Category: Tablets

November 3, 2024
RedMagic Nova Tablet Leads AnTuTu Android Performance Ranking
Like every month, AnTuTu has shared the top devices that achieved the best average benchmark scores for October 2024. The flagship smartphone segment saw a strong presence from the new Snapdragon 8 Elite smartphones, while the Android tablet performance rankings were led by the RedMagic Nova featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version.
Top Rankings in Tablet Performance
The RedMagic gaming tablet achieved an impressive average score of 2,149,092 points, claiming the number one position on the list. Following it, the Oppo Pad 3 Pro, which also uses the same SoC, secured the second place with an average of 2,112,629 points. Meanwhile, the iQoo Pad 2 Pro, equipped with the Dimensity 9300+, performed consistently throughout October, landing in the third position with an average score of 2,068,898 points.
Additional Competitors
In the fourth and fifth positions, we have the Vivo Pad 3 Pro and the OnePlus Pad Pro (currently $340 on Amazon), both utilizing the Dimensity 9300 and a non-overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, respectively. Another entry in the performance ranking is the newly released Lenovo Legion Y700, which took the sixth spot.
Among the other tablets featured in the rankings include the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro, Vivo Pad 3, iQoo Pad 2, and Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro. All of these, aside from the Pad 6S Pro, are powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. You can check their average scores in the image attached at the end.
Notable Observations
When looking at the Android tablet rankings, it’s fascinating to see a significant gap between the Legion Y700 and the RedMagic Nova. The latter benefits from the overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and an active cooler, giving it a competitive edge. However, it’s important to remember that benchmark scores aren’t the only factor to consider; battery life, design, display quality, and other aspects should also be taken into account when choosing an Android tablet.
AnTuTu’s
Tags: AnTuTu Rankings, RedMagic Nova, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
November 2, 2024
Xiaomi Pad 7 Series Now Available for Purchase Worldwide
Xiaomi has launched the Pad 7 series in China on October 29. Similar to the flagship Xiaomi 15 series, these two new Android tablets are not yet officially sold outside of China. If you are willing to import, you can find them available for purchase through TradingShenzhen.
Considerations for Importing
When importing devices from third-party retailers, you should be aware of certain drawbacks. Both the Xiaomi Pad 7 and Pad 7 Pro will arrive with Chinese firmware. Although HyperOS 2 allows you to change the system language to English, you’ll still encounter some pre-installed Chinese applications, making the overall experience differ from a global ROM.
Warranty and Return Policies
Another important factor to think about is the warranty situation. While TradingShenzhen offers a reasonable warranty, if there’s a problem with your imported Xiaomi tablet, you’ll have to return it, which might be a hassle for some customers.
Pricing Details
In terms of pricing, the Xiaomi Pad 7’s base model is available for $409.18 at TradingShenzhen, while the Pad 7 Pro starts at $506.86. For context, these tablets were launched in China at starting prices of CNY 1,999 (roughly $280) and CNY 2,499 (approximately $351). Therefore, TradingShenzhen’s current prices are noticeably higher, but it’s likely that global versions will be priced similarly when they eventually release.
Specifications Overview
Looking at the specifications, the standard Pad 7 is equipped with the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, and the Pro model uses the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. Both SoCs are considered upper mid-range, promising good performance. Additionally, both tablets feature an 11.2-inch display, an 8,850 mAh battery, and offer up to 12 GB of RAM. More details can be found in our coverage of the launch.
Tags: TradingShenzhen, Xiaomi Pad 7, Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro
October 29, 2024
Xiaomi Pad 7 & 7 Pro: 11.2″ 3.2K Display, Snapdragon 8s, 8850mAh Battery
Along with the Xiaomi 15 and 15 Pro, Xiaomi has launched the Xiaomi Pad 7 series in China. This series includes the regular Pad 7 and the Pad 7 Pro, both designed to deliver a high-end tablet experience with remarkable specifications and flexible productivity features. Let’s look deeper into the specifics of this eagerly awaited tablet lineup.
