5 $100 Tablets You Can Buy

BRAVIS Zeus 8 GB

Bravis Zeus is the smallest and cheapest model of our review. Due to the diagonal of the screen of six inches and the support of GSM networks, it can be attributed to tablet phones. The ability to call and use the mobile Internet (2G and 3G) is its obvious plus. Although, the gadget has a quiet speaker and it is not very convenient to talk on it in noisy places. Another advantage of "Zeus" is a screen with a resolution of 960x540 pixels (162 ppi) on an IPS matrix. On the screen, colours are not distorted when changing the angle of view, which is often found in low-cost models not only tablets, but also smartphones.

The iron "filling" of Bravis Zeus does not stand out in any special way. Like the other models in our review, the tablet is based on the Android 4 operating system. It has modest parameters: a 2-core processor with a frequency of 1.3 GHz, only 512 MB of RAM and 8 GB of storage. If such a volume is not enough, the way out of the situation may be the use of a micro SD memory card (with a capacity of up to 32 GB). But MediaTek MT6572 does not compensate in games and when watching HD videos in this way. Therefore, count on casual games like Andry Birds or simple 3D arcade games. The same applies to high-definition video: it will be played, however, when watching some videos, there may be image or sound delays. But the battery of the gadget is normal — at 2600 mAh. With active use, you will have to charge the tablet once every 1-2 days, with moderate use, a full charge will last for 2-3 days.

The tablet has a Wi-Fi module of the 802.11 b/g/n standard and Bluetooth 4.0. But there is no GPS module, so it will not work to use full-fledged navigation. As well as you should not count on high-quality pictures. In low-cost models, the camera is a weak point. Rarely when its resolution reaches 5 MP, it is often 2 MP, as in Bravis Zeus. The front is also standard — only 0.3 MP. In general, we recommend this tablet to those who need to stay in touch and keep abreast of events using the mobile Internet.

Pixus Play Three 4GB 4 GB

The following device belongs to the class of seven-inch tablets. Its IPS screen has a larger resolution of 1024x600 pixels (170 ppi), which will manifest itself when viewing websites and documents. Like the previous one, it supports calls in GSM networks, 2G and 3G Internet. However, the device is too big as a phone and it is advisable to use a headset with it for calls. This does not apply specifically to this model, but to all seven-inch tablets in general. It is inconvenient to keep such a device near your ear, and it looks strange from the outside.

The case of this tablet among other models does not stand out for original materials or design refinements. It has thick frames around the screen, but it fits comfortably in your hands. A significant difference from competitors is the four touch buttons on the bottom panel. These are "Menu", "Home", "Back" and "Search". All buttons have a bright white backlight, and they work almost instantly. The first three can be found on different Android tablets. But the search button is an original solution. Will it be useful? It depends on how often you will use the search.

The Pixus Play Three 4GB runs on a MediaTek MT6577 chipset with a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor and a PowerVR SGX531 video adapter. The amount of RAM is 1 GB, and the drive (as it is not difficult to guess from the name) is 4 GB. This will most likely not be enough for you to install all applications and store content. Installing a microSD memory card will help. Cameras are standard for this kind of devices: 2 MP main and 0.3 MP front.

Pixus Play Three supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, can catch FM signal and, more importantly, GPS. And the lack of Bluetooth, although not critical, is still a disadvantage. For example, you will not be able to connect wireless portable speakers to it. The device is running Android 4.1. It handles well with heavy applications and there are also no problems with 3D games (in average quality).

A capacious 4200 mAh battery (the most powerful in our review) provides, according to the manufacturer, up to 8 hours of continuous operation. Although for this you need to comply with a number of requirements. For example, set the screen brightness to a minimum. If you do not delve into such subtleties, then the device will work for 5-7 hours with active use. So if you want a tablet with normal performance and battery life, then Pixus will be a good choice.

Impression ImPAD 0314 4 GB

The device is from the Ukrainian company Navigator, which produces computers, smartphones and tablets under the brand Impression. The latter are represented by the ImPAD line, which has both low-cost and expensive devices. The case of the ImPAD 0314, belonging to the first models, is plastic like everyone else's, but with an unusual coating. Thanks to the rough surface of the back cover, it is more convenient to hold it than other "hundred dollar" tablets. At the same time, the risk that it will slip out of the hand is less.

The performance of this model is slightly higher than that of previous models. It also has not enough memory — only 512 MB of RAM and 4 GB for data storage (microSD cards are supported). In part, this compensates for the only quad-core Allwinner A33 processor with a frequency of 1.2 GHz and the ARM Mali—400 MP2 graphics accelerator in our review. There are no "lags" in the operation of the device, it also handles well with volume graphics — many games work without problems on average settings. At the same time, the low resolution of the 7-inch IPS screen helps — 1024x600 pixels (170 ppi).

The ImPAD 0314 supports only Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n from wireless communication, and there are no Bluetooth and GPS modules. The camera is only front-facing and with a modest resolution of 0.3 MP. The manufacturer decided to save money on the main camera. Yes, we have already said that cameras in low-cost tablets are unimportant, but even they can, for example, scan QR codes. So this approach of the developers from Navigator can only be justified by the desire to make the price of the device minimal. The battery is also not the most capacious — 3000 mAh. On a full charge, it provides up to 4-6 hours of operation. It depends on how intensively the device is used.

