Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 310 Review

Connectivity

The Galaxy Tab 310 might be priced under the Rs. 20,000 bracket, but it’s got a ton of connectivity options. For example, you can plug-in a SIM card and browse the web at high speeds using 3G connectivity. There’s HSPA+ support, which means theoretical speeds of upto 21Mbps, assuming your mobile provider supports it. The SIM card slot is neatly placed alongside the the edge of the tablet, right next to the microSD card slot. There’s also Wi-Fi support using the faster 802.11n standard and Samsung hasn’t left out Bluetooth 3.0 support either. Wi-Fi Direct capability means that you can connect directly with other compatible devices without the need for a Wi-Fi router or switch in between. The included GPS capability means you can use the Galaxy Tab as a GPS device, with the right apps installed, offering you directions and location information as you drive. 

Connectivity options

Because it’s a phone as well, we tested the calling functionality and the recipient could hear us clearly in our test calls. The speaker was loud enough as well. Browsing is buttery smooth and the tablet showed no signs of slowing down despite multiple tabs being open. However, if you’re loading too much flash content, you’ll have to be a little patient. Typing is quicker when in portrait mode, as you have to reach out for the letters in landscape, but that’s more of a personal choice. If you do want to get work done more quickly, an added keyboard accessory definitely helps. 

Misc. Apps

The Galaxy Tab 2 310 comes bundled with Google’s latest Android build, version 4.0.3, so you immediately get the benefits of the latest Android features like Gmail, YouTube, Google Maps et al. Samsung has integrated games and books into the tablet using apps called the Samsung Hub Widget. It’s basically a custom app that has all of your games and books listed in a slightly different manner. Most of this content is available on Google’s Play store as well.

Misc. Apps

S Planner is another such customized app by Samsung. It’s a calendar app that has a built-in to-do list feature. Syncing is possible with any of your accounts linked to the tablet. One of the more impressive bundled apps is called Polaris document editor, which is basically an office suite. The interface is minimalistic, but it's got a decent set of features hidden away in the menus. The touchscreen interface and app work well together when it comes to text related work, such as documents and presentations. Spreadsheets on the other hand, as is the case with any other touch interface device, is a bit tacky to use. 

Samsung’s ChatON mobile client is present on the tablet, as is Samsung Kies, which is the tool you’ll use to connect the tablet to PCs. There’s also Kies Air, which allows you to do this wirelessly, without having to connect a cable to your PC, each time you want to transfer a few files to the tablet. 

Camera interface