Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 vs Kindle Fire: Why I Prefer Galaxy Tab
If you are looking to buy a tablet and you have finally zoomed down to the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 vs Kindle Fire, find out why many owners who have both tablets prefer the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2.
5.0 out of 5 stars Why I prefer the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 to the
Kindle Fire, April 23, 2012
By Chris Boylan "MrBoylan"
(Astoria, NY USA)
I have a Kindle Fire and do enjoy using it (for the most
part) -- love the form factor, enjoy the apps that I can get for it and am very
pleased with the Kindle eReader app and ability to share books across all our
Kindles. But when we were offered an opportunity to check out the Samsung
Galaxy Tab 2 a few days early, we jumped at the chance. The Kindle Fire is great at what it does, but its
custom Android O/S, non-standard Web browser, limited selection of apps, lack
of expandable storage and lack of Bluetooth support leave me cold.
*Browser Issues*
I've experienced multiple issues trying to browse web sites with the Kindle's Silk browser which work fine on the Galaxy Tab 2 and other full-fledged Android devices. Specifically on many sites with Flash content, I get a message on the Fire that viewing the content requires an update to Flash, but clicking on the link to upgrade the release of Flash fails after the download of the new version. The Fire is apparently unable to open and run the Flash installation file. Also, Web apps like the Facebook versions of "Words with Friends" or "Bejeweled Blitz" are really kludgy on the Fire, though the native Words with Friends app for the Fire does work fine (well except when it dies with a "Force Close" error which has been happening more often than not lately). Also, the content management system we use on our web site is able to load pages (articles) on the Fire, but unable to scroll within large text input windows. The same problem does not occur on the Galaxy Tab 2's browser. The Silk browser is able to access many web sites properly, but when it fails, there isn't much you can do since updates to the Silk browser have been few and far between.
*App and content space*
The Kindle Fire and Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 each come with 8 GB of internal storage on board. The Kindle Fire has no expandable storage, as it is designed to work in "The Cloud." In other words, they expect you to store music and movies on an internet-based cloud storage area for access when you want it. The big caveat here is that the Kindle Fire offers only WiFi access (no 4G support) so if you do not happen to have a WiFi hotspot or home network handy (like, for example, on a long distance car trip), your cloud-based content is completely inaccessible. I filled up the Kindle Fire's internal storage within the first six weeks of ownership.
*Browser Issues*
I've experienced multiple issues trying to browse web sites with the Kindle's Silk browser which work fine on the Galaxy Tab 2 and other full-fledged Android devices. Specifically on many sites with Flash content, I get a message on the Fire that viewing the content requires an update to Flash, but clicking on the link to upgrade the release of Flash fails after the download of the new version. The Fire is apparently unable to open and run the Flash installation file. Also, Web apps like the Facebook versions of "Words with Friends" or "Bejeweled Blitz" are really kludgy on the Fire, though the native Words with Friends app for the Fire does work fine (well except when it dies with a "Force Close" error which has been happening more often than not lately). Also, the content management system we use on our web site is able to load pages (articles) on the Fire, but unable to scroll within large text input windows. The same problem does not occur on the Galaxy Tab 2's browser. The Silk browser is able to access many web sites properly, but when it fails, there isn't much you can do since updates to the Silk browser have been few and far between.
*App and content space*
The Kindle Fire and Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 each come with 8 GB of internal storage on board. The Kindle Fire has no expandable storage, as it is designed to work in "The Cloud." In other words, they expect you to store music and movies on an internet-based cloud storage area for access when you want it. The big caveat here is that the Kindle Fire offers only WiFi access (no 4G support) so if you do not happen to have a WiFi hotspot or home network handy (like, for example, on a long distance car trip), your cloud-based content is completely inaccessible. I filled up the Kindle Fire's internal storage within the first six weeks of ownership.
If I want to
install more apps or add local content now, I'll have to remove some from the
device. These apps and content are still available to download later from the
cloud, if I wish to do so, but this really isn't convenient. The Galaxy Tab 2
also lacks 4G support (in its current version) but its standard microSDHC slot
allows you to expand the on-board storage up to an additional 32 GB, which is
plenty of room to move your movies, music and additional content to be stored
locally without requiring access to the internet.
