Dell Venue 8 The Ultimate Guide – Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to Dell Venue 8

The Dell Venue 8 is a tablet that was introduced in October 2013. Known for its portability and efficient performance, it was designed to cater to both casual users and productivity enthusiasts. Despite being discontinued, it remains a subject of interest due to its distinctive features and contributions to the tablet market during its time.

Design and Build Quality

With dimensions of 212 x 130 x 9.8 mm and weighing just 292 grams, the Dell Venue 8 strikes a balance between size and portability. Its compact build and aesthetically pleasing design make it convenient for everyday use. The use of durable materials provides a robust feel, while the black color adds a touch of elegance.

Display

The device features an 8-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels. The screen offers vivid colors and decent viewing angles, making it ideal for multimedia consumption. With a pixel density of approximately 189 ppi, the clarity and sharpness are noteworthy for a device in its category.

Performance

At the heart of the Dell Venue 8 lies the Intel Atom Z2580 chipset powered by a dual-core 2.0 GHz CPU. Coupled with a PowerVR SGX544MP2 GPU, the tablet delivers smooth performance for both apps and games. The 2GB RAM ensures multitasking is relatively seamless, although demanding applications may require a bit of patience.

Operating System and Software

Running on Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean), the Dell Venue 8 offers a user-friendly interface with access to a broad array of applications on the Google Play Store. Although this version of Android is now outdated, it was equipped with various features that were innovative at the time, creating a pleasant user experience.

Storage

The tablet comes in two storage variants: 16GB and 32GB, both of which can be expanded via a microSDHC card slot. This makes it flexible for users who require additional space for apps, media, and other files.

Camera

The Dell Venue 8 is equipped with a 5 MP rear camera capable of capturing video, suitable for basic photography and video calls. Although not the highlight of the tablet, the camera performs adequately for casual photography needs. Additionally, there is a 2 MP front camera for selfies and video chats.

Battery Life

Powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 4100 mAh battery, the Dell Venue 8 offers decent battery life. The tablet is designed to last through a day of moderate usage, which includes browsing, watching videos, and other common tablet activities.

Connectivity

The tablet supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot functionality, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, and GPS. However, it lacks NFC and radio features. It uses a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

Sound

For audio, the Dell Venue 8 comes with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm jack. The sound quality is acceptable for media consumption and casual listening.

Additional Features

Equipped with sensors like an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, the tablet offers basic functionality that enhances its usability in various applications, including gaming and navigation.

Market Position and Legacy

Priced at around 130 EUR at its release, the Dell Venue 8 targeted budget-conscious consumers looking for a reliable tablet solution. Although it has been discontinued, its impact on the affordability and accessibility of tablets during its time cannot be overlooked. It paved the way for future improvements in display, performance, and design within this price segment.

Conclusion

In summary, the Dell Venue 8 offered a robust set of features at an attractive price point, making it a significant player in the tablet market during its time. While technology has moved forward with more advanced features and operating systems, the Dell Venue 8 remains a notable example of early tablet innovations aimed at balancing performance and affordability.