Category Archives: Mobility

LG Optimus G Pro launched in India

July 4, 2013 Udit Malhotra

LG Electronics today announced its latest Mobile Handset, the LG Optimus G Pro (LG E988).

The LG Optimus G Pro is a feature rich Smartphone that has been built using latest and state-of-the-art Hardware and the latest release of the Android Operating System. Launched at a Price-Tag of Rs.42,500/-, this Handset is intended for sale to buyers of Premium Smart Phones and those who are wanting to upgrade their Premium Smartphones from Apple, HTC, Samsung, Sony, etc. As a Launch Offer an LG Smart Cover worth Rs. 2500/- is being offered free with the LG Optimus G Pro. A few online retailers are also booking the LG Optimus G Pro at a Special Price of Rs. 38,990/-.

The LG Optimus G Pro has a Large 5.5″ Full HD (1920*1080) IPS Display for Superior Graphics and Accurate Colors with a 16:9 Aspect Ratio for Widescreen Viewing, 400 ppi (Pixels per Inch) and Corning Gorilla Glass 2 for enhanced Scratch Resistance and Protection of the Phone’s Display. In spite of its large display the LG Optimus Pro has a comfortable grip for one hand operation and fits well in one’s pocket. The Narrow Bezel (just 3.65mm) of the LG Optimus G Pro makes it look sleek and highlights its Display. The backside of the phone has a Textured Pattern for an Anti-Slip Grip and Scratch Resistance.

The LG Optimus G Pro is equipped with a High Speed 1.7 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 Quad-Core Processor for Processor Intensive Applications, High End Games, Fast Internet Browsing and Connectivity.

The LG Optimus G Pro has also raised the benchmarks of Cameras in Premium Mobile Phones by offering a 13MP Full HD Rear Camera and a 2.1MP Full HD Front Camera. Both the Cameras are feature rich and can be used simultaneously. The LG Optimus G Pro has a Dual Camera – Dual Recording feature with which you can record an occasion using its Rear Camera, while recording your own presence using its Front Camera. The Camera also has a VR Panorama mode for creation of 360 Degree Panorama Pictures.

Some of the other features of the LG Optimus G Pro are:

Smart Video (pauses the video when you are not watching the video)
Pause and Resume Video Recording (for pausing a video recording at the time of unwanted footage and resuming the recording seamlessly for a single video)
QRemote (the phone can be used an Infrared Remote Controller for TVs, Setup Boxes, Audio Systems, etc.) and
Qslide for simultaneous Display of multiple running Applications

The LG Optimus G Pro is also equipped with a best-in-class Long Lasting, High Capacity Battery of 3140 mAh. The high capacity Battery of the LG Optimus G Pro has been designed to deliver longer usage time and longer battery life.

The Key Specifications of the LG Optimus G Pro Smartphone are:

Opearting System: Android Jelly Bean OS 4.2.1
Display: 5.5-inch Full HD IPS display (1080 x 1920 pixels, 400 ppi)
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 1.7 GHz Quad-Core Processor
Cameras: 13MP Rear camera and 2.1MP front camera (Both Cameras support full HD recording at 1080p)
Battery: 3,140 mAh Battery
Size: 150.2 x 76.1 x 9.4 mm
Weight: 172g
Other Features: QSlide, Dual Camera/ Dual Recording, VR Panorama, Pause & Resume Recording, Audio Zoom, Smart LED home button, QTranslator, QRemote, Dual Screen Dual Play

Our View: In our opinion, for establishing a large footprint in the market, LG should have launched this High Performance and Elegant Smartphone at a lower price. With a lower price it would have not only got more customers, more market share but would have also hit its Competitors hard in the Premium Smartphone market.

We’ll keep you posted with a Detailed Review of the LG Optimus G Pro soon.

Have Comments or Questions that need Answers? Ask us and we will be happy to answer all your queries.

Android Tablets, Pantel

PANTEL launches Penta T-Pad IS709C Tablet for just Rs. 3995/-

September 28, 2012 Udit Malhotra 535 Comments

Tablet PC provider, Pantel Technologies Pvt. Ltd. has launched a very attractive looking Android 4.0 OS based Tablet, Penta T-Pad IS709C. The Penta T-Pad IS709C Tablet is available from Pantel’s Online Store, Grabthefuture.in and the online retailers, Snapdeal.com and Homeshop18.com for just Rs. 3995/-.

Snapdeal and Homeshop18 are offering the 709c Tablet with Free Shipping across India within 5 days and Payment by Credit/Debit Cards, Net-Banking, Cash on Delivery and EMIs. Pantel’s Shopping Portal Grabthefuture.in is charging Rs. 304/- extra for Bank Charges and Shipping.

