Samsung takes on Apple with cheaper mini tabs

Samsung on Thursday launched three new tablets under its Galaxy Tab series, around ₹4,000 cheaper than Apple's entry-level iPad Mini, competing with Google Nexus as well. HT reports.

In a bid to cream an emerging tablet PC market in India, South Korean electronics major Samsung on Thursday launched three new tablets under its Galaxy Tab series, around ₹4,000 cheaper than Apple's entry-level iPad Mini, competing directly with Apple as well as Google Nexus —which is a tad cheaper.

The new tablets are priced between R17,745 and R25,725.

The 7-inch tab 3, priced at ₹17,745, runs on Android 4.1 operating system, has a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, 1 GB RAM and a 3 MP rear camera. The 8-inch tablet comes in WiFi-only and WiFi plus 3G options with price tag of ₹21,945 and ₹25,725 respectively. It runs on Android 4.2 operating system and is powered by a 1.5-GHz dual-core processor. It has a 1.5 GB RAM and a 5-MP rear camera.

At the starting price point, the Galaxy Tab 3 is priced much below the the WiFi-only version of iPad Mini priced at ₹21,990, and higher than Google's Nexus 7 that carries a price tag of ₹15,999.

"We expect to maintain our leadership position in the tablet market in the country," said Vineet Taneja, country head, mobile and imaging business, Samsung.

Samsung currently commands 62% share of India's tablet market in value terms. Around 1.65 million tablets were sold in India in 2012-13.