Datawind Ubislate 3G7Z #ExpressReview: Only for those on a budget

The company has a host of devices, but all under the sub Rs 6,000 range. We decided to try out the new Datawind Ubislate 3G7Z, a 7-inch 3G tablet with dual-SIM capabilities. Here is what we thought.

Datawind Ubislate 3G7Z is a 7-inch 3G tablet with dual-SIM capabilities.

Datawind Ubislate 3G7Z

Specs: Android 4.4.2 2 x Cortex A7 | 1.2 GHz MTK8312 | 1 GB RAM | 8 GB ROM | 7-inch (1024 x 600) Capacitive 5-point | 0.3 MP front camera and 3 MP rear camera | micro USB | USB x1

Price: Rs 4850

The Ubislate 3G7Z is a very handy tablet that comes with calling. It appeals to a certain class of people who need a affordable device that caters to their need for a large screen, with calling and two SIM access.

But this is an entry level device and obviously cannot be compared with other tablets in the market. This is why I am looking at this tablet bottom up, like how a first-time tablet buyer would look at it.

Also Read: Datawind to bring cheap Android smartphones with free Internet

What is good

The first feature that strikes you is the design. Though a seven-inch tablet this will easily come within your grip because it is not wide along the sides. I could easily grip the tablet like a phone and still have some bit of the fingers to spare.

The tablet has no issues with basic functions like email or browsing. But this is not made to be pushed beyond a limit. So while multi-tab browsing and switching between apps is no issues, the experience with a lot of graphic heavy games is not that great.

The battery life in Datawind Ubislate 3G7Z is pretty decent and even with use as a phone you will be able to get about 12 hours of life.

The battery life is pretty decent and even with use as a phone you will be able to get about 12 hours of life. That is the benefit of having a larger device, as it can house a larger battery too.

The value for money for users comes with the package deal Datawind is offering along with Reliance. Users get a year of free data, which is a big deal for the kind of buyers this is targetted at.

What is not good

But get buyer or not, the screen of this device will not impress you. It is not an issue with resolution, but the viewing angles make it seem like this has a 3D screen and a display layer behind the glass. It actually gives you a headache like a movie with the 3D projection all wrong.

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The build quality is not impressive either. I could see two blobs on the screen, which I later realised were my fingers putting pressure on the display through the back panel. This is unacceptable and gives the feeling the device won’t lay long, which might not be the case.

The tablet does not offer access to Play Store or other Google apps, which is beyond me. There is an Apptoide, which Datawind claims is the second largest. I am yet to figure out why they don’t want the largest.

Read: Tablet sales grow to 4.4 million in India; Datawind on top: CMR study

Should you buy

This is strictly for the budget user, maybe someone looking to buy their first smartphone but finding more utility in a tablet with calling. It could also be a decent device for children or your mom back home. The best feature of this Ubislate tab is Datawind’s ability to offer a mix of feature much below its competitors. However, I would have been happier had the device been able to inspire. Bit more confidence in me.