The two frontal stereo speakers support the new Dolby Atmos technology that provides the user with excellent sound quality. On top of that, the model's 7000 mAh battery capacity allows using the tablet for up to 18 hours from one full charge.
Doesn't feature voice calling (data transfer calls only).
The Lenovo Tab 4 features a big screen and a powerful CPU that makes it easier to utilise the tablet as a multitasking device. Perfect for watching movies in HD, surfing the Internet, and modern mobile games, this model is a great budget-friendly device for all tasks that can be managed on the go.
10.1", 1280 x 800
1.4 GHz Qualcomm MSM8917 (Quad-Core)
2 GB / 16 GB
5 MP / 2 MP
1 slot (2G / 3G / 4G)
microSD slot, Android 7.0 Nougat
7000 mAh
24.7 x 17 x 0.85 cm
506 g
1 year (6 months for in-box accessories)
2 SIM card slots make it easier to utilise this model as both a mobile multimedia centre and as a communication tool. On the other hand, the tablet's great camera makes video calling a smooth and hassle-free experience regardless of signal quality.
The screen gets scratched easily (a protective cover is recommended).
This particular model will be a great option for users that look for a powerful tablet but don't want to spend a fortune on a premium device at the same time. The 32GB of built-in memory coupled with a powerful processor will let you use as many applications at the same time as you want.
9.6", 1280 x 800
1.3 GHz Mediatek MT6735 (Quad-Core)
2 GB / 32 GB
8 MP / 2 MP
2 slots (voice calling + 2G / 3G / 4G)
microSD slot, Android 8.1 Oreo
5000 mAh
23.6 x 15.5 x 0.9 cm
400 g
1 year (6 months for in-box accessories)
A custom EMUI 5.1 operating system that is featured in this model has a huge array of additional tools that expand the stock features of the tablet. These include the Phone Manager, Performance Booster, and an improved Battery Saver.
The maximum speaker volume is a bit underwhelming.
The previous Honor MediaPad with an 8-inch display was amazing. The T3 improves the already great capabilities of its predecessor and becomes smarter and even slimmer than before. A powerful device with a great camera and wireless capabilities - there's not much more you could ask for from one of the best budget Android models.
8", 1280 x 800
1.4 GHz Qualcomm MSM8917 (Quad-core)
2 GB / 16 GB
5 MP / 2 MP
1 slot (voice calling + 2G / 3G / 4G)
microSD slot, Android 7.0 Nougat + EMUI 5.1
4800 mAh
21.1 x 12.5 x 0.8 cm
350 g
1 year (6 months for in-box accessories)
A 5MP rear camera with autofocus takes great high-quality pictures despite its seemingly modest specifications. Moreover, a single 2MP front camera with a sensitive microphone makes video calling smooth and seamless even when the cellular signal is weak.
The data capacity is limited (an additional microSD card is recommended).
If you are looking for something that is no bigger than a modern phone but that still holds a solid punch, then this Galaxy Tab A from Samsung is an ideal candidate. A simple UI with a SmartTutor app makes the user experience part as smooth as it can possibly be. To add more, thanks to the multi-profile function, the device can be used by multiple users.
7", 1280 x 800
1.5 GHz Spreadtrum Shark LS (Quad-core)
1.5 GB / 8 GB
5 MP / 2 MP
1 slot (voice calling + 2G / 3G / 4G)
microSD slot, Android 5.1 Lollipop
4000 mAh
18.7 x 10.9 x 0.9 cm
289 g
1 year (6 months for in-box accessories)
Features a pre-downloaded software that allows you to edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files. Additionally, the trial version of the Hungama app gives you access to thousands of movies. On top of that, gamers will be happy to play the best Gameloft games.
The maximum display brightness leaves something more to be desired.
This model will surely impress you if you are looking for a modern tablet with a nice looking design. Moreover, the specs of this model will satisfy you as well, especially if you are anxious to try the latest apps and games out there.
