Samsung Galaxy Tab confirmed for Verizon

Verizon's plans for a truer iPad rival were confirmed Monday night after a leak showed the Samsung Galaxy Tab in its inventory system. Few details were confirmed, but the presence suggested not only that an EVDO-capable 3G model is due at the carrier but that Verizon was already making early preparations for a launch. If true to the reference version, BGR's spotting should bring a seven-inch Android 2.2 device with a 1GHz processor and both front as well as back cameras.

The same sources back the existence of a 10-inch Motorola tablet, which could be an Android 3.0 flagship co-designed with Google. That model is thought so far to have a dual-core NVIDIA Tegra 250 as well as some connection to FiOS TV, although it may just be a native app to watch shows online or schedule DVR recording.

Verizon's launches are both expected to arrive by the end of the year and could be some of the first earnest competition with Apple, albeit through different methods. The Motorola and Samsung tablets alike will likely be subsidized to a lower price than the $499 iPad, but the move may force customers into contracts for 3G service. Apple's slate is officially favored by AT&T, but it comes unlocked and in a cheaper version without 3G. iPad sales have had little trouble under the current model and took five months to reach same-day shipping, signalling that Apple isn't likely to be hindered by its current business model.

The carrier may also negate Google's carrier advantage quickly, as talk persists of an EVDO-capable iPad that could be an option for Verizon by early next year.

By Electronista Staff