Specifications of the Xiaomi Pad 7 Series
The Xiaomi Pad 7 series features an 11.2-inch LCD display with a resolution of 3200 x 2136 pixels, translating to a density of 345ppi. With a refresh rate of 144Hz, it ensures fluid visuals whether you’re watching videos or gaming.
The display can achieve a peak brightness of 800 nits. There’s also an optional Nano Matte screen available for those who want to minimize glare, thanks to AG nano-texture and AR optical coating. This coating decreases glare by 99% and reduces reflectivity by 65%, which makes reading and writing much more comfortable.
Performance and Software
The regular Pad 7 comes with a third-generation Snapdragon 7+ processor, allowing for smooth multitasking and solid performance. The Pro variant upgrades this to the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, making it more powerful for professional applications and gaming. Xiaomi’s HyperCore software-hardware system enhances performance, improving cold start speed by 13% and multitasking efficiency by 69%.
Both models run on Xiaomi’s new HyperOS 2, which enhances multitasking. This system introduces a desktop mode that mimics a desktop interface, along with a cross-device clipboard that syncs information between Xiaomi phones, tablets, and computers.
Camera and Battery Life
In terms of cameras, the standard Pad 7 has an 8MP front camera and a 13MP rear camera. Meanwhile, the Pad 7 Pro features a 32MP front camera and a 50MP rear camera for high-quality images. This camera system ensures clear video calls while AI enhancements help improve image quality in different lighting situations.
The Xiaomi Pad 7 series is supported by an 8850mAh battery, giving users long-lasting battery life. The standard Pad 7 supports 45W fast charging, while the Pad 7 Pro takes it up a notch with 67W fast charging.
Design and Audio Features
The series showcases a sleek metal unibody design at just 6.18mm thick and weighs 500g. It includes a floating keyboard accessory with a 64-key adaptive backlit keyboard, a step-less adjustment angle ranging from 0-124°, and a full-area mechanical touchpad.
Moreover, the tablet is equipped with quad speakers that deliver four-channel surround sound, TÜV Rheinland-certified low blue light emissions, and a high-volume mode for an immersive audio experience.
Pricing and Availability
The Xiaomi Pad 7 series is offered in three colors: Sky Blue, Cyan Green, and Black. Here’s a breakdown of the prices:
Xiaomi Pad 7:
- 8GB + 128GB: 1999 Yuan ($280)
- 8GB + 256GB: 2299 Yuan ($322)
- 12GB + 256GB: 2599 Yuan ($364)
Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro:
- 8GB + 128GB: 2499 Yuan ($350)
- 8GB + 256GB: 2799 Yuan ($392)
- 12GB + 256GB: 3099 Yuan ($434)
- 12GB + 512GB: 3499 Yuan ($490)
The optional Nano Matte screen can be added for the 256GB models or higher at an extra cost of 200 Yuan ($28). The Xiaomi Pad 7 series is currently available for purchase in China through Xiaomi’s official website and authorized sellers.
Tags: Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, Xiaomi Pad 7, Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro
October 29, 2024
Tecno Megapad 10 Review: Compact Android Tablet Specs Examined
There’s a wide range of budget Android tablets on the market, but that doesn’t stop companies from releasing new ones. The latest addition is the Tecno Megapad 10, a name that seems to mislead when you compare it to its actual features.
Design and Build
When it comes to its design, this tablet is pretty sleek, measuring just 7.35 mm in thickness and weighing 447 grams. It features a flat frame with a back that combines plastic and aluminum alloy, giving it a modern feel.
Display and Features
The Megapad 10 boasts a 10.1-inch screen with a resolution of 1280 x 800. According to Tecno, it can reach a brightness of up to 450 nits and offers an 80% screen-to-body ratio. Additionally, the display includes an eye comfort mode designed to lessen the impact of harmful blue light.
Performance Specifications
Powered by a MediaTek Helio G80 processor, the Megapad 10 is paired with 4GB of RAM and offers storage options of either 128GB or 256GB. There’s also a microSD card slot for expanding storage. On the back, it features a 13MP camera while the front houses a 5MP sensor. Other specifications include dual speakers, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, an audio jack, and a SIM card slot.
