IconBIT NETTAB THOR IZ tablet review: when Intel Inside
The iconBIT NETTAB THOR IZ tablet has at least two features that I would like to focus on in the introduction. Firstly, an interesting screen diagonal of 8.9 inches is another confirmation of the maximum expansion of the choice of “tablets” along the diagonal of the display. Secondly, the tablet uses the Intel Atom Z2580 processor, which automatically attracts the attention of at least a technically competent part of the population. Therefore, after “talking” with iconBIT NETTAB THOR IZ for about a week, I hasten to share my impressions.
The box is standard for the brand’s devices - a couple of basic features on the front side plus a colorful print of the tablet itself. From the rear - a detailed acquaintance with the parameters, and at the same time with the buttons / connectors of the device.
The proposed set does not shine with variety and includes a warranty card, a manual, a microUSB cable and a charging unit (“American”, with an adapter for “Russian” sockets). I would like to see the OTG cable, which I regularly met in other tablets of the iconBIT THOR series.
The appearance, or rather the dimensions of the tablet, once again made me think about the golden mean between a home and a mobile tablet device. It seems to me that 7.9-inch models are better suited to such a "hybrid", but iconBIT NETTAB THOR IZ diligently positions itself as a hard worker on both fronts. I liked the design that was not hackneyed for tablets. Despite the fact that brands are trying to diversify the appearance of their devices, with more it turns out very badly. And here is a “sharp” tablet with an abundance of right angles at the joints of the sides. Most of all, the iconBIT NETTAB THOR IZ reminded me of a big, big iPhone.
Attractive design of the model was the continuation of its controversial ergonomics. I specifically drew in as an independent opinion two colleagues who normally appreciated the possibility of working with the device. However, I am too accustomed to smooth transitions, the sharp edges of the tablet were very striking to my eyes (more precisely, palms). Although I do not think that the average consumer will pay attention to this point at all. You can hold the tablet with one hand, but still this is not some iconBIT NETTAB SKAT MX “in the style” of the iPad Mini.
The iconBIT NETTAB THOR IZ materials are not that premium, but a metal frame is used at the ends. Honestly, in principle, I don’t like metal in “grabbing” places in mobile devices, but as practice shows, 99% of other users see this “with a bang”. The front and front sides of the model are white, which harmoniously combines with metal elements and a black strip-insert on the sides. Marco is low, almost no visible fingerprints on a white background. Although if you look at a certain angle, you immediately run after the “wiping tools”.
Now a little more about the element-buttons-connectors. On the front side there is only a lone peephole of the camera, the control buttons are habitually concentrated directly on the screen in the system.
From the rear there is exactly the same “diversity”, only it is supplemented with inscriptions, including indicating the presence of an Intel processor.
On the left side there is an audio output, a microUSB connector and a speaker. It is easy to guess that the second speaker is on the opposite side. Immediately, I note that the sound volume is decent, in the room I almost never set more than 30-40% of the maximum. It would be better to install the speakers a little higher, so that they do not overlap in landscape orientation with the palms. By the way, I was very surprised by the lack of an HDMI connector.
The memory card slot is installed on the upper end, next to the microphone.
The entire three keys (power and volume) are at the top left. I really liked this against the background of other models, when both elements are carried to the most unexpected places in the case. And we are not talking about convenience in different orientations at all. And here - in the portrait position everything is under the right hand (almost like in a smartphone), in landscape - exactly under the left. "Sit" buttons without backlashes.
If my memory serves me right, this is the third iconBIT tablet in my hands. And I am always happy that there are no questions regarding the quality of the matrix. However, more on that later. The diagonal of the display is 8.9 inches. Resolution - 1 920 x 1 200 pixels. It is clear that in this way iconBIT NETTAB THOR IZ has a higher PPI compared to 10-inch tablets. As a result, I do not see the point of dwelling on obvious epithets such as "clear", "smooth" and others with respect to the image.
The display backlight is uniform, in terms of color reproduction and viewing angles, I probably won’t say anything unexpected - the picture is saturated, but there is no obvious distortion, and you can watch something together for three or three. In any case, my wife and I did not have to turn the tablet over for mutually optimal angles. The brightness of the protective glass does not go beyond reasonable limits - here I do not see much difference with almost any tablet without an oleophobic coating.