7", 1024 x 600
1.0 GHz ARM Cortex A53 Processor (quad core)
2 GB / 16 GB
5 MP / 2 MP
2 slots (voice calling + 2G / 3G / 4G)
microSD slot, Android 5.1
3500 mAh
19 x 10.8 x 1 cm
270 g
1 year (6 months for in-box accessories)
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Lenovo Tab4 10
Exceptional Performance
The Lenovo Tab4 10 tablet is one of the few budget-friendly models that feature a powerful processor and great quality of build in the same package. If smaller tablets don’t fancy you anymore, then this tablet will be right up your alley. The model features a huge (by tablet standards) 10.1-inch screen, which should be more than enough for modern applications or watching videos on the go. The resolution of the big screen is capped at 1280 x 800 pixels, which is perfect for day-to-day use and watching your favourite movies.
Despite having just 16 GB of internal memory, the Lenovo Tab4 manages to deal with complex tasks easily and works surprisingly fast at the same time. In case you need to expand the stock storage, we strongly recommend purchasing a microSD card with high-speed data transfer capabilities. This way, you will expand the capabilities of the Lenovo Tab4 to a whole new level, making it easy to operate multiple applications on a single tablet simultaneously.
Furthermore, the battery capacity of 7000 mAh does the proverbial trick and, once charged, the tablet can be used for about 15-18 hours before it needs to be recharged. When utilised in the high-power mode or when the brightness is set to high, the tablet usually holds the charge for around 10 hours, which should be more than enough to suffice for day-to-day use.
The Heart of the Tablet
As for the processor, the Tab4 features a 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8917 quad-core CPU with 1.4 GHz clock rate of each core. Despite the fact that it is not necessarily a top-of-the-line processor unit, it is still a high-performing one, which allows you to use the tablet with multiple applications running at the same time.
On top of that, the tablet is equipped with a powerful Android 7.0 Nougat OS that supports most modern applications. Plus, if you need a significant boost to your system, you can always update the firmware version to newer Android versions. Fortunately, the hardware of the Tab4 allows doing that without breaking a sweat.
Even though the device features 4G and LTE capabilities, it lacks the VoLTE high-speed mobile communication standard support, which is a bummer, to say the least. That being said, even with standard 4G and LTE capabilities, you will be able to make calls using data transfer given the sufficient cellular signal.
All things considered, this Lenovo tablet is, perhaps, one of the best tablets in the medium price range today. Powerful and extremely fast when it comes to multitasking, it is a good general-purpose Android tablet and a device for gaming.
Additional Info
Fusion5 F105D
A Modest Camera With Stunning Specs
The Google-certified Fusion5 tablet is one of the better budget-friendly tablets around. But what actually makes it so great and is it really worth the price? To answer these questions, we will have to take a closer look at the features that make this model worth your attention.
First of all, contrary to similar models in the budget-to-medium price range, the F105D features a phone calling function on top of the regular Wi-Fi and data transfer calls, making it a great portable device that you can use virtually everywhere, given the sufficient cellular signal. Additionally, you can use up to 2 SIM cards simultaneously, which makes the Fusion5 much more flexible compared to other competitor models.
Moving on, the rear camera features a wide-angle 8 MP lens designed for making detailed photos and panoramic pictures, while the standard 2 MP front camera will be good enough for video chats and occasional selfies. Even though the cameras cannot be called professional-grade by any means, the quality of the photos taken with them is quite good and video calling will be a smooth experience, making it the best camera quality in the model's class.
As Light as It Gets
When it comes to battery life, this tablet may seem a bit underpowered to some users. In reality, however, the 5000 mAh battery of the Fusion5 is capable enough to provide the user with up to 8-10 hours of continuous use. This should suffice even the most demanding tasks, provided that the portable tablet will be charged at least every 24 hours.
Furthermore, the 400 g of weight and relatively moderate dimensions of 23.6 x 15.5 x 0.9 cm make it a great portable model. Besides, the tablet fits almost any travel bag or backpack easily and doesn’t feel like a burden. As for the actual screen size, it won’t leave you disappointed - a 9.6-inch display with 1280 x 800 resolution will be great for both media playback, general Internet surfing, as well as for gaming purposes.
