Lenovo Tab 7 Essential Comprehensive Specs Pricing & Review

Overview and Introduction

The Lenovo Tab 7 Essential, launched in November 2017, represents a cost-effective solution for users seeking a basic tablet experience. It primarily targets entry-level users who require essential functionalities without the frills of high-end models. Although modest in terms of specs, this device meets the basic needs of browsing, media consumption, and light gaming, underpinned by a utilitarian design and fundamental hardware.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the Lenovo Tab 7 Essential is straightforward, fitting its market class with a plastic frame and plastic back that contribute to its lightweight profile. Weighing only 254 grams, the tablet offers a degree of portability suitable for on-the-go usage. It boasts a relatively slim profile with dimensions of 194.8 x 102 x 8.8 mm, making it easy to handle for both adults and children alike. The front is covered with glass, providing a smooth surface for interaction and acceptable resilience against everyday wear and tear.

Display Features

Equipped with a 7.0-inch IPS LCD display, the Lenovo Tab 7 Essential is calibrated for basic functionality. The screen achieves a resolution of 600 x 1024 pixels, which translates to a pixel density of approximately 170 ppi. While this is far from cutting-edge by contemporary standards, it remains adequate for typical tasks such as web browsing and video playback, delivering reasonable color reproduction and viewing angles for its price point. The screen-to-body ratio stands at 69.4%, ensuring a compact form factor without compromising too much on display size.

Performance and Hardware

The tablet operates on the Android 7.0 Nougat platform and is available in both Wi-Fi and LTE variants. The Wi-Fi model is powered by a Mediatek MT8167D chipset paired with a Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A35 CPU and a PowerVR GE8300 GPU. Meanwhile, the LTE variant is armed with a Mediatek MT8735D chipset, a Quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, and a Mali-T720MP2 GPU. These setups allow for the optimization of fundamental tasks and light multitasking. Storage options include configurations of 8GB with 2GB RAM, 16GB with 1GB RAM, and 16GB with 2GB RAM, alongside a microSD card slot for expandable storage.

Camera and Photography

Camera functionalities are elementary, with the device featuring a 2 MP rear camera and a 2 MP front-facing camera. The camera system is not designed for advanced photography but is adequate for basic photo-taking in well-lit environments and simple video communications. The rear camera provides essential video capabilities, capturing moments without high expectations for quality.

Audio and Connectivity

The Lenovo Tab 7 Essential offers practical audio solutions, incorporating a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm jack, permitting private listening experiences through standard headphones. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/g/n for wireless internet access, Bluetooth 4.0 or 4.1 (in the LTE models) for device pairing and data exchange, and GPS for location services. Though the device lacks advanced connectivity such as NFC or radio, it covers fundamental requirements with a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

Battery Life and Charging

A non-removable Li-Po 3450 mAh battery powers the Lenovo Tab 7 Essential, offering decent battery life suitable for extended usage of basic applications and moderate browsing. Although not a powerhouse in terms of capacity, the battery handles the device's limited resource demands effectively, allowing substantial hours of operation on a single charge.

Sensors and Additional Features

The tablet incorporates an accelerometer, facilitating screen orientation adjustments automatically. Additional features are limited, reflecting its budget-oriented nature, but the tablet covers necessities for standard usage without complexity, making it accessible for all age groups.

Color Options and Price

Available in traditional black and silver color variants, the Lenovo Tab 7 Essential caters to preferences for neutral tones. Its affordability stands as a defining attribute, priced at approximately 80 EUR, granting access to a broad consumer base looking for a simple yet functional device.

Conclusion

In summary, the Lenovo Tab 7 Essential embodies essentialism in design and capacity. It is tailored for individuals or families prioritizing affordability and practicality over high-end specifications. Easy to use and transport, it offers an approachable entry point into the tablet market, suitable for casual users, and children requiring basic internet access and entertainment. The device showcases Lenovo’s strategy to offer diversity within its product lineup, ensuring accessibility without forfeiting the usability core to the Lenovo brand.