Tablets first debuted in 2010 with the launch of the first Apple iPad. Since then, Google’s Android operating system-based slates have decisively taken over from laptops and smartphones as the preferred device for entertainment and productivity.
The increase in tablet usage is also reflected in the rapid growth of existing and rise of new device firms as well. Take for instance, Lava International; it has virtually stormed the tablet segment with its slim, fast and easy-to-use devices that deliver effortless performance for work and play. Their new offering, QPAD R704, was sent to us for a product evaluation.
It is an Android tablet, competitively priced at Rs 8,499 and rightly built for today’s digitally-savvy generation. It is targeted at young working professionals, students in professional courses and enterprise segment.
Let us check its features and performance.
For starters, the QPAD R704 is an inexpensive 7-inch Android tablet with a premium feel. It is a combination of dexterous and power-packed performance with Quad Core processor and plenty of interesting features that promises to enhance every user experience. In terms of design, this Lava slate comes in an attractive design paired with the metallic brushed body embodied in a sleek frame, which not only feels great in hands but also gives it an extremely classy look.
Company officials claim that the QPAD R704 fulfills the core requirements of the users by offering them a seamless experience in entertainment, emails, presentations, application surfing, web browsing and a longer usage time through its optimised power management. The tablet takes the legacy of E704 one step ahead by bringing together a superior computing experience and brilliant graphics through its IPS display with HD capabilities.
Using Android Jellybean v4.3 operating system, this tablet comes with a 7-inch multi-touch WSVGA IPS display to ensure the product is ideal for work and entertainment purpose. The IPS display gives pretty good viewing and gaming experience from all viewing angles. I feel that the IPS screen gives the ease of using and holding the tablet in any angle for clear viewing.
Moving further, the tablet’s Quad Core processor (1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon) and 1 GB RAM plus 8 GB ROM with 32 GB expandable memory gives pretty good performance for work & play and will keep the young users plugged in for a long duration. However, let me specify that Android tablets require good apps to take advantage of everything they have to offer and there are some great ones in the Google Play store.
The QPAD R704 is supported by a 3,500 mAh battery which delivers up to 300 hours of standby time and 10 hours talk time. The Qualcomm Quick Charge technology further allows 30% faster charging on the device. The tablet sports a 2 MP rear camera and 0.3 MP front camera for video calling. In terms of connectivity, the tablet supports Wi-Fi, 3G connectivity, Bluetooth, EDGE and 2G.
My takeaways: The QPAD R704 looks sharp and feels good in the hand. It’s fast enough for everyday tasks, and it has great battery life—all for a reasonable price. Lava seems to have finally cracked the code for balancing price, performance, design, and usability with the R704.
SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 7 inch IPS display with 600 x 1024 pixels
Processor: 1.2 GHz Quad Core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor
Operating system: Android 4.3 Jelly Bean (upgradable to 4.4)
Storage & memory: 1 GB RAM + 8 GB ROM with 32 GB expandable memory
Camera: 2 MP (rear); VGA front camera for video calls
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, 3G connectivity, Bluetooth, EDGE, 2G
Battery: 3500 mAh battery
Estimated street price: Rs 8,499