Plum Ten 3G Comprehensive Review and Insights

Overview of Plum Ten 3G

The Plum Ten 3G, announced in May 2013 and released in June of the same year, is a versatile tablet that features entry-level specifications at a time when affordable tablets were increasingly sought after. Though discontinued now, it aimed to provide a robust multimedia experience alongside basic connectivity capabilities.

Design and Build

The Plum Ten 3G measures 246 x 175 x 10.2 mm and has a weight of 550 grams. This makes it a rather sturdy and comfortable-to-hold device, albeit a bit hefty compared to more modern standards. The build quality reflects the era’s design language, focusing on durability with a practical approach. Featuring a dual SIM capability, it was adaptable for users needing to switch between personal and professional lines.

Display

Equipped with a 10.1-inch IPS LCD, the Plum Ten 3G provides an 800 x 1280 pixel resolution. With a screen-to-body ratio of about 68.7%, the display was satisfactory for basic media consumption and web browsing, though it may appear pixellated against today's high-definition screens. The IPS technology offers decent viewing angles and color reproduction relative to its time.

Performance

The device runs on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, a platform that was beginner-friendly and quite capable when it was released. Powered by a Mediatek MT8377 chipset and a dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 processor, along with a PowerVR SGX531u GPU, the performance was suitable for handling everyday tasks, light browsing, and multimedia playback. However, with only 1GB of RAM, multitasking and running demanding applications could be challenging.

Storage and Memory

The internal storage space was 16GB, which, while limited, was extendable via a microSDHC card slot, offering flexibility for users who needed additional space for apps, media, and documents. This feature was crucial during an era when online cloud storage was not as prevalent.

Camera Capabilities

The Plum Ten 3G features a single 2 MP main camera with an autofocus mechanism and an LED flash, capable of capturing basic stills and video. In addition, a 1.3 MP front-facing camera allowed for video calls and simple selfies. Given the specifications, the camera functionalities were quite minimal, aligning with the focus on affordability and basic user needs.

Battery and Power

A notable feature is its non-removable Li-Po 6000 mAh battery, which supported up to 340 hours on standby and offered up to 30 hours of talk time. This made the Plum Ten 3G a strong contender for users looking for long-lasting devices, especially in environments where frequent charging was not feasible.

Connectivity Options

The device supports GSM and HSPA networks, with 2G and 3G bands that allowed it to function on widely available mobile networks of its time. It includes Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, and hotspot capabilities for wireless internet access, Bluetooth 4.0 for peripheral connectivity, GPS for location services, and FM radio for on-the-go music and news. The lack of NFC and the inclusion of microUSB reflects both the technological constraints and the practical user focus of the era.

Audio and Multimedia

With a built-in loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, the Plum Ten 3G catered to audio enthusiasts who preferred wired audio solutions and enjoyed listening to music via FM radio. The audio quality supported by these features was typical for its price range when it was on the market.

Sensor and Additional Features

Basic sensors such as an accelerometer and proximity sensor were included to aid in device functionality like screen orientation and conserving power. These components ensure an enhanced user experience by providing a more interactive and responsive interface.

Conclusion

The Plum Ten 3G represents a segment of tablet technology where affordability and functionality were balanced to meet consumer needs. While it may not compete with modern devices in terms of raw performance or display quality, its long battery life, reasonable storage options, and basic connectivity made it an attractive option in its time. It serves as a reminder of how much tablet technology has evolved and how these earlier models paved the way for future innovations.