*Bluetooth Support*
When I am taking notes at an event or meeting, there's nothing like a full sized QWERTY keyboard. With the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2, you can connect just about any standard Bluetooth keyboard and happily start typing away at full speed. With the Kindle Fire, since it lacks Bluetooth support, you do not have this option. Also, when you want to listen to music, movies or apps on the Fire without bothering those around you, you'll need to plug in a pair of standard headphones (with the jack awkwardly placed on the bottom of the device instead of the top). With the Galaxy Tab 2, not only is the jack placed more logically at the top, but you can also use Bluetooth 3.0 stereo headphones for high quality sound without the wired tether.
*Cameras*
The Kindle Fire lacks an on-board camera while the Galaxy Tab 2 includes both a front and rear-facing camera. Admittedly the camera on the Galaxy Tab can't really compare with a real digital camera (particularly indoors) but having the camera available on the Galaxy does allow you to snap a quick pic when the real camera may have been left at home, or participate in Google+ Hangouts (not an option on the camera-free Kindle).
*Limited App Support*
Amazon's Kindle Fire, like Barnes and Noble's Nook Tablet, is not compatible with the Google Play Store app market. To install apps, you have to use the proprietary Amazon app market which has a limited selection of apps. There's no access to cool apps like the Logitech Harmony app, or the Samsung or Panasonic remote control Android apps for their TVs and Blu-ray players. The list of Android apps you can't get for the Fire goes on (and on... and on). And speaking of remote apps, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 comes pre-loaded with the Peel app which uses the Galaxy Tab's integrated IR port (another option not available on the Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet) to control an entire home theater or multimedia system *without* any additional out of pocket expense. It's there; it works; it's great!
Overall, I'd say the Kindle Fire is great for people who like to read Kindle books, who are satisfied with a smaller selection of apps, who like streaming movies and TV shows from Amazon Prime (as I do) and who don't need the extra flexibility of a full-fledged Android tablet. But for those who do want those extras - Bluetooth, cameras, expandable storage, Android O/S 4.0 - the new Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 provides an excellent upgrade for a minimal amount of additional cash.
When I am taking notes at an event or meeting, there's nothing like a full sized QWERTY keyboard. With the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2, you can connect just about any standard Bluetooth keyboard and happily start typing away at full speed. With the Kindle Fire, since it lacks Bluetooth support, you do not have this option. Also, when you want to listen to music, movies or apps on the Fire without bothering those around you, you'll need to plug in a pair of standard headphones (with the jack awkwardly placed on the bottom of the device instead of the top). With the Galaxy Tab 2, not only is the jack placed more logically at the top, but you can also use Bluetooth 3.0 stereo headphones for high quality sound without the wired tether.
*Cameras*
The Kindle Fire lacks an on-board camera while the Galaxy Tab 2 includes both a front and rear-facing camera. Admittedly the camera on the Galaxy Tab can't really compare with a real digital camera (particularly indoors) but having the camera available on the Galaxy does allow you to snap a quick pic when the real camera may have been left at home, or participate in Google+ Hangouts (not an option on the camera-free Kindle).
*Limited App Support*
Amazon's Kindle Fire, like Barnes and Noble's Nook Tablet, is not compatible with the Google Play Store app market. To install apps, you have to use the proprietary Amazon app market which has a limited selection of apps. There's no access to cool apps like the Logitech Harmony app, or the Samsung or Panasonic remote control Android apps for their TVs and Blu-ray players. The list of Android apps you can't get for the Fire goes on (and on... and on). And speaking of remote apps, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 comes pre-loaded with the Peel app which uses the Galaxy Tab's integrated IR port (another option not available on the Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet) to control an entire home theater or multimedia system *without* any additional out of pocket expense. It's there; it works; it's great!
