Design and Build

The Allview Viva Q8 tablet has a sleek and compact design measuring 200 x 139 x 7.5 mm, making it easy to carry around in your bag without taking up much space. It has a weight of 357 grams, offering a sturdy feel in hand while maintaining a level of portability. With an IPS LCD screen type, the tablet boasts a 7.9-inch display that covers approximately 69.5% of the front surface, enhancing the visual experience. The screen's 768 x 1024 pixels resolution with a 4:3 ratio at a pixel density of about 162 ppi ensures a decent clarity for media consumption.

Display

The 7.9-inch IPS LCD display on the Allview Viva Q8 is engineered to deliver vibrant colors and good viewing angles, which is particularly beneficial for multimedia activities like watching videos or browsing photos. Although the resolution may seem low by modern standards, it was quite acceptable at the time of the tablet's release in 2013. The 4:3 aspect ratio is well-suited for reading and web browsing, providing a comfortable view of content.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Allview Viva Q8 runs on a quad-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A7 processor paired with a PowerVR SGX544 GPU, which together offer a satisfactory performance for basic tasks such as web browsing, social media, and light gaming. Originally, the tablet shipped with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, but it is upgradable to Android 4.4.2 KitKat, allowing users to take advantage of some system improvements and new features brought by the KitKat update. Despite the limitations with only 1GB RAM, the device manages to deliver an acceptable multitasking experience for its class.

Storage

The tablet comes with 8GB of internal storage, which was typical for entry-level devices of its time. However, for users needing more space for apps and media, the Allview Viva Q8 offers a microSDHC card slot, which allows for expandable storage. This feature provides a simple solution to overcome the limitations of the onboard storage and help store more photos, videos, and apps.

Camera

Photography isn't a primary focus of the Allview Viva Q8, equipped with a single 5 MP autofocus main camera. Although basic, it is enough for capturing everyday moments or scanning documents using various apps. The device also features a VGA front-facing camera, which can be used for video calls. While these camera specifications might not impress in today's standards, they were relatively competitive at the time of its release.

Connectivity

Connectivity options on the Allview Viva Q8 include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n for accessing wireless networks and Bluetooth for wireless connections with other devices. Unfortunately, the tablet lacks cellular connectivity, positioning it as a device mainly for use within Wi-Fi range. It is equipped with a microUSB 2.0 port with OTG support, enabling the attachment of external devices like USB drives or peripherals.

Battery Life

The Allview Viva Q8 is powered by a Li-Po 4000 mAh non-removable battery. Under mixed usage patterns, the battery is capable of lasting up to 130 hours in standby and up to 4 hours of talk time. This battery capacity offers a reasonable endurance for everyday tasks. However, for more intensive usage or traveling, carrying a power bank or being near a charging source might be needed to ensure uninterrupted use.

Audio and Multimedia

The device is equipped with a loudspeaker for listening to media or speakerphone use, along with a 3.5mm headphone jack that supports wired audio headphones or speakers. This configuration is sufficient for enjoying music, watching videos, and participating in hands-free calls in environments where wireless earbuds or speakers are unavailable.

Conclusion

The Allview Viva Q8 was a competitive tablet within its segment back in 2013, offering a combination of portability, design, and essential performance suitable for casual use. While advancements in technology have introduced more sophisticated options in the years since its release, the Viva Q8 remains a testament to the rapidly evolving landscape of mobile devices, marking a point where connectivity, affordability, and basic entertainment and productivity needs met.