Jolla Tablet Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Introduction to Jolla Tablet

The Jolla Tablet is an intriguing device that was announced in November 2014. It garnered significant attention due to its operating system, Sailfish 2.0, setting it apart from the more common Android and iOS tablets. However, the device faced several hurdles that led to its eventual cancellation, leaving technology enthusiasts with a feeling of what could have been. This article explores the Jolla Tablet in depth, examining its features, specifications, and the unique attributes that made it stand out in the tech world.

Design and Build

The Jolla Tablet boasted a sleek design with dimensions of 203 x 137 x 8.3 mm and a weight of 384 grams. Its compact form factor, coupled with a thickness of just 8.3 mm, made it highly portable and easy to handle. The tablet was available in a sleek black color, appealing to those who preferred understated elegance in their electronic devices.

Display

Equipped with a 7.85-inch IPS LCD display, the Jolla Tablet offered a resolution of 1536 x 2048 pixels. This resolution, combined with a pixel density of approximately 330 ppi, ensured sharp and vibrant visuals, making it ideal for media consumption, reading, and browsing. The screen-to-body ratio of about 67% indicated moderately sized bezels, providing ample space for gripping the device comfortably without accidental touches on the screen.

Hardware and Performance

The tablet was powered by an Intel Atom Z3735F chipset with a quad-core 1.8 GHz CPU. While not the most cutting-edge hardware at the time of its announcement, it was sufficient for everyday tasks such as browsing, video playback, and basic productivity applications. The 2GB of RAM facilitated smooth multitasking, allowing users to switch between apps without significant performance lags.

Storage and Expandability

Jolla provided two internal storage options for the tablet: 32GB and 64GB. Additionally, the tablet supported expandable storage via a microSD card slot, accommodating cards up to 128GB. This feature was particularly advantageous for users seeking to store a large amount of multimedia content, documents, and applications directly on the device.

Camera Capabilities

The Jolla Tablet was equipped with a 5 MP rear camera featuring autofocus and capable of recording video at 1080p at 60 frames per second. Though not groundbreaking in terms of megapixel count, the rear camera was sufficient for casual photography and video recording. On the front, a 2 MP camera addressed basic needs such as video calls and selfies, albeit with limited flexibility due to its low resolution.

Battery Life

The device was powered by a non-removable 4450 mAh Li-Ion battery. This capacity was a robust offering for a tablet of its size, providing a decent amount of usage time for browsing, media playback, and light productivity tasks. Users could expect a full day of use on a single charge under moderate usage conditions.

Connectivity and Networking

Despite being a tablet, the Jolla Tablet was limited to Wi-Fi connectivity, with no options for cellular connectivity, such as 2G, 3G, or LTE. This decision positioned the device as more of a home or office-bound accessory rather than one focused on connectivity mobility. It supported Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n and dual-band, allowing for stable internet connectivity.

Other notable connectivity features included Bluetooth 3.0, A-GPS with GLONASS for positioning, and a microUSB 2.0 port with OTG support, facilitating connections with external USB devices.

Audio and Multimedia

The Jolla Tablet featured stereo speakers, providing a satisfactory audio experience for media playback and calls. A 3.5mm headphone jack ensured users could utilize their wired headphones or external speakers, a feature increasingly rare in modern devices but appreciated for its convenience and compatibility with various audio accessories.

Sensors and Additional Features

The device incorporated several sensors, including an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing its functionality and compatibility with a variety of applications. These sensors provided the necessary tools for gaming, navigation, and seamless interface interactions.

Operating System: Sailfish 2.0

Sailfish 2.0, the operating system on which the Jolla Tablet ran, was one of its most distinguishing features. Known for its gesture-based interface, Sailfish OS aimed to provide a unique user experience distinct from iOS and Android. Its Linux-based architecture allowed for a level of customization and openness that attracted tech enthusiasts and developers looking for an alternative to mainstream operating systems.

Sailfish’s open-source community-driven development model fostered innovation and adaptability. However, it also faced challenges with app availability, as it lacked the extensive app ecosystems possessed by its competitors. Despite this, Sailfish's adaptability allowed it to run Android apps to some extent, bridging the gap for users transitioning from Android devices.

The Jolla Tablet's Market Position

When announced, the Jolla Tablet generated significant excitement, especially among supporters of alternative tech ecosystems. Its crowdfunding campaign was successful, reflecting the strong interest in a Sailfish-powered tablet. However, challenges such as production delays and logistical issues ultimately led to the project's cancellation. This put an end to what could have been a promising addition to the tablet market, particularly for those seeking a break from the dominant operating systems.

Conclusion

The Jolla Tablet remains a fascinating case study in the complexities of bringing a tech product to market. While not widely available, its proposed specifications and features offered a glimpse into an alternative approach to tablet computing. Its emphasis on user-centered design, open-source principles, and a unique OS experience kept it appealing to a niche audience long after its discontinuation.

Ultimately, the Jolla Tablet serves as a reminder of the diverse options and innovation that can arise from smaller tech companies aiming to challenge the status quo. It sparked conversations about the importance of choice in technology and continues to inspire new projects with similar goals of creating user-focused and adaptable tech solutions.