The sub-$150 tablet market is fiercely competitive, offering options for users needing basic functionality without breaking the bank. Both the Allview Viva 1003G and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite 7.0 VE aim to fill this niche, 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 a slightly more modern chipset and potentially better long-term software support, the Allview Viva 1003G emerges as the winner. Its Mediatek MT8321A, built on a 28nm process, offers a marginal architectural advantage over the Samsung’s Spreadtrum SC8830, despite both featuring identical clock speeds.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, August. Released 2019, August | 2015, March. Released 2015, March |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 246.2 x 171.7 x 10.7 mm (9.69 x 6.76 x 0.42 in) | 193.4 x 116.4 x 9.7 mm (7.61 x 4.58 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | No |
| Weight | 479.4 g (1.06 lb) | 310 g (10.93 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 600 x 1024 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~170 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~70.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 7.0 inches, 137.9 cm2 (~61.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.3 GHz |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8321A (28 nm) | Spreadtrum SC8830 |
| GPU | Mali-400 | Mali-400MP |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 4.4.4 (KitKat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 480p@24fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | - |
| | - | No |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | 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, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Music play | - | Up to 71 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 400 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 11 h | Up to 8 h (multimedia) |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3600 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | White, Black, Green, Pink, Yellow |
| Models | - | SM-T113, SM-T113NU |
| Price | - | About 120 EUR |
| SAR EU | 1.05 W/kg (body) | - |
Allview Viva 1003G
- More modern chipset architecture (MT8321A)
- Potentially better power efficiency
- 10W wired charging
- Brand recognition is lower than Samsung
- Software update support may be limited
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite 7.0 VE
- Established brand reputation (Samsung)
- Potentially more refined software experience
- Wider availability of accessories
- Older chipset (Spreadtrum SC8830)
- Less efficient chipset fabrication process
- Limited future software updates
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the lack of display specifications beyond size, we can infer both likely utilize IPS LCD panels common in this price bracket. The absence of details like resolution or brightness suggests a focus on cost reduction. Bezels are likely substantial on both, reflecting their age and price point. Color accuracy is expected to be basic, suitable for casual viewing but not color-critical work.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are equipped for basic video calls and occasional snapshots. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s safe to assume image quality will be subpar, especially in low-light conditions. Any marketing emphasizing camera capabilities should be viewed with skepticism. The focus should be on functionality, not photographic excellence.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Allview Viva 1003G’s Mediatek MT8321A, fabricated on a 28nm process, benefits from a more modern architecture compared to the Spreadtrum SC8830 in the Samsung Tab 3 Lite. While both CPUs are quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7, the 28nm node of the Mediatek chip *potentially* offers slightly better power efficiency and thermal headroom. This doesn't translate to a massive performance leap, but could result in marginally smoother multitasking and less throttling under sustained load. Both devices likely feature limited RAM, impacting app switching and overall responsiveness.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. Both tablets likely house batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range (inferred from market segment). The Allview Viva 1003G’s 10W wired charging is standard for this class, and the Samsung Tab 3 Lite likely offers similar charging speeds. Real-world usage will see both devices lasting a day with moderate use (web browsing, video streaming), but demanding tasks will drain the battery considerably faster.
Buying Guide
Buy the Allview Viva 1003G if you need a tablet for light gaming, streaming video, and general web browsing, and value a more recent chipset architecture. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite 7.0 VE if you prioritize brand recognition, a potentially more refined software experience (despite older hardware), and are comfortable with a chipset that may have limited future software updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Allview Viva 1003G receive Android updates?
Given Allview's track record and the tablet's price point, significant Android version updates are unlikely. Expect security patches to be infrequent, if available at all. The device likely ships with an older version of Android, and users should manage expectations regarding long-term software support.
❓ Is the Spreadtrum SC8830 chipset in the Samsung Tab 3 Lite 7.0 VE known to overheat during prolonged use?
The Spreadtrum SC8830 is a relatively low-power chipset, and overheating is not a widespread issue. However, sustained gaming or video encoding could lead to thermal throttling, resulting in reduced performance. The tablet's passive cooling system is unlikely to effectively dissipate heat under heavy load.
❓ Can either of these tablets reliably handle multitasking with multiple apps open?
Both tablets will struggle with heavy multitasking due to their limited RAM (specifications not provided, but likely 1GB or 2GB). Switching between apps will be slow, and running demanding applications simultaneously may lead to crashes or significant performance degradation. These tablets are best suited for running one app at a time.