A Guide Through: Four Gladiators On The Arena Of The Large-Sized Tablets
Last week we posted our first “A Guide Through: Meet Four Exceptional Small-Sized Tablets” review to guide you through four of the most popular and new models small-sized tablets recommended by you, our readers in PhonesReview.Com. Now it is time to show you from closer four of the most successful and popular large-sized tablets, recently released by the major manufacturers on the market.
If you enjoy using tablets for work, for fun and on-the-go, it is worth it to consider choosing a large-sized tablet with a bigger than 8-inches display. The most helpful criteria that you can use when you are choosing your new tablet are the operating system and the performance. Explore the advantages and the disadvantages of the most popular platforms and find the perfect slate for your needs, preferences and style. Our choice of those particular four plus size models tablets is again based on the feedbacks by our readers in PhonesReview.Com and different users’ ratings. We welcome feedbacks, recommendations, advice and additions to the list from your side, so don’t hesitate to write to us for everything that is interesting for you in the mobile world.
Apple iPad 4 Wi-Fi – amazing screen and a rich library with apps
Days before the official introduction by Apple of the fifth generation iPad, it is the best time to remind you about the advantages of the current slate by the company that became one of the most successful large-sized tablets on the market. If we have to describe the forth generation iPad in just few words, we will say that it boasts amazing abundance of apps, smashing display, great camera and an excellent processor, all this dressed in an elegant body with a premium feel with the style of Apple. The object of our review is the Apple iPad 4 Wi-Fi version that sports a sleek design with an ergonomic panel that measures 241.2 x 185.7 x 9.4 millimeters. The slate boasts the same size and weight 652 grams as its predecessor, iPad 3. It is a bit heavier than the rival Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1.
One of the great advantages of iPad 4 is its exceptional screen. The tablet assures a 9.7-inches Retina display with 16 millions colors and the amazing resolution of 1536 x 2048 pixels which assures 263ppi pixel density. The only large-sized tablet that features better pixel density is Google Nexus 10 with 300ppi. The screen of iPad 4 is protected with scratch-resistant glass and oleaophobic coating against fingerprints.
The forth generation iPad works over the iOS 6 operating system. The update of the platform to iOS 7 is expected to happen soon after Apple officially releases the new version.
In terms of software and user interface iPad 4 proudly takes one of the top positions for most convenient and fulfilling tablet experience for users. It provides a very rich library with apps and a lot of third-party apps available for the model. One of the weaknesses of iPad 4 Wi-Fi is the absence of GPS. However users can install and use successfully third-party apps that are alternatives to Apple Maps.
The flagship tablet of Apple is powered by a dual-core Apple A6X CPU clocked at 1.4GHz. If we compare it to Microsoft Surface RT that works with Nvidia Tegra 3 processor, the forth generation iPad delivers much faster performance and web browsing. The tablet works with 1GB RAM and comes with three storage versions 16GB, 32GB and 64GB.
iPad 4 is equipped with two cameras. The primary shooter is located on the back, 5MP with a resolution of 2592×1944 pixels and the capabilities to record 1080p video. It delivers a very good quality photos even in environments with low light. The front-facing camera is 1.2MP with the possibilities to capture 720p HD video which is rather impressive for a tablet.
The exceptional screen delivers great visual experience, however drains the non-removable Li-Po 11.560 mAh battery relatively faster, compared to Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2, for example. iPad 4 can be bought for the price of $499 to $829 depending on the version of the tablet and the retailer. It arrives with the new Lightning connector by Apple which works many times better than the old connectors. The only problem is the new model does not work with the older accessories for the tablet. The forth generation iPad works perfectly well with the native Smart Cover by Apple for the best convenience.
In conclusion, Apple iPad 4 is a great large-sized tablet that provides blazing fast performance, an exceptional library of apps and wonderful camera for its users amongst other extras. It is definitely one of the best large tablets on the market today. We are looking forward to the next generation iPad that promises to bring even more fulfilling user experience for those of you who admire the iOS platform.
Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 Wi-Fi – unique package of features with pressure-sensitive stylus
Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 Wi-Fi is an excellent choice of large-sized tablet for fans of Android OS. It comes in a stunning shell, made of high-quality plastic, with dimensions of 262 x 180 x 8.9 millimeters. The slate weighs 597 grams which makes it easy for caring around. This is an advantage keeping in mind that the tablet is designed for everyday use at work and at home. Galaxy Note 10.1 Wi-Fi boasts a 10.1-inches PLS TFT capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1280×800 pixels. The pixel density is not too impressive, just 149ppi which is a lot below iPad 4 with its 263ppi. Still, the tablet assures a great visual experience with bright and sharp picture.
The main advantage of the display is the special pressure-sensitive layer that enables split-screen note-taking and pressure-sensitive drawing. The Galaxy Note 10.1 has something that no other tablet of this category can provide with such a good functionality, the pressure-sensitive stylus that has two great capabilities – pressure sensitivity and palm rejection. The slate is the ideal choice for artistic users who can draw and take notes on the screen and rest their hands on the display without influencing the picture. There are a few other models tablets that provide pressure sensitivity but not palm refection.
Another exceptional feature of Galaxy Note 10.1 is the split screen possibility. On the tablet, you can run 6 different apps side-by-side, each taking the half of the screen. You can use three apps at the same time, which makes the home screen a real virtual office and entertainment center if you want to.
The third main advantage of the tablet is its ability to work as a home remote thanks to the Peel Smart Remote. Try it on at home and you will be able to use Galaxy Note 10.1 as a remote controller for DVR’s, TV etc.
As we mentioned in the beginning, Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 Wi-Fi is an Android tablet. Originally it runs over Android OS, 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich, but it is upgradeable to the 4.1 Jelly Bean. The slate functions over the Samsung TouchWiz user interface that brings a lot of the customized features by the company. In terms of apps, the tablet steps back behind Apple iPad 4.
Samsung prefers the Exynos chipset for its high-end devices and Galaxy Note 10.1 is not an exception. The tablet is powered by a quad-core Exynos CPU with 1.4GHz and 2 GB RAM. It is perfect for web browsing and work and a bit sluggish for gaming compared to Microsoft Surface RT for example. The slate is offered in three different versions with different storage, including 16GB, 32GB and 64GB. Users who want more internal memory can add up to 64GB via microSD card.
The plus size flagship by Samsung is equipped with a 5MP rare camera and 1.9MP shooter located on the front side. The primary camera provides a satisfying quality of still images, especially in well lit environment. The modern tablet supports the main connectivity features, like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It is provided with GPS navigation as well. The slate can be purchased for the price of $499.99-$549.99.
In conclusion, Galaxy Note 10.1 is an excellent tablet for everyday life with the perfect package of features to make your daily tasks more pleasant and fun. Its exceptional pressure-sensitive stylus boasts the user experience and offers plenty of possibilities for artists and those of you who just love to doodle and take notes.
Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2 – fits naturally in your life, work and free time
Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2 runs on Windows 8 and brings a nice package of features, options and extras for users that have earned its place in the hearts of our readers. It will not fascinate you with an exceptional speed of the processor or enriched multitasking capabilities, but it will grab your attention with its user friendly interface, excellent camera and connectivity features among other things.
ThinkPad 2 arrives in very slim body that measures only 9.9 millimeters in width and weighs 565 grams which is lighter than iPad 4 and Galaxy Note 10.1. It sports an IPS display with a resolution of 1366×768 pixels. The pixel density of the tablet is 155ppi which is slightly better than Galaxy Note 10.1 and worse than the forth generation iPad. Even though ThinkPad 2 does not assure the high resolution of the top-end tablets, it delivers a pretty clear picture and wide viewing angles.
In terms of software, Lenovo ThinkPad 2 runs on Windows 8 platform over the Modern user interface. The great thing about this platform is its capability to work with legacy applications of the desktop Windows OS. The main camera of the device is 8MP located on the back, enriched with auto-focus capability. There is also a front shooter with 2MP for video calls.
ThinkPad 2 is powered by 1.80GHz processor Intel Atop z2760 and 2GB RAM. The tablet is offered with two versions, with 32GB and 64GB and the possibility to enhance it via microSD card. One of the interesting features of the tablet is the pressure sensitive digitizer pen, which you can also see in Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1.