With an attractive look in Metallic Silver color, a rich feature list and low price of just Rs. 3995/- it leaves competing Tablets far behind. With its low price, this Tablet can be a game changer in the Budget Tablet market. A Pouch for is being supplied with the Tablet and a Screen Protector is fixed to its LCD Display.

Other Tablets with similar specifications are priced much higher. The Lava E-Tab Z7H Tablet is priced 38% higher at Rs. 5499/- (without the Pouch), the Croma CRXT1075 Tablet is priced 50% higher at Rs. 5990/- (with a Free Pouch and Screen Protector) and the HCL ME U1 Tablet is priced 100% higher at Rs. 7999/-.

The Penta T-Pad IS709C is an Android 4.0.4 (ICS) OS based Tablet. It uses the ROCKCHIP RK2906 SOC (Basically a RK2918 SOC without HDMI Output) and has a 7 Inch Multi-touch Capacitive Display.

The RK2918 SOC integrates a Cortex A8 – 1GHz Processor with support for NEON SIMD, a powerful GC800 Graphics Engine. The RK2918 SOC is the First SOC in the World to support hardware based decoding of full HD Videos at 1080p.

The Tablet has 512 MB RAM (Available Memory may vary depending on software configuration) and an Internal Memory of 4GB. Its Storage is expandable through a TF (Micro SD) Card up to 32 GB. The Tablet is equipped with a 0.3 MP (VGA) Camera for Video Chatting/ Skype Calling, a G-Sensor, a Mini USB (On-the-Go) Port and has a 3000 mAh Battery.

The Tablet offers Wi-Fi compliant wireless connectivity and supports 2G and 3G data connectivity using external USB Dongles (GSM and CDMA). The Penta T-Pad IS709C Tablet is approved by BSNL for use with its Data Services. Pantel has a strategic alliance with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) for bundling its Tablets with BSNL’s 3G Data Services.

Before purchasing this or any other budget Android Tablet you should verify the ‘Maximum Speed’ of its Processor using popular Benchmarking Software like Quadrant and AnTuTu, both available free-of-cost at the Google Play Store. During the last 30 days Quadrant and AnTuTu Benchmarking Software has been individually downloaded 1 – 5 Million times. (Statistics Source: Google Play Store). You may also use other Benchmarking and System Information Applications like Vellamo, Elixir2, Z-Device Test, Passmark Performance Test and Linpack for the same.

The usefulness of these Benchmarking and System Information Applications can be ascertained from the fact that during the last 30 days alone, up to 11.5 Million Users have installed these Applications on their Android Devices. (Statistics Source: Google Play Store).

Luckily for Consumers of Tablet PCs, Pantel has neither over-clocked the Cortex A8 Processor in the Penta T-Pad IS709C to 1.2/1.4/1.5 GHz nor it is falsely advertising the speed of the Cortex A8 Processor as 1.2/1.4/1.5 GHz.

Benefits to you: Without over-clocking, the Tablet is expected to offer Stable Operation as well as Good Performance. You will get no or fewer ‘Application Not Responding’ Error Messages in comparison with Tablets having over-clocked Cortex A8 Processors. Without over-clocking, its SOC’s useful life shall also be extended due to lesser generation of Heat. The Tablet’s run-time on Battery shall also be longer in comparison with Tablets having over-clocked Cortex A8 Processors.

Our Review and Video Review of the PENTA IS709C Tablet is coming soon on this site. Stay tuned in.

The Tablet’s Home, Return and Menu Buttons are mounted on the front panel of the Tablet. Its Power Button is mounted on the Side next to its USB OTG-cum-Charging Port. There are no physical/hard buttons for increasing/reducing the Volume. Volume can be increased/decreased from its on-screen control. Its Microphone also appears to be on the front panel of the Tablet. At its location, the Microphone of the Tablet may offer a higher clarity during video chats/ Skype calls. The Camera of the Tablet is located at the corner of its front panel in an easier-to-hold Portrait Orientation. However, whether a corner mounted Camera would be convenient in actual use or not remains to be tested. The Tablet does not have a Full Size USB Host Port and a HDMI Port. Lava E-Tab Z7H and the HCL ME U1 also do not offer Full Size Usb Ports. Pantel’s other popular model IS701C, priced at Rs.4999/- is equipped with a Full Size USB Host Port as well as a HDMI Port. The Battery of this Tablet has 7% more capacity than the Battery in the Lava E-Tab Z7H Tablet and 20% less capacity than the HCL ME U1 Tablet.

We tested Pantel’s Customer Care by calling them on phone (0120-480-5200). The number was answered at all times when we called with our queries. The Customer Care Staff was polite during all calls. However, some of the queries which could not be answered on phone were not responded by email, as assured.