The only noticeable drawback of the screen is its durability. Despite having great IPS touchscreen capabilities, the surface of the display itself is quite fragile and is vulnerable to scratches. With that in mind, we recommend getting a protective glass or at least a protective cover straight away in order to keep the display in good shape. On the bright side, however, once the protective cover is applied, you won’t notice any changes in contrast or brightness of the display, which is a huge plus for a portable tablet.
In the end, if you are looking for a high-performing tablet with a good camera that is not overpriced, the Fusion5 will be the right pick.
Additional Info
Honor Kobe-L09AHN
Extra Slim, Extra Smart
The Kobe-L09AHN MediaPad T3 from Honor is definitely one of the slimmest and versatile tablets in the medium price range available on the market today. However, it’s not only the design that makes it so popular among different users, so let’s get into details and figure out what makes the model stand out compared to similar products.
First things first, the model's performance does not disappoint, mostly thanks to the powerful Qualcomm MSM8917 quad-core CPU. Although the transition between multiple applications running in the background may seem a bit slow, upon opening one of them, the system goes back to the normal processing speed. Plus, this issue can be easily negated with the boost mode that can be engaged using the integrated System Accelerator application that overclocks the CPU.
Further down the list is a sleek and elegant appearance of the device, which is reinforced with aluminium parts, ensuring a longer service life and lowering the odds of housing breaking in the future. There is no flimsiness in the construction department, so all the buttons and ports work as intended.
More than a Regular Tablet
On top of the standard features of Android 7.0 Nougat, the device comes equipped with an expanded EMUI 5.1. This includes an overhauled user interface and pre-installed applications designed for making the user experience smoother and more accessible to the end user.
The only thing that can be quite annoying when watching videos or listening to other media through speakers is their relatively weak volume compared to similar models in this product line. Although it looks like a hardware issue, it can be tweaked by updating the stock Android OS to a newer version, so it won’t be a huge hassle in the long run.
Moving on, let’s talk about its wireless capabilities. Besides the regular Wi-Fi means of data transfer, the unit natively supports 4G (LTE) as well as previous cellular standards. That being said, there is only one SIM card slot, so if you intend on using the tablet mostly relying on data transfer, we recommend picking a data plan with bigger total data available.
By opting for this model from Honor, you are getting the best performance in its class coupled with a great camera and large high-resolution display. A good middle-ground solution for managing tasks on the go, the Honor MediaPad T3 will be a good pick for you if you are looking for a light tablet that still holds a solid punch but don’t want to break the bank at the same time.
Additional Info
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 7.0
Not So Simple
At first glance, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 7.0 tablet may appear closer to a huge phone rather than a fully-fledged tablet device. But that is the way the model was designed to look and function in the first place. More specifically, it was designed for people that look for a device that features all the specifications of a big tablet while being compact at the same time.
When it comes to capabilities of the multi-touch screen, it has a standard 1280 x 800 resolution that is universal among all HD tablets. But contrary to other models, the 7-inch display combined with an HD resolution makes for a perfect match in terms of picture quality, contrast, and detail which is a big plus as for a budget tablet.
The drawback of the smaller scale design is the battery capacity of only 4000 mAh, which leaves a little to be desired in terms of battery life. However, if used in the battery-saving mode, the device can run on one full charge for about 8-10 hours before it needs to be recharged.
As for the internal memory, the 8GB can barely make up for additional applications but considering the model's relatively low price, it is a good capacity/value ratio. Plus, the manufacturer future-proofed the tablet, providing the users with an ability to expand the internal memory up to 200 GB using microSD memory sticks.
Small Size Without Compromising Performance
Storage aspects out of the way, let’s take a closer look at the performance capabilities of the Galaxy Tab. Equipped with a quad-core Spreadtrum Shark LS with a clock rate of 1.3 GHz of each core, the tablet cannot be called a slow model by any means. Combined with 1.5 GB of RAM, this model is a great option for the role of a compact and mobile tablet that you can use on a daily basis without any discomfort that bigger models often cause. On top of that, thanks to its small dimensions of only 18.7 x 10.9 x 0.9 cm, the tablet can fit the pocket of your jeans or put in any bag or backpack without any hassle.
