PERFORMANCE. We evaluate how fast a tablet can perform calculations and see how long it takes to complete different tasks. The Lenovo Tab 7 Essential TB-7304F (16GB) has speeds acceptable for running everyday tasks, such as web browsing or email. Copying a set of files was very fast.
DISPLAY. We also score the attributes of a tablet's display. This device has a display resolution of 1024 x 600, and produces very coarse detail at 171 pixels per inch. The very bright screen and its reduced glare will be easy to view when used outdoors or in bright rooms. Testers found the display quality is dull and coarse under mid lit conditions and washes out under bright light. Viewing angles are very narrow and not ideal for sharing the screen; a single viewer will have limited positions for getting optimal display.
CONVENIENCE. To gauge a tablet's ease of use, we look at the intuitiveness of its controls, as well as how quickly it takes to perform common tasks, such as connecting to a WiFi router or transferring files. The on-screen keyboard had a less comfortable size than on other tablets and sometimes experienced lag when typing, and buttons were intuitively placed or easy to use. The touchscreen accurately interpreted touch gestures and it showed little, if any, lag in response. This tablet's initial setup process was quick and simple to personalize. It was fast in connecting to a wireless network. There were few, if any, issues when transferring files to and from different computers or storage solutions. You can display two apps at once on this tablet, making it easier to multi-task and view more information on the screen.
SPECIFIC TASKS. Looking at how easy it is to perform a set of everyday tasks can show how functional a tablet will be. This tablet scored very good, with some tasks easy to perform. Most common file types are not supported by default; you may need additional apps to view certain files. Some unsupported formats include: rtf, MSOffice files. The tablet includes a video conference app by default for making video calls. The camera video records in HD, good for creating movies for playback on TV. The webcam video records in HD, good for making video calls. Video playback was smooth and had little lag, and sound quality from the built-in speakers is very thin. Photos produced from the camera were middling, better than some tablets but not as good as others, and videos had some noise, producing somewhat unnatural-looking colors. Text was somewhat hard to read under various lighting conditions. There was plenty of lag when using the browser, which was difficult to use.
VERSATILITY. The features that are available on a tablet and other physical characteristics can affect its usability. It has no USB port. It has no HDMI port. Without a keyboard, it weighs 0.6 lbs and is more lightweight than most tested tablets. The tablet has a solid feel, with little to no flex in its construction.
BATTERY LIFE. A longer battery life is important for mobility, whether using it while outside traveling, or even just at home as you carry the tablet between rooms. While browsing the web, the tablet can last 9.6 hours, and while playing back movies, it can last 7.9 hours. After partially charging a drained battery for 30 minutes, the tablet can last 2.3 hours. The tablet has a battery-saving mode, but it took testers some time to find and activate it.