Pantel offers many other models of fully featured Android Tablets. Unlike many small Importers of Tablet PCs, Electronic and IT products, Pantel has multiple certifications on Quality and Compliance viz. :

ISO 9001:2008 (Certification for Quality)
ISO 14001:2004 (Certification for Environment Management)
RoHS (Certification of reduction of hazardous substances)
CE (Certificate of Compliance)

Update: 15 October 2012: Issues with PANTEL-Penta T-Pad IS709C Tablet: The pre-installed Facebook Application does not work. Gives Log-in Error. The Facebook Application cannot be updated from the Google Play Store as the Downloaded Update requires the pre-installed Application to be uninstalled and reinstalled. The pre-installed Application cannot be uninstalled as Root level Permissions are not provided to the User. Disabling and Enabling the Application again also does not help. It seems the pre-installed Application is corrupt or has a compatibility issue. We communicated the above mentioned issue to Pantel Customer Care on 15 October 2012 and are awaiting their resolution for the same. Till a resolution for the issue is received, the User can access Facebook from the Tablet’s Browser. It will not give the same speed/user experience, but something is better than nothing. We also noticed minor and hairline scratches in Two out of Three Sealed Units received by us. Although the scratches are minor, these are present in new units, seems like yet another case of Quantity taking over Quality. The scratches on the 709c Tablets also reminded us of the scratches found and reported by many Owners of the recently launched iPhone 5.

Update: 17 October 2012. Issues with PANTEL-Penta T-Pad IS709C Tablet: Google‘s Chrome Browser and Friendcaster for Facebook also cannot be installed on the 709C Tablet. Both these Applications are not compatible with the current version of the IS709C Tablet’s Software. Also upon connecting a USB Dongle, a notification stating that the ‘Storage is Corrupted‘ appears. We have communicated these issues to Pantel Customer Care and have been informed that a ‘New Software’ for the IS709C Tablet shall be available soon.

Update: 18 October 2012. Issues with PANTEL-Penta T-Pad IS709C Tablet: External Power Speakers (2.0/2.1) DO NOT WORK with the 709C Tablet when connected to its 3.5mm Audio Out Socket. They work fine when connected to other Budget as well as High End Tablets. For Music Lovers, this is a big shortcoming as all popular Mobile Phones, MP3 Players and Media Players work fine, when connected to External Speakers for a better listening experience.

Update: 29 October 2012. Software Upgrade – PANTEL-Penta T-Pad IS709C Tablet: We are testing a new Software Upgrade (Pre-Release version) for the 709c Tablet. Its Partial Test Results are:

Pre-installed Facebook Application: Works (did not work in the originally pre-installed software)
Tata Photon – Huawei EC 156 USB Data Card: Works (did not work in the originally pre-installed software)
Overall Performance and Stability: Good

Update: 3 November 2012. Highly Recommended – PANTEL-Penta T-Pad IS709C Tablet: We have completed testing of the new Software Upgrade for the 709c Tablet. “Facebook Log-in Error” was one of the major issues with this Tablet. After the new Software Upgrade, the Facebook Application works flawlessly. Another issue with this Tablet was that it did not support the Tata Photon Huawei EC156 USB Data Card. After the new Software Upgrade, this issue has also been resolved. With its new Software Upgrade, we highly recommend the Pantel-Penta IS709c Tablet. It has Good Performance, Stable Operation and offers Great Value-for-Money at a very reasonable price of Rs.3995/-. A detailed review of the 709c Tablet with its new Software Upgrade and the Download Link (URL) for its Software Upgrade shall be published on this Page soon.

Update: 5 November 2012. More USB Data Cards/Dongles are now supported with the New Software Upgrade – The PANTEL-Penta T-Pad IS709c Tablet now supports Ten USB Data Cards/Dongles instead of Six USB Dongles supported earlier. The USB Data Cards/Dongles supported with the new Software Upgrade are:

BSNL 3G – LW272 – WCDMA
BSNL 3G – LW273 (White) – WCDMA
Tera 3G – T3G72A – WCDMA
BSNL 3G – ZTE – MF180 – WCDMA
Tata Photon+ – Huawei(EVDO) – Ec156 – CDMA
Airtel Huawei – E1731 – WCDMA
Idea Huawei – E1732 – WCDMA
Reliance – ZTE – MF190 – WCDMA
Huawei – E173 – WCDMA
Huawei – E1550 -WCDMA

The USB Data Cards/Dongles not supported by the new Software Upgrade are:

Micromax – MMX – 353G – WCDMA
Micromax – MMX – 352G – WCDMA
Reliance – ZTE(EVDO )- AC2737 – CDMA
MTS ZTE (EVDO) – AC2746 – CDMA
MTS ZTE (EVDO) – AC2747 – CDMA
Visiontek – 82G – WCDMA

Update: 6 November 2012. External Low Power 2.0 PC Speakers are supported – We tested GENIUS SP-Q06S 2.0 PC Speakers (2*0.5W) with the 709c Tablet after performing its Software Upgrade. The Speakers worked fine at all Volume levels. The Equalizer and Sound Effects also worked fine on the Tablet. However, CREATIVE-XFREE – 2.1 Speakers (2*10W) tested by us were supported only up to approx. 40% Output of the Tablet. F&D 3000U 5.1 Speakers did not work in any mode (2.1/4.1/5.1) with the Tablet. It seems that the Output Power of the Tablet’s Audio chip is less than that required by 2.1/ 4.1/ 5.1 Speakers.