Lenovo IdeaTab A1000 16 GB

IdeaTab A1000 is a tablet from a well—known global brand. Although at first glance you wouldn't say that. The device in appearance does not differ much from state employees of the Bravis type. By the way, this is the heaviest tablet in our review, its weight is 340 g, and its thickness is surpassed only by the Pixus Play Three. And according to the technical parameters, Lenovo cannot be called a leader. In some ways, he is inferior to the less famous participants of the five, but better than them by other criteria.

The IdeaTab A1000 screen has a diagonal of 7" and a resolution of 1024x600 pixels (170 ppi). The matrix used in it is not IPS, but TN-Film. This is the main drawback of the tablet. Because of this, its screen has limited viewing angles, and the colours are not as bright as those of competitors. But it will be difficult to break the screen, because it is covered with Gorilla Glass protective glass. He is not afraid of scratches, and cracks can only appear from strong blows.

The 3500 mAh battery charge lasts for 5-6 hours of active use. Although the manufacturer claims about seven hours in the mode of viewing web pages and documents, but this is at low screen brightness and with minimal use of Wi-Fi. In fact, with frequent downloads and page updates, four hours are available for surfing. This is also a normal indicator (taking into account the price tag of the device).

The tablet runs on the MediaTek MTK8317 chipset. Its processor has two cores with a frequency of 1.2 GHz.The volume of the device's storage is 16 GB. This is the best indicator in our review. In tandem with a 32 GB micro SD memory card, you get a roomy storage where you can record a lot of movies, music and applications. And Lenovo has 1 GB of RAM — also a good indicator for low-cost models. The performance of the device allows you to comfortably play many 3D games on medium and low settings. There will also be no problems with resource-intensive applications if you do not run several at the same time. However, you need to monitor the system memory — sometimes it overflows and the tablet starts to slow down. This is treated by manually cleaning or installing applications on the memory card. There is only a front-facing camera, so you can forget about even pictures with poor quality and QR code recognition. The set of wireless interfaces is standard: Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 and GPS. Some owners of the device complain that the GPS receiver is quite weak and sees few satellites even in the open. But they, on the contrary, praise the sound in IdeaTab A1000.

Firstly, the speakers on the case are not traditionally located on the back panel, but in front under and above the screen. And to close them with your fingers, you need to try, and when watching movies, you get a kind of stereo sound. Secondly, they still sound as clean and loud as possible for such devices. The system has advanced sound settings. For headphones, this is Dolby Digital Plus with 3D effect, and for normal mode, you can use the equalizer. If you don't want to play with the settings, you can choose one of the preset modes in two categories — "Cinema" and "Music".

So if you want a performant and "survivable" device from a well—known brand — Lenovo IdeaTab A1000 16GB will be a good option. And if high-quality sound is also important to you, then there is no alternative to it in this price category.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite 7.0 8GB 8 GB

If the South Korean electronic giant pays enough attention to the low-cost segment in the smartphone category, then things are different with tablets. The Galaxy Tab 3 Lite we are considering is one of the few attempts by Samsung to shine in the segment of low-cost models. And the attempt is not bad enough.

Although this device is no smaller in size than the other participants in the review, however, it stands out against their background with higher-quality materials and careful assembly. You can choose a tablet in five different colours: white, black, white with yellow, pink or blue back cover.

The characteristics of the Galaxy Tab 3 Lite screen are standard — seven inches, resolution 1024x600 pixels. The matrix, as in the Lenovo tablet, TN-Film. This is also the main drawback here. Small viewing angles, poor visibility in the sun — all these are TN problems that have not spared this device. But this tablet has a good brightness and colour reproduction, but still does not reach the level of IPS screens.

The battery in the tablet is at 3600 mAh. With active use of the device, it lasts for 6-7 hours. Of course, a lot depends on the brightness of the screen. If you unscrew it to the full, then the period of operation without recharging will be reduced to 4-5 hours.

The tablet is powered by the Marvell PXA986 chipset. It has two cores with a frequency of 1.2 GHz, 1 GB of RAM and an 8 GB drive (plus support for micro SD memory cards up to 32 GB). The video core of the system is Vivante GC1000. This adapter is not widely used, so there may be problems with it in games. Some developers simply did not adapt their products to it. However, there are quite a few of them, the bulk of the games will go to the Galaxy Tab 3 Lite without problems (although, of course, not at the maximum settings). In addition to standard wireless interfaces (Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 and GPS), there is also support for the Russian GLONASS navigation system.

The tablet uses the Android 4.2.2 operating system with a proprietary TouchWiz interface. It is somewhat different from the standard shell and may be unusual if you have not dealt with Samsung gadgets before. Branded applications are also installed in the system.

A rather controversial decision is the absence of a front—facing camera in the presence of the main one. The quality of the latter, albeit not outstanding (standard 2 MP), however, photos can still be taken, as well as QR codes scanned. But you will not communicate comfortably via Skype: your interlocutor will hear you at most, but not see you.

In general, Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite is a good solution for those who want a high-quality, performant tablet from a well-known brand at a price of about $ 100. Actually, he has practically no alternatives other than Lenovo models.