Samsung has created an entirely different ecosystem with its Galaxy Tab Series. This time, the Korean tech giant promises a slimmer, better designed and fit slate. The Galaxy Tab 3 offers thinner bezel and more screen space for comfortable use. Some users say that despite the arrival of the Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition, the Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 can still hold its own. Which 10.1 is really better?

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1

Although the 1,280 x 800 TFT LCD display in the Tab 3 10.1 will not awe anyone, it is not as lackluster either. It may fall short on the display but Samsung made sure the tablet can perform to satisfy people's needs. The overall design of the slate caters to prolonged usage.

The device weighs 1.12 pounds or 520g. It is lighter to its predecessor which weighs 1.29 pounds. Samsung made sure there are no sharp angles or hard edges that can hurt users. People can watch with the tablet for long hours without accidently digging their palms on sharp points. Samsung also minimized the faux-chrome edges surrounding the display.

People expecting the usual tricks from Samsung can depend on the Smart Stay and Smart Orientation features on the tablet. This is lighter spec compared to the TouchWiz found on the Note line. The device operates with Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. One good thing Samsung did with the slate is that it was able to minimize the overcrowding on the home screen. There is only one primary screen filled with selected apps and widgets. The other two screens are free for the user to work with.

The tablet runs on Intel Atom Z2560 Dual-core 1.6 GHz, PowerVR SGX544MP2. Compared to other tabs on the market, this falls short in terms of performance but not far behind. Users will have to be ready for some inconsistences with the performance of the slate as it can freeze from time to time. There are faster options around so it might be worth looking into other slates before settling with this one.

Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 comes with a 6,800mAh battery. This offers long battery life from 9 hours to a week when left idle.

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2014

People looking for digital notepad or sketchbook can find the Galaxy Note series as their primary option. The S-Pen stylus in the Note 10.1 2014 edition allows people to draw and write on their tablets as if they have a notebook with them. Likewise, the stylus also allows people to multitask and open several application simultaneously. This edition of the Note 10.1 offers additional floating apps, improved scrapbook app and better multitasking abilities.

In terms of design, the Note 10.1 follows a similar inspiration to Samsung's smartphones. The fake stitches and faux leather finish emphasizes Samsung's bid to sell the device as a digital notebook. The overall finish also supports Samsung's venture into the high-end market. The device weighs 535g and measures 7.9mm thick. It is both lighter and thinner compared to its predecessor adding more portability to the line. People will find it comfortable to hold the Note 10.1.

The display is impressive at 2,560 x 1,600 resolution. The resolution rivals with Nexus 10 and iPad Air. It is ideal for watching full HD videos. Color accuracy is also excellent ensuring excellent viewing experience. The device runs on Samsung Exynos 5 Octa-running Wi-Fi and 3G editions or a Snapdragon 800 supporting LTE. The slate comes with huge RAM at 3 GB. The chipset and RAM ensures the device will not slow down despite everyday use.

Overall, the Samsung Note 10.1 2014 Edition is a good deal.