Update: 7 November 2012. New Software Upgrade Available – Users of the 709c Tablet can resolve major issues faced by them with its new Software Upgrade. To get its Download Link and Software Upgrade Instructions click here. The Download Link (URL) for the new Software is mentioned in the Software Upgrade Instructions.

Update: 17 December 2012. New Software Upgrade Available – Users of the 709c Tablet can resolve any issues faced by them with its new Software Upgrade. To get its Download Link and Software Upgrade Instructions click here. The Download Link (URL) for the new Software is mentioned in the Software Upgrade Instructions.

The Technical Specifications of the Penta T-Pad IS709C Tablet are :

Operating System Android 4.0.4
SOC Rockchip RK2906 (Basically a RK2918 SOC without HDMI Output)
Processor Cortex A8 1.0 GHz
GPU Vivante GC800 Graphics Engine
RAM 512MB (~323MB Available)
Internal Memory 4GB (~2.04GB Available)
External Memory Expandable up to 32 GB with a TF (Micro SD) Card
Display Type LCD
Display Size 7 Inch
Touch Type Multi-touch Capacitive
Sensors
- Accelerometer (MMA8452Q – Present and Active/Enabled),
- Light Sensor (AL3006 – Present but Inactive/Disabled),
- Magnetic Field Sensor (AK8975 – Present but Inactive/Disabled),
- Orientation Sensor (AL3006 – Present but Inactive/Disabled)
- Proximity Sensor (AL3006 – Present but Inactive/Disabled)
Camera 0.3 MP
Speakers Stereo Speakers
Battery Capacity 3000 mAh
USB Port Mini USB (On-the-Go)
Wireless Connectivity Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
Connectivity Supports 2G and 3G USB Dongles (GSM and CDMA)
Supported Dongles (A Software Upgrade may be required by existing Users for support for all 10 Dongles. Originally the Tablet supported 6 Dongles)
- BSNL 3G – LW272 – WCDMA
- BSNL 3G – LW273 (White) – WCDMA
- Tera 3G – T3G72A – WCDMA
- BSNL 3G – ZTE – MF180 – WCDMA
- Tata Photon+ – Huawei(EVDO) – Ec156 – CDMA
- Airtel Huawei – E1731 – WCDMA
- Idea Huawei – E1732 – WCDMA
- Reliance – ZTE – MF190 – WCDMA
- Airtel Huawei – E173 BU-1 – WCDMA
- Huawei – E1550 -WCDMA
Audio Jack 3.5mm
Supported Video Formats AVI(H.264, DIVX, XVID, rm, rmvb, MKV(H.264, DIVX, DIVX, XVID), WMV, MOV, MP4
Supported Audio Formats MP3,WMA,MP2,OGG,AAC,M4A,MA4,FLAC,APE,3GP,WAV
Supported Document Formats EPUB, MS-WORD, MS-EXCEL, MS-POWERPOINT, PDF, TXT
Quality & Compliance FCC Approval, CE and ROHS
Warranty 1 year
Package Contents Tablet, Pouch, Charger, USB Charging-cum-PC Connectivity Cable, Mini USB to USB Converter Cable (for Dongles/Pen Drives), User Guide, Product Literature

Important Note: The Product Specifications have been updated by us on the basis of 3 Nos. IS709c Tablets evaluated by us on 13 October 2012. The Product Specifications on the Pantel and Snapdeal websites are different. Please check the exact Product Specifications with your Retailer/Pantel before placing your Order..

Image Credit: http://snapdeal.com

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Updated: 17 December 2012 10:06PM. Software Update.

Update: 29 November 2012. SOC Rockchip RK2906 (Basically a RK2918 SOC without HDMI Output)

Update: 7 November 2012. Download Link for Software Upgrade.

Updated: 6 November 2012. External Low Power 2.0 PC Speakers are supported.

Updated: 5 November 2012 6:54PM. More USB Data Cards/Dongles are now supported with the New Software Upgrade.

Updated: 3 November 2012 8:46PM. Highly Recommended – PANTEL-Penta T-Pad IS709C Tablet and Software Update.

