iSuppli: Samsung Galaxy Tab really is a big smartphone

The Samsung Galaxy Tab doesn’t just look like a big smartphone, that’s essentially what it is, according to a teardown by iSuppli.

The analyst firm dismantled the iPad rival, finding it cost $205.22 in parts – much less than the $264.27 price tag for the 16GB Apple tablet.

The lower cost is largely down to the smaller screen size – 7in for the Tab versus 9.7in for the iPad – and a lower resolution 1,024 by 600 display, iSupply said. The teardown firm adding that the iPad’s 1,024 by 768 pixel display cost $98 compared to the Tab’s $57.

The Android-based Galaxy Tab’s components include the Hummingbird 1GHz ARM processor that’s also used by the Samsung Galaxy S smartphone, iSuppli said, noting that the tablet can also be used to make calls.

“Instead of matching up with the iPad on a feature-by-feature basis, the Galaxy Tab really is larger version of Samsung’s Galaxy S smartphone,” said Andrew Rassweiler, principal analyst and teardown services manager for iSuppli.

“While the design approach makes the Galaxy less expensive to produce than the iPad 3G, it also makes for a product that lacks the same usability,” he said. “The Galaxy Tab’s screen resolution, size and technology are not at the same level as the iPad. This is a critical difference, given the fact that the display is a key differentiating factor for the iPad.”

The bill of materials difference also suggests Samsung is earning a higher margin than Apple on the tablet, with the 16GB Galaxy Tab available for £529 – the same price as the 3G version of the 16GB iPad.