The main 5 megapixel camera and an additional 2 megapixel camera are more than a standard set. If I'm not mistaken, the shooting program was taken from Android unchanged along with an interface in the style of extreme minimalism. There are almost no additional settings, which is logically due to the absence of a 5 MP module with special claims to the artistry of pictures.
If you remember that we are talking about the tablet’s camera, I would give her 7 out of 10 points. There is a shortage of color saturation and contrast, but in general I was counting on a much less acceptable result. The camera will not hysteria with exposure in frames with a sharp transition of dark and light areas, and in the shadows there is no excessive (again, comparable to other tablets) digital noise. I even got frames with good clarity at a distance of 15-20 cm from the subject.
One of the most interesting components of a smartphone is its Intel Atom Z2580 processor (Clover Trail +). Just in case, let me remind you that this processor was the first Intel model with a 32 nm manufacturing process. The dual-core Intel Atom Z2580 operates at a frequency of 2 GHz, that is, at the maximum possible for this model. There is support for technology Hyper-Threading, Intel Smart Idle and Intel Image Signal Processor. In the presence of a dual-channel 32-bit RAM controller LPDDR2 with a frequency of 533 MHz. The graphics accelerator is an eight-core PowerVR SGX 544MP2 with a frequency of 533 MHz. RAM - 2 GB, all "in an adult way." Built-in memory for 16 GB data, this should be enough for most users.
Intel Atom Z2580 is the flagship processor, that's why I expected the results from it accordingly. Almost 20,000 points in AnTutu, 57.3 FPS in Epic Citadel (yes, there are graphics, but still), you see the rest yourself. Very good, a vivid example of a tablet, relevant in the light of current resource-intensive programs, games and popular multitasking.
Only one point - the results in the above benchmarks are good, but not too much ahead of the achievements of solutions based on Rockchip RK3188. But 3DMark revealed the tablet’s potential to the fullest extent, 7,138 points - this is an order of magnitude more than in tablets with “rock”.
I had no problems with games, if we talk about titles downloaded from Google Play like Dead Trigger 2, the Riptide GP2 installed from a single APK file also worked normally. But when I tried to use pre-prepared cache sets (my own "browser set"), the incompatibility was almost total. I use my kit mainly with MTK devices, but the universal cache was mostly downloaded. In a good way, you need to spend some time searching for options with the best compatibility, but I repeat, if I chose to “fully” download from Google Play, I did not see any crashes.
Usually I use the IXBT methodology for testing video playback, but this time the site has already seen a review of the subject. Therefore, here (http://www.ixbt.com/portopc/iconbit-thor-iz.shtml) you can familiarize yourself with checking the playback of clips. Support for the author of the material, without the codec package for Intel, calling the iconBIT NETTAB THOR IZ an “omnivorous” tablet will not work.
Given that there are no grandiose innovations in the system, I will give a description here. The current Android 4.2.2 is installed, the set of programs is completely standard. I rather welcome this, since I do not greatly regret the clutter of memory with all sorts of Odnoklassniki, Mail.ru clients, and all kinds of variations on the theme of Yandex.Something there.
A 7,000 mAh battery seems like a good choice considering the diagonal and processor of the tablet. According to my measurements, iconBIT NETTAB THOR IZ can withstand 5 hours 50 minutes in 3D games (Dead Trigger 2, maximum graphics settings), 9 hours 10 minutes of Wi-Fi web surfing and 7 hours 30 minutes when playing HD movies (maximum volume, average brightness). Tests were carried out by me exactly at the time of business trips, because the above indicators came in handy. Especially against the background of my Acer Extensa 5220, which surprisingly discharged an external battery with a capacity of 12,000 mAh in exactly one hour.
An extremely curious tablet, which I would highly recommend for consideration if 8 inches is not enough for you, but 10 inches seems too cumbersome. The Intel Atom Z2580 turned out to be not at all a purely “geeky” parameter - I liked the processor for its low power consumption along with the ability to “give heat” in 3D games (if there are no problems with the cache). Appearance of the device is not that super-original, but noticeably diversifies shelves in retail littered with black “tablets”. Of the minuses - there is no HDMI support, which is critical if you intend to use a tablet with a TV. The conditional flaws include the lack of GPS and 3G. For me, both options are a given of smartphones, which almost everybody has now. The device costs 9,990 rubles (~ $ 312) and should go on sale in mid-December.