Updated: 29 October 2012 4:45 PM. Homeshop18, New Software Update, Benchmarking Software and Sepcifications: Facebook Application Works, Tata Photon EC156 Works. Vellamo Benchmarking Software. Active/Inactive Sensors.

Updated: 26 October 2012 1:45 PM. Specifications: Active/Inactive Sensors.

Updated: 18 October 2012 1:45 PM. Issue: External Power Speakers (2.0/2.1) DO NOT WORK with the 709C Tablet.

Updated 17 October 8:17 PM. Issue: Google Chrome Browser, Friendcaster for Facebook Applications are not compatible with the 709c Tablet. USB Dongle Notification Issue. Pantel Software Update Coming Soon.

Updated 15 October 11:52 AM. Issue: Pre-installed Facebook Application does not work. Gives Log-in Error.

Updated 13 October 6:11 PM. Product Price Comparison and Product Specifications.

Android Mobiles, Lava, Reviews

Lava XOLO Smartphone Review

September 17, 2012 Rakesh Malhotra Leave a comment

At the Mobile World Congress, Barcelona during February this year, Intel Corporation, the global leader in Microprocessor technology showcased its Smartphone reference design featuring the Intel Atom Processor Z2460 with Hyper-Threading Technology and support for HSPA+ and the Intel XMM 6260 Platform.

During April this year, Intel Corporation and Lava International, an Indian mobile handset vendor has launched in India XOLO, a Smartphone based upon Intel’s design.

Lenovo and Orange have also launched Smartphones based upon Intel’s design recently.

We’ll have a look at what the phone has to offer to you in terms of its features, specifications, its Pros and Cons.

The Lava XOLO Smartphone is powered by a fast 1.6GHz Intel Atom Processor Z2460 (Medfield platform). The Atom Processor Z2460 supports Intel’s Hyper-Threading Technology for doing multiple tasks at one time and supports HSPA+ Technology for High Speed Communication on Mobile Networks.

Intel Atom Processors offer High Speed Processing with Low Power Consumption. Intel Atom Processors are popular in entry level Desktop PCs, Netbooks and have also made headway into entry level Small Business Servers. Intel Atom Processors offer great value and performance while conserving Power. Benefits to you… high performance, fast web browsing, responsive apps and effortless multi-tasking. You also get more Talk/ Standby/ Browsing time without having to recharge your phone’s battery frequently.

It uses Intel’s XMM6260 Slim Modem Platform, a highly integrated network platform requiring very little power. The platform features an integrated power management unit, supports quad-band EDGE and multi-band HSPA+ for global connectivity. Benefits to you…high performance and access to high speed networks without changing/ upgrading your smartphone in the nearest future. Since the platform itself uses very little power, you also get more Talk/ Standby/ Browsing time without having to recharge your phone’s battery frequently.

Lava XOLO X900 Smartphone – Pros

Attractive Appearance (its Design is likeable by both Men and Women).
High Speed Intel Atom Processor @ 1.6 GHz.
Support for quad-band EDGE and multi-band HSPA+ for Global Connectivity to High Speed Mobile Networks.
Large 4.03” LCD Display with 16 Million Colors.
8MP Rear HD Camera with LED Flash – shoots up to 15 Frames/Second in Burst Mode.
1.3MP Front Camera for Video Calling/ Video Chat.
Extensive Camera Settings like White Balance, Flash, Exposures, Focus, ISO, Frame Rate, Scene Mode, Color Effects, etc. for convenient Amateur and Advanced Photography.
Touchscreen with Scratch Resistant Corning Gorilla Glass.
Dual Active Noise Cancellation Microphones for Clear Conversations in Noisy Environments like Railway Stations, Factories, Outdoors, etc.
“Swype” Keyboard for typing convenience.
Support for NFC (Near Field Communications).
Micro HDMI Port for connectivity to TVs and Projectors equipped with HDMI Port. (The Micro HDMI cable is not included).
Software Upgradeable to Android 4.0 (ICS) – Upgrade Not Available Yet.
Good Build Quality.
Rugged Design.
Well placed and convenient-to-use Hard Keys.
Slightly thicker phone design makes it comfortable to steadily hold the phone, while using it as a Camera.
Brightness Control Widget in the Function/Feature Notification Bar.
Dedicated website with Answers to Frequently Asked Questions, Software Update & User Guide Downloads.
Xolo Care Software on Phone.
Doubletwist Software for syncing iTunes Music.

Lava XOLO X900 Smartphone – Cons

The phone is slightly on the thicker side.
The phone grip is not very comfortable while holding it for a long duration.
The Touchscreen of the phone is not the most responsive for the price of the phone.
The Display of the phone is not the best in comparison with other phones in its price range.
No expandable Memory/ No SD Card Slot for Additional Storage.
Fixed non-removable Battery. Makes it impossible for the User to remove the phone’s battery for troubleshooting purpose or for replacing the phone’s battery with a spare battery when required.
Micro SIM Slot. The Micro SIM slot makes it difficult for Users having more than one active SIM to use the same phone, during travel or otherwise.
Hard to clean Camera Lens and inner side of the Lens Cover of the phone. The phone has to be opened for cleaning its Camera Lens and the inner side of its Lens Cover.
The Hard Key for Camera is a little less responsive in its time-to-shoot. The onscreen ‘Capture’ button takes pictures faster.
The size of the Icons for the Camera Settings Menu is Small.
The phone has Low Volume for media playback. The maximum volume is sufficient only for media playback using Headphones.
The Quality of Sound of the phone is not the best for the price of the phone.
Low Volume for ringtones renders ringtones inaudible in noisy areas or from a distance.
The phone runs on the dated Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) OS.
Upgrade to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) is not yet available.
The supplied USB cable’s length could have been longer for convenient charging and PC connectivity.
Wireless Connectivity with Dlink Wireless Routers.
High Price.

The Specifications of the Lava XOLO Smartphone are:

PROCESSOR
Chipset Intel Atom Processor Z2460
CPU 1.6 GHz Intel® Atom™ with Hyper Threading

GRAPHICS CORE
Clock speed 400 MHz
Triangles per second 40 million

DISPLAY
Display Size                          4.03″
Display Colors                      16 Million
Display Resolution              1024*600
Display Technology            TFT LCD Capacitive Touch with Corning Gorilla Glass

OPERATING SYSTEM Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) upgradable to Android 4.0

MEMORY
Internal Memory                 16 GB (Available Memory will be subject to Software Configuration)
RAM                                       1 GB
Expandable Memory           Not Available

CAMERA
Rear Camera                        8 MP
Front Camera                       1.3 MP
Flash support                       Yes, Single LED
Auto focus                             Yes
Touch focus                         Yes
Digital zoom                         8x
HD recording – Rear          1080p
Video chat – Front              480p
Burst Mode                           15 fps, 10 images in <1 sec
Camera Modes                     Auto, Sports, Portrait, Landscape, Night, Night Portrait, Fireworks

SENSORS Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Ambient Light Sensor, Proximity Sensor

CONNECTIVITY
USB                                        2.0 Hi Speed
Bluetooth                              v2.1
Wi-Fi                                      802.11 b/g/n
NFC                                        Yes – 13.56 MHz
WLAN support                     Yes
Modem                                   Intel XMM6260

AUDIO
Dual Speakers                     Yes, 0.3 W each
Digital Microphones          2
Ambient Noise Cancellation Yes
Voice Recording                 Yes, 3GPP
Audio Codecs supported   MP3, MIDI, WAV, 3GPP

VIDEO
Video Recording/Playback Full HD 1080p @ 30fps
Video Codecs supported MPEG4, 3GPP, WMC, H.264, VP8
Video Player Android Video Player, DoubleTwist

NETWORK FREQUENCY BANDS
GSM                                       850/900/1800/1900
UMTS/HSPA                       850/900/1900/2100
HSPA+                                  850/900/1900/2100
Edge/GPRS                          Class 10
WCDMA                                Yes
HSPA+                                  Up to 21 Mbps (DL), Up to 5.7 Mbps (UL)

BATTERY
Battery Capacity                   1460 mAh
Browsing (3G)                      Up to 5 hours
Talk time (3G)                      Up to 8 hours
Talk time (2G)                      Up to 14 hours
Music playback (earphones) Up to 45 hours
1080p Video                         Up to 6 hours
Total Standby time              Up to 14 days

DESIGN
Dimensions                          123 x 63 x 10.99 mm
Hard Keys                             Power key, Volume key, Camera key
Slots                                       Micro SIM Card Slot, Micro USB, Micro HDMI, 3.5 mm audio jack
Weight                                   124 grams

Image Credit and Source: intel.com

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Helpful Tips on Buying Electronic Gadgets and

MTNL and TERACOM launch Android 4.0 Tablets

Android Tablets, Teracom

MTNL and TERACOM launch Android 4.0 Tablets

September 1, 2012 Udit Malhotra Leave a comment

MTNL (Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited), New Delhi in association with Teracom Limited, Noida has launched Three models of 7” Android based Tablets in the brand name “Lofty”.

All the three Tablets run on the Android 4.0 – ICS (Ice Cream Sandwich) platform and offer Wireless Connectivity using a Wi-Fi Router and select 3G USB Devices.

The Lofty – TZ100 is equipped with a class leading Cortex A9 – 1GHz Processor, a SIM Slot for making Voice/3G Data Calls and a Capacitive Touch Screen. It is priced at Rs.10,999/- (MRP).

