesture based executions and cards system. In fact, we adore its visual and animated approach when it comes to switching between apps and closing them. Less engaging with its operation, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 employs a stationary approach  with its implementation since we’re greeted with a scrollable listing that displays preview panes of opened apps. On top of that, there’s more work required in closing down apps because unlike webOS 3.0’s quick swipe gestures, we have to go through a bunch of menus before gaining access to Honeycomb’s “Running Services” options.

Presenting us with sizable and roomy on-screen buttons with their respective keyboards, we find the extra row of dedicated numbers with the TouchPad to be a convenience since it streamlines the typing process. However, its performance is plagued by the same issues hindering the operation of webOS 3.0 in general, like random delays in text popping up and erratic unresponsiveness. In our experience, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 doesn’t suffer the same problems, but rather, it’s stable at all times to offer us a tight responsive experience in typing up messages. Not only that, but we find the option to input text via our voice to be an extra noteworthy luxury to catapult it over the TouchPad.

When it comes down to it, the two offer an exceptional organizational experience with their email apps, but all in all, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1’s Gmail experience just throws us with deeper features akin to the need of power users. Specifically, the TouchPad lacks things like the ability to multi-select items and threaded conversations – whereas the Galaxy Tab 10.1 employs those specific features and much more to solidly distinguish itself as being the preferred choice of the two.



Looking at it more meticulously, there isn’t anything drastically different to separate their core organizer apps from one another. In truth, their address books present us with all the common set of information we’d normally expect, but they also manage to tie in links for specific social networking accounts. Likewise, the experience is the same with their calendar apps, but Honeycomb’s calendar manages to better make use of its layout. Regardless of that, the two tablets offer all the same exact functionality in keeping us organized with our appointments.






Internet and Connectivity:

Acquainted with an idyllic web browsing experience on both tablets, thanks partly to their support for Adobe Flash, we’re more than content with their performance in presenting us that desktop-like experience. However, the only difference between the two is that the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is much faster in rendering complex web pages over its competition with the HP TouchPad. Aside from that, everything else seems to be on par with one another as they exhibit responsive navigational controls. Overall, it’s safe to say that we’re satisfied with their offerings!



Presently, there are only Wi-Fi only versions available with both tablets, but it’s expected for cellular connected versions to become available in the near future. Luckily, using the two in another room, they’re able to solidly connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot that’s emanating from a distance of approximately 30 feet.

Camera and Multimedia:

Right off the bat, there’s no arguing that the HP TouchPad might be at a disadvantage due to its lack of photo/video-taking capabilities – thus, giving more weight to the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1’s capacity. However, they both feature front-facing cameras for video chat functionality. On one hand, the HP TouchPad utilizes Skype video chat, while on the other, we use the Google Talk video chat client with the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. Clearly, both are required to be connected to a Wi-Fi network in order to function, but their video chatting qualities are nearly identical – presenting us with an  acceptable video chatting experience.

When playing some tunes, both music players are conventional looking as they display the usual set of items – like the album cover, track information, and on-screen controls. However, Honeycomb’s music player is able to dramatically separate itself with its eye-catching 3D carousel effect when browsing through its library. In comparison, the music player interface of webOS 3.0 is your standard fanfare and doesn’t necessarily deviate from the usual presentation we’re accustomed to seeing with others. Undeniably, the two feature powerful sounding speakers that are capable of producing some blasting tones, but the Galaxy Tab 10.1’s output at the loudest volume setting sounds a bit more strained.




Using the same high-definition video encoded in MPEG-4 1920 x 1080 resolution, the HP TouchPad has some issues attempting to play due to its out of sync audio playback. Although it doesn’t fare well with 1080p videos, it’s more than equipped in playing ones in 720p. Fortunately, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 isn’t fazed one bit during its entire playback as we’re greeted with a smooth and in-sync  experience. Additionally, the Galaxy Tab 10.1’s higher brightness output with its display is able to further contrast and highlight all the action.

Visually, we truly adore the supplementary 3D effect in play with the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1’s Gallery app since it emulates the look of things being stacked on top of one another – as opposed to the static appearance of the one on the HP TouchPad. However, the presentation is about the same when you’re actually browsing through content. Frustrating at times, the TouchPad’s gallery can be unpredictable with its operation since it’s sometime bogged down with bouts of slowdown and lag, which isn’t something evident with the Galaxy Tab 10.1. Furthermore, we prefer the deeper sharing and editing functionality available with the Honeycomb flavored tablet.




Software:

We find the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1’s dedicated YouTube client undeniably presentable with its deep and intertwined functionality that’s relatively close to the experience we find with the standard web site. Well, that’s basically the only option we’re greeted with the HP TouchPad because it doesn’t offer a dedicated client.

In the battle for supremacy with their maps applications, there’s no denying the fact that Google Maps on the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is dramatically superior on so many levels – mainly due to its longer development obviously. Boasting supplementary features like street view, 3D maps, and voice guided turn-by-turn directions, the Google Maps experience on a whole blasts away anything dished up by the Bing Maps experience over on the HP TouchPad.



Not something we’d expect from the onset, we’re rather more impressed with the quality third party apps available with the webOS 3.0 powered HP TouchPad  than what’s available with the over 3 month old Honeycomb platform. We’re mightily amazed with the abundance of top-notch apps available from the onset with webOS 3.0.

Performance:

On the whole, battery life appears to be on par with one another seeing that they’re able to establish a commanding one day’s use of normal usage. Knowing that, it’s able to adhere to the needs of every kind of user out there – from light to heavy, you’ll sleep soundly knowing they’re capable of dishing out some great battery life.

Conclusion:

Already, we’ve shown in our recent comparison between the HP TouchPad and Apple iPad 2 that the pricing of the webOS 3.0 powered tablet is indeed one of our biggest concerns presently – mainly due to its missing features over the competition and less than desirable design. And honestly, we’re being filled with the same exact feelings with this comparison as well against the Honeycomb flavored Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. Still, there are some aspects about it that we prefer over Google’s tablet offering – like its engaging implementation of multi-tasking and bountiful set of third party apps from the beginning.

Nevertheless, considering its significantly thinner and lighter design, as well as  more polished OS, we do think that the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is the better all-round offering at this time.

As long as these two are priced exactly to one another, it’s difficult to side with the HP TouchPad before HP manages to bring a number of improvements to the platform that will enhance the overall user experience. Until then, the TouchPad will remain at its current position of being a runner-up in this comparison.

HP TouchPad vs Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1: