Galaxy Tab A7 Lite: Unboxing & First Impressions
August 7, 2021Samsung seems adamant about Android tablets having a place in our homes and workplaces. It’s the most fitting example of the term “going against the grain”. Evidently, Google has been consistently dropping the ball over the past few years in terms of tablet support. Lackluster developer support and optimization options have lowered the appeal for such a device.
Apparent cracks in the framework have also driven away most brands from the segment. Unlike most companies, Samsung has always chosen to dig its heels in when faced with adversity. This especially true when skeptics said that phones with large screens were pointless and remember when Steve Jobs scoffed at the idea of using a stylus? Hello Apple Pencil!
The same is true when it comes to tablets. The DeX interface has worked wonders for multitasking, inadvertently turning tablets into pseudo PCs. Consumers are beginning to see their potential as practical replacements for laptops (within reason). But what if you don’t want to carry a large 11 to 12 inch slab around all day?
Well, Samsung has thought about people like you when it recently introduced the Tab A7 Lite. It’s a miniature version of the larger 10.4-inch Tab A, but equipped with decent hardware. Weighing 366g it’s far lighter than the Tab A, making it convenient to carry in hand or tucked away in a backpack or handbag.
Performance: Octa-Core, 4GB RAM
Display: 8.7-inch
Weight: 366g
Storage: 64GB
Battery: 5,100mAh
Features: 1920 x 1080 Video Recording Resolution FHD
Rear Camera: 8MP
Front Camera: 2MP
Price: RM699
What do you get in the box?
First off, it’s a compact box, far smaller than what is usually expected of such a tablet. That’s because Samsung has reduced the size of the bezels without affecting the overall dimensions, keeping it inline with its other small form factor tablets of its ilk. Placed at the top, is the tablet itself. Our review unit features slim white bezels and a silver coloured plastic rear shell.
It’s a good looking tablet for the price, which is a stark departure from what we are used to seeing from such budget devices. Admittedly, Samsung has been stepping up its game in recent years in terms of device quality. Instead of reserving the best “stuff” for its premium models, it has chosen to give its budget devices the same amount of care.
Underneath the tablet are the literature on warranty and user instructions as well a 7.8W charging brick and USB Type-C to Type-A charging cable. Despite the presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack, this tablet isn’t supplied with a pair of wired earphones. Due to the presence of reasonably priced wireless earbuds, we aren’t upset about this deliberate omission.
Check out some of our most recent review on wireless earbuds below:
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro Review: Great All-Rounder
Sony WH-1000XM4 Review: The Best Just Got Better
Sony WF-H800 Wireless Earbuds Review: It’s All About The Bass, And Treble
MPOW H7 Review: Decent Sound Quality At A Budget Price
Bluedio TM Wireless Review: Decent Quality For A Low Price
Sony WH-1000XM3 Review: It’s A Studio On Your Ears
The Tab A7 Lite has an 8.7-inch, TFT (1340 x 800) display. This isn’t ideal for drawing or photo editing but perfect for reading books or magazines, streaming videos while on the move and taking notes. Mind, it doesn’t have S pen support, so that rules out the possibility of jotting down instant notes or doodling while waiting for the train.
Though it isn’t a particularly thick device, Samsung has managed to cram a 5,100mAh battery into this tablet. It also supports 15W Fast Charging, which should offer fairly quick top up sessions. However, the charging process will take a little longer if you decide to use the included 7.8W charging brick.
We will be testing Samsung’ Galaxy Tab A7 Lite extensively over the next several days to let you know how it stacks up against the competition. Initial impressions suggest that this could be the wild card entry we need right now.
Stay tuned for more details.
