Network

The Maxwest Tab Phone 72DC offers dual SIM functionality, supporting both GSM and UMTS technologies. It supports 2G bands (GSM 850/900/1800/1900) on both SIMs and 3G bands (UMTS 850/1900/2100). The device offers HSPA network speeds up to 7.2/5.76 Mbps, which allows for relatively efficient mobile internet connectivity for its time.

Launch and Availability

Initially announced and released in August 2013, the Maxwest Tab Phone 72DC was marketed towards those looking for an affordable tablet with phone functionality. However, the device has since been discontinued, making it a relic of early tablet-phone hybrid technology.

Body and Design

The device measures 187 x 107 x 9.2 mm and weighs in at 270 grams, providing a compact and lightweight design, albeit somewhat thick by modern standards. Its build facilitates a firm grip, though it might appear bulky against the slim profiles of contemporary devices. It includes a dual SIM slot, which allows users to operate two separate mobile numbers, beneficial for people seeking to consolidate business and personal lines.

Display

The Maxwest Tab Phone 72DC is equipped with a 7.0-inch TFT display. The resolution of 600 x 1024 pixels results in a pixel density of approximately 170 pixels per inch. This resolution was typical for affordable tablets of that era, adequate for basic tasks like browsing and reading, but inadequate for high-definition video content and high-fidelity graphics.

Platform and Performance

This device runs on the Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean operating system, which was popular during its release. The chipset employed is the Mediatek MT8377, a 40 nm chip featuring a dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU and a PowerVR SGX531u GPU. This combination provided reasonable performance for everyday tasks like web browsing and social media usage but struggled with more demanding applications and multitasking due to the limited RAM and processing capabilities.

Memory

With internal storage of 8GB and 1GB RAM, the Tab Phone 72DC provides just enough space for basic applications and media. The ability to expand storage via a dedicated microSDHC slot helps alleviate some limitations, making it more feasible for users to store additional apps, music, and documents.

Camera Features

The main camera is a single 2 MP lens, capable of basic photography, which was considered acceptable at the time for budget-oriented devices. It supports video recording but with minimal detail and clarity compared to modern standards. The front-facing camera is a VGA camera, serving basic needs for video calls, although the quality is significantly lower than current standards.

Audio and Connectivity

The device includes a built-in loudspeaker and a 3.5 mm headphone jack, catering to basic audio playback needs. It supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, and GPS functionality, providing a suite of options for connectivity. However, it does not feature NFC, and the USB connection is proprietary, requiring specific cables for charging and data transfer.

Additional Features

Functional sensors include an accelerometer and proximity sensor, which allow for basic device orientation and screen activity management. The inclusion of FM radio provides a traditional media experience, sometimes favored by users in regionally varied broadcasting markets.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 2800 mAh battery. Its standby time extends up to 50 hours, which is relatively good considering its low-demand hardware. Talk time is approximately 6 hours, expected for devices of its category. This capacity offers sufficient usage throughout a moderate day for general tasks.

Concluding Notes

In its time, the Maxwest Tab Phone 72DC filled a niche market for those seeking an affordable combination of tablet and phone functionalities. Its discontinued status reflects the rapid changes in mobile technology expectations and availability. Customers today seeking similar devices will find more advanced options at comparable prices, as technological advances have significantly shifted user expectations and standards. Despite its limitations by today's metrics, the Maxwest Tab Phone 72DC stands as a testament to the evolving nature of mobile technology.