The operating system integrated into this model is an Android 5.1 Lollipop, which is slightly outdated by today standards, however, it is capable enough to deal with most tasks. On top of that, the device can be used as a regular phone thanks to the voice call feature and is able to support all cellular standards from 2G to 4G, which allows for high-quality calls even when the signal is relatively weak.
All in all, the Galaxy Tab A 7.0 will be a good pick for you if regular tablets are just too big. This tablet is a great model for reading, watching movies, and general Internet surfing.
Additional Info
Iball Slide Snap 4G2
The Combination of Power and Elegance
The first thing that catches the eye when you look at this tablet is its gorgeous design, the housing made with a golden finish and a metal rim gilt that make this gadget look stylish and soft to the touch. The back panel of the device is made of textured plastic, a solution that makes it harder for the device to slip away. A thin frame around the screen is what allowed the manufacturers to reduce the overall dimensions to 19 x 10.8 centimetres, hence, the tablet will fit even a small bag.
Thanks to a powerful quad-core ARM Cortex A53 processor, this tablet will be able to handle a variety of demanding applications. Many stress tests of this CPU have shown that it barely heats up and does not consume a lot of energy even during critical overloads. Add to that a powerful GPU and 2 GB of RAM and you can easily play the most recent games and run memory-demanding apps. The main camera of this model has a resolution of 5 MP, which allows making rather stunning and contrast-rich photos. Moreover, it can digitally enhance the pictures up to 8 MP so you can watch them on the screen of your PC or TV with enough comfort. The camera itself has an autofocus that will help you take photos on the go. To add even more convenience, the 2 MP front camera is perfect for selfies and Skype calls.
Android 5.1 - an Array of Applications
This model has a reliable Android 5.1 OS onboard that has become one of the most popular versions of Android according to a number of surveys. This particular edition features an upgraded UI that can show off its convenient RAM allocation and advanced resource management. The Google apps have undergone a substantial overhaul in 5.1, and that is why this model will be extremely simple to use for anyone. On top of that, the manufacturer has pre-installed a large number of useful applications that feature a powerful Word text editor, Excel tables, and Powerpoint. If you love to watch online videos, you will definitely like the Hungama app that provides access to thousands of popular movies, including the most recent and premiere films. This model will also catch the eyes of hardcore mobile gamers with a bunch of Gameloft games, like the widely known Asphalt Nitro, Bubble Bash 3, Motocross Extreme, and others. To handle all that, the tablet features a 3500 mAh battery that will allow you to use the device for up to 12 hours from one single charge. To sum up, the tablet from Iball has a variety of useful features that make this model suitable for business and entertainment purposes at a reasonable price.
Additional Info
What Is a Tablet?
Tablets today are almost PCs when you look at the features. Short of playing some games or working in specialised apps with really hardcore system requirements, everything you can do on a PC you can also do on an up-to-date tablet. And tablets are so much more mobile and portable, even compared to a laptop. Internet surfing, working with office documents, social networking, audio- and video-calls, making high-quality photos and videos, etc. — all this and much more in a device the size of a book (and thinner than that). And lately, you even have a selection of operating systems, from traditional Android and iOS to Windows OS we all know from our PCs. No surprise that more and more users prefer tablets with every passing day. Here in this review, we would like to offer you some tips on how to choose the tablet that suits your needs. So, we have picked the top 5 models available on the market today to narrow your search.
In case tablets are just too big for you, you may be interested in an Android phone instead.
What Features to Compare
Performance
The brain of any computer-like device is its processor. It is responsible for data processing, apps launch speed, video and games playback, etc. How fast the processor works largely depends on the number of cores it has. We recommend you to look at quad-core 1.5GHz processors and more if you wish to have a cutting-edge high-performing device. Then there is also RAM, an extremely important parameter as well. With the world constantly requiring multitasking, the RAM can be considered enough often starts at 2GB. With this, your tablet will be able to process massive loads of data and work several apps at a time. As for the storage, it depends on what you are buying a tablet for. If you would like to store your data inside permanently, it will be better to look for greater storage space and/or the option to either expand the internal storage or use memory cards.
