If you're looking for a relatively cheap tablet with access to the Verizon network... well, then you probably already own one of those Ellipsis things. But if you want one with an actual name brand behind it, Samsung would like a word. The company just released the Galaxy Tab E, a tablet that hasn't been seen in the US before today, on Verizon. You can get one for $329.99 outright, not bad for an LTE tablet, or just under $14 a month for two years on the installment plan.
In terms of hardware, the Galaxy Tab E sits somewhere between the low-end Tab A series and the top-of-the-line Tab S2. It uses a 9.6-inch 1280x800 screen with LCD panel (of course), 16GB of storage plus a MicroSD card slot, a 5MP/2MP camera setup for the rear and front, and a 7,300mAh battery. If you'd like to know what the processor is, so would we, because that information isn't included in the press release or on Verizon's store page. I'm assuming it uses a low-power Snapdragon or Exynos chip.
That being said, there is one rather surprising piece of information on the spec sheet: Android 5.1.1. Even the Tab S2 series launched with Android 5.0, a relatively old build for a flagship tablet, so it's interesting that Samsung's mid-range model would launch with the latest version. Also of note: the Galaxy Tab E uses a 16:10 aspect ratio, which is more in line with Samsung's releases from 2014 and earlier - both the Tab A and Tab S series use 4:3. If you're interested, the Tab E is available now online and in Verizon's retail stores.
Source: Verizon Wireless
PRESS RELEASE
Think about the way you use a tablet. Chances are, everyone else in your home would use it differently. With different apps, different games, and different home screens too. When sharing a tablet, who gets to choose what apps are on the home screen, the wallpaper, or the main email account?
This is where a family tablet like the new Samsung Galaxy Tab E comes in, offering portable entertainment in a practical design, and featuring Multi-User Mode. This mode allows different users to have individual profiles to log on to the tablet offering each person the ability to choose their own wallpaper, apps, password and more. The gamer can have their games show up when they log in, the movie fanatic can have their shortcuts to Netflix and Hulu, and the professional can set their home screen to have the business apps they need. Each person can use the same tablet but with a personalized experience.
Have a kid in the family? The tablet supports Kids Mode, an application that can be downloaded from Galaxy Essentials, so parents can give the tablet to their young ones while managing what they access and how long they spend using it. It also helps keep your stuff private so they aren’t accidentally emailing your boss.
A family tablet travels with the family. Having a reliable 4G LTE connection with your tablet matters. It means movie streaming on road trips, new games downloaded while waiting in line at the cafe, and e-book browsing at the beach. Plus, a big 7,300mAh battery keeps users powered up to watch, read and game at home or on the go, while expandable storage with a microSD card lets you enjoy music, movies and more, with up to an additional 128GB (memory card sold separately)
The XLTE-ready Samsung Galaxy Tab E is now available online and in Verizon Wireless stores for $13.74 a month for 24 months; 0% APR (full retail price $329.99).