Lenovo Tab3 8 Comprehensive Review Specs and Pricing

Overview of Lenovo Tab3 8

The Lenovo Tab3 8 was introduced as a reliable and affordable tablet aimed at consumers seeking basic multimedia and connectivity features. Announced in February 2016 and released in June 2016, Lenovo managed to balance functionality with cost-effectiveness, making it suitable for light users and entertainment purposes. Despite being discontinued, it continues to have a presence in the market for budget-conscious users.

Design and Build Quality

The Lenovo Tab3 8 boasts solid build quality with dimensions of 210 x 125 x 8.9 mm and weighing 329 grams. The device's ergonomics are crafted for easy handling with one hand, with a durable chassis complemented by either a black or white finish. The inclusion of a micro-SIM slot makes it convenient for basic telephony and mobile internet browsing.

Display

The tablet comes with an 8.0-inch IPS LCD screen. The resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels provides an average density of 189 pixels per inch, ensuring adequate clarity for browsing and media consumption. The screen's proportions and IPS technology ensure wide viewing angles, enhancing the visual experience when watching videos or playing games.

Performance

Under the hood, the Lenovo Tab3 8 is powered by the Mediatek MT8161 chipset featuring a quad-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and a Mali-T720MP2 GPU. This configuration supports smooth performance for everyday tasks, such as web browsing, low-end gaming, and media playback. The tablet is available in two variants, either with 1GB or 2GB of RAM, which influences multitasking capabilities. The main storage of 16GB can be expanded through the dedicated microSDXC slot.

Camera Capabilities

The Lenovo Tab3 8 is equipped with a 5MP rear camera featuring autofocus, which is sufficient for capturing decent photos and videos in good lighting conditions. The 2MP front-facing camera caters to basic selfie needs and video calls, although the performance, particularly in low light, is limited.

Battery Life

Powered by a non-removable 4290mAh Li-Ion battery, the device offers reasonable battery life. Lenovo claims a multimedia usage time of up to 8 hours, which caters well to day-long usage for activities like video streaming, web browsing, or reading. However, heavy usage may require more frequent charging.

Connectivity

The Tab3 8 provides several connectivity options, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, although the specific LTE bands are unspecified. It also includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, GPS, and FM radio. The standard microUSB 2.0 handles charging and data transfers. Unfortunately, it does not support NFC, which may be a limitation for users who appreciate contactless communication features.

Sound and Multimedia

This tablet is equipped with dual loudspeakers which make for a more immersive audio experience during video playback or gaming. The 3.5mm audio jack ensures compatibility with most headphones and external speakers, enhancing the multimedia versatility of the device.

Operating System and Software

Out of the box, the Lenovo Tab3 8 runs on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, offering a user-friendly interface and access to the Google Play Store for app downloads. While the operating system is slightly outdated, it remains functional for the key features required for basic tasks and light entertainment.

Sensors and Additional Features

In terms of sensors, the tablet includes an accelerometer, which assists in screen orientation and responsiveness in supported applications. This baseline sensor array enables the device to cover essential functionalities adequately.

Price and Market Position

With an initial price of about 120 EUR, the Lenovo Tab3 8 positioned itself as an entry-level choice in the tablet market. This positions it well for price-conscious consumers and families looking for an affordable solution for children or casual users.

Conclusion

The Lenovo Tab3 8 serves as an effective entry-level tablet for users requiring a simple, functional device with basic connectivity, performance, and multimedia capabilities. While it lacks some of the advanced features and specifications found in contemporary high-end tablets, it offers a balanced experience with its practical design and straightforward interface, rendering it a viable option for those in need of a budget-friendly yet reliable device.