Galaxy Note 8 or Galaxy Tab 2? If you're shopping for a budget (small) tablet, look into the specs of these two Samsung Android devices. One is a Q2 2012 device, the other is about to hit the Australian stores in less than a month's time. When buying a tablet, is the new release always the better purchase?

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 P3110 (7-inch, 1024 x 600p, 8GB) costs only $229 on Kogan. Released in April 2012, this small tablet is preferred by active users who want a cheap 3G connectivity on their tablet. The Note 8 is more expensive at $459, but it comes with very good features. To begin with, it features a WXGA 1280x800 screen display. In terms of pixel density, the figures are 170 against 189 pixels per inch, in favour of the Note 8.

"The (Samsung Galaxy) Tab 2 is more powerful than either the Kindle Fire or the Nook Tablet," The Verge reported in its review. This implies the target users are those more interested in reading eBooks as opposed to power-demanding apps like action-packed games. It is supported by 1GB of RAM. Users can use its 3MP camera on good lighting condition. It also has a front-facing VGA camera for Web conferences.

"The (Note 8) processor - a 1.6GHz quad-core beast - is powerful and keeps the Note 8.0 running at top speed," reads a t3.com report. "This is a strikingly different tablet to others on the market, thanks to its bright, competent screen, large but manageable size and that Samsung speciality, the S Pen," the site concludes.

The Note 8 has a bigger storage space. Users can choose from 16 GB or 32 GB internal storage. Like the Tab, the Note allows storage expansion to up to 32 GB with a microSD card. The Note 8 features a better 5 MP primary camera and a much better 1.3 MP secondary front-facing cam. The memory support is also better at 2GB RAM.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is expected to rival Apple iPad mini, which is only slightly slimmer than the Tab. Note 8 measures 211 x 136 x 7.95 mm. In contrast, the iPad mini measures 200 x 134.7 x 7.2 mm.

Between the Galaxy Note 8 and Galaxy Tab, the former obviously packs a more robust and reliable system. If buying for kids, consider the cheaper Tab 2. For business or heavy media consumption use, go for the more powerful Note 8.

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