Overall, I'd say the Kindle Fire is great for people who like to read Kindle books, who are satisfied with a smaller selection of apps, who like streaming movies and TV shows from Amazon Prime (as I do) and who don't need the extra flexibility of a full-fledged Android tablet. But for those who do want those extras - Bluetooth, cameras, expandable storage, Android O/S 4.0 - the new Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 provides an excellent upgrade for a minimal amount of additional cash.
Click
here or image below to buy the Galaxy Tab 2
If
you are looking for a 7", well-functioning, affordable tablet to surf the
web and consume content then this the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 is one of the best options out
there.
I own a Kindle Fire and love it. It is all that I need when I'm ready to relax
in the evening. However, the Galaxy Tab gets the advantage for being a budget
media tablet. Here is why:
1) Hardware: Slightly lighter, slimmer. The Fire is a little easier to grip because of the back, but this is lighter to hold and carry. Front and back cameras. Who cares if they aren't the best because the Fire doesn't have either. Volume rocker makes volume adjustments simple.
2) Software: This is my first Android device and it runs smoothly and I haven't had any problems. There are a plethora of options for customizing this device to your needs.
3) Applications: No longer restricted by Amazon's App Store so you get to experience new apps that everyone is talking about sooner.
4) Media: Still have access to books and videos from Amazon either through Amazon Kindle app or Amazon's website. In addition, you now have access to Google's app, videos, music, games library. A strong ecosystem is important in the long run and like Amazon and Apple this device has that with Google.
I gave the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 device 5 stars because if you're looking at this tablet then you probably don't want to spend a lot of money and you want a smaller tablet. This is one of the best options out there.
1) Hardware: Slightly lighter, slimmer. The Fire is a little easier to grip because of the back, but this is lighter to hold and carry. Front and back cameras. Who cares if they aren't the best because the Fire doesn't have either. Volume rocker makes volume adjustments simple.
2) Software: This is my first Android device and it runs smoothly and I haven't had any problems. There are a plethora of options for customizing this device to your needs.
3) Applications: No longer restricted by Amazon's App Store so you get to experience new apps that everyone is talking about sooner.
4) Media: Still have access to books and videos from Amazon either through Amazon Kindle app or Amazon's website. In addition, you now have access to Google's app, videos, music, games library. A strong ecosystem is important in the long run and like Amazon and Apple this device has that with Google.
I gave the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 device 5 stars because if you're looking at this tablet then you probably don't want to spend a lot of money and you want a smaller tablet. This is one of the best options out there.
In
Summary:
I have summarized for you the benefits
of both the Galaxy Tab2 vs Kindle Fire in the table below:
Description
|
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7 Inch
|
Kindle Fire
|
Expansion Slot
|
Yes – Has microSDHC slot that you can
expand up to 32 Gb
|
No
|
Bluetooth
|
Yes. Very convenient to couple a
Bluetooth keyboard or headphone to the Tab
|
No
|
Headphone Jack
|
At the top. Practical
|
At the bottom. Not very practical
|
Camera
|
Front and back facing
|
No camera
|
IR Port
|
Using in conjunction with the Peel
app, can use the Tab to control an entire home theater and multimedia system
without having the need to buy an expensive multi remote control
|
Not available
|
List Price
|
$250
|
$199
|
Google Play Store app market
|
Compatible
|
No
|
WiFi
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Weight
|
12.2 ounce
|
14.6 ounce
|
Dimension
|
7.6”x4.8” x 0.40”
|
7.5" x 4.7" x 0.45"
|
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 vs Kindle Fire - What is your choice? If you still cannot make up your mind, here is a suggestion on whether you should buy theSamsung Galaxy Tab 2 or the Kindle Fire:
So
your final decision is:
·
like
to read Amazon books
·
are
fine with limited choice of apps or do not use many apps
·
enjoy
streaming Amazon movies and TV shows
Buy Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7 inch if you:
·
likes
to play with the myriad of Android apps
·
needs
the convenience of Bluetooth
·
needs
to have a camera on the tablet
·
needs
to have additional and removal storage
·
don’t
mind paying slightly more
·
don’t
want to depend on cloud computing as there may be areas or instances where WiFi
is unavailable
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