Samsung Announces Galaxy Tab UK Launch

Samsung has announced that its answer to Apple’s iPad – the Android-powered Galaxy Tab – will be available in the UK on all major networks from 1 November. However, pricing still remains a mystery.

Unveiled on 2 September at the IFA 2010 consumer electronics show in Berlin, Samsung’s long-anticipated Galaxy Tab features a TFT-LCD 7-inch screen and a Cortex A8 1GHz processor, paired with Google’s Android 2.2 operating system.

It comes with 16GB of internal memory as standard, scalable to 32GB of external memory, as well as Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity. Features include phone functionality, front and rear facing cameras, e-book software, GPS and and full Flash capability.

Operators to dictate pricing?

Samsung seems to be leaving pricing up to mobile operators, however, stating that it will be “available on a range of attractive price packages, making it as widely accessible as possible to all consumers”.

Amazon is currently listing the device at £599.99, which is decidedly more expensive than most versions of the iPad. Other leaks in the US have reportedly put the price anywhere from $200 (£132) to more than $1,000 (£652).

Last month, UK operator 3 said it would offer voice packages for the Galaxy Tab starting from £10 per month, including 100 any network minutes, 2,000 3-to-3 minutes, 3,000 texts and 1GB data. Data-only packages are also available, starting from £7.50 per month for 1GB.

“More than 97 percent of 3 traffic over the network is data, so more than ever consumers need to make sure they’re on a network that can cope with the demand when buying mobile Internet devices like tablets,” said Nigel Field, director of devices at 3. “With both the Android and tablet markets going from strength to strength, we’re proud to be ranging the Samsung Galaxy Tab.”