Unveiling the $120 Android Tablet: A Surprisingly Usable Bargain?

In a world saturated with premium devices and ever-increasing price tags, the idea of a truly functional Android tablet costing a mere $120 seems almost mythical. My own experience with budget tablets has historically been a parade of disappointment – sluggish performance, abysmal screens, and an overall user experience that quickly turns frustration into regret.

So, when the opportunity arose to test a $120 Android tablet from Amazon, my skepticism was, to say the least, firmly entrenched. Could this be different? Could a device at this price point actually deliver a usable experience?

The tablet in question was the Ulefone Tab A7, acquired directly from Amazon.

First impressions upon unboxing were, surprisingly, positive. The device felt reasonably solid, not like a flimsy toy. But what truly caught my attention were the included accessories: a charger, a USB-C cable, a SIM tray ejector tool, a stylus, and — most unexpectedly — a decent protective case.

This ensemble of extras, often sold separately for much more, added instant value and hinted that perhaps Ulefone was aiming for more than just the bare minimum.

Delving into the specifications revealed further surprises that challenged my preconceived notions of a sub-$150 tablet. Powering the Ulefone Tab A7 is an eight-core Spreadtrum SC9863A processor.

While not a powerhouse by any stretch, it’s far from the single or dual-core nightmares of past budget devices. This is complemented by a generous 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, both figures that are genuinely impressive at this price point. The display is a 10.1-inch IPS panel boasting a crisp 1920x1200 resolution.

For basic media consumption and browsing, this is more than adequate, offering surprisingly vibrant colors and good viewing angles.

But the real showstopper in the spec sheet? Built-in LTE connectivity, along with dual SIM card support. This transforms the Ulefone Tab A7 from a mere Wi-Fi-dependent device into a truly portable internet hub, a feature typically reserved for tablets costing several times more.

Add to that Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a 6,580mAh battery, a 5MP front camera, and a 13MP rear camera (which, admittedly, are as rudimentary as expected), and you have a package that, on paper, punches well above its weight class.

So, how does it perform in the real world? As anticipated, it's not a speed demon.

There's an undeniable touch of lag and stutter, particularly when juggling multiple apps or engaging in more demanding tasks. Heavy gaming is out of the question, and don't expect it to replace your primary workstation. However, for its intended purpose – light web browsing, email, streaming videos on Netflix or YouTube, and casual puzzle games – the Ulefone Tab A7 handles things with surprising competency.

The screen, as mentioned, is a delight for media, though the built-in speaker leaves much to be desired, making headphones a wise investment. Charging is also on the slower side, but for a device likely used sporadically, it's a manageable trade-off.

Ultimately, who is this $120 tablet for? It's not for the power user, nor is it a contender for the title of 'best Android tablet.' Instead, it carves out a niche for itself as an excellent secondary device, an affordable option for kids, or a budget-friendly media consumption and browsing tool.

Its surprising feature set, especially the LTE connectivity and decent core specs, make it far more than just a novelty. It's a testament to how far budget technology has come, offering a genuinely usable, if unpolished, experience that dares to challenge the notion that you need to spend a fortune for basic digital access.

The Ulefone Tab A7 is undeniably 'good for the price' and, against all odds, proved to be far better than expected.