Samsung Tab3 range launched in India, priced starting Rs 17,745

The much-awaited Samsung Galaxy Tab3 range has been launched in India, priced starting Rs 17,745, though without the 10.1 variant running an Intel processor.

The three models that will be available from July 21 are the 7-inch Tab3 211 with 3G at Rs 17,745, the 8-inch Tab3 311 with 3G at Rs 25,725 and the Wi-Fi only 8-inch Tab3 310 at Rs 21,945.

All the models will gradually replace the popular Tab2 ones.

The 7.4-mm thin, 8-inch version will have a 1280×800 WXGA display and will run Android Jelly Bean 4.2 powered by a 1.5GHz Exynos dual-core processor with 1.5GB RAM. The company claims the device will be ideal for multi-tasking with features like multi-window. To enhance the rich multi-media experience thanks Samsung has added unique feature like pop-up video, offering a small video screen while you are working on something else. The device will have 16GB internal memory and a 4450mAh battery.

The seven-incher, meanwhile, has a 1024×600 WSVGA screen and will runner Android 4.1 using a 1.2GHz processor with 1GB RAM. The battery will also be smaller at 4000mAh and will have 8GB internal storage. However, the form factor will make it easier for the device to be used for calling.

From left: Vineet Taneja, Country Head, Samsung Mobile and Digital Imaging Group, Actor Yami Gautam and Manu Sharma, Director, Samsung Mobile at the launch.

Tab 3 customers will get a digital wallet of up to Rs 20,000 for buying paid content from the Samsung mobile application store. They will also get 50GB of Dropbox space.

In a bid to woo the student segment, the tablets will also have a My Education section offering access to 2,000 e-books and 1,000 learning videos.

Meanwhile, Samsung has not given a reason for not bringing in the Intel-based 10.1-inch variant of the Tab3. During the global launch of the Tab3 devices in London in June, the Intel Atom-based version was touted as a major launch for the US-based chip maker.

Samsung Mobile Director Manu Sharma also did not divulge details about when the device can be expected in India.

However, on the company’s losing interest in Windows 8 tablets and smartphones, Sharma said Samsung was committed to offering what the cutomer wanted and this was strongly in favour of Android at the moment. “If the customers want Windows Phone, we will bring in Windows Phones. But the reality is that there were few takers for Windows Phones in the market.”