The BlackBerry Playbook 4G and HP Slate 7 represent distinct approaches to the early Android tablet market. The Playbook, initially aiming for a more professional user, later received a 4G HSPA+ upgrade. The HP Slate 7, a budget-focused offering, aimed for wider accessibility. This comparison dissects their core hardware to determine which tablet holds up better today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional, albeit dated, tablet experience, the HP Slate 7 edges out the BlackBerry Playbook 4G. Its faster 1.6 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU provides a noticeable performance boost in everyday tasks, offsetting the Playbook’s initial software advantages. However, the Playbook’s 4G connectivity remains a unique selling point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, February | 2013, February. Released 2013, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 194 x 130 x 10 mm (7.64 x 5.12 x 0.39 in) | 197.1 x 116.1 x 10.7 mm (7.76 x 4.57 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | No |
| Weight | 425 g (14.99 oz) | 372 g (13.12 oz) |
| 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 (~54.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 7.0 inches, 137.9 cm2 (~60.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | FFS+ LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 | Dual-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A9 |
| Chipset | TI OMAP 4430 | - |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX540 | - |
| OS | BlackBerry Tablet OS | Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 64GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 3.15 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 3 MP | VGA |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP, EDR | 2.1, A2DP, EDR |
| NFC | - | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| 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, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | HTML, Adobe Flash | - |
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Talk time | - | Up to 5 h (multimedia) |
| Type | Non-removable Li-Po 5300 mAh battery | Li-Ion, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black/Silver, Red |
| Price | - | About 130 EUR |
BlackBerry 4G Playbook HSPA+
- Integrated 4G HSPA+ connectivity for on-the-go access.
- BlackBerry’s security features (though relevance is diminished today).
- Potentially more robust build quality (based on BlackBerry’s brand reputation).
- Slower 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 processor.
- Limited app ecosystem compared to standard Android.
- Potentially outdated software and security updates.
HP Slate 7
- Faster 1.6 GHz Cortex-A9 processor for improved performance.
- More affordable price point.
- Wider app compatibility through the standard Android ecosystem.
- Lacks integrated cellular connectivity.
- Potentially lower build quality compared to the Playbook.
- May receive fewer software updates.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display by modern standards. Specifics regarding panel technology (IPS, TFT) and resolution are missing, but both likely utilized LCD panels common in the early 2010s. The HP Slate 7’s larger screen size (7 inches vs. the Playbook’s 7.08 inches) offers a slightly more immersive viewing experience. However, without data on brightness or color accuracy, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. Bezels were substantial on both devices, typical of the era.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices was likely an afterthought. Details regarding sensor size and image quality are scarce. Given the era, both likely featured low-resolution front and rear cameras primarily suited for video conferencing rather than photography. Without specific data, it’s impossible to assess image quality differences, making this a non-factor in the comparison.
Performance
The core performance difference lies in the CPUs. The HP Slate 7’s dual-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A9 processor represents a 60% clock speed increase over the BlackBerry Playbook 4G’s 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9. While both utilize the same ARM architecture, the higher clock speed translates to faster application loading times and smoother multitasking on the Slate 7. The Playbook’s TI OMAP 4430 chipset, while capable, is demonstrably outpaced. RAM specifications are unavailable for both, but the performance gap suggests the Slate 7 likely benefits from more efficient memory management or a larger RAM allocation.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both tablets. However, the HP Slate 7’s more efficient processor, due to its newer fabrication process (likely), may offer slightly better battery life during typical usage. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both likely relied on slower charging standards prevalent at the time. The Playbook’s 4G connectivity will undoubtedly impact battery life more significantly when actively used.
Buying Guide
Buy the BlackBerry 4G Playbook HSPA+ if you prioritize integrated cellular connectivity for on-the-go productivity and are comfortable with a potentially limited app ecosystem. Buy the HP Slate 7 if you prefer a more affordable tablet for media consumption and basic tasks, and don't require constant mobile data access. The Slate 7 is the better choice for users prioritizing responsiveness and a broader range of compatible apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the BlackBerry Playbook’s 4G connectivity still useful in 2024?
While the 4G HSPA+ standard is still functional, its speeds are significantly slower than modern 4G LTE or 5G networks. Its usefulness is limited to areas with strong HSPA+ coverage and for users who absolutely require cellular connectivity on a small tablet, understanding data plans may be difficult to find.
❓ Can I easily install modern Android apps on the BlackBerry Playbook?
The Playbook runs BlackBerry Tablet OS, which is not directly compatible with standard Android apps. While there were attempts to sideload Android apps, compatibility is limited and often requires significant technical expertise. The HP Slate 7, running a standard Android build, offers a much smoother app experience.
❓ Which tablet is better for basic web browsing and email?
The HP Slate 7’s faster processor provides a more responsive web browsing and email experience. The Playbook’s slower CPU can lead to noticeable lag when loading complex web pages or handling multiple email accounts.
