“Pop Talk” Tech Review: Three affordable Pinoy tablets

Published August 11, 2013 12:34am

“Pop Talk” reviews three budget-friendly computer tablets, including the Arc Mobile Tab 705M, the CloudPad 700TV, and the SKK Phoenix.

Most people consider affordability, functionality, and simplicity when buying a new tablet. However, while there might be tons of tablet computers on the market, it's not always easy to find one that has everything you want.

Enter three new players in the Philippine tablet industry: the Arc Mobile Tab 705M, the CloudPad 700 TV, and the SKK Phoenix.

All three tablet models offer the same features and functions of other tablets, at more affordable prices. With a panel composed of blogger TJ Panganiban, techie university student Issa Prats, and award-winning Kapuso actress Alessandra de Rossi, "Pop Talk" put these three tablets to the test:

Arc Mobile Tab 705M

Price: P3,999
Features:
- Mobile TV
- Android Jelly 4.1.2
- single core processor
- 2G connectivity
- dual SIM
- 7” screen size
- 4 GB internal memory
- VGA (front camera); 5 MP (back camera
Released:July 2013

For a price lower than P5,000, the Arc Mobile Tab 705M is definitely perfect for people who are on a budget. Jordan Ng, Marketing Manager of Arc Mobile, said: “Marami siyang kaparehas na price but with the functions that it has, ito yung pinaka-cheapest na Jellybean tablet phone.”

The first thing the reviewers noticed was the tablet’s appearance. They all agreed that the Arc Mobile Tab 705M is light and easy to grip. Alessandra also observed that the tablet is quick and responsive: “Sumusunod naman siya agad. ‘Di siya nagla-lag.” Issa, who tried playing a game using the Arc Mobile tablet, agreed: “Considering single-core lang naman ‘to, smooth siya pag naglalaro.”

“From a technical perspective naman, since five megapixels siya, okay naman yung mga capture niya,” TJ said after trying the tablet’s camera. He added: “Yung graphics niya, tumatakbo naman nang maayos. The camera is good. Yung power niya, kahit single-core, okay naman.”

Final verdict: 9 pop points

CloudPad 700TV

Price: P6,499
Features:
- Dual SIM
- analogue TV
- Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
- 2 MP rear camera, front camera
- 1.0 GHz dual core processor
- 3G connectivity
- 4GB ROM memory
Released:July 2013

Alessandra admitted that she fell in love with the CloudPad 700TV the very first time she saw it. Launched in July 2013, this multifunctional tablet can effectively substitute a notebook or laptop.

The “Pop Talk” reviewers thought that the CloudPad 700TV looked sleek and expensive. TJ elaborated: “Maganda ‘yung gawa niya. Doon sa likod mukha siyang brass metal. Ito ‘yung nauuso ngayon, ‘yung parang aluminum sa likod. Pero this is plastic.”

The reviewers were also satisfied with the performance of the tablet’s camera. TJ noticed that photos taken using the CloudPad 700TV lose some detail once the zoom function is used. “Pero all in all, okay naman for general usage,” he concluded. Another feature of this device is its ability to screencap and record videos from the shows you watch.

“Tama naman yung presyo sa lahat ng features na meron siya,” Alessandra answered when asked if the CloudPad 700TV is worth its price. Issa agreed: “Mostly kasi yung mga tablets kasi super mahal. Eh, ‘yan, nandyan na lahat.”

Final verdict: 9 pop points

SKK Phoenix

Price: P4,999
Features:
- Mobile TV
- Android 4.0.4 ICS
- Wi-Fi
- 32 GB expandable memory
- VGA (front camera); 2 MP (back camera)
Released:May 2013

The SKK Phoenix has all the basic features of a tablet. It can be used for texting, calling, playing games, surfing the Internet and more. It also comes with a dual SIM feature that makes texting to different cellular networks more convenient.

“Gusto ko siya,” Alessandra commented. “Actually, ‘yung first impression ko lang, mukha siyang mahal. Mukha rin naman siyang matibay.”

Issa described the Phoenix’s graphics after playing games with it: “Walang lag. Maganda pa rin yung graphics. Hindi siya nag ha-hang.” Alessandra, on the other hand, used the tablet to watch TV shows. Her verdict: “Happy ako kasi nandito na lahat ng kailangan ko.”

“Although maganda yung viewing angles niya, makikita mo talaga yung pixels,” said TJ. “I personally feel na pwede pa siyang mabawasan ng presyo.”

Final verdict: 6 pop points

–Lara Gonzales/PF, GMA News

Tags: webexclusive, poptalk