Zync Z999 Plus is the successor to Zync Z990 and is powered by a 1.5 GHz ARM Cortex A8 processor with a Mali 400 GPU, 512 MB of RAM and 8 GB internal storage. The tablet boasts of a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen with a maximum resolution of 800 x 480 pixels. In our tests, the tablet managed to play 720p and 1080p videos quite well. There are connectivity options like 3G, Wi-Fi, USB 2.0, Bluetooth and TV out via HDMI. Also, there is a 2 MP rear camera and a VGA in the front for video calling. It does not look very stylish but the whole packaging looks sturdy.
The score of 2,987 for Antutu is equivalent to Funbook Pro but much higher than Zync Z990?s 2,264, which means the CPU processing power and memory access speed are up-to-mark. It scored 7,149 and 23,118 in An3DBench and An3DBenchXL tests, which means its video rendering abilities are amongst the best in budget tablets. The score of 806 in the Vellamo Mobile Web benchmark, means Web browsing is fun as well. The battery capacity has been increased from 3600 mAh in the Z990 to 4200 mAh.
Bottomline: The tablet has decent features, and scores well in performance tests. If 3G support is required and you can do with a 7-inch screen, then go for it.
SPECS
Android 4.0.3 (ICS), 1.5 GHz ARM Cortex A8 processor, 512 MB of RAM, 8 GB internal storage, 7-inch display, 3G, Bluetooth
Estimated street price: Rs 11,990
Micromax Funbook Pro
Among the three low-cost tablets we reviewed this time, this one had the largest screen at 10.1-inch. The Funbook Pro also comes loaded with Android 4.0.3 and is powered by 1.2 GHz Cortex-A8 processor with a Mali 400 GPU to control graphics. One benefit of its large screen is a higher screen resolution of 1025 x 600 pixels. Another good thing about this tablet is that its internal 8 GB memory can be extended to 32 GB. Plus, the tablet boasts of plenty of connectivity options such as HDMI, USB, 3.5 mm audio jack, USB host cable, and microSD card. We played high definition videos on it and were fully impressed by its performance. But on the downside, there is no Bluetooth and SIM card support meaning there?s no 3G connectivity on the move.
It got a score of 2,964 in the Antutu test which is at par with the Zync tablet. It got scores of 6,971 and 22,822 in graphics and animation tests, which means its video rendering quality is the least amongst the three tested here. However, it scores 820 points in Vellamo Mobile Web benchmark test, which means it is at par with Zync but lags behind Penta T-Pad in Web browsing speeds. The 5600 mAh sounds impressive, but it barely manages five hours on normal usage.
Bottomline: If you are passionate about having a larger screen within R10,000, then look no further.
SPECS
Android 4.0.3 (ICS), 1.5 GHz ARM Cortex A8 processor, 1 GB RAM, 10.1-inch display with 1025 x 600 resolution, 8 GB internal memory
Estimated street price: Rs 10,000
BSNL Penta T-Pad WS802C
In collaboration with Pantel Technologies, BSNL has launched the T-Pad WS802C at a price of about R14,000. The tablet gets its power from 1 GHz Cortex-A8 processor and 512 MB DDR3 RAM. It comes preloaded with Android 4.0 (ICS) and is supported by 4 GB internal memory. The display is an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen with a maximum resolution of 800 x 600p and aspect ratio of 4:3, which makes for a good image and picture quality. You can easily play high definition videos without any hassle. Connectivity options include USB, 3G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and HDMI. Front and Rear cameras of 0.3 MP and 2 MP are decent enough for video calling and clicking photos.
In the Antutu test, it scored a good 3,782 points, which means it provides fast CPU processing and memory access. Its graphics and animation capabilities are justified with scores of 9,282 and 28,332 in An3DBench and An3D BenchXL. And in the Vellamo mobile web browsing test, it scored an excellent 919 points. The 3000mAh battery last 6-7 hours with normal usage.
Bottomline: An excellent budget tablet with a judicious mix of performance and features.
SPECS
1 GHz Cortex-A8 processor, Android 4.0.3 (ICS), 512 MB RAM, 4 GB internal memory, 8-inch screen with maximum resolution of 800 x 600, USB port, SIM card slot
Estimated street price: Rs 14,699
