Samsung Galaxy Tab PRO 10.1 Preview

Introduction

In January of 2014, Samsung introduced us to a brand new range of Android tablets – the Galaxy Tab PRO series. These are built with one intention in mind – to deliver a non-compromise experience through the use of well-polished, tablet-optimized software running on a high-end hardware configuration. And now, we have our hands on the Samsung Galaxy Tab PRO 10.1, which is the “middle child” of the family, standing between its 8.4-inch and 12.2-inch brethren.

Now, we know that you're eager to find out whether the tablet is any good or not. Well, so are we, which is why we're about to get up close and personal with the Samsung Galaxy Tab PRO 10.1. One thing should be taken into account, however. The unit we're handling is a prototype, meaning that what you're about to read is just a preview of the device. Still, it should give us a good idea as to whether the tablet is worthy of attention.

Design

With the Galaxy Tab PRO 10.1, Samsung is playing it safe, sticking to its tried and tested design formula. The device is built of plastic and sports a metal-like trim on the sides. Upon flipping the tablet around we see its back plate, which has been treated to a faux-leather finish – a trait becoming increasingly popular among Samsung's gadgets. Overall, we're satisfied with the tablet's appearance. It is not the prettiest tablet in existence, but it doesn't look bad either.

We're happy to report that the Samsung Galaxy Tab PRO 10.1 is one feathery light tablet. At 469 grams (for the non-LTE variant), the slate is lighter even than the iPad air. Little strain is put on the user's wrist as a result of this, which makes the Tab PRO 10.1 comfortable to hold for prolonged periods of time. The bezels surrounding its display are of average size – not too thin to leave no room for our thumb to rest on, but not too thick to spoil the looks of the device. This, together with the non-slippery texture on the device's back, makes it easy for us to get a good hold onto the tablet.

As is typical for Samsung's Android devices, the Galaxy Tab PRO 10.1 has a slightly raised physical “Home” button underneath its screen, while the “Back” button next to it is of the capacitive kind. What's new, however, is that instead of a “Menu” button, we find a key for our recent apps. The “Menu” key has been implemented into the tablet's user interface and appears only when it is needed, in case you're wondering.

On the top side of the Samsung Galaxy Tab PRO 10.1 are positioned the power and volume buttons. We find nothing wrong with their design as they're both well exposed and easy to operate. On that very same side we also find a built-in infra-red blaster, which allows the tablet to control various types of home appliances, including TVs and set-top boxes. Loudspeakers are found on the left and right sides of the device for a nice stereo effect while watching video.

Display

The 10.1-inch, Super Clear LCD screen on the Samsung Galaxy Tab PRO 10.1 is one of the device's biggest assets. It has a resolution of 2560 by 1600 pixels, which produces an impressive pixel density of 298 ppi. We should mention that the panel uses a PenTile sub-pixel arrangement instead of the traditional RGB one, but that's of little importance given the display's sheer pixel count.