Where are all the powerful and light Android Tablets?

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networkn

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#205485 15-Nov-2016 13:46

It's been a while since I have seen any reasonable tablets from Android. Lots of nice phones, but the tablet market has lagged.

I am still using a 2013 HDX 8.9 Amazon Tablet which is going ok, but I think it's starting to get unreliable, plus I am almost out of space on it.

I bought a Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8" about 18 months ago, but honestly, it was rubbish. Graphics performance was terrible, just felt massively less powerful than my older Android was.

I like that 8-10" size screen, want QHD, want good graphics performance, fast, and something light and hopefully expandable.

I don't want an iPad.

I am not overly concerned with budget, but would be nice to stay under $500.

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#1671412 15-Nov-2016 15:14

If you don't mind importing from the US? I like my Nvidia Shield K1, at only just on $300nzd it was well worth it and I would buy another 1 if any of the 3 we have broke.

As for warranty and replacement, I replaced one of my Nvidia Shield TV earlier this. I just gave Nvidia my youshop address and had to fork out for return shipping but other wise it was no hassle.

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networkn

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#1671420 15-Nov-2016 15:26

Only 1080P which is not ideal. How does the Tegra K1 compare to a Snapdragon 810 for example? Dedicated graphics would be a nice addition.

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#1671421 15-Nov-2016 15:33

bought a new Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 and very disappointed with it. It is nice for movies even though wrong aspect. But the horrible screen for reading news or books. Unless you have it exactly square on the screen will be dark blue tinge at top going to white at bottom. Makes it horrible for reading. So stay clear of the S2

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#1671438 15-Nov-2016 16:01

Some decent ones are to be found on Aliexpress now. Check out the Xiaomi mipad 2, Chuwi Hibook Pro, Asus Zenpad and similar. Not as many as I thought there would be though, I agree.

openmedia

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#1671446 15-Nov-2016 16:09

I'm also looking for a replacement for an old Gen 1 2012 Nexus 7. I'd lover a 8" or 9" replacement that has higher specs that the typical Samsung devices.

I was really hoping for a new Google 7 or 8" Tablet during the last announcements but no such luck.

Generally known online as OpenMedia, now working for Red Hat APAC as a Technology Evangelist and Portfolio Architect. Still playing with MythTV and digital media on the side.

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#1671492 15-Nov-2016 17:00

There were rumours a month or so ago of a new Google Nexus (Pixel?) 7 before Christmas.

Nice to see someone else still using a gen 1 Nexus 7!

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#1671502 15-Nov-2016 17:37

Giggs: There were rumours a month or so ago of a new Google Nexus (Pixel?) 7 before Christmas.

Nice to see someone else still using a gen 1 Nexus 7!

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networkn

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#1671507 15-Nov-2016 18:12

jonb:

Some decent ones are to be found on Aliexpress now. Check out the Xiaomi mipad 2, Chuwi Hibook Pro, Asus Zenpad and similar. Not as many as I thought there would be though, I agree.

How do Intel processors go against SnapDragons?

Yabanize

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#1671526 15-Nov-2016 19:03

Pixel C?

wanghou168

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#1671530 15-Nov-2016 19:14

Have you looked at the new Amazon HD 8"?

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#1671535 15-Nov-2016 19:21

Very good question. I won a iPad Pro 9.7 recently but not a big fan of iOS, been looking what options are in android space but doesn't look like there is anything very appealing. Only one that looks semi decent is the Galaxy A 10.1 which is around the $400-$450 mark. I guess most tablets will be a step down from the iPad from a build quality point of view but surely there are some that come close?

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#1671536 15-Nov-2016 19:21

I bought an Asus Zenpad S 8 from amazon.com about a year ago - a very nice tablet. Can't comment on graphics performance because it hasn't been used for 3D gaming. $160USD now and cheap delivery from Amazon.

I can't work out why these have never been sold by NZ retailers, they seem to have far better specs than anything even close in price

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#1671584 15-Nov-2016 21:18

networkn:

How do Intel processors go against SnapDragons?

I have a Nokia N1 which has a 2.4GHz quad-core Intel Atom Z3580.

It performs very well as far as I'm concerned though I probably don't require as much of it as some on here might. Battery life is quite OK too.

The only negative comment I have on the Intel is that some apps may not work or if they do work, they don't work as well as on a Snapdragon. I cannot recall not being able to get an app running quite satisfactorily.

Apparently apps running on the Intel chip require another layer of processing which can slow down their operation. I can't say I've had such an issue with any apps, but then again I've not bothered to compare with a Snapdragon equipped tablet.

I've had one or two apps on Play Store show up as being not compatible and not allow me to install on the N1. In every case I've been able to use another device to download and install the app onto and then use "Send Anywhere" to side load onto the N1.

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#1671589 15-Nov-2016 21:30

k14: .... I guess most tablets will be a step down from the iPad from a build quality point of view but surely there are some that come close?

The Nokia N1 would match the build quality of the iPad mini, but unfortunately the N1 isn't available in New Zealand. They are easily obtained on the likes of Ebay. If anyone is thinking of getting an N1 make sure you get the International or Taiwan version. The original Chinese version does not have Google Play Store. There is another Store installed BUT not the Play Store we know. This was done specially for the Chinese market where access to Play Store isn't allowed.

Some sellers will say Play Store is installed on the Chinese version, either they have rooted the device and installed Google Apps. When the device updates to a later version of the OS, Play Store will disappear, or they are talking about the original Store. The Taiwanese (International) Version is the only one to get.

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ech3lon

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#1671599 15-Nov-2016 22:07

Sony Z4 tablet http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_z4_tablet_lte-7069.php

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