Apple versus Samsung

Apple versus Samsung

Samsung launched the Samsung Galaxy Tab which was a reaction to Apple’s IPad. The products from the two companies target a similar market share – sparking off intense competition between the two companies’ products. This paper is an analysis of the two products, the Samsung Galaxy Tab and Apple’s IPad.

Compare and contrast the features of both Apple IPad and the Samsung Galaxy Tab

The build and design of the two products is almost the same, with hardly any noticeable differences. Both of these products use the same screen aspect ratio of 4:3 after Samsung made the switch to the standard ratio. The dimensions between the two products are almost the same. Samsung Galaxy Tab is 9.3 x 6.7 x 0.22 inches while Apple’s IPad is 9.4 x 6.6 x 0.24 inches (Vandome, 2015). This presents marginal differences. In terms of weight, Samsung Galaxy Tab is lighter compared to Apple’s iPad, weighing 0.86 pounds and 0.96 pounds respectively. Samsung Galaxy Tab casing is made of light plastic material while Apple’s IPad is made of aluminum which makes it heavier. The two products are quite different in their display aspects. Samsung Galaxy Tab uses Active Matrix Organic LED display (AMOLED), while Apple’s IPad uses the traditional LCDs (“Visual Steps,” 2016). They both have a 2048 x 1536 screen resolution, and 9.7 inches screens.

Compare and contrast available accessories, potential for future upgrades, warranties and available support

There are a number of available accessories for both of these products. Accessories available for the Samsung Galaxy Tab include screen protectors, headsets, protective cases, car kits, chargers, memory cards, hands free kits, cables, Bluetooth accessories, stylus, USB, car holders, and among others. Apple’s IPad lacks some of these accessories such as MicroSD card slots and USB ports. Accessories available include smart covers and cases, camera connection kit, digital video adapter, and headphones. The digital video adapter enables connectivity to a digital camera and also enhances connectivity to TV.

Both have the potential for future upgrades. The current Apple IPad 2 is set to be upgraded to IPad Air 3 in the future. The new Apple IPads will receive RAM upgrades and more powerful processors, such as thee A9X processor. The new IPads will feature 12.9 inch screens which gives a wider display to users. Apple may also use the Active Matrix Organic LED display (AMOLED) in its new models, a break from the traditional LCDs. The Samsung Galaxy Tab is also set to receive an upgrade. The upgrade is expected to feature the use of Android 5.0 Lollipop on some of the tablet devices. Samsung has been testing the Android 5.0 Lollipop on its tablets, indicating that the upgrade may be sooner than expected. Android Lollipop is a new operating system that was developed by Google in 2014. The operating system has new interactive features such as access to notifications via a lock screen, optimization of battery performance, and among others (Biersdorfer, 2015).

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Both of the products come with a warranty. The Samsung Galaxy Tab comes with a one-year warranty from the date of purchase (“Samsung,” 2016). The warranty covers the tablet as well as other accessories such as internal and external batteries. The warranty covers the product and its accessories only when it is proven that it is the company is responsible for the fault. Apple’s IPad comes with a one-year limited warranty too. Apple provides complimentary support on its IPad products for up to 90 days (“Apple,” 2016). Samsung provides user support using a number of channels. Customers can choose among email, live chat, calling the experts and visiting their dedicated shops. Users can be able to access Apple experts directly for any questions on wireless network connections, iOS, iCloud and other issues. In addition, users can have their IPads repaired for $ 49. This covers accidental damage and can be used two times after purchase.

Type of user for which the iPad is best suited

The Apple iPad is best suited for business people. Most of the Apple devices are tailored for business people. Apple IPads allow easy communication with clients and can produce work efficiently. In Apple IPads, sending and receiving documents is quite organized and easy as well. This makes it more suitable to business people. The Apple iPad has a long battery life which enables individuals without a connection to source of electricity to use it for long hours without getting worried of low battery power.

Type of user for which the Galaxy Tab is best suited

Samsung Galaxy Tab is best suited for students. This main reason for this is that the tablet allows more accessories compared to the Apple’s iPad. For instance, it has a slot for MicroSD card and also allows USB connectivity (Stern, 2014). This is suitable for students since it allows them to share music, movies and photos. Multiple accessories give it more flexibility which is what majority of students want. This is because it can cater for both business needs and entertainment needs.

The competition between Samsung Galaxy Tab and Apple IPad for a share of the market continues. Samsung Galaxy Tab has multiple accessories but a shorter battery life compared to Apple’s iPad. Product upgrades will likely alter the market share of the products in future.

References

Apple. (2016). AppleCare Products. Retrieved from:             http://www.apple.com/shop/browse/home/applecare

Biersdorfer, D. (2015, May 1). What an Android Update may get you. The New York Times.

Samsung. (2016). Samsung Galaxy Tab. Retrieved from:             http://www.samsung.com/us/support/service/warranty/GT-P3113TSYXAR

Stern, J. (2014, June 25). Samsung Galaxy Tab S Review: At Long Last, Samsung’s Worthy        iPad Competitor. The Wall Street Journal.

Vandome, N. (2015). iPad for seniors in easy steps. United Kingdom, UK: Leamington Spa.

Visual Steps (Firm). (2016). Working with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet with Android 5 for seniors: Get started quickly with this user-friendly tablet. Netherlands: Visual Steps.