My initial experience with tablets began with a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 (GT-P7500). My early excitement quickly turned into disillusionment and, ultimately, dissatisfaction. Since that time, one thing has been evident to me: I will never purchase a Galaxy device again.
Reasons for My Aversion to Samsung Galaxy Tabs
The Initial Attraction
In 2011, I bought this powerful tablet to steer clear of an Apple iPad. At that time, Android tablets, particularly those featuring a 10-inch touchscreen, were quite uncommon. Apple released the first iPad in 2010, and most tablet users owned an iPad. That same year, Samsung introduced the first Galaxy Tab, starting with a 7-inch touchscreen.
Although that size was slightly smaller than ideal, when Samsung unveiled a 10-inch model in 2011, I seized the opportunity and ordered it from Amazon on 13 October 2011, for €579.
The Blissful Beginning
The Galaxy tablet reacted promptly to my swipes and taps and operated smoothly. Samsung had outfitted the tablet with commendable hardware for the era: a 1 GHz dual-core processor, a 25.65 cm display, built-in Wi-Fi, a 3.2 Mp rear camera, a 2.0 Mp front camera, dual stereo speakers, and a 7000 mAh battery.
Now I could relax on the couch, browse the internet, shop online, and watch YouTube videos without the bulk (the tablet weighed just 570g) and the heat produced by a laptop. Additionally, with a significantly larger and more readable screen than my previous smartphone, an HTC Desire – deemed the only serious competitor to the iPhone – it was a joy to use.
I was genuinely impressed with the Galaxy. Soon, I began taking it with me everywhere. I purchased a robust plastic case that safeguarded the tablet from bumps and scratches. It made the device appear slightly bulky and added quite a bit of weight, but at least it was protected. That mattered more to me. The tablet was also perfect for a quick session of Cut the Rope or Fruit Ninja.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 Price Overview:
Just One Lousy Android Update
So, everything appeared fine. However, I gradually began to question if I would actually receive the next Android version. I thought I should, given that I owned a relatively new, high-performance tablet from a top hardware manufacturer. Samsung equipped my tablet with Android 3.1.
In the end, I only received a single minor Android update. That was all – no further Android versions were delivered to my tablet. This turned out to be my first great disappointment.
Doom and the Dark Side
But things deteriorated. Shortly after my warranty ended, the screen inexplicably ceased to function. There were no warnings – the tablet had functioned flawlessly the previous day. Initially, I suspected the battery was dead. I let it charge, but even while plugged in, the screen remained unresponsive.
Eventually, I attempted to restart it again. There was no reaction – even trying the forced restart/hard reset with the correct key combination failed. The Galaxy Tab simply failed after just two years, without any drops or damage. For such a pricey device, it was an utter disgrace.
As I could no longer use my cherished HTC Desire due to severe storage limitations and the lack of Android updates, I decided to embrace the dark side. I purchased an iPad for the first time. To this day, I have encountered no issues with this iPad or its subsequent models. Whenever I upgraded to a newer iPad, my relatives were thrilled to inherit the old device. It served them reliably for many years – and continues to do so today.
If you’re considering an upgrade for your tablet, explore our top picks in our roundup of the finest tablets we’ve tested.
Conclusion: Once Hurt, Twice Cautious
Indeed, lesson learned. Samsung Galaxy Tabs, you’ve shattered my trust for the last time.
