Only a couple of months after Samsung debuted its Galaxy Tab at IFA 2010 rumors were circulating that an AMOLED version may have been in the works. One year on from the official launch of the tablet, Samsung has unveiled just such a device at IFA 2011 in the form of the Galaxy Tab 7.7. As the name suggests, the Galaxy Tab 7.7 sports a 7.7-inch display (that's 0.7-inches bigger than the original Galaxy Tab) and is the first tablet to feature a Super AMOLED Plus display, which boasts 1280 x 800 pixel resolution and promises brighter, higher-contrast viewing.
The device is powered by a dual-core 1.4 GHz processor and runs Android 3.2 (Honeycomb), skinned with Samsung's TouchWiz UX UI. Although Samsung's press info lists a massive 8 GB of RAM, expect a more realistic 1 GB. The unit will come in 16, 32 and 64 GB storage capacities, expandable by up to a further 32 GB via microSD card.
With HSPA+ support the Galaxy Tab 7.7 offers theoretical download speeds of up to 21 Mbps, while Wi-Fi channel bonding improves Wi-Fi connection and doubles download speed by combining two channels into one. There's a 3-megapixel rear-facing camera with autofocus and LED flash, and a 2-megapixel front-facing camera for video chat. Other specs include Bluetooth 3.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz), A-GPS, and Universal Remote Control functionality that allows the tablet to control the various components of your home entertainment system.
On the design front the Galaxy Tab 7.7 certainly has a lot to recommend it. The device is just 7.89 mm thick and weighs in at 335 g (12 oz) with a metal casing and rounded edges replacing the plastic case and sharp edges of its predecessor. With dimensions of 196.7 x 133 x 7.89 mm, the device is small enough to slip into a jacket pocket, yet big enough for comfortable viewing on the go. It can playback 1080 p Full HD video with the 5,100 mAh battery said to provide up to 10 hours of video playback.
The TouchWiz UX UI features a Live Panel menu that lets users customize the home screen with pictures, Web sites and social network feeds, while a "Mini Apps" tray allows commonly used features, such as task manager, calendar and music player, to be launched while other applications re already in use. Additionally, the inclusion of Samsung's Hub Services - Games, Music, Readers and Social Hubs - provides access to related content in one place.
No word from Samsung on pricing or availability as yet, but the Galaxy Tab 7.7 definitely looks set to impress when it does arrive.