where can you get a Samsung ATIV Tab 3 online
Samsung ATIV Tab 3 XE300TZC-K01US 10.1-Inch 64GB Tablet with Keyboard: Buy it now
Design and Build Quality
The Samsung ATIV Tab 3 features a sleek and minimalist design typical of Samsung’s tablet lineup. It measures 10.4 inches diagonally and weighs approximately 550 grams, making it lightweight and portable for everyday use. The tablet’s build quality is solid, with a combination of plastic and aluminum materials that offer durability without compromising on weight.
The back of the ATIV Tab 3 is covered in a soft-touch plastic finish, which provides a comfortable grip and resists fingerprints. The overall design is clean and understated, with rounded edges and a slim profile that enhances its aesthetics and ergonomics. Unlike some of Samsung’s Android-based tablets at the time, the ATIV Tab 3 features a Windows logo on the front, signaling its operating system.
Display Quality
The ATIV Tab 3 sports a 10.1-inch display with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, which was standard for tablets in its class at the time. While the resolution may seem modest by today’s standards, it offers sufficient clarity and sharpness for productivity tasks, web browsing, and multimedia consumption. The display uses Samsung’s PLS (Plane-to-Line Switching) technology, known for its wide viewing angles and accurate color reproduction.
Brightness levels are adequate for indoor use, though outdoor visibility can be challenging under direct sunlight due to the reflective nature of the screen. Touch response is smooth and responsive, facilitating precise input and navigation through Windows 8’s touch-centric interface.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the Samsung ATIV Tab 3 is powered by an Intel Atom Z2760 dual-core processor clocked at 1.8 GHz, coupled with 2GB of RAM. This combination of hardware was designed to provide a balance between performance and power efficiency, suitable for light multitasking, web browsing, and running productivity applications.
While the Intel Atom processor offered sufficient performance for everyday tasks, including document editing, email management, and web browsing, it struggled with more demanding applications and multitasking scenarios. Users looking to run intensive software or games may find the performance limitations of the ATIV Tab 3 noticeable compared to higher-end tablets or laptops.
Storage options include 64GB of internal storage, which is adequate for storing documents, media files, and applications. Additional storage can be expanded via a microSD card slot, offering flexibility for users who require more space for their files.
Software Experience
The Samsung ATIV Tab 3 shipped with Windows 8, Microsoft’s operating system optimized for touch-enabled devices. Windows 8 brought a modern interface with Live Tiles, allowing users to customize their Start screen with dynamic updates from apps and services. The tablet experience was tailored to take advantage of touch input, gestures, and a mobile-friendly app ecosystem available through the Windows Store.
Samsung supplemented the Windows 8 experience with its own software enhancements and utilities, including Samsung SideSync for seamless integration with Samsung smartphones, and Samsung AllShare for media streaming to compatible devices. These additions aimed to enhance productivity and multimedia capabilities, leveraging Samsung’s ecosystem of devices and services.
Connectivity and Ports
Connectivity options on the Samsung ATIV Tab 3 include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n for wireless internet access, Bluetooth 4.0 for connecting peripherals such as keyboards and mice, and micro HDMI for video output to external displays. The tablet also features a micro USB port for charging and data transfer, as well as a headphone jack for audio output.
One notable feature of the ATIV Tab 3 is its inclusion of a micro SIM card slot, which supports 3G connectivity for mobile data access. This capability enhances the tablet’s versatility by allowing users to stay connected on the go, making it suitable for business professionals and frequent travelers who require internet access outside of Wi-Fi hotspots.
Battery Life
The Samsung ATIV Tab 3 is equipped with a non-removable 30Wh battery, which Samsung claimed could provide up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge under typical usage conditions. Battery life can vary depending on usage patterns, screen brightness, and active applications, but the tablet generally offered sufficient endurance for a full day of moderate use.
Samsung included power-saving features in the ATIV Tab 3 to extend battery life, such as a Power Saver mode that conserves energy by reducing background activity and optimizing performance settings. This mode was particularly useful when the tablet was used for extended periods away from a power source, ensuring longer battery longevity.
Camera and Audio
The Samsung ATIV Tab 3 features a 720p HD front-facing camera designed primarily for video conferencing and Skype calls. While the camera quality is adequate for its intended purpose, it may not meet the expectations of users accustomed to higher-resolution front cameras found in modern tablets and laptops.
Audio quality on the ATIV Tab 3 is delivered through stereo speakers located on the sides of the tablet. The speakers provide clear and balanced sound for multimedia playback and video calls, though they may lack the depth and richness offered by larger speakers or external audio devices.
Accessories and Productivity
Samsung offered a range of accessories to complement the ATIV Tab 3 and enhance its functionality:
- Keyboard Dock: A keyboard dock was available for the ATIV Tab 3, transforming it into a more traditional laptop-like setup for productivity tasks. The keyboard dock featured a full-sized keyboard and additional ports for connecting peripherals, providing a comfortable typing experience and enhancing productivity on the go.
- Protective Cases: Various protective cases and covers were available to safeguard the ATIV Tab 3 against scratches, bumps, and falls. These cases ranged from slim and lightweight designs to more rugged options that offered enhanced protection without compromising on portability.
- Stylus Pen: Samsung offered an optional stylus pen compatible with the ATIV Tab 3, providing users with precision input and handwriting capabilities. The stylus pen was particularly useful for note-taking, sketching, and navigating the tablet’s interface with greater accuracy than touch input alone.
Value and Conclusion
The Samsung ATIV Tab 3 positioned itself as a versatile and portable Windows-based tablet aimed at users seeking productivity on the go. Its combination of a responsive touch screen, lightweight design, and integration with Windows 8 made it suitable for business professionals, students, and casual users alike.
However, the tablet faced competition from other Windows-based devices and convertible laptops that offered more powerful processors, higher-resolution displays, and enhanced productivity features. As technology advanced, the ATIV Tab 3’s hardware specifications and performance capabilities became less competitive compared to newer devices in the market.
In conclusion, the Samsung ATIV Tab 3 served as a capable Windows tablet with a focus on portability, productivity, and integration with Samsung’s ecosystem of devices and services. While it may not match the performance or feature set of modern tablets, it remains a viable option for users seeking a compact and functional device for everyday tasks and multimedia consumption.