The sub-$150 tablet market is fiercely competitive, offering options for casual users and those needing a secondary device. The Alcatel Smart Tab 7 and Acer Iconia One 8 B1-820 represent two popular choices, but they take different approaches to achieving affordability. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which tablet delivers the best experience for the price.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing basic tasks like web browsing and video playback, the Acer Iconia One 8 B1-820 edges out the Alcatel Smart Tab 7. While both utilize quad-core processors, the Intel Atom Z3735G generally offers slightly better sustained performance due to its architecture, making it a more responsive daily driver.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | - |
| 4G bands | N/A | - |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Speed | No | - |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, September. Released 2019, Q4 | 2015, April. Released 2015, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 176 x 126 x 12 mm (6.93 x 4.96 x 0.47 in) | 213.9 x 127.7 x 9.5 mm (8.42 x 5.03 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 268 g (9.45 oz) | 355 g (12.52 oz) |
| | Built-in kickstand | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 600 x 1024 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~170 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 137.9 cm2 (~62.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~67.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TN TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.33 GHz |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8167D | Intel Atom Z3735G |
| GPU | IMG GE8300 | - |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 5.0 (Lollipop) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1.5GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 0.3 MP, f/2.4, 1/5.0" | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.4, 1/5.0", 1.65µm | VGA |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Talk time | - | Up to 8 h 30 min (multimedia) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2580 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 4550 mAh, non-removable (17.2 Wh) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, White |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 180 EUR |
alcatel Smart Tab 7
- Potentially lower price point
- Mediatek chipset may offer slightly better power efficiency
- Highly portable due to compact size
- Mediatek MT8167D may struggle with sustained performance
- Likely limited RAM (1GB/2GB) hinders multitasking
- Camera quality will be poor
Acer Iconia One 8 B1-820
- Intel Atom Z3735G offers better single-core performance
- Potentially more responsive user interface
- Slightly better integrated graphics for basic gaming
- May be slightly more expensive than the Alcatel
- Battery life comparable to Alcatel, but potentially less efficient
- Camera quality will be poor
Display Comparison
Neither tablet boasts a standout display. Both likely feature IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, specific resolution and brightness data are unavailable. The Acer, given its slightly higher market positioning, *may* have a marginally better panel, but the difference will be minimal. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within their compact form factors. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a strength on either device, geared towards casual viewing rather than color-critical work.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is a non-factor for both tablets. Expect basic 2MP or 5MP sensors on both the front and rear, suitable for occasional snapshots or video calls. Image quality will be poor in anything other than ideal lighting conditions. Focusing on sensor size or aperture is irrelevant given the overall low quality. These cameras are present for functionality, not photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Alcatel Smart Tab 7 utilizes the Mediatek MT8167D with a 1.3 GHz quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU, while the Acer Iconia One 8 B1-820 features the Intel Atom Z3735G, clocked at 1.33 GHz. While clock speeds are similar, the Intel Atom architecture generally provides better single-core performance, crucial for responsiveness. The MT8167D is known for being power-efficient, but potentially at the cost of sustained performance under load. Both tablets likely feature 1GB or 2GB of RAM, limiting multitasking capabilities. The Intel chip's integrated graphics may offer a slight edge in basic gaming.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given their similar size and processor power, battery life should be comparable – roughly 5-7 hours of moderate use. The Mediatek chipset in the Alcatel *may* offer slightly better battery efficiency, but the difference will likely be negligible. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both will likely utilize micro-USB, resulting in relatively slow charging times (3-4 hours for a full charge).
Buying Guide
Buy the Alcatel Smart Tab 7 if you need a highly portable and extremely affordable tablet primarily for static content consumption like ebooks or streaming videos where sustained performance isn't critical. Buy the Acer Iconia One 8 B1-820 if you prefer a tablet capable of handling light multitasking, occasional gaming, and a more responsive user interface, even if it means a slightly higher price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Alcatel Smart Tab 7 struggle with multiple apps open simultaneously?
Yes, the Alcatel Smart Tab 7, likely equipped with only 1GB or 2GB of RAM, will exhibit noticeable slowdowns when running multiple apps. The Mediatek MT8167D processor, while adequate for single tasks, isn't designed for heavy multitasking. Frequent app switching may also lead to apps needing to reload.
❓ Can the Acer Iconia One 8 B1-820 handle basic Android games like Candy Crush or Angry Birds?
The Acer Iconia One 8 B1-820 should be capable of running basic Android games like Candy Crush or Angry Birds without significant issues. The Intel Atom Z3735G's integrated graphics provide a slight performance advantage over the Mediatek chip in the Alcatel, allowing for smoother gameplay at lower settings. However, don't expect to play graphically demanding games.
❓ Is either tablet suitable for video conferencing?
Both tablets are *usable* for video conferencing, but the camera quality is very low. Expect grainy images and poor low-light performance. The microphones are also likely to be basic, so a headset is recommended for clear audio. The larger screen size of the Acer Iconia One 8 might offer a slightly better viewing experience during calls.
