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Samsung Introduces 12.2" Galaxy Tablets Ahead of Rumored iPad Pro Introduction

Monday January 6, 2014 2:44 pm PST by Jordan Golson
Some analysts expect Apple to introduce a larger "iPad Pro" later this fall, but Samsung has beaten them to the punch. The Korean firm today announced a pair of 12.2" Galaxy tablets running Android.

iPad vs. Samsung 12
Engadget got a hands on with the 12.1-inch Galaxy NotePro, noting that it "simply isn't designed for optimal portability" and that it is awkward to hold for long periods of time. Weighing in at 1.66 lbs with a 2560x1600 pixel display at 247 ppi, the device is significantly larger than the iPad Air.
First, let's discuss the key specs. With a larger Note comes an even larger 9,500mAh battery, an 8MP rear camera paired with a 2MP front camera, "super clear" WQXGA LCD panel, IR support, dual-band WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac MIMO, USB 3.0 and Bluetooth 4.0. The LTE model promises support for 800/900/1800/2100/2600+850, while you'll get quad-band HSPA+ (with a max of 21Mbps).

The Note Pro 12.2 runs Android 4.4 KitKat, but the user experience is drastically different than any Note we've played with before. Instead of being graced with a standard Android/TouchWiz home screen panel when pressing the home hardware button, you get whisked away to a new interface lovingly called Magazine UX. This experience consists of three separate customizeable screen panels: one for your office/workspace, another for personal use and a last one that handles your social networks and media.
The Verge also has a hands-on video with the new tablets:


There are two 12.2-inch variants -- the GalaxyNotePro which includes Samsung's S Pen functionality, and the Galaxy TabPro which does not -- though both include custom Samsung software and firmware. It will come in LTE, 3G and Wi-Fi-only variants and is expected to launch later this quarter. Pricing is not yet available.

Along with the 12.2-inch devices, Samsung introduced several other new Galaxy TabPro tablets, in 10.1- and 8.4-inch variations.

Related Roundup: iPad Pro
Buyer's Guide: 12.9" iPad Pro (Neutral)
[ 437 comments ]


Top Rated Comments

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Amplelink
73 months ago
Samsung's strategy in mobile electronics can be summed up in three ways:

1) Try and see what Apple has in the pipeline and get it out before they do

2) Introduce 50 different size variations of basically the same thing and see which sticks

3) Develop gimmicky software features to distinguish products from the other me-too products in the market
Rating: 105 Votes
Avatar
SilverL
73 months ago
This is the manufacturer version of "First!"

And we all know how that goes down.
Rating: 55 Votes
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Old Muley
73 months ago
Quick, let's tell Samsung that Apple is producing a 3-wheeled, two person car that is powered by sunshine and rainbows. I'd love to see what they come up with.
Rating: 53 Votes
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sazivad
73 months ago
Preemptive damage control.

I don't think anyone doubts that Samsung would almost definitely have not released this, were it not for the iPad Pro rumors.
Rating: 52 Votes
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peterh988
73 months ago
I'm still convinced that iPad Pro and iWatch, etc, are all huge trolls by Apple precisely to get Samsung scrambling to release a sub-standard product in the race to claim "First!"

ToasterFridge next!
Rating: 44 Votes
Avatar
r.harris1
73 months ago


Some analysts expect Apple to introduce a larger "iPad Pro (https://www.macrumors.com/2013/12/30/whats-next-for-apple-in-2014-iwatch-larger-iphone-6-12-9-inch-ipad-pro/)" later this fall, but Samsung has beaten them to the punch.


Samsung released the iPad Pro?:)
Rating: 38 Votes
Avatar
sazivad
73 months ago

…Develop gimmicky software features to distinguish products from the other me-too products in the market


Dude. My phone can be a mother****ing TV remote.

I don't know why anyone would buy an iPhone when you can get the clearly superior Samsung™ Galaxy® 4G LTE™ Snapdragon™ NFC© Quad-Core® PenTile™ 128 GB, now with TV Remote Plus.™
Rating: 31 Votes
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maxwelltech
73 months ago
"First" does not always means "better".
Rating: 20 Votes
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coolfactor
73 months ago
Lots of negative comments here and criticisms. While Samsung is guilty of copying Apple in the beginning, they are beginning to diverge and create products ahead of Apple. The 4-app ability to multitask is actually amazing, and the one-app-at-a-time approach of the current iOS will feel dated and too limiting once multiple apps at once become the norm. Windows has it. Samsung has it. I'm sorry, but this is leaving iOS is the dust in that one area. I'd love to be able to interact with a website while in a FaceTime video call at the same time (and still see the other person).
Rating: 19 Votes
Avatar
zone23
73 months ago
Sounds cool except it still runs Android, did they fix that yet?
Rating: 16 Votes

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