Acer Iconia B1720 Comprehensive Review & Price Analysis

Overview

The Acer Iconia B1-720 is a budget-friendly tablet released in January 2014, primarily designed for users seeking basic tablet functionality without breaking the bank. As a discontinued model, it offers simple features and specs that cater to basic multimedia needs, browsing, and essential apps. While it doesn't support cellular connectivity, it remains a useful device for home use or when connected to Wi-Fi.

Design and Build

The tablet measures 198.1 x 121.9 x 10.2 mm and weighs 315 grams, making it relatively lightweight and easy to handle. The device features a compact design with a 7-inch screen housed within a plastic body that provides adequate durability for everyday use. Though it may not offer premium materials or design, the build quality is satisfactory for its price point. It lacks a SIM card slot, reinforcing its usage as a Wi-Fi-only device.

Display

The Acer Iconia B1-720 comes with a 7.0-inch TFT display with a resolution of 600 x 1024 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of about 170 ppi. While the display doesn't offer HD quality, it's adequate for viewing videos, browsing the web, or running applications that don't require high-definition graphics. The 16:9 aspect ratio is well-suited for video content consumption, though the visual experience may not be as vivid or sharp as higher-end devices.

Performance and Hardware

Powered by a Mediatek MT8111 chipset and a dual-core 1.3 GHz CPU, the Iconia B1-720 delivers basic processing capabilities. Supported by 1GB of RAM, it can handle everyday tasks such as web browsing, social media, and light gaming. The PowerVR SGX531 GPU supports basic graphics functions, though it isn't designed for heavy gaming or graphic-intensive applications. The hardware is suitable for users with minimal performance demands.

Storage

The tablet is available in two storage options: 8GB and 16GB of internal storage. Both variants provide the option to expand storage using a microSDHC card. The additional storage capability is a critical feature for users who wish to store more media files or applications without relying on the limited internal memory.

Operating System and Software

Running on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, the device delivers the standard Android experience from that era. While Jelly Bean may be considered outdated compared to modern Android versions, it still supports a range of applications from the Google Play Store that are optimized for older platform versions. Users can benefit from essential apps and services, albeit with limited access to newer features and updates.

Camera

The Iconia B1-720 features a VGA rear camera, which suffices for occasional snapshots but lacks the capabilities of more advanced photographic devices. Video capture is supported, but the quality is basic. There is no front-facing camera, which limits the tablet's utility for video calls or selfies, a clear indication of its focus on fundamental tablet functionality without additional multimedia frills.

Battery Life

The device is equipped with a non-removable Li-Po 2955 mAh battery, rated for up to 5 hours of multimedia use. While this may not suffice for extended usage without charging, it offers reasonable battery life for intermittent use throughout the day. Users who plan to use the tablet extensively will need to keep a charger handy to ensure continued operation.

Connectivity

Connectivity options are fairly standard for budget tablets of its time, offering Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n for internet access, Bluetooth 4.0 for connecting to wireless peripherals, GPS for location services, and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. It lacks features like NFC and radio, which might be a downside for those who rely on these functions frequently.

Audio and Features

The device includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack for audio outputs, making it convenient for media playback and more personal listening experiences via headphones. It features basic sensors including an accelerometer, which facilitates the automatic screen orientation function.

Colors and Pricing

The Acer Iconia B1-720 was released in black and gold color options, providing a classic yet limited choice for personalization. Upon release, it was priced at approximately 100 EUR, representing an economical option for consumers looking for basic tablet functionality without considerable investment.

Conclusion

Overall, the Acer Iconia B1-720 is a straightforward tablet that serves basic multimedia and application needs. Its affordability, combined with the reasonable performance of its hardware, makes it a viable choice for entry-level users or for use as a secondary device. However, its outdated software, limited storage capacity, and lack of advanced features may discourage potential buyers looking for a more robust tablet experience.