Overview and Release

Released in 2014, the Celkon C820 was a budget-friendly tablet targeted at users who sought a basic Android experience without breaking the bank. It offered a set of features that were quite standard at the time but still applicable for those with minimal needs. Despite being discontinued, the Celkon C820 still serves as an example of early affordable Android tablets.

Design and Build

The Celkon C820 has a size of 210 x 131 x 10.5 mm, making it relatively compact and easy to handle. Its plastic build is typical for devices in its category, providing a basic yet functional structure. The device supports a Dual SIM feature, which was attractive for users looking to separate their personal and professional contacts without carrying two devices. Available in Black and Silver, the aesthetics were simple and minimalistic.

Display

Sporting an 8.0-inch TFT display with a resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels, the Celkon C820 wasn’t meant to turn heads with its visual output. The ~67.5% screen-to-body ratio and ~189 ppi density provided decent image quality for everyday tasks such as browsing and watching standard-definition videos, suitable for its price range.

Performance and Software

The tablet is powered by a Dual-core 1.0 GHz processor, coupled with 512MB of RAM. This might seem limited by today’s standards, but it was adequate for light applications during its release. Running on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, the operating system allowed users to enjoy a basic Android experience, with access to multiple apps available on the Play Store at the time.

Memory and Storage

With 4GB of internal storage, users found the need for the microSDHC slot almost mandatory for storing additional media and applications. While the internal storage catered only to essential apps and data, the external slot allowed users to extend storage space to meet their personal needs.

Camera Capabilities

The Celkon C820 featured a 3.15 MP rear camera capable of standard photography and video recording. It wasn't designed for professional photography but fulfilled basic capture needs for casual users. The 1.3 MP front camera was included for video calls and simple selfies, a common component among budget tablets of its era.

Battery Life

Equipped with a 4000 mAh Li-Ion non-removable battery, the tablet offered a talk time of up to 14 hours and a standby time of up to 500 hours. This longevity was one of its stronger features, appealing to users who required dependable battery performance for daily activities without frequent charging.

Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, the Celkon C820 supported GSM and HSPA technology, providing moderate communication capabilities. It included Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot functionality, Bluetooth 2.1, GPS, and FM radio. USB connectivity was through a microUSB 2.0 port, which allowed easy charging and data transfer.

Sound and Multimedia

The tablet incorporated a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, ensuring users could listen to audio comfortably whether via the speaker or personal headphones. These features sufficed for basic multimedia enjoyment and communication needs.

Additional Features

The device included an accelerometer sensor, allowing the tablet to adapt its interface orientation according to its physical positioning. Various software features intrinsic to the Android Jelly Bean operating system contributed to an overall satisfactory experience for the capabilities of the Celkon C820.

Conclusion

While the Celkon C820 may appear outdated by today's standards, its release in 2014 served a niche market well by offering a no-frills, functional tablet experience. For users desiring basic tablet functions for education, browsing, and communication, the C820 fit the bill without imposing high costs.