Samsung‘s Galaxy Tab could have an unsubsidized price high enough that it would be more expensive than most any Apple model, based on early if unconfirmed claims. The French at Journal du Geek were quoted a price of 699 euros with tax for the 16GB version, or $ 895. At this level, it would cost as much as a 32GB, 3G iPad does despite the smaller screen.

The price might also be the most conservative. Those at ARMDevices were told the price would be 799 euros, or $ 1,025. British retailer Expansys listed it at £680, or $ 1,047. At these prices, the tablet would begin at prices comparable to the 64GB 3G iPad, Apple‘s costliest model.

Room exists for the prices to drop, as some of the pricing is tentative; European pricing is also typically higher. However, with the German launch due within roughly two weeks, it’s less likely that prices will change by the time of the actual release. Such prices could create problems for Samsung as Apple could make up for any perceived feature differences through price. Apple lacks front and back cameras as well as a card slot, but its 3G models are much less expensive. O2, Vodafone and other European providers may have to make subsidizing the tablet a necessity to bring the price to a competitive level.