Imaginary 7-inch iPad gets real competition from Samsung

While rumors persist Apple will be introducing a 7-inch version of iPad at some point, it looks like Samsung is wasting no time getting their 7-inch competition -- the Galaxy Tab -- ready for launch. Hey, at least they're not calling it GalactiPad or SammyPad, right?

Here are the purported specs:

  • HD video playback
  • 7" screen
  • Android 2.2 (Froyo)
  • Video calling
  • Augmented reality
  • Swype
  • A Sept. 2 coming-out party in Berlin (at the IFA conference).

Samsung manufactures the Apple A4 chipset that powers the iPad and iPhone 4, and we expect they'll use the similarly specced Hummingbird that powers their Galaxy S-class smartphones here. While Android 3.0 Gingerbread is rumored to have true tablet-sized UI scalability, skinning 2.2 up to fit 7", especially at a rumored 1280x600 resolution shouldn't be a huge stretch from the current 800x480. They'll also, apparently, be offering a range of iPad-like accessories, including a keyboard dock.

So what do you think? Is getting the Galaxy Tab out before a 7-inch iPad (if Apple ever actually releases one) a smart move to grab market share for Samsung? And how does 7-inches of Froyo compete with 9.7-inches of optimized iOS on the current, non-speculative iPad?

[More on the Galaxy Tab from Android Central]

Rene Ritchie
Contributor

Rene Ritchie is one of the most respected Apple analysts in the business, reaching a combined audience of over 40 million readers a month. His YouTube channel, Vector, has over 90 thousand subscribers and 14 million views and his podcasts, including Debug, have been downloaded over 20 million times. He also regularly co-hosts MacBreak Weekly for the TWiT network and co-hosted CES Live! and Talk Mobile. Based in Montreal, Rene is a former director of product marketing, web developer, and graphic designer. He's authored several books and appeared on numerous television and radio segments to discuss Apple and the technology industry. When not working, he likes to cook, grapple, and spend time with his friends and family.