Released in different eras, the BlackBerry Playbook HSPA+ and the Acer Iconia Tab A1-811 represent distinct approaches to the tablet market. The Playbook, a late entrant to the tablet space, aimed for a secure, enterprise-focused experience. The Iconia A1-811, arriving later, targeted the budget-conscious consumer with a focus on multimedia and basic productivity. This comparison dissects their core hardware to determine which tablet holds up better today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user in 2024, the Acer Iconia Tab A1-811 is the more practical choice. While the BlackBerry Playbook HSPA+ boasts a more refined software experience (though dated), the Iconia’s quad-core processor and more modern Android version provide a significantly smoother and more versatile user experience for everyday tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA |
| EDGE | - | Yes |
| GPRS | - | Yes |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, February | 2013, Q2. Released 2013, Q2 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 194 x 130 x 10 mm (7.64 x 5.12 x 0.39 in) | 208.7 x 145.7 x 11.1 mm (8.22 x 5.74 x 0.44 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Yes |
| Weight | 425 g (14.99 oz) | 430 g (15.17 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 600 x 1024 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~170 ppi density) | 768 x 1024 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~162 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 137.9 cm2 (~54.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 7.9 inches, 193.3 cm2 (~63.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | TI OMAP 4430 | Mediatek MT8389W |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX540 | PowerVR SGX544 |
| OS | BlackBerry Tablet OS | Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | - | Yes |
| Card slot | No | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 64GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| Phonebook | - | 500 entries |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 3 MP | VGA |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP, EDR | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | - | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | HTML, Adobe Flash | WAP 2.0 / HTML |
| Games | - | Downloadable |
| Java | - | No |
| Messaging | - | SMS, MMS |
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, gyro |
| | - | HDMI port |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 480 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 7 h (multimedia) |
| Type | Non-removable Li-Po 5300 mAh battery | Li-Ion 4960 mAh, non-removable (18.6 Wh) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | White |
| Price | - | About 150 EUR |
BlackBerry 4G Playbook HSPA+
- Potentially more secure operating system (BlackBerry OS)
- Compact and portable form factor
- Refined user interface (for its time)
- Outdated operating system and app ecosystem
- Less powerful processor compared to the Iconia
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Acer Iconia Tab A1-811
- Quad-core processor for smoother performance
- More modern Android operating system
- Larger screen size (likely)
- Potentially lower build quality
- Less emphasis on security features
- May receive fewer software updates
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display by modern standards. Specifics regarding panel type (IPS, TFT) and resolution are missing for both, but given their respective price points, we can assume both utilize TFT panels. The Iconia A1-811’s larger screen size (assumed, based on model naming) likely provides a more immersive viewing experience. The Playbook’s smaller form factor may offer slightly better pixel density, but the difference is unlikely to be significant. Both likely lack features like high refresh rates or wide color gamuts.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is likely to be underwhelming. Details regarding sensor size and image quality are scarce. Given their market positioning, both tablets likely feature basic cameras suitable for video calls and occasional snapshots. The Iconia A1-811 may have a slight edge due to potentially newer image processing algorithms, but don't expect flagship-level photography from either.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processors. The BlackBerry Playbook HSPA+ utilizes a dual-core 1.0 GHz TI OMAP 4430 based on the Cortex-A9 architecture. The Acer Iconia Tab A1-811 counters with a quad-core 1.2 GHz Mediatek MT8389W, employing the Cortex-A7 architecture. While the Cortex-A9 is generally more efficient per core, the Iconia’s four cores provide a substantial advantage in multi-threaded tasks. The A7 architecture, while less powerful than A9, benefits from being more power efficient, potentially leading to longer battery life under similar workloads. The Iconia’s chipset is likely built on a smaller process node (28nm vs 45nm for OMAP 4430), further enhancing its efficiency.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, the Mediatek MT8389W’s power efficiency, combined with a potentially larger battery in the Iconia A1-811, suggests it will likely offer longer battery life. The Playbook’s OMAP 4430, while efficient for its time, is less so compared to the A7. Charging speeds are also unknown, but given the age of both devices, fast charging is unlikely to be supported.
Buying Guide
Buy the BlackBerry 4G Playbook HSPA+ if you prioritize a secure, albeit older, operating system and are comfortable with a limited app ecosystem. Its strength lies in its enterprise-grade security features and potential for specialized applications. Buy the Acer Iconia Tab A1-811 if you need a functional, affordable tablet for media consumption, web browsing, and light productivity tasks. Its quad-core processor offers a noticeable performance advantage for general use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the BlackBerry Playbook still secure enough for sensitive data in 2024?
While BlackBerry OS was known for its security, the platform is no longer actively supported. This means security vulnerabilities are unlikely to be patched, making it less secure than modern, actively maintained operating systems like current versions of Android.
❓ Can the Acer Iconia Tab A1-811 run modern Android apps smoothly?
The Iconia A1-811’s quad-core Cortex-A7 processor can handle most basic Android apps, but it will struggle with demanding games or resource-intensive applications. Expect some lag and slowdowns when multitasking or running multiple apps simultaneously.
❓ What is the biggest limitation of the Playbook's app ecosystem?
The Playbook relied on a unique app development environment, resulting in a significantly smaller app library compared to Android or iOS. Many popular apps were never ported to the Playbook platform, limiting its functionality.
❓ Is the Acer Iconia Tab A1-811 a good choice for reading ebooks?
Yes, the Iconia A1-811 is suitable for ebook reading. Its larger screen size (likely) and Android operating system provide access to various ebook reader apps, offering a comfortable reading experience.
