Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2014

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014) Review: A Powerful Tablet for Productivity and Creativity

The Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014) edition, released in early 2014, marked a significant upgrade to Samsung’s tablet lineup. With enhanced specifications, a refined design, and the integration of the S Pen, the Galaxy Note 10.1 aimed to cater to both productivity-focused users and those looking for a robust multimedia experience.

Design & Build

The Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014) featured a more premium design compared to its predecessor. It had a sleek plastic build with a leather-like texture on the back, giving it a refined and professional look. The tablet measured 243.1 x 171.4 x 7.9 mm and weighed 540 grams, making it portable and easy to handle.

The physical buttons were minimized, with the home button at the bottom and volume controls on the side. The device also included stereo speakers positioned on the front, enhancing the multimedia experience.

Display

The Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014) boasted a 10.1-inch WQXGA display with a resolution of 2560×1600 pixels (299 ppi). This high resolution provided excellent sharpness and clarity, making text and images look stunning. The Super Clear LCD technology offered vibrant colors, wide viewing angles, and good brightness levels, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Performance

Powered by the Exynos 5420 octa-core processor (1.9 GHz quad-core + 1.3 GHz quad-core) or the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 (depending on the region), along with 3GB of RAM, the Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014) delivered top-notch performance. It was capable of handling multitasking, gaming, and productivity tasks smoothly.

The device ran Android 4.3 Jelly Bean out of the box, with Samsung’s TouchWiz UI layered on top. The interface included various features and customizations, although some users found it a bit cluttered compared to stock Android.

S Pen Integration

One of the standout features of the Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014) was the inclusion of the S Pen. The stylus offered precise input and a range of functionality:

  • Air Command: A menu that appeared when the S Pen was removed from its slot or hovered over the screen, offering quick access to features like Action Memo, Scrapbook, and Screen Write.
  • Multi-Window Support: Users could take notes while browsing the web or using other apps simultaneously, enhancing productivity.
  • Pressure Sensitivity: The S Pen provided an experience similar to writing with a real pen, making it ideal for sketching, note-taking, and professional use.

Camera

The Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014) featured an 8MP rear camera with autofocus and LED flash, capable of capturing decent photos and 1080p video recording. The front camera was 2MP, suitable for video calls and selfies.

While the camera was not the primary focus of the tablet, it performed well for casual photography and video calls.

Battery Life

The tablet was equipped with a 8220mAh battery, providing excellent battery life. Users could expect up to 10 hours of usage on a single charge, depending on the tasks being performed. This made it suitable for long sessions of media consumption, productivity tasks, or note-taking.

Connectivity

The Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014) offered a variety of connectivity options:

  • Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
  • Bluetooth 4.0
  • NFC (in some models)
  • Optional LTE support for mobile connectivity

These features ensured that users could stay connected, whether at home or on the go.

Storage Options

The Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014) was available in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB storage options, and it included a microSD card slot for expandable storage up to 64GB. This flexibility allowed users to store plenty of apps, media, and documents.

Software

The tablet came pre-installed with various Samsung apps and services, such as S Note, Samsung Knox, and ChatON. It also featured Multi-Window capabilities, allowing users to run two apps side by side for increased productivity.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014) was a powerful tablet designed for productivity, creativity, and multimedia consumption. With its high-resolution display, S Pen integration, and robust performance, it catered well to users looking for a versatile device.

Pros:

  • High-resolution display with vibrant colors
  • S Pen integration for precision and enhanced productivity
  • Solid performance with multitasking capabilities
  • Good battery life for extended use
  • Expandable storage via microSD card

Cons:

  • TouchWiz UI can feel cluttered
  • Plastic build may not feel as premium as metal alternatives

Overall, the Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014) was an excellent choice for users who needed a powerful tablet that could handle both work and play, making it one of the best tablets available in its time.