Samsung Galaxy Tab A 2017 with 8-inch display and 2 GB RAM launched at Rs 17,990

Samsung has launched the Galaxy Tab A 2017 budget tablet for Indian audiences at an event in Delhi. [caption id=“attachment_4128185” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] The device is priced at Rs 17,990[/caption] The device is powered by a 1.4 GHz quad-core processor — most likely a Snapdragon 425 or 435 — with 2 GB of RAM, 16 GB of internal storage, an 8-inch WXGA TFT screen (1280x800), LTE support, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n connectivity, Bluetooth v4.2 and Wi-Fi Direct. A 5,000 mAh battery provides the power that the device needs to keep ticking. You also get a 3.5 mm headphone jack and USB 2.0 via a USB Type-C port. An 8 MP, f/1.9 rear camera and a 5 MP f/2.2 front camera. Video recording and playback is only supported up to 1080p at 30 fps. Samsung claims that the display can manage 480 nits of brightness and that the battery can power the device for 14 hours. Interestingly, Bixby support is included. “At Samsung, we are always listening to consumer feedback and recognise the need for creating devices and services that fit diverse needs,” said Mr Vishal Kaul, Director, Mobile Business, Samsung India. The tablet includes a ‘Kids mode’ where parents can control the apps their kids use by restricting them to a secure environment. Other features include a blue-light filter, wireless display support (Smart View). Samsung’s Smart Flow and Game Launcher apps are also supported. The price of the device is worrying at Rs 17,990, as at this price, it’s competing directly with the likes of the Mi Max 2, which offers double the RAM, four times the storage and a much more powerful processor. The Mi Max 2’s screen is a bit smaller at 6.44 inches, but it offers far better performance.