While the world eagerly awaits the arrival of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Plus and the Galaxy Note 8, Indian consumers can finally get their hands on the 7-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 311 (Wi-Fi only). I'm not sure why the launch was delayed by so much, but the Wi-Fi only version comes almost 9 months after its 3G counterpart was released.

The specifications of the Galaxy Tab 2 311 is the same as the 3G-enabled version (Galaxy Tab 2 310), with the obvious difference being a lack of a SIM slot. The Wi-Fi only version also benefited from a late release, as it now boasts Android 4.1 Jelly Bean on-board. Here's a quick rundown of the specifications -

• 7-inch display with 1024×600 resolution
• 1Ghz dual-core processor
• 1GB RAM
• 16GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 32GB
• 3MP rear camera, 0.3MP front camera
• 4,000 mAh battery
• Android 4.1 Jelly Bean

Samsung has tried to price the device competitively, but with the arrival of the Lava ETab XTron, a device with similar specifications but at less than half the price, it'll be increasingly difficult for internationally renowned manufacturers to compete in the budget-friendly market dominated by a slew of local manufacturers. That being said, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 is still a good device, and if you're hesitant to make the jump to a device from a local manufacturer, Samsung is definitely the way to go.

You can order the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 311 online from the official Samsung India eStore here, with the device being priced at Rs 13,900 (~$265).

What are your thoughts? Would you consider buying the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 311 or would you rather pick up a device from a local manufacturer? Why do you think the launch was delayed so much? Let us know in the comments section below.