Packaging and equipment
The box is standard for the brand’s devices - a couple of basic features on the front side plus a colorful print of the tablet itself. From the rear - a detailed acquaintance with the parameters, and at the same time with the buttons / connectors of the device.
The proposed set does not shine with variety and includes a warranty card, a manual, a microUSB cable and a charging unit (“American”, with an adapter for “Russian” sockets). I would like to see the OTG cable, which I regularly met in other tablets of the iconBIT THOR series.
Design
The appearance, or rather the dimensions of the tablet, once again made me think about the golden mean between a home and a mobile tablet device. It seems to me that 7.9-inch models are better suited to such a "hybrid", but iconBIT NETTAB THOR IZ diligently positions itself as a hard worker on both fronts. I liked the design that was not hackneyed for tablets. Despite the fact that brands are trying to diversify the appearance of their devices, with more it turns out very badly. And here is a “sharp” tablet with an abundance of right angles at the joints of the sides. Most of all, the iconBIT NETTAB THOR IZ reminded me of a big, big iPhone.
Attractive design of the model was the continuation of its controversial ergonomics. I specifically drew in as an independent opinion two colleagues who normally appreciated the possibility of working with the device. However, I am too accustomed to smooth transitions, the sharp edges of the tablet were very striking to my eyes (more precisely, palms). Although I do not think that the average consumer will pay attention to this point at all. You can hold the tablet with one hand, but still this is not some iconBIT NETTAB SKAT MX “in the style” of the iPad Mini.
The iconBIT NETTAB THOR IZ materials are not that premium, but a metal frame is used at the ends. Honestly, in principle, I don’t like metal in “grabbing” places in mobile devices, but as practice shows, 99% of other users see this “with a bang”. The front and front sides of the model are white, which harmoniously combines with metal elements and a black strip-insert on the sides. Marco is low, almost no visible fingerprints on a white background. Although if you look at a certain angle, you immediately run after the “wiping tools”.
Now a little more about the element-buttons-connectors. On the front side there is only a lone peephole of the camera, the control buttons are habitually concentrated directly on the screen in the system.
From the rear there is exactly the same “diversity”, only it is supplemented with inscriptions, including indicating the presence of an Intel processor.
On the left side there is an audio output, a microUSB connector and a speaker. It is easy to guess that the second speaker is on the opposite side. Immediately, I note that the sound volume is decent, in the room I almost never set more than 30-40% of the maximum. It would be better to install the speakers a little higher, so that they do not overlap in landscape orientation with the palms. By the way, I was very surprised by the lack of an HDMI connector.
The memory card slot is installed on the upper end, next to the microphone.
The entire three keys (power and volume) are at the top left. I really liked this against the background of other models, when both elements are carried to the most unexpected places in the case. And we are not talking about convenience in different orientations at all. And here - in the portrait position everything is under the right hand (almost like in a smartphone), in landscape - exactly under the left. "Sit" buttons without backlashes.
Screen
If my memory serves me right, this is the third iconBIT tablet in my hands. And I am always happy that there are no questions regarding the quality of the matrix. However, more on that later. The diagonal of the display is 8.9 inches. Resolution - 1 920 x 1 200 pixels. It is clear that in this way iconBIT NETTAB THOR IZ has a higher PPI compared to 10-inch tablets. As a result, I do not see the point of dwelling on obvious epithets such as "clear", "smooth" and others with respect to the image.
The display backlight is uniform, in terms of color reproduction and viewing angles, I probably won’t say anything unexpected - the picture is saturated, but there is no obvious distortion, and you can watch something together for three or three. In any case, my wife and I did not have to turn the tablet over for mutually optimal angles. The brightness of the protective glass does not go beyond reasonable limits - here I do not see much difference with almost any tablet without an oleophobic coating.
Camera
The main 5 megapixel camera and an additional 2 megapixel camera are more than a standard set. If I'm not mistaken, the shooting program was taken from Android unchanged along with an interface in the style of extreme minimalism. There are almost no additional settings, which is logically due to the absence of a 5 MP module with special claims to the artistry of pictures.