It is a nice feature for drawing and taking notes, however in our opinion the Galaxy Note 10.1 is more functional in that matter. The tablet boasts great abundance of connectivity features, like USB 2.0 port, mini-HDMI connector, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS. It can work with Bluetooth keyboard (it is an additional accessory) in landscape of horizontal mode. The battery of the device is one of its advantages. It has relatively long battery life – it can keep the tablet alive for 8-9 hours for web browsing and normal usage. You can buy the slate for $566.10 for the 32GB version.
In conclusion, Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2 is a great choice for a Windows running tablet that will fit nicely in your busy life with abundance of features, long battery life and overall excellent performance. With ThinkPad 2 you can use the legacy applications of the Windows OS.
Microsoft Surface RT – blends the advantages of notebook and tablet
Microsoft Surface RT is the best device for those of you who want to make a smooth transition from PC and laptop to tablets. Surface RT blends the advantages of the notebooks working over Windows and the large smartphones, therefore the tablet is one of the most popular devices in the mobile world. It is first 10-inch tablet by Microsoft that brings tons of features and extras for users, including the Microsoft Office applications and identical to Windows 8 user interface.
Microsoft has launched the tablet to compete against Apple iPad 4. It comes in a compact body with 274.6 x 172 x 9.4 millimeters and 690 grams weight which makes it a bit heavier than its rival. It is armored with a 10.6-inches TFT capacitive display with ClearType technology and relatively disappointing resolution of 1366×768 pixels and modest 148ppi. Of all four large tablets that we compare today, Surface RT has the lowest pixel density.
One of the advantages of the tablet is its compatibility to work with an external keyboard that connects to the device via USB. Microsoft provides two different external keyboards especially for the tablet – Touch Cover and Type Cover. As their names already reveal, the Touch Cover works with capacitive keys that require touching to of the surface, while the Type Cover reminds a lot to laptop’s keyboards and requires real typing to physical keys. They are easy for attaching. Those of you who decide to use the Touch Cover might need some time to get used to the typing. The external keyboards are addition accessory to the tablet and can be purchases for $100.
Surface RT works over Windows RT. It provides z very similar user experience to laptops and PC running over Windows OS; however a lot of the applications for Windows 7 are not compatible with the RT platform. It boasts the Metro mode user interface which is well adjusted for touchscreeen. However it does not have many native applications available for users. The pre-installed Office package is a great advantage for Surface RT.
In terms of hardware, the tablet is powered by a quad-core Cortex-A9 CPU clocked at 1.3GHz and Nvidia Tegra 3 chipset and 2GB RAM. It is a bit slower than iPad 4 but overall delivers an excellent performance. You can find the slate in two options, with 32GB storage and 64GB. It is expandable up to 64GB via microSD slot. The tablet features a USB 2.0 port and micro-HDMI slot which enables users to connect their device to PC or a TV.
Surface RT works with one camera with 1.2MP and capabilities to record 720p video located on the rare side of the device. In terms of battery, the tablet has similar possibilities to iPad 4. It works with non-removable Li-Ion battery that can keep the device fully functional for up to 8 hours in talk time. Surface RT arrives with support for Wi-Fi, GPS and Bluetooth. The current price of the 32GB version of the tablet is $349.
In conclusion, Microsoft Surface RT is a great Windows running large-sized tablet that assures for users similar experience to laptop and the advantages of tablets. It features the Microsoft Office package pre-installed. The cons about this model include the relatively poor choice of applications for the platform, the low resolution of its display and the modest primary camera compared to the other models.
The rich choice of tablets makes the task of choosing just one really hard. If you want an exceptional screen, choose the iPad 4. Those of you who prefer the extraordinary capabilities combined with an excellent performance, Galaxy Note 10.1 is the best for you. The convenience of the Windows running tablets is the most important criteria for many users; therefore Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2 arrives to satisfy your needs. If you are looking for a modern tablet that works with a fast processor over Windows and brings similar to a notebook experience, there are no doubts that Microsoft Surface RT is the perfect slate for you.
