Samsung to unveil new tablets

Global tech giant Samsung Electronics plans to unveil its new tablet PC lineup ― Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 and S2 9.7 ― next month, according to news reports.

With powerful specifications for the new tablet PC models, including a 64-bit Exynos processor, 3 GB RAM and a Super AMOLED display, Samsung reportedly aims to outpace its arch rival Apple, the leader of the world’s tablet market.

Analysts forecast, however, Samsung’s attempt to outgun Apple in the tablet PC market may be a long shot.

“It is doubtful that improvement and changes in hardware of the new Samsung tablets, including the 4:3 display, the same display format with the iPads, can help Samsung attract customers from Apple,” said Jerry Kang, a senior analyst from research institute IHS.

“The Galaxy S Tab 2 will not be the strongest opponent against iPads, but one of many Android tablets to be out on the market,” he added.

The Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 and S2 9.7 are expected to sport an 8-inch display and 9.7-inch display, respectively.

Rumor has it that the S2 8.0 with dimensions of 198.2 mm by 134.5 mm by 5.4 mm will be slightly smaller and thinner than the iPad mini 3 with 200 mm by 134.7 mm by 7.5 mm. The 9.7-inch Samsung tablet will also likely be more compact than Apple’s iPad Air 2.

Although it may be difficult for Samsung to turn the tide in its favor in the world’s slate PC market with the Galaxy tablets, the adoption of the organic light-emitting diode display in tablet PCs will give a boost to Samsung Group’s display business, which is forecast to produce large OLED displays such as for TVs in the coming years, according to a market analyst.

Apple saw its market share drop 6.5 percent to 26.1 percent last year while Samsung’s market share decreased 1.2 percent to 17.1 percent, according to research institute Strategic Analytics.

Around 518 million tablet PC units were shipped in the first quarter, down 9 percent on-year.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)