The Lofty – TZ200 is equipped with a Cortex A8 – 1.2GHz Processor and a Capacitive Touch Screen. It is priced at Rs.6,499/- (MRP).

The Lofty – TZ300 is also equipped with a ‘Cortex A8 – 1.2GHz’ but has a ‘Resistive Touch Screen’. It is priced at Rs.3,999/- (MRP).

At this time, there is no information available on the Graphics Capability/ the GPUs used in any of the above mentioned Lofty Tablets.

MTNL is offering 10GB of Free Data Usage on its 3G Network during the first 2 months upon purchase of these Tablets. MTNL claims to have extensively tested these Tablets on its Network. These Tablets will be available in the MTNL Sanchar Haats, Teracom Stores and Dealers.

The Comparative Specifications of the Lofty Tablets and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions are as under:

Note: A lower end specification is mentioned in Red color. A better specification is mentioned in Bold in Blue color. The best specification is mentioned in Bold in Green color.

Operating system

Android 4.0 – ICS (Ice-Cream Sandwich) in all Models

(This version of Android is Current and Stable. It is recommended for use with Processors with clock speeds above 1 GHz.)

Display Size

7” in all Models

(This is a Popular Display Size in Tablets.)

Processor

TZ100 1 GHz Cortex A9 Processor
TZ200 1.2 GHz Cortex A8 Processor
TZ100 1.2 GHz Cortex A8 Processor

(The Faster the Processor, the Better it is, specially for applications which use more ‘Processor Resources’ and during ‘Multi-Tasking’. Implementations of Cortex A8 Processors are also used in popular Apple products. Processors (CPUs) inside most Tablets and Smartphones are built inside Multi-Function/Multi-Processor (CPU+GPU+VPU+DPU+CIS +TPC) Packages also known as ‘System-on-Chip or SOC. Before purchasing any Chinese re-branded or unbranded Android Tablet or Smartphone, you should verify the ‘Maximum Speed’ of its Processor using popular Benchmarking Software like Quadrant and AnTuTu, available free-of-cost at the Google Play Store.)

Important Consumer Alert: Importers like LAVA International Ltd. are misleading Consumers of Tablets by misrepresenting and wrongly advertising the Processor Speed of their E-Tab Z7H Tablet as 1.2GHz whereas it is actually just 1GHz. Lava has not only printed the wrong and misleading Processor Speed of its E-Tab Z7H Tablet on the Tablet’s Retail Box Packaging and its Downloadable User Manual, but is also wrongly advertising and selling it on the websites of online retailers like Flipkart, Ezoneonline, Snapdeal, Infibeam, etc.

Check-out the following wrong and misleading Processor Specifications and Advertisements/Offers of the LAVA E-Tab Z7H Tablet. All these Advertisements/Offers carry a wrong and misleading Processor Speed. The Actual Processor Speed of 1GHz of the Lava E-Tab Z7H Tablet is also shown below. If you own a LAVA E-Tab Z7H, ask your Retailer for a Refund. A “Detailed Product Review” and “Video Review” of the Lava E-Tab Z7H Tablet is coming soon on this Site, stay tuned.

Click on Pictures above for an enlarged view.

(PANTEL uses a 1 GHz Cortex A8 Processor in the T-Pad IS-701C and is available for Rs.4999/-)

Screen and Touch Screen Type

TZ100 7”LCD Multi-Touch Capacitive Touch Screen
TZ200 7”LCD Multi-Touch Capacitive Touch Screen
TZ300 7”LCD Resistive Touch Screen

(A multi-touch Capacitive Touch Screen offers a better ‘Touch’ and ‘User Experience’ in comparison to a Resistive Touch Screen.)

Screen Resolution

TZ100 1024*600
TZ200 800*480
TZ300 800*480

(The Higher the Resolution the Better it is, with low resolution displays, tiny grains are visible in pictures. 800*480 is the resolution in most entry-level Tablets. Don’t expect the Display Quality of a Samsung Tab 2 or an iPad in any brand of low cost Tablets.)

Camera

TZ100 Front Camera: 0.3MP for Video Call. Rear Camera: 3MP
TZ200 Front Camera: 0.3MP for Video Call, Rear Camera: Not Available
TZ300 Front Camera: 0.3MP for Video Call, Rear Camera: Not Available

(Don’t expect a very good quality picture/video quality from a 0.3MP Camera in any Tablet. Your Mobile phone’s Camera would take better Pictures than most Tablets.)

Battery

TZ100 4200 mAh
TZ200 3000 mAh
TZ300 3000 mAh

(The Higher the capacity of the Battery in mAh or mili-ampere-hours, the more run time you will get from your Tablet. Batteries of 3000 mAh or up to 15% lower capacity are found in most entry-level Tablets.)

