Unveiling Acer Iconia B1721 Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Design and Build Quality

The Acer Iconia B1-721 features a simple yet functional design aimed at providing basic tablet functionality to users. With dimensions measuring 199 x 122.3 x 11.4 mm, it is compact enough for single-handed use while still providing enough screen real estate for various tasks. Weighing 323 grams, the device ensures portability without compromising on sturdiness. The tablet is available in a sleek black/red color combination, adding a touch of style to its basic design.

Display

The device sports a 7.0-inch TFT display which offers a resolution of 600 x 1024 pixels. This translates to a pixel density of approximately 170 ppi. While the display may not compete with higher-end tablets boasting higher resolutions, it is adequate for basic web browsing, media consumption, and app usage. The 16:9 aspect ratio ensures that video content can be viewed with minimal letterboxing, making it a decent choice for media playback on the go.

Performance

Under the hood, the Acer Iconia B1-721 is powered by a Mediatek MT8312 chipset built on the 28 nm process. It features a dual-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 processor and a Mali-400 GPU. While this setup is not designed for high-end gaming or resource-intensive multitasking, it is sufficient for everyday tasks such as browsing the web, social media interactions, and running basic applications. The tablet runs on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, which provides a smooth user interface albeit on an outdated OS version compared to current standards.

Memory and Storage

The device comes with 1GB of RAM, which, while modest, is manageable for the software and applications compatible with its hardware specifications. It offers 16GB of internal storage, which can be expanded using a microSDHC card. The dedicated card slot allows users to enhance storage based on their needs, making it versatile for storing media and documents.

Camera Functionality

The Acer Iconia B1-721 is equipped with a basic VGA rear camera. While this won't satisfy users looking for high-quality photography, it allows for basic photo-taking and video recording functionalities. The device lacks a front-facing camera, which may be a downside for users interested in video conferencing or selfies.

Battery Life

Fueled by a non-removable Li-Po 2955 mAh battery, the Iconia B1-721 offers satisfactory battery life to last through a day of typical usage. The power-efficient Cortex-A7 processor and the software optimizations in Android 4.2 contribute to its stamina, balancing performance with power conservation.

Connectivity Options

The device supports GSM/HSPA network technologies, offering basic cellular connectivity. It is compatible with a range of 2G and 3G bands, but lacks 4G LTE capabilities, which are standard in newer devices. Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n ensures wireless internet access, while Bluetooth connectivity supports wireless accessories and data exchange. The tablet is equipped with GPS, adding to its utility for navigation purposes. However, it does not support NFC or radio features.

Ports and Additional Features

With a 3.5mm headphone jack and a loudspeaker, the Acer Iconia B1-721 covers basic audio needs, making it easy for users to enjoy music and video soundtracks. It includes a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. Among its sensors, it features an accelerometer to enhance its usability by detecting device orientation.

Pricing and Availability

The Acer Iconia B1-721 was initially launched in January 2014, and while it has since been discontinued, it made its mark by offering decent features at a budget-friendly price of around 130 EUR. The tablet came to market as an entry-level option and continues to serve as an example of affordable utility for tablet users.

Conclusion

In summary, the Acer Iconia B1-721 serves as a fundamental device that caters to users looking for essential tablet functionalities without high investment. Its modest specs and features are balanced by a friendly price point, providing functional performance for basic tasks. While it may not boast cutting-edge features or specifications, it accomplishes what it sets out to do: deliver an accessible touch-point for digital media consumption, light computing tasks, and mobile connectivity.