The Megapad 10 comes pre-loaded with Android 14, along with several handy features like Kids Space. It contains a 7,000mAh battery with support for 18W charging. Color options for the Tecno Megapad 10 include Champagne Gold and Space Gray.
Pricing and Availability
As of now, Tecno hasn’t disclosed the price of the Megapad 10 or which markets it will be available in.
Tags: Android 14, MediaTek Helio G80, Tecno MegaPad 10
October 27, 2024
New Entry-Level iPad Expected in 2025, Insider Reports
While Apple has introduced new iPad Pro, iPad Air, and a revamped iPad mini this year, the entry-level iPad hasn’t seen an update in two years. However, recent reports suggest that a new version is on its way, possibly arriving next year.
New Developments in iPad Design
In his latest weekly newsletter, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg has indicated that Apple is deep into the development of a new entry-level iPad model, which is expected to be called the iPad (11th Gen). He mentions that this upcoming iPad, with the internal codenames J481 and J482, will mostly keep the design of the 2022 version, featuring uniform yet thick bezels and a single rear camera.
Performance Upgrades Expected
The new iPad will likely see a performance enhancement, suggesting it will be equipped with a better chipset than the older A14 Bionic chip found in the 2022 model. Although it is not anticipated to use the Apple A18 chip, which powers the new iPhone 16, Apple may aim to install a chipset that aligns with its Artificial Intelligence capabilities.
Launch Timeline and Pricing Insights
Mark Gurman has shared that the iPad (11th Gen) or iPad 11 is set to debut next spring, likely alongside a new iPhone SE and refreshed iPad Air models. As for the pricing, details are currently unclear. The iPad (10th Gen), which is available on Amazon for $298, saw a price reduction, now starting at $349 instead of $449. The new model will probably not be priced below $400.
Tags: Apple, iPad (11th Gen), Mark Gurman
October 25, 2024
OPPO Pad 3 Pro Launch: 144Hz 2K Display & Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
OPPO has introduced its newest tablet, the Pad 3 Pro, in China. This is another high-end tablet from the well-known Chinese smartphone manufacturer, showcasing premium specs and features at an appealing price.
Features of Pad 3 Pro
The Pad 3 Pro boasts a large 12.1-inch 2K 144Hz LCD screen with a 7:5 aspect ratio, providing a pleasant viewing experience for watching content and being productive. The display supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+, offering vibrant visuals with deep blacks and bright whites, achieving a peak brightness of 600 nits and a broad color range. Additionally, the tablet comes equipped with six speakers that feature Dolby Atmos, delivering rich audio with distinct dialogue, strong bass, and surround sound effects.
Performance Specs
At its core, the Pad 3 Pro is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, combined with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of UFS 3.1 storage. This powerful setup ensures smooth operation for demanding applications and multitasking, whether you are editing videos, gaming, or surfing the web.
Software and Interface
The device operates on Android 14 with ColorOS 14.1, offering a user-friendly experience and a variety of customization settings, such as themes, app icons, and gestures. It is also anticipated that the tablet will be among the first to receive the Android 15-based ColorOS 15 update, which the company recently announced.
Camera Capabilities
For photography and video, the Pad 3 Pro includes a 13MP rear camera with autofocus and LED flash, capable of producing high-quality images and videos in different lighting situations. The 8MP front-facing camera is great for video chats, selfies, and facial recognition. Furthermore, the tablet has a USB Type-C audio jack, which allows users to connect external headphones or speakers for an enhanced audio experience.
Battery and Accessories
The Pad 3 Pro is powered by a substantial 9510mAh battery that supports 67W SuperVOOC fast charging, ensuring it lasts long even with heavy use. You can enjoy hours of uninterrupted entertainment, work, or gaming without the concern of battery depletion.
The tablet is also compatible with the Smart Touch Keyboard and the Pencil 2 Pro stylus, boosting its productivity features. The stylus supports 10,000 levels of pressure sensitivity, enhancing the writing and drawing experience, while the Smart Touch Keyboard provides a comfortable typing experience with full-size keys and accurate feedback.
