Samsung Galaxy Note 510: A Specifications Review

Gearing up for a launch at the end of March, Samsung’s all new entry into the tablet segment will be the upcoming Note 510. There’s plenty to like here on paper and hopefully, we’ll see some updates before the device makes it to the Indian shelves. As of now, Samsung hasn’t quite announced a price for the tablet, although we’re estimating it to be below Rs 30,000. 

Here’s a detailed look at the specifications of the Note 510 that will give you an inkling on whether the tablet is worth the wait. For a quick hands on, you can refer to our First Impressions story here. 

OS – Android 4.1 Jelly Bean 

At the time of its unveiling at this year’s Samsung Forum, the Galaxy Note 510 aka Note 8.0 tablet was showcased running Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, but there’s every reason to believe that it would get the 4.2 update at the time of launch, if not before. Thanks to the latest iteration of the platform, we could be looking at a speedy performer here in terms of overall operation and functionality. All the little extras that JB brings to the table will also make this a tablet to beat in the higher-end segment. 

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Cellular network – 3G and call support

Following in the footsteps of its predecessors, Samsung’s Note 510 will also be loaded with support for 3G via SIM card. To add a little more value to the deal, Samsung’s also ensured that its customers will also be able to use the 510 as a fully functional mobile phone complete with calling and messaging capabilities. With 3G support for high speed data on the go, you could opt to use the device as a primary medium of communication. 

Plenty of connectivity for all, including calling and messaging

Display – 8.0-inch capacitive touchscreen 

The 8-inch touchscreen features a resolution of 1280 x 800, making it quite vibrant and sharp. The pixel density (189 ppi) isn’t as high as that on the Google Nexus 7, but it did look quite good nonetheless with balanced colours. There was no mention on whether the Note 510 would be equipped with a Gorilla Glass, but we’re hoping this would be the case when it launches. Hopefully, the flip cover showcased at the announcement will ship with it to help minimise possible damage to the screen. 

Form factor and weight – Slim: yes, light: perhaps, design: could have been different

This is where Samsung could have done some real good. Instead of going with the same old boring design as the S3, Note II, S III Mini, Galaxy Grand and others, the Note 510 could have taken a different route. However, the rounded edges and slim shape don’t hamper it in the looks department. At 338 g, the Note seems a bit on the heavy-set side, but the weight seems evenly distributed, so it didn’t feel awkward to hold. The dimensions are: 210.8 x 135.9 x 8 mm. Samsung’s also added a physical Home button as you’d find on its other devices coupled with the soft-touch keys for menus and the “Return” option to go back to previous pages. 

Wi-Fi – 802.11 b/g/n

Like most of the new mid-to-high-end type smart devices, the Note 510 is also equipped with dual-band Wi-Fi for connectivity. Wi-Fi Direct will also be available for data transfer through this medium and DLNA was also spoken of. 

No flash for the 5MP camera

SoC– Exynos 4412 (Quad-Core)

Samsung’s Note 510 will ship with its own 1.6GHz Quad Core processor and will also feature a Mali-400MP GPU. The combination should ensure speedy performance for all of the device’s multi-tasking functionalities as well as for handling HD video, streaming and gaming. With 2GB of RAM also on board, this has tremendous potential.

Storage – 16/32GB or onboard with room for expansion  

The 510 will ship with 16GB of on-board storage. Although there was mention of a 32GB variant, it was not mentioned if that model would be available for India. Additionally, the Note 510 also supports microSD cards going up to 64GB, which will give users plenty of space for all requirements. 

Primary camera – 5 megapixel 

The Note 510 packs a 5 megapixel shooter at the rear. What was missing was an LED flash, which tends to come in handy for low light conditions. Features were similar to what one would find in the Galaxy Grand or other Samsung mobile devices. The camera will also record videos in full HD.  

Front camera – 1.3-megapixel

For those who like taking self portraits and video chatting, the 1.3MP front camera will make sure you don’t miss a beat. 

Sensors – Nothing new

The tablet comes equipped with an accelerometer, gyro and ambient light sensor.

GPS – With Google Maps

Thanks to support from AGPS and GLONASS for Google Maps, finding your way around new neighbourhoods shouldn’t be an issue. With 3G speeds to back you up, this should also be a speedy endeavour.

8.0-inch display seems like a good size

Battery – Li-Ion 4600mAh 

The massive 4600mAh battery should be more than capable of allowing you to make rigorous use of the device each day. Thanks to the kind of features enveloped into this device, the power of this battery would hopefully be just about right to get you at least through a full work day, if not more. 

S-Pen – A handy little tool
Similar to the S Pen in the Note II and Note 800, this one too makes creativity and work related actions quite easy to perform. It slips into the bottom corner where it’s neatly tucked away and has its own set of actions and features from note-taking and screen capture to editing images.  

The bottom line

Everything ultimately boils down to the price. Should Samsung position this device over the Rs 30,000 mark, the competition would certainly be quite happy. If our estimate of it being closer to Rs 25,000 is accurate, then it’s very possible that Samsung could have another winner on its hands. Based purely on these specifications, the Note 510 has a lot of potential to make a great offering for those looking for either a secondary mobile device with full connectivity or those willing to drop the traditional two-device constraint and use this tablet as their one and only means of communication. Again, just to reiterate, the 510 looks good on paper, but we’ll be able to tell you more after we get through reviewing it post launch. Stay tuned.