Overview of Plum Z710

Released in April 2013, the Plum Z710 was an ambitious attempt to provide a feature-rich tablet at an affordable price point. This device, though discontinued now, still remains a topic of interest for tech enthusiasts and those looking back at technology evolution. Equipped with Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean) and powered by a dual-core processor, the Plum Z710 tried to capture the essence of portable media and communication in one device.

Network Capabilities

The Plum Z710 supported GSM and HSPA technology, allowing it to be used widely across various regions. It was compatible with 2G and 3G networks through its dual SIM slots, supporting GSM 850/900/1800/1900 and HSDPA 850/2100 bands. This enabled users to switch between networks for better connectivity and convenience. The device offered HSPA speeds up to 7.2/5.76 Mbps, which was considered decent during its time.

Design and Build

With a 7.0-inch screen, the Plum Z710 was designed to provide ample screen real estate for media consumption while maintaining portability. Although detailed information about its dimensions and weight is unavailable, the focus on a dual-SIM capability indicates a design priority towards practicality and flexibility for its users. The available colors were classic – black and white – aiming for a minimalistic and universal appeal.

Display Quality

The Plum Z710 featured a 7.0-inch TFT display capable of showing 256K colors. With a resolution of 600 x 1024 pixels, it offered a modest display experience, with a pixel density of roughly 170 ppi. This level of display was standard for devices in its category, delivering acceptable clarity for reading, browsing, and media playback.

Performance

Under the hood, the Plum Z710 housed a Mediatek MT6577 chipset featuring a dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 processor. Paired with the PowerVR SGX531u GPU, the device managed to handle everyday tasks ranging from light gaming to multimedia consumption and web browsing. While not designed for heavy multitasking or modern high-performance gaming, its 1GB RAM and 16GB of internal storage (expandable via microSDHC) provided sufficient performance for its intended audience.

Camera Specifications

The primary camera on the Plum Z710 was a 3.15 MP unit, suitable for basic photography. It also supported video recording, although specifications about the resolution are unspecified. For selfies and video calls, the device offered a 1.3 MP front-facing camera. While these specs are modest by today's standards, at the time of its release, they catered to the basic needs of capturing and sharing moments.

Audio and Connectivity

Audio capabilities were robust with the inclusion of a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to enjoy music and media through both wired headphones and integrated speakers. Connectivity features included Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g for internet access, Bluetooth 4.0, and GPS for navigation. Though it lacked NFC capabilities, it featured an FM radio and supported miniUSB for data transfer and charging.

Sensors and Additional Features

The Plum Z710 came equipped with essential sensors including an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors contributed to a more intuitive interaction with the device, offering functionalities such as screen rotation based on orientation and power management features like turning off the display during calls.

Battery Life

A non-removable Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery powered the Plum Z710. It boasted a standby time of up to 420 hours and a talk time of up to 7 hours, providing reliable battery performance that could last a full day of usage on light tasks. The sufficient battery capacity was one of the highlights for its users, ensuring connectivity and productivity without frequent recharges.

Conclusion

In summary, the Plum Z710 was a versatile device that managed to bring together a well-rounded list of features at a competitive price. Despite its discontinuation, its balance of performance, utility, and affordability is remembered fondly by those who experienced it. As technology continues to advance, devices like the Plum Z710 serve as a reminder of the rapid evolution in the mobile computing landscape.