Pricing and Availability
The OPPO Pad 3 Pro launches in China, with a starting price of 3299 yuan (around USD 463) for the 8GB + 256GB version. Other configurations include 12GB + 256GB, 16GB + 512GB, and 16GB + 1TB, priced at 3599 yuan (US$505), 3999 yuan (US$561), and 4499 yuan (US$632), respectively. Sales will begin on October 30, but the company has not yet shared any information about a possible global release.
Tags: Oppo Pad 3 Pro, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, tablet
October 24, 2024
Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro: Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 with LCD Display
Xiaomi has recently announced that it will unveil its Pad 7 series tablet alongside the Xiaomi 15 series. This new lineup is anticipated to feature both a standard and a Pro version.
Details on the Pad 7 Pro
A well-known Weibo tipster named Digital Chat Station (DCS) has shared some details about the high-end tablet through a leak today. The Pad 7 Pro is expected to have a sizable 11.16-inch display with a resolution of 3.2K, likely around 2880 x 1800 pixels. Although the display remains an LCD, contrary to earlier assumptions of it being AMOLED, it does boast full DC dimming, a feature usually seen in premium OLED screens. This technology helps to lessen flicker and reduce eye strain.
Performance and Features
Inside, the tablet will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor. While it may not be the highest-end SoC from Qualcomm, it is still capable of managing demanding tasks with ease. The leak also indicates that the Pad 7 Pro will support 67W fast charging. For photography, it might come with a main camera featuring a 50-megapixel sensor, possibly accompanied by a secondary depth sensor. Although tablets generally aren’t known for their camera quality, having a decent main sensor could be handy for scanning documents or capturing quick photos.
Build and Software
The leak notes that the Pad 7 Pro will have an all-metal body and is expected to come with Xiaomi’s HyperOS 2, built on Android 15, pre-installed. With AI becoming increasingly integrated into devices in 2024, the Pad 7 series will not be left behind. The leak mentions “AI and deep interconnection” as significant elements of the Pad 7 Pro. Additionally, earlier reports indicate that the series will include a robust 10,000mAh battery. For added security, the tablets will likely feature a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
It remains uncertain whether Xiaomi will provide 5G or cellular options, but the tablets are expected to support WiFi 7 and will include a USB Type-C 3.2 port, allowing for speedy data transfers.
Tags: AI features, Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro
October 24, 2024
Apple Analyst Shares Positive Update on iPad Mini OLED Release
Less than two weeks ago, Apple quietly updated the iPad mini (currently priced at $499 on Amazon). To put it simply, the iPad mini 7 looks almost identical to the older iPad mini 6 at first glance. However, there are some hardware improvements, the most significant being the inclusion of an A17 Pro chip and 8 GB of RAM.
Some Limitations
Despite these upgrades, the iPad mini 7 has a few issues that Apple hasn’t highlighted in its product descriptions. One point to mention is that the tablet’s integrated GPU isn’t as powerful as those found in A17 Pro-equipped iPhones. Furthermore, early benchmark tests indicate that the iPad mini 7 is unable to keep pace with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, even though it has a larger frame that should help the chip stay cooler.
Display Concerns
Additionally, initial feedback shows that the IPS display on the new iPad mini still experiences the jelly scrolling problem that plagued the iPad mini 6. Ross Young from Display Supply Chain Consultants has mentioned that the upcoming iPad mini could see a significant display improvement, potentially switching to an OLED screen.
However, Young hasn’t provided any details about this upgrade yet. That said, it wouldn’t be surprising if the iPad mini 8 is released with a 60 Hz OLED display, similar to Apple’s other non-Pro devices. Moreover, the irregular release pattern of iPad mini models makes it hard to guess when the iPad mini 8 might actually launch.
Future Expectations
In conclusion, while the iPad mini 7 brings some enhancements, it also has a few drawbacks that users should be aware of. With the potential for a better display in the next iteration, many are already speculating about what the future holds for the iPad mini line.
