A True Budget Tablet Competitor

Featuring an evenly attractive build and some lowered specs, the Galaxy Tab 2 brings us nearly everything we loved about Samsung's last 7-inch tablet, throws in the latest and greatest version of Google's Android operating system, Ice Cream Sandwich, and at that time lowers the price tag. So is the more modest spec sheet worth the appealing price point of $249.99 at launch?

The exception of a bezel that extends beyond the top

Build & DesignWith the exception of a bezel that extends beyond the top and bottom edges of the device, the build of the Galaxy Tab 2 is nearly identical to the Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus. On paper, the Galaxy Tab 2 is slightly bulkier, nevertheless not in any noticeable fashion; it's 0.41 inches thick and weighs 12.16 ounces. The only other difference is that the Galaxy Tab 2 does not have a speaker located at the top of the device's front face, yet this is no major loss, as the one found on the Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus could only be used for VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) calls.

Otherwise, everything is in the same location. When held vertically, the power/standby button, volume rocker, and IR blaster are found on the right side, during the left side hosts only a microSD card slot. The top edge of the Galaxy Tab 2 houses the 3.5mm headphone jack, and the bottom is where you'll find the proprietary Samsung jack for charging, as so then as two speakers. Its rear-facing camera is 3 megapixels, and its front-facing camera, located in the upper right-hand corner of the front of the tablet, is a little on the weak side, sporting a VGA resolution.

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