iPad 3 vs. Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1

Reviewed by Phonearena

Introduction:

                                     Unless you've been hiding under a rock the last month or so, you're probably well aware about the all-out no holds barred war raging between Apple and Samsung in the court system. For consumers though, the battle that concerns them right now is between two highly prized tablets vying for supremacy in the market. Very recently, Samsung launched its long awaited Galaxy Note 10.1 Android tablet – the Korean company's answer to Apple's ever-beloved new iPad. With its S-Pen stylus in hand, Samsung is betting that its pen is going to be mightier than the metaphorical sword wielded by the new iPad, which so happens to have a stranglehold on the market.

Design:

Frankly, neither tablet exudes a fresh design enough to enamor our inner most desires – especially when they're oh so conventional. Regardless of that, it's the iPad's premium brushed aluminum casing that cements itself as the more solidly constructed tablet. Well, it's not to say that the Galaxy Note 10.1 is an ugly duckling, but considering that it's almost similar in footprint and weight, especially when it's donning an all-plastic body, it's not going to win people over as much from a first impression. It is slightly thinner though.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (left) and the Apple iPad 3 (right)

Taking a quick peek around the sides of these two highly esteemed tablets, they share many commonalities – such as a proprietary dock port, microphone, 3.5mm headset jack, volume control, and dedicated power button. However, Samsung throws in some additional goodies that seemingly increase its value. Specifically, these appreciated additions include an IR blaster that turns the Galaxy a note 10.1 into a universal remote, and the specialized functions found with its S-Pen stylus.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (bottom) and the Apple iPad 3 (top)

Front cameras	Speakers	Rear cameras
The Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (bottom, left) and the Apple iPad 3 (top, right)

Display:

Visually speaking, the iPad's Retina display is a remarkable thing to behold, even more when its 2048 x 1536 resolution obliterates the 1280 x 800 resolution of the Galaxy Note 10.1. Without question, the iPad's 9.7" IPS LCD panel surely boasts the initial appeal due to its sharper looks, superb viewing angles, and slightly warmer color tones. In contrast, however, the 10.1" Super PLS LCD panel of the Galaxy Note 10.1 is still a decent looker – though, it's less inclined to wow people with its lower resolution and weaker viewing angles. Still, it has the distinct advantage of offering superior accuracy and precision thanks to its S-Pen functionality using Wacom technology. Come to think of it, there's no other mainstream tablet that offers that kind of technology.

Viewing angles
The Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (left) and the Apple iPad 3 (right)

Interface and Functionality:

Yet again, we're dealing with the classic argument of which is better – Android or iOS? We've stated the obvious in previous comparisons, but we'll reiterate them again here once again. For the iPad and its iOS experience, it's undoubtedly the simplicity and low learning curve of the platform that appeals to people. Unfortunately though, it lacks the personalization elements to make the experience unique between tablet owners. On the flip side, the Galaxy Note 10.1's strength is found with its deep personalization elements and extensive sharing functionality – something that's standard amongst all Android devices. Throw in some new specific features with its TouchWiz UX experience, such as Multiscreen and Mini Apps, it surely caters to productivity conscious individuals.

The interface of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1

The interface of the Apple iPad 3

Simply put it people, the two at their core provide for a wonderful tablet experience – so it's a case-by-case scenario as to which is the more preferable between the two. However, when it comes to third party tablet-optimized apps, the iPad continues to show us why it's king.

People gave grown accustomed to the process of task switching, where we move in and out of two apps. However, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 makes the attempt at offering "true" multitasking with the aid of its Mini Apps and Multiscreen features. Obviously, we adore the ability to have two apps running side by side on the Galaxy Note 10.1, but the limited selection of compatible apps doesn't make it as practical. Still, the iPad's quick response in switching between apps makes for a comparable experience.

Mini Apps tray	Multitasking
Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1

With their respective organizer apps, we really don't find one tablet offering the better experience – especially when they utilize layouts akin for the extra real estate offered by tablets. Moreover, we can say the same thing about the messaging experience. In fact, they're both responsive enough to get the task completed, but we're still finding ourselves being a bit peppier with the aid of the iPad's accurate predictive text.

Organizer apps of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1

Organizer apps of the new iPad

On-screen keyboard of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1

On-screen keyboard of the new iPad

Calling for more attention to itself, the S-Pen features of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 are absolutely practical for a variety of case usage scenarios. From jotting notes to the required amount of pressure sensitivity needed to make an artistic masterpiece, it definitely has the leg up on the new iPad – even more when it's included with the purchase.