GSM/EDGE/WCDMA/HSDPA/HSUPA CONNECTIVITY AND SIM SLOT

TZ100 Yes. Also with Wi-Fi and 3G USB Dongle Support. SIM locked to MTNL Network.
TZ200 Not Provided. Wi-Fi and 3G USB Dongle Support
TZ300 Not Provided. Wi-Fi and 3G USB Dongle Support

(A SIM slot is not provided in Wi-Fi only Tablets. Being MTNL branded Tablets, SIMs of other Mobile Operators will not work with the TZ100 Tablet.)

WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY

TZ100 IEEE 802.11 b/ g/ n compliant
TZ200 IEEE 802.11 b/ g/ n compliant
TZ300 IEEE 802.11 b/ g/ n compliant

(Almost all Wireless Tablets are IEEE compliant today. However, some Tablets and other Devices may not be compatible to your existing Wireless Router.)

BLUETOOTH

TZ100 Yes. Version 2.1
TZ200 Not Provided
TZ300 Not Provided

(Bluetooth is not provided in entry level 7” Wi-Fi only Tablets.)

HDMI

TZ100 Yes
TZ200 Yes
TZ300 Not Provided

(Port Type Information Not Available)

(Useful for viewing High Definition Multimedia Content a TV equipped with a HDMI Port. Practical utility varies from user-to-user. Can be used only if your TV is equipped with an HDMI Port.)

SENSORS

TZ100 GPS, Digital Compass and 3-D Gravity Sensor
TZ200 3-D Gravity Sensor
TZ300 3-D Gravity Sensor

(GPS and Digital Compass are not provided in entry level 7” Wi-Fi only Tablets. Useful for Travelers and for Geo-tagging.)

USB Connectivity

TZ100 Yes. USB 2.0
TZ200 Yes. USB 2.0
TZ300 Yes. USB 2.0

(Port Type Information Not Available)

(Very Useful Interface for connecting 3G Dongles, Pen Drives, Mini Keyboards, Webcams, Card-readers, etc.)

[PANTEL offers a Full Size USB Port in T-Pad IS701C.]

Multimedia Support

RM/RMVB, MPEG, MKV, AVI, FLV, VP8, file format up to 1080P in All Models

(The more is the type/number of File Formats supported by the Manufacturer, the better it is for Cross-Platform Multimedia Playback. Otherwise, you will have to download and install CODEC packs from the Google Play Store)

[PANTEL offers support for playback of more Multimedia File Formats in T-Pad IS701C.]

Memory

RAM 512 MB in all Models
Internal Memory 4 GB in all Models
External Memory Up to 32 GB using a Micro SD Card in all Models

(The more the RAM, Internal Memory and External Memory, the better it is. The above mentioned Memory Specifications are common in most entry-level Tablets in the price range of over Rs.5,000/-.)

Dimensions

TZ100 190*120.5*10.8 mm
TZ200 195.8*122.8*12.6 mm
TZ300 192*121*12.37 mm

Are these Products Current?

TZ100 Yes
TZ200 Yes
TZ300 The Resistive Touchscreen is a let down.

Do these Products offer Good Value?

TZ100 Yes
TZ200 No. The Price is on the Higher Side
TZ300 No. The Resistive Touchscreen is a let down.

Pre-Sales, Technical and After-Sales Support?

Too early to comment.

Build Quality and Performance Review

Have not tested or reviewed these Tablets yet.

Price Prediction

To successfully compete with entry-level Tablets of other brands like PANTEL, MICROMAX, KARBONN, ZYNC, etc. the prices of TZ200 and TZ300 may come down soon.

Is this the right time to buy these Tablets?

Prices of entry level 7” Wi-Fi only Tablets are dropping every day due to growing demand and competition. Buy a 7” Capacitive Touch Screen based Branded Tablet in the price range of Rs.4,000/- to Rs.5,000/-. Don’t consider unbranded Chinese Tablets with Resistive Touch available in the market for Rs.2,000/- to Rs.3,500/-.

Before purchasing any budget Android Tablet you should verify the ‘Maximum Speed’ of its Processor using popular Benchmarking Software like Quadrant and AnTuTu, both available free-of-cost at the Google Play Store. During the last 30 days Quadrant and AnTuTu Benchmarking Software has been individually downloaded 1 – 5 Million times. (Statistics Source: Google Play Store). You may also use other Benchmarking and System Information Applications like Elixir2, Z-Device Test, Passmark Performance Test, CPU/RAM/Device Identifier and Linpack for the same.

For more informartion on TERACOM-MTNL Tablets

Visit http://teracomstore.in

Featured Image: MTNL-TERACOM Tablet TZ100. Image Credit: Teracom website

Coming Soon, Detailed Reviews of :

LAVA ETAB Z7H Tablet, LG Optimus 4x HD Smartphone and LAVA XOLO Smartphone

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