If you remember that we are talking about the tablet’s camera, I would give her 7 out of 10 points. There is a shortage of color saturation and contrast, but in general I was counting on a much less acceptable result. The camera will not hysteria with exposure in frames with a sharp transition of dark and light areas, and in the shadows there is no excessive (again, comparable to other tablets) digital noise. I even got frames with good clarity at a distance of 15-20 cm from the subject.
Performance
One of the most interesting components of a smartphone is its Intel Atom Z2580 processor (Clover Trail +). Just in case, let me remind you that this processor was the first Intel model with a 32 nm manufacturing process. The dual-core Intel Atom Z2580 operates at a frequency of 2 GHz, that is, at the maximum possible for this model. There is support for technology Hyper-Threading, Intel Smart Idle and Intel Image Signal Processor. In the presence of a dual-channel 32-bit RAM controller LPDDR2 with a frequency of 533 MHz. The graphics accelerator is an eight-core PowerVR SGX 544MP2 with a frequency of 533 MHz. RAM - 2 GB, all "in an adult way." Built-in memory for 16 GB data, this should be enough for most users.
Intel Atom Z2580 is the flagship processor, that's why I expected the results from it accordingly. Almost 20,000 points in AnTutu, 57.3 FPS in Epic Citadel (yes, there are graphics, but still), you see the rest yourself. Very good, a vivid example of a tablet, relevant in the light of current resource-intensive programs, games and popular multitasking.
Only one point - the results in the above benchmarks are good, but not too much ahead of the achievements of solutions based on Rockchip RK3188. But 3DMark revealed the tablet’s potential to the fullest extent, 7,138 points - this is an order of magnitude more than in tablets with “rock”.
I had no problems with games, if we talk about titles downloaded from Google Play like Dead Trigger 2, the Riptide GP2 installed from a single APK file also worked normally. But when I tried to use pre-prepared cache sets (my own "browser set"), the incompatibility was almost total. I use my kit mainly with MTK devices, but the universal cache was mostly downloaded. In a good way, you need to spend some time searching for options with the best compatibility, but I repeat, if I chose to “fully” download from Google Play, I did not see any crashes.
Usually I use the IXBT methodology for testing video playback, but this time the site has already seen a review of the subject. Therefore, here (http://www.ixbt.com/portopc/iconbit-thor-iz.shtml) you can familiarize yourself with checking the playback of clips. Support for the author of the material, without the codec package for Intel, calling the iconBIT NETTAB THOR IZ an “omnivorous” tablet will not work.
Given that there are no grandiose innovations in the system, I will give a description here. The current Android 4.2.2 is installed, the set of programs is completely standard. I rather welcome this, since I do not greatly regret the clutter of memory with all sorts of Odnoklassniki, Mail.ru clients, and all kinds of variations on the theme of Yandex.Something there.
Offline work
A 7,000 mAh battery seems like a good choice considering the diagonal and processor of the tablet. According to my measurements, iconBIT NETTAB THOR IZ can withstand 5 hours 50 minutes in 3D games (Dead Trigger 2, maximum graphics settings), 9 hours 10 minutes of Wi-Fi web surfing and 7 hours 30 minutes when playing HD movies (maximum volume, average brightness). Tests were carried out by me exactly at the time of business trips, because the above indicators came in handy. Especially against the background of my Acer Extensa 5220, which surprisingly discharged an external battery with a capacity of 12,000 mAh in exactly one hour.
Conclusion
An extremely curious tablet, which I would highly recommend for consideration if 8 inches is not enough for you, but 10 inches seems too cumbersome. The Intel Atom Z2580 turned out to be not at all a purely “geeky” parameter - I liked the processor for its low power consumption along with the ability to “give heat” in 3D games (if there are no problems with the cache). Appearance of the device is not that super-original, but noticeably diversifies shelves in retail littered with black “tablets”. Of the minuses - there is no HDMI support, which is critical if you intend to use a tablet with a TV. The conditional flaws include the lack of GPS and 3G. For me, both options are a given of smartphones, which almost everybody has now. The device costs 9,990 rubles (~ $ 312) and should go on sale in mid-December.