Display
Today you can encounter 7" to 12.2" tablets most often, though there are 5" and 20" ones too. The plus of the 7"–8" tablets is that they are lighter, more compact, and, therefore, more portable. Good enough for Internet surfing, playing, taking a device with you wherever you go. At the same time, it is probably more convenient to work with documents, read for a prolonged time, and use multi-window mode with a tablet of 10" or bigger. And then there is also the panel type. Panels affect viewing angles, clarity of picture, and response time. At the top of the list is the IPS panel type, but TN and TFT are still very popular, too. And, finally, you will need to look at the resolution. For a realistic and highly detailed picture, to start from the Full HD 1920x1080 pixels is a perfect choice.
Interfaces and Extra
There is hardly any user who'd buy a tablet without an option to connect either earphones or speakers, so there is that, the standard 3.5mm input is apparently a must. Also, it would be convenient to have a micro USB port to both charge your tablet and connect it to the PC. If you are going to use the device with an external monitor or TV, you will need an MHL, mini-HDMI, or Mini DisplayPort. Wi-Fi is also fiercely important, the latest version being the 802.11ac. Bluetooth can be a really nice extra. We think you will be also happy to have a tablet that adjusts the brightness according to the lighting around, rotates the displayed image when you rotate the device and recognises when something other than a finger or stylus is closing up (like going to sleep mode or shutting up when you close the cover). There are tablets that can be used as a metal detector if you are interested. A good camera will allow making high-quality photos and video, and if you have a front one it means you can video call your friends and relatives. Built-in speakers let you listen to anything without earphones, and a microphone is necessary for calls.
Other Features
There are three most used operating systems for tablets and they differ quite a bit. So, what do you get?
- Android — a vast selection of apps and games, easy to use and quick to get used to.
- iOS from Apple — stability, high level of personal data security and protection against viruses.
- OS Windows — well-known, full Office support, interface and services we are all accustomed to.
Lastly, if you are clumsy or have kids or pets at home, surely you'd want a device that is not so easy to break. The choice between metal and plastic is a no-brainer in this situation. Plastic is often cheaper, though. And it would be awesome to have a tablet that works for 10 hours on a single charge, right?
That's it, roughly. We hope it helped. Now let's proceed to some really remarkable representatives.
Did you know?
That:
- More than a billion people in the world operate a tablet on a semi-daily basis and over 150 million own one of these devices.
- Android tablets have had a large spike in popularity over the last few years and were able to finally surpass Apple with a market share of 57 percent.
- Average tablet usage adds up to about 15 hours a week which is considerably more than that of a smartphone and a computer.
- Some may find this statistic surprising but the most popular tablet activity has nothing to do with work, any form of videos or internet in general. It is actually video games with movies and TV shows trailing behind them in popularity. About 84% of tablet users tend to spend at least a few hours a week playing video games on their favourite device.
- Although your average tablet boasts a convenient structure capable of providing a sufficient level of mobility, up to eighty-two percent of tablet owners use their device strictly at home, with 28% of them replacing their computer with a tablet altogether.
- Researchers found that people tend to spend more time with their tablets than they do with paper books. Although this statistic may be somewhat ambiguous since a lot of individuals tend to read books on their tablets.
Bit of History
Although the first touchscreen piece of equipment was introduced fairly recently, with the first ever model being produced in 1982 by George Samuel Hurst and released in 1993 by IBM (though the technology didn't really receive any kind of popularity or commercial success for another 10 or so years), it does seem like touchscreen devices have been around for ages, doesn't it?