Tags: A17 Pro, iPad Mini 7, OLED panel
October 23, 2024
Onyx BOOX Note Max: Carta 1300 Display Priced at $650
In addition to the BOOX Note Air4 C and BOOX Palma 2, Onyx has hinted at a fourth device, the BOOX Note Max. This new gadget will be a part of the Note series and is described by Onyx as an A4-sized ePaper notebook.
Larger Display
The BOOX Note Max features a larger display than the Note Air4 C, offering a 13.3-inch screen. Interestingly, this display size matches that of the BOOX Tab X, which is currently available on Amazon for $799.99. However, there is a key difference: while the Tab X utilizes a Carta 1250 screen, the Note Max is equipped with a Carta 1300 E Ink display, similar to the Viwoods AiPaper.
Powerful Performance
Under the hood, the BOOX Note Max is powered by a 2.8GHz octa-core processor, complemented by 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. There isn’t any information about the version of Android it will run on, but the E Ink tablet is set to offer split-screen capabilities and advanced PDF tools to enhance workflow efficiency.
Sleek Design
Onyx claims that the BOOX Note Max is quite slim, measuring just 4.6mm thick, and will be available in a light gray color. While it doesn’t include a rear camera, it does support a stylus and comes with a magnetic keyboard featuring a trackpad. Currently, it is listed as "coming soon" on the BOOX store, with a price tag of $649.99 in the US and €699.99 in Europe.
Tags: BOOX Note Max, ePaper notebook, Onyx
October 23, 2024
Onyx BOOX Note Air4 C Launches with Upgrades at Same Price
Hot on the heels of Amazon’s recent announcement of new Kindles, Onyx has introduced the BOOX Note Air4 C, which serves as the successor to the BOOX Note Air3 C and competes with the Kindle Scribe.
Naming and Display Features
If you’ve followed BOOX’s naming conventions, you probably know that the “C” indicates that the device features a color display. The BOOX Note Air3 C also has a black and white version called the BOOX Note Air3, so it’s likely that the Note Air4 C could have a similar option.
The BOOX Note Air4 C retains the same 10.3” Kaleido 3 Carta 1200 display as its predecessor, although it claims to offer brighter whites and softer color tones. It can show 4,096 colors, features a 300ppi black and white resolution, and a 150 ppi color resolution.
Upgraded Performance
What’s new in this model is the processor. While the exact chipset isn’t specified, the Qualcomm octa-core processor is said to provide a 50% performance boost compared to the previous model’s chipset. The RAM has been increased from 4GB to 6GB, but the storage remains at 64GB (UFS 2.2). There is a microSD card slot available for expanding storage by an additional 2TB.
With the new processor comes an updated modem, enabling the BOOX Note Air4 C to support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1. It also runs on Android 13, in contrast to its predecessor, which was shipped with Android 12.
Enhanced Software and Features
The updated Android version comes equipped with a new custom software (v4.0) that includes advanced tools for note-taking, templates, and drawing tools such as a Shape Tool for easier shape editing. Additionally, there are Smart Scribe-Tools designed to help users create detailed sketches from their ideas. Since the device operates on Android, users have the option to install third-party apps from the Google Play Store.
The Note Air4 C is equipped with stereo speakers, dual microphones, OTG support, and a fingerprint scanner concealed beneath the power button. It also includes a G-sensor for automatic rotation. The device maintains the same 3,700mAh battery capacity as the previous generation and supports 15W wired charging via USB-C.
Pricing and Comparison
The BOOX Note Air4 C is priced at €549.99, matching the launch price of the Note Air3 C. It comes with a magnetic protective case and the BOOX Pen stylus that attaches magnetically to the side. It’s already available for purchase on the BOOX online store.
In comparison, the Note Air4 C is significantly pricier than the Kindle Scribe 2024, which can be pre-ordered on Amazon for $399. The Kindle Scribe features a monochrome display, 16GB of storage (the 64GB version is available for $449.99), lacks a storage expansion slot, does not support Wi-Fi 6, and does not come with a protective case. Additionally, it does not allow app installations.
Tags: BOOX Note Air4 C, eReader, Kindle Scribe