Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite 7.0 review: The toddler

Introduction

The Galaxy Tab 3 Lite 7.0 is a trimmed-down version of last year's Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 and Samsung is not exactly keeping it secret - we cannot think of a more fitting model name. If, on the other hand, you're scratching your head wondering was there anything to trim to begin with, you're not alone.

Oh well, Samsung found a way. They got rid of the front-facing camera, put a 2MP unit around back, and replaced the chipset. No, not a Snapdragon 800, thank you very much. In many ways though, this is the same tablet - the Android version is the same, good-ol' TouchWiz on top (no Magazine UI obviously) and the size and ergonomics are also on par.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite 7.0

One thing that might derail Samsung's plans is that the original Tab 3 is still available from various retailers and having undergone a few price cuts its closer to the Lite 7.0 than the new arrival would have liked. Then again, it may nudge the right people to re-think the price tag. Let's check out the full specs of the Galaxy Tab 3 Lite before we continue.

Key features

• 7.0" 16M-color LCD capacitive touchscreen of 600 x 1024 pixel resolution; 170 ppi
• Android OS v4.2.2 with TouchWiz
• 1.2 GHz dual-core Cortex-A9 CPU, GC1000 GPU, 1GB of RAM, Marvell PXA986 chipset
• 2 MP autofocus camera with face detection
• VGA video recording at 24fps
• 8 GB internal storage, microSD slot
• 3G version with voice communication and SMS available
• Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n support
• GPS with A-GPS connectivity; GLONASS support
• Stereo Bluetooth v4.0
• microUSB port for charging
• Accelerometer sensor
• Standard 3.5 mm audio jack
• Document editor and file manager comes preinstalled
• 3600 mAh battery

Main disadvantages

• Low screen resolution
• Feeble chipset
• Only one speaker and placed at the back
• No front-facing camera

OK, a handful of Pro series tablets we recently reviewed made the third generation of Korean tablets pale in comparison. The Lite puts them in perspective though, helping them regain some lost confidence. That's not to say the Galaxy Tab 3 Lite 7.0 isn't worth your time. If you're looking for a compact and, most of all, affordable tablet - one you wouldn't worry about getting lost or damaged - this is a good a choice as any.

Alternatively, it's an extra browsing or reading screen in the living room, something to get your kid because you wouldn't spoil them with an iPad or a Galaxy Pro.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite 7.0 at HQ

But the Galaxy Tab 3 Lite 7.0 will certainly have to work hard to even get on anyone's shortlist. In the tightly packed entry-level segment, a small bump in price can often make a big difference in the level of equipment. Nook, Kindle and Nexus are by far not the only threat - affordable Android tablets are to be had from reputable brands and no-name makers alike. Let's see what's on offer here - starting with the design and build.