Lenovo IdeaTab S6000H A Comprehensive Review of Specs Prices and Pros & Cons

Overview

The Lenovo IdeaTab S6000H is a mid-range tablet that was launched in the first quarter of 2013 and officially released in the second quarter of that year. Despite its discontinuation, the device is an example of Lenovo’s effort to offer an Android-powered tablet with decent hardware specifications at a competitive price point. This comprehensive analysis delves into the detailed specifications and features of the device, covering everything from its display to connectivity options.

Design and Build Quality

The Lenovo IdeaTab S6000H features a sleek design with a thickness of 8.6 mm, making it relatively slim compared to many other tablets available at the time of its launch. The device measures 260 x 180 mm and weighs 560 grams, which offers a decent balance of portability and usability. The tablet has a SIM card slot, which is less common in tablets but useful for users who require mobile connectivity. It is available in black, giving it a professional and classic appearance.

Display

The tablet boasts a 10.1-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 149 ppi. While not the sharpest display on the market, the use of IPS technology allows for better viewing angles and color reproduction compared to basic LCD displays. The screen size to body ratio is approximately 63.2%, which, while not offering the bezel-less experience of modern devices, is adequate for the multimedia consumption needs of most users.

Platform and Performance

At the heart of the Lenovo IdeaTab S6000H is the Mediatek MT8389 chipset, which includes a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU. This combination was typical for mid-range devices of its time, providing sufficient power for everyday tasks such as web browsing, multimedia consumption, and basic gaming. The PowerVR SGX544 GPU handles graphics processing, allowing for smooth user interface interactions and basic gaming performance.

The tablet runs on Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean), an operating system that was particularly popular for its user-friendly interface and support for a wide range of applications. However, the operating system is quite outdated by modern standards, which could limit access to certain app updates and features over time.

Memory and Storage

The device comes equipped with 1GB of RAM, which was standard for mid-range tablets during its release. This amount of memory is generally sufficient for moderate multitasking, although users may notice sluggish performance with demanding applications or when switching between multiple apps quickly.

For storage, the Lenovo IdeaTab S6000H provides 32GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a dedicated microSDXC card slot. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who need additional space for multimedia files, applications, and documents.

Camera Features

The main camera on the device is a single 5 MP unit with autofocus, which includes the capability to record video. While not the most sophisticated camera setup, it is capable of capturing decent photos and videos for casual use. The front-facing VGA camera is less impressive, primarily suitable for video calls rather than high-quality selfies.

Sound and Audio

Audio output is supported by stereo speakers, providing a better listening experience than mono speakers, particularly when consuming media such as movies or music. Additionally, the presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack allows users to connect their favorite wired headphones or external speakers for an enhanced audio experience.

Connectivity Options

The Lenovo IdeaTab S6000H offers various connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot functionality, enabling users to connect to wireless networks and share their internet connection with other devices. Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP support is available for wireless accessories, facilitating easy pairing with wireless headphones or speakers.

Though lacking NFC and FM radio capabilities, the tablet includes GPS functionality, which is useful for navigation and location-based applications. It also features a microUSB 2.0 port with USB OTG support, enhancing peripheral connectivity and data transfer capabilities.

Sensors and Additional Features

The tablet is equipped with basic sensors such as an accelerometer and compass, providing essential functionality for apps that require orientation and direction data. While the lack of more advanced sensors like gyroscopes and ambient light sensors may limit some experiences, the included sensors are adequate for general use.

Battery Life

Powering the device is a non-removable Li-Po 6350 mAh battery, which is quite substantial and supports up to 8 hours of multimedia use. This capacity is beneficial for users who require long hours of usage without needing frequent recharges, making it a suitable choice for travel and extended usage scenarios.

Pricing and Availability

Originally, the Lenovo IdeaTab S6000H was priced at around 300 EUR, offering a compelling value for the set of features it provided. Although the device is now discontinued and not easily found in new condition, it may be available through secondary markets or refurbish sellers, often at a reduced price.

Conclusion

The Lenovo IdeaTab S6000H is a testament to Lenovo’s approach to delivering accessible consumer technology with reasonable performance at an attractive price. Although the device's specifications and Android version are outdated compared to current standards, it offers fundamental capabilities suitable for light to moderate computing needs. Its enduring design, expandable storage, and adequate performance make it a worthwhile option for users seeking a budget-friendly tablet for basic tasks.