Overview of Verykool R800

The Verykool R800 was launched in August 2012 and is now a discontinued model. The device stood out in its time as a cost-effective tablet featuring basic smartphone functionalities needed for daily tasks and simple entertainment. With a compact design and respectable capabilities, the Verykool R800 served as a practical choice for a variety of users.

Network and Connectivity

The Verykool R800 supports GSM/HSPA technology, making it compatible with various cellular networks. It supports 2G bands (GSM 850/900/1800/1900) and 3G bands (HSDPA 850/2100), enabling users to connect to a wide range of frequencies. The device offers HSPA speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps, allowing moderate data transfer rates suitable for browsing and light streaming.

Launch and Availability

Announced and released in August 2012, the Verykool R800 is a device that served its purpose in the early 2010s. Despite its discontinuation, it holds a place in tech history as an affordable tablet that combined basic mobile phone features with a larger display. It is no longer manufactured or sold new, making it mostly available through second-hand markets.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 216 x 125 x 11 mm and a weight of 417 grams, the Verykool R800 is compact yet slightly heavier compared to modern tablets, a reflection of the era's design norms. The device includes a Mini-SIM slot, which was standard at the time, and a largely plastic build. Its aesthetics are simple, overshadowed by functionality rather than design innovation.

Display Features

The tablet features a 7.0-inch TFT display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. This results in a pixel density of approximately 133 ppi, which is modest by today’s standards. The display size and resolution are sufficient for basic media consumption and everyday computing tasks, although the quality might seem limited when compared to more recent screens with higher pixel densities.

Platform and Performance

Running on the Android 2.2 (Froyo) operating system, the device was equipped with an 800 MHz processor. This configuration was typical for entry-level devices at the time, allowing users to perform basic tasks such as browsing, email, and social networking. However, the performance is limited for intensive applications or multitasking by modern standards.

Internal and Expandable Storage

While specific internal storage details are not mentioned, the Verykool R800 offers a microSDHC card slot for expandable storage, allowing users to augment their storage capacity according to their needs. This feature provides flexibility, especially for storing multimedia files and applications, though the speed of access may be slower compared to internal storage.

Camera Capabilities

The device sports a 2 MP main camera, accompanied by a basic video recording capability. While this is quite basic, it fulfills the premise of capturing day-to-day moments. Additionally, the tablet offers a VGA front-facing camera primarily intended for video calls, though its quality is considerably inferior to more advanced offerings today.

Sound and Audio

Audio options include a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, supporting standard audio connections which were ubiquitous at the time. The inclusion of a 3.5mm jack allows connectivity with a wide range of headphones and audio devices, offering convenient options for private listening.

Communications and Radios

Supporting Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g with hotspot capabilities, the Verykool R800 caters to users needing internet access on the go. Bluetooth 2.1 and GPS are available for local data transfers and navigation. Additionally, the device features an FM radio, a useful tool for accessing live broadcast media without consuming data.

Additional Features and Sensors

The tablet includes an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, which enhance the user experience by providing essential functionality such as screen orientation adjustment and basic navigation support. These sensors enable a smattering of apps to function more effectively, although they form a simple suite compared to present-day standards.

Battery Life and Performance

Equipped with a non-removable Li-Po 3500 mAh battery, the Verykool R800 has a respectable battery capacity for its time, particularly for a device without power-draining advanced features. The battery life is sufficient for a day of use under moderate conditions, though heavy usage could lead to faster drain.

Conclusion

The Verykool R800 represents a segment of technology history where cost-effective tablets began integrating more smartphone functionalities. Despite its limitations by modern measures, it provided a gateway for users to access basic apps, web browsing, and communications in an era where connectivity was becoming increasingly vital. Its simplicity, combined with features like expandable storage and Wi-Fi connectivity, made it an accessible choice at a time when technology was rapidly evolving.