Part of it certainly has something to do with the fact that while the device became popular in the last decade, the first attempts to produce a touchscreen technology date back to 1970s when a couple of engineers from CERN developed a transparent touchscreen based on their work at a television factory in the early 1960s. Another cause for it could very well be the fact that an idea of a touchscreen technology has been prominent in the science fiction genre being mentioned as early as 1951 in Isaac Asimov's series of science fiction books called The Foundation.
The last but not least possible reason for this kind of phenomenon could possibly be the fact that a touchscreen technology provides a tremendous amount of convenience and utility that simply isn't possible to achieve using a regular device paired with an orthodox screen.
Speaking of convenience and utility, did you know that you could use your tablet as a powerful TV remote? With the right model in your hands, you will be capable of entirely replacing your remote with a tablet. Some of these devices are specifically designed with this kind of application in mind. The popular Samsung Galaxy Tab line, for instance, boasts a built-in IR transmitter that can be used as a universal TV remote. Although just like with the good old-fashioned remote, you will have to aim directly at your television set in order for it to work.
But that isn't even the remotely the most peculiar possible application for your tablet. The honour and privilege of bestowing that title would have to go to those bright folks that figured out that you can use your touchscreen device to tune your guitar. Professional and aspiring musicians usually tend to carry electric guitar tuners with them. But if you're an intermediate player that just wants to quickly tune his favourite musical instrument, or you would like to have a backup guitar in case your band is on tour, all you have to do is download Guitar Tuna, a free Android and iOS app that will do that job for you.
FAQ:
Q: What are the advantages of a tablet compared to a modern smartphone?
A: A tablet features quite a few advantages even if you compare it to some of the most technologically impressive models of smartphones on the market. First of all, tablets generally feature a much larger display, providing you with far more workspace opportunity and convenience regardless of whatever task at hand you're looking to execute. They're a considerably more appropriate tool for work and can also make the viewing experience, be it a blockbuster movie or your favourite television drama, a much more engaging activity. Second, a tablet is a far more versatile device that is much more suitable for video conferencing and can also serve as an e-reader far better than your average smartphone. Last but not least, tablets tend to be noticeably cheaper than their smartphone counterparts.
Q: What are the advantages of a tablet compared to a laptop?
A: Although your average tablet may lose to a laptop when it comes to functionality, the device has an array of features and assets that often make a tablet a significantly more alluring choice than a laptop. One of the more obvious and noticeable advantages of a tablet would be its portability. Tablets tend to be thin and light. Of course, if you happen to own a MacBook Air or an ultrabook, the difference may seem less noticeable than it usually is, but when it comes to most laptops, a tablet is thinner, lighter, and more portable by a long shot. If you plan on carrying the device around with you all day, that few pounds difference can be not just evident but often crucial. Another important difference is that tablets generally feature a battery life that far exceeds the one of your average laptop. There's also the fact that tablets tend to be much more convenient when it comes to certain tasks like reading or watching movies and they also almost always feature a camera, something that your typical laptop normally lacks.
Q: What is the most recent version of Android?
A: The latest version of Android is 8.0 "Oreo", which was released in August 2017. If you want to learn more about whether your knowledge on the subject is up to date, you can visit the Android History section at the official Android website.
Q: How can I tell which version I have?
A: The steps for checking your version may somewhat vary depending on your device but as a rule of a thumb, you should go to your device's settings option, look for an entry that says something along the lines of About Device, About Phone or anything of the sort and find the version of your Android on the list of specifications.
Q: Can I stream live sports on my Android device?
Sources:
1. Jeffrey Van Camp Tablet buying guide: everything to know before you buy a tablet, DIGITAL TRENDS. June 24, 2015.
2. How to Choose a Tablet Computer, wikiHow.
3. Beth Brindle 5 Tips for Choosing the Right Tablet, HowStuffWorks.
4. List of mergers and acquisitions by Microsoft, Wikipedia. Last modified on 17 September 2016.
5. Danny Thorp How to choose a tablet for work, TechRadar. July 07, 2015.
6. Nathanael Arnold How to Choose the Right Tablet, CheatSheet. May 17, 2015.
7. Adam Marshall How to buy the best tablet, Which?
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