The S Note application of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1

Processor and Memory:

It's a quad-core versus a dual-core with this comparison. On paper, people may very well drool over the quad-core 1.4GHz Exynos processor with 2GB of RAM stuffed inside of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1, but it doesn't have the same level of consistency found with the iPad's dual-core 1GHz Apple A5x CPU with 1GB of RAM. More specific, Samsung's offering is still plagued by some instances of choppy performance.

Available in both 16GB and 32GB capacities, the iPad benefits with a 64GB option as well – though, we can't count out the advantages with the Note 10.1's microSD card slot.



Internet and Connectivity:

With their high-end status, there's no surprise that the web browsing experience is exquisitely top-notch in every category. From smooth scrolling to proper rendering of complex sites, there's a lot to like from a cursory look. Having an ace under its sleeve, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 has the advantage of mimicking a mouse cursor – as the S-Pen acts just like one for the tablet. In fact, it's usefulness is found with some context menus in play with certain web sites.

Web browsing with the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1

Web browsing on the Apple iPad 3

As expected, 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, aGPS, and Bluetooth 4.0 re all in tow with both tablets. However, it's the iPad is also currently available with cellular connectivity – LTE flavors for both AT&T and Verizon. The Note 10.1 is expected to be available in HSPA+ or LTE flavor later.

Camera:

Cameras on tablets, why oh why? Nonetheless, these two have them should a worst-case situation arise when you don't have anything in reach to capture with. Specifically, both the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 and new iPad packs a 5-megapixel camera – albeit, Apple's beauty dons a backside illuminated sensor. Furthermore, they're sporting front-facing cameras reserved primarily for video chatting and snapping self-portraits. Honestly, the qualities of both devices are on par to one another, but we have to give the slight advantage to the iPad – purely because it handles low lighting better.

Camera interface of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1

Camera interface of the Apple iPad 3

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1
Apple iPad 3
Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1
Apple iPad 3 Camera samples

Strong	Medium	Low light
Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1
Apple iPad 3 Indoor samples

Whereas detail quality is the same for both tablets when it comes to still shots, it's a different story for high definition video recording. For starters, the iPad boasts 1080p recording, while the Galaxy Note 10.1 sticks to yesterday's 720p. Details are pretty much the selling point for the new iPad, as the Galaxy Note 10.1's production is simply too soft to accept as high definition.

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 Sample Video:



Apple iPad 3 Sample Video:




Multimedia:

Let's forget that the respective music players don't have anything visually new with their presentations to pique our interest, but rather, they're soundly adept in being functional. Thanks to its two speakers, which are facing towards us while holding the tablet, the Galaxy Note 10.1 has the higher pitched volume – though, both are pleasant to the ear.

Music player of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1

The music player of the Apple iPad 3

Hardly a surprise, especially when these are premier tablets we're talking about, high definition videosdon't pose any problems. On one hand, we love being enchanted by the punchier colors put out by the iPad's display, but yet again, the Galaxy Note 10.1 has a trick up its sleeve that can't be matched by its rival. Specifically, the pop-out video feature allows us to simultaneously watch a video while doing something else on the Note 10.1.

Video playback on the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1

Watching videos on the Apple iPad 3

Additionally, there's that nifty IR blaster on the Galaxy Note 10.1, when combined with the preloadedPeel Smart Remote app, turns it into a useful universal remote control that's ready for all your channel surfing needs.

The Peel Smart Remote app

Battery:

Truthfully, we're able to get by a solid one day of normal usage out of both tablets with their batteries fully charged. However, the iPad seems to retain more juice at the end of the day over its competition, but not by much.


Conclusion:

So let's talk about value, since you know, consumers love things that offer a whole lot of bang for the buck. If you've been paying attention up until now, you're probably thinking that the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 is well ahead of the curve in this specific aspect, since it offers things that are not available to the iPad – such as the S-Pen, an IR blaster, and some fine-tuned multitasking elements with its software. Surely, those combined features make for one compelling offer, but when you look at the bigger picture, the iPad simply has the balanced value to ensnare a wider audience.

Don't get us wrong, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 is a remarkable slate and all, but when we think of other stellar Android tablets, it doesn't quite have the same level of appeal as its extended brethren – namely, the Google Nexus 7 or Asus Transformer Prime. Going down further past the hardware specs, the iPad ecosystem helps to liven the experience – and it's especially notable with its refined third party apps selection.

In the end, personal preference will more than likely be the decision factor in which one to choose – well, that's unless you so dearly require the precision of the Note's S-Pen.