Samsung has unveiled a new tablet in its latest attempt to wrestle market share from Apple.

The Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet launches today in the United States, Britain and South Korea, just weeks before Samsung is expected to unwrap its revamped version of the original 5.3-inch Note smartphone.

The new tablet has picked up positive early reviews from tech bloggers impressed with the S-Pen's writing and sketching performance and the tablet's ability to have two apps active on a split-screen.

The South Korean firm, which Apple accuses of copying the design and some features of its iPad and iPhone, has priced the new tablet at $499 for 16 gigabytes of memory and WiFi-only, the same as the iPad - leaving analysts doubting its impact.

"When you look at the price and overall consumer awareness about Samsung tablets, it's not likely to be a big success," said Park Young, an analyst at Woori Investment & Securities in Seoul.

"Tablets are getting cheaper and even Apple is rumoured to be preparing a cheaper iPad. Consumers also tend not to spend much on tablets any more as smartphones can do most of the entertainment functions that tablets offer."

Samsung has been keen to differentiate the Note 10.1 from rival tablets, which are primarily used to consume media - highlighting the device's ability to personalise and create.

Reuters