Irbis TZ94 Tablet Review - Large screen and Intel® processor for a modest amount

    Intel® recently released the new Atom ™ mobile processors, code-named SoFIA. These chips allowed developers of end devices to create inexpensive, but at the same time quite interesting gadgets in terms of characteristics. Today I’ll talk about one of these devices, this is the Irbis TZ94 tablet computer: it runs on Intel® Atom ™ x3-C3230RK, Android 5.1 acts as the operating system, there are two SIM card slots and even the display is IPS-enabled. The cost of new items is 7,990 rubles, so the device belongs to the budget category.



    Specifications


    Operating system: Google Android 5.1 Lollipop
    Processor: Intel® Atom ™ x3-C3230RK (4 x 1.2 GHz, 64-bit), Mali-450 MP4
    RAM, internal: 1 GB / 8 GB, microSD support up to 32 GB
    Wireless connections : Wi-Fi n, Bluetooth 4.0 + LE, 3G, GPS
    Slots: MicroSD, 2 SIM
    Cameras main, front: 2 MP / 0.3 MP
    Battery: 4000 mAh
    Dimensions and weight: 251 x 145 x 10.1 mm, 510 grams

    Contents of delivery


    In a large box, I found the tablet itself, a microUSB wire, an AC adapter, a warranty book, a manual and ... that's it! As you can see, the equipment is not the richest.







    Android 5.1 operating system


    New versions of Android always allow you to get the best security, the most modern interface and support for all advanced technologies. For Android 5.0, the most important changes include support for 64-bit processors, a change in the “engine” for applications, as well as a fundamental change in design.

    I want to talk about the design for hours, especially about its improvements in Android 5.1 - all interface elements have become “flat”, light shadows have appeared between them, and for the comfortable work, all processes are illustrated by an understandable animation of transitions. But there are many functional changes - for example, an incoming call and SMS are no longer distracting from work, but pop up in the form of a small window at the edge of the screen. You can quickly answer a call or reset without interrupting important matters.





    Fortunately, Irbis did not begin to create a proprietary shell, but left Android in a clean and pristine condition. So the system works quickly and saves all the important functions. But the manufacturer still added several pre-installed applications from partners. Among them are training systems created with Intel® support (the ABC browser, for example), as well as social network clients (VKontakte, Odnoklassniki) and Yandex services.

    Performance


    The device still does not offer the level of “fastest tablet”, on the contrary, the goal of the Intel® Atom ™ x3-C3230RK platform is to maximize energy savings with average performance. The processor bypasses in tests all similar models on the ARM, and it competes precisely with 4-core processors with a frequency of 1 to 1.5 GHz. Graphics presented even if last year, but the flagship video chip is the Mali-450 MP4. Due to the popularity of this GPU model, compatibility with games and their optimization for this platform is extremely high.







    Android 5.1 runs on Intel® Atom ™ x3 smoothly and without complaints - there are no visible delays when navigating menus and scrolling through lists, the reaction to taps and gestures is quick. Also nice filling shows itself when watching a video or surfing the web. The amount of RAM, by the way, is 1 GB - enough to run any game or application in Android.

    In games, you can almost always set high graphics settings. Even with the most difficult 3D games there is no problem, but given their enormous size (at least 500 MB per game), to install, you just need to put a fast MicroSD card, and not occupy the built-in memory.

    The amount of internal memory is limited - out of 8 gigabytes, less than 4 remain free. This space is best kept free from photos and heavy applications so that the system can cache sleep programs or download updates to new versions. The tablet supports memory cards up to 32 Gigabytes, but 16 GB cards are enough for most users (especially since they are much cheaper).

    Appearance


    This 9.6-inch tablet is noticeably smaller than its 10-inch counterparts, although on paper the diagonal differs slightly. Due to its size, it is more convenient to use and easier to hold, but all the advantages of a large display are preserved. The screen fits a lot of information and a large number of elements in the lists, and many sites in portrait mode are displayed entirely.



    By the way, the tablet weighs 510 g, so it is oriented to use in landscape mode and carry in two hands. This is confirmed by the frames around the display - there are noticeable black bars only on the top and bottom, you can grab hold of them with your hands, but do not touch the display again. And on the edges of the stripes are purely symbolic.



    The case is made of dark matte plastic, the design is monolithic. Only a small cover is removed that covers the compartment with slots for SIM cards and memory cards. The front camera is on the front above the display, and the main camera lens is at the same level on the back. Also on the back are speaker openings, logos and technical information.





    Unusual in the design, only the location of the buttons. A micro USB port, an audio output, as well as volume control buttons and a lock are placed on the upper side, or on the left, it's how to look.



    Display


    Thanks to IPS technology, colors are vibrant, but without too much saturation, like on AMOLED and some types of TN. And viewing angles, of course, are high. We also had no problems with the HD resolution (1280 by 800 pixels), although for some it may be insufficient and grainy. Under real working conditions (about 20 centimeters from the eyes), the difference with the Full HD matrix would be difficult to notice, but the load on the iron would increase several times.



    A tempered glass turned out to be a nice bonus. The displays of most inexpensive tablets are covered by plastic or the simplest fragile glass, and here Irbis provided users with good protection from scratches. Hammering nails with this glass is not worth it, and there are better options as a kitchen board, but the display has withstood a couple of coins in your pocket or a lightning strike on the jacket.

    Camera


    The tablet has two modules, front VGA and the main 2 megapixel. Of course, they are not suitable for artistic photography, but for everyday tasks or shooting on social networks, the quality of the main camera is enough. The front camera is only suitable for video calls, and selfies are too noisy and blurry.







    The shooting application is as follows.





    Wireless networks


    Two SIM card slots with 3G support allow you to always choose convenient rates for the Internet and calls, including on trips. For calls on mobile networks you will need a headset. The Internet works according to the 3G standard, so that there is enough speed to check social networks or mail and send medium-sized files. Voice calls over the Internet also work flawlessly where the network catches well.



    Also from the wireless modules there are Wi-Fi n and Bluetooth 4.0 + LE. Well, GPS works, both with acceleration via mobile networks, and purely via satellites. Navigation is fast and accurate enough.

    Offline work


    The Irbis TZ94 uses a 4,000 mAh battery - an average level for tablets of this diagonal. This is probably the best compromise when choosing between the weight, thickness and volume of the battery.

    There is enough charge for 6 hours of watching the video, and moderate surfing on the Internet discharges the tablet in about 9-10 hours. Active gamers should count on three hours in heavy 3D games.

    Summary


    Choosing a tablet computer now is not an easy task. Many manufacturers hardly develop this category, but I want to take something modern, inexpensive, but with voice calls, decent internet and navigation.

    And in the case of the TZ94 model for 7,990 rubles, Irbis obtained just such a universal tool for work, study and entertainment. In addition, it is well-assembled, pleased with a powerful Intel® Atom ™ processor and the latest version of Android.

    Intel Inside, Core, and Intel Atom ™ are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.

    Also popular now: