The sub-$100 tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Alcatel Smart Tab 7 and Amazon Fire 7 (2017) represent two of the most popular options. While both aim to deliver affordable entertainment and basic functionality, significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate their real-world performance and suitability for different users. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on the chipset architecture and its impact on the user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Alcatel Smart Tab 7 offers a slightly better experience due to its newer Cortex-A53 cores. While the performance difference isn't massive, the A53 architecture provides a modest improvement in efficiency and responsiveness compared to the older Cortex-A7 in the Fire 7 (2017). However, Amazon's ecosystem integration remains a strong draw for existing Amazon users.
| 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 | 2017, May. Released 2017, June |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 176 x 126 x 12 mm (6.93 x 4.96 x 0.47 in) | 192 x 115 x 9.6 mm (7.56 x 4.53 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 268 g (9.45 oz) | 295 g (10.41 oz) |
| | Built-in kickstand | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 600 x 1024 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~170 ppi density) | 600 x 1024 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~170 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 137.9 cm2 (~62.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 7.0 inches, 137.9 cm2 (~62.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TN TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8167D | Mediatek MT8127 (28 nm) |
| GPU | IMG GE8300 | Mali-450MP4 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Customized Android 5.1 (Lollipop), Fire 5.4 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1.5GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 0.3 MP, f/2.4, 1/5.0" | 2 MP |
| Video | - | 720p |
| 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 |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| | - | Alexa natural language commands
Text-to-Speech English-language content reader |
| Battery |
|---|
| Talk time | - | Up to 8 h |
| Type | Li-Ion 2580 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 2980 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Canary Yellow, Marine Blue, Punch Red |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 70 EUR |
alcatel Smart Tab 7
- More modern Cortex-A53 CPU architecture
- Potentially better multitasking performance
- Runs a more standard Android experience
- Detailed display specs are unknown
- Camera performance likely limited
Amazon Fire 7 (2017)
- Tight integration with Amazon ecosystem
- Access to Prime Video, Kindle, and Amazon Music
- Affordable price point
- Older Cortex-A7 CPU architecture
- Potentially slower performance
- Amazon's Fire OS is heavily customized
Display Comparison
Neither tablet boasts a particularly impressive display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, detailed specs are lacking. The Fire 7 (2017) has a 7-inch display, while the Alcatel Smart Tab 7 also features a 7-inch screen. Without knowing the resolution or brightness levels, it's difficult to declare a clear winner. The absence of information regarding color gamut coverage suggests neither tablet is suitable for color-critical work. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both tablets is expected to be minimal. Given the target price point, neither device likely features a high-quality camera sensor. Detailed camera specs are unavailable, but it's safe to assume both rely on basic sensors primarily suitable for video calls and casual snapshots. Focusing on camera quality for either tablet would be a misallocation of expectations.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Alcatel Smart Tab 7 utilizes the Mediatek MT8167D with a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, while the Amazon Fire 7 (2017) employs the Mediatek MT8127, also quad-core 1.3 GHz, but based on the older Cortex-A7 architecture. The Cortex-A53 is a more efficient and capable design than the A7, offering improved instructions per clock cycle. The MT8127, fabricated on a 28nm process, is also older, potentially leading to higher power consumption for similar tasks. This translates to slightly snappier app launches and smoother multitasking on the Alcatel, particularly with multiple apps open. The Fire 7 (2017) will likely exhibit more noticeable lag when switching between applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, given their similar size and chipset power consumption (with the Alcatel having a slight edge in efficiency), battery life is likely comparable. Both tablets will likely offer around 4-6 hours of mixed usage, including web browsing, video playback, and light gaming. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both are expected to charge relatively slowly via micro-USB.
Buying Guide
Buy the Alcatel Smart Tab 7 if you need a tablet that runs a more standard Android experience and benefits from a slightly more modern CPU architecture for smoother multitasking and app performance. Buy the Amazon Fire 7 (2017) if you are heavily invested in the Amazon ecosystem – Prime Video, Kindle books, and Amazon Music – and prioritize content consumption over raw processing power. The Fire 7’s tightly integrated services offer a streamlined experience for Amazon subscribers.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Alcatel Smart Tab 7 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Alcatel Smart Tab 7's Cortex-A53 CPU is an improvement over the Fire 7 (2017), it's still a budget chipset. Expect to play PUBG Mobile at the lowest settings with potentially choppy frame rates. It's not designed for graphically intensive gaming.
❓ Is the Amazon Fire 7 (2017) a good choice for reading ebooks?
The Amazon Fire 7 (2017) excels as an ebook reader, particularly if you're a Kindle Unlimited subscriber. The Fire OS is optimized for reading, and the tablet's compact size makes it comfortable to hold for extended periods. However, the display quality is basic, and glare can be an issue in bright light.
❓ Can I easily install Google Play Store on the Alcatel Smart Tab 7?
Installing the Google Play Store on the Alcatel Smart Tab 7 requires sideloading, which is a more technical process. It's not officially supported and may require some troubleshooting. There are online guides available, but it's not a straightforward process for novice users.
