The sub-$100 tablet market is fiercely competitive, catering to users needing basic functionality for media consumption and light tasks. Both the BLU Touchbook G7 and the alcatel 1T 7 aim to deliver affordability, but their internal hardware choices dictate vastly different user experiences. This comparison dissects those differences to help you choose the right tablet for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the alcatel 1T 7 is the better choice. Its Mediatek MT8321A chipset, featuring a quad-core Cortex-A7 CPU, provides a significant performance uplift over the BLU Touchbook G7’s dual-core configuration, making everyday tasks smoother.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - P240U | - |
| EDGE | - | Yes |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | No |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | No cellular connectivity |
| | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 - P240L | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, August. Released 2015, August | 2018, February. Released 2018, June |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 197.2 x 107 x 8.9 mm (7.76 x 4.21 x 0.35 in) | 189.5 x 111 x 9.2 mm (7.46 x 4.37 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | No |
| Weight | 298 g (10.51 oz) | 245 g (8.64 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 (~65.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 7.0 inches, 137.9 cm2 (~65.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT8321A/D (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 | Mali-400 |
| OS | Android 5.0 (Lollipop) | Android 8.1 (Oreo) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | VGA |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 190 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 10 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 2580 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Gold, Grey | Gray, Dark Blue |
| Models | - | 9009G, 9013T, 9009A, 9013A, 9009F |
| Price | - | About 70 EUR |
BLU Touchbook G7
- Potentially lower price point.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Suitable for very basic tasks.
- Significantly slower performance due to dual-core CPU.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
- Likely lower build quality.
alcatel 1T 7
- Faster performance with quad-core CPU.
- Better multitasking capabilities.
- More responsive user interface.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Still limited by budget components.
- Camera quality is likely basic.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the lack of detailed display specifications, we can assume both utilize standard IPS LCD panels common in this price bracket. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but rather basic readability. Bezels are likely substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within the budget constraints. Color accuracy and brightness are expected to be moderate at best, suitable for indoor use.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either device. Both tablets likely feature basic cameras suitable for occasional snapshots. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume image quality will be limited, particularly in low-light conditions. Any marketing around camera capabilities should be viewed with skepticism; these tablets are not designed for photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The alcatel 1T 7’s Mediatek MT8321A/D, built on a 28nm process, features a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU. This configuration provides a clear advantage over the BLU Touchbook G7’s dual-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7. While both CPUs share the same architecture, the additional cores on the alcatel 1T 7 allow for better parallel processing, resulting in smoother multitasking and faster app loading times. The 28nm process node of the MT8321A also suggests slightly better power efficiency compared to a potentially older, less optimized process used in the BLU Touchbook G7.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. Without knowing the battery capacity of either device, it’s difficult to make a definitive statement. However, the slightly more efficient chipset in the alcatel 1T 7 could translate to marginally longer battery life under similar workloads. Charging speeds are also likely to be slow on both, given the budget nature of the devices and the lack of fast-charging support.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU Touchbook G7 if you need a tablet for extremely basic tasks like static ebook reading or single-app media playback, and absolute minimal cost is your primary concern. Buy the alcatel 1T 7 if you prefer a tablet capable of handling light multitasking, browsing with multiple tabs, and a generally more responsive user interface, even if it means a slightly higher price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the alcatel 1T 7 struggle with popular games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
Yes, both tablets are unlikely to provide a playable experience with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty. The Cortex-A7 CPU and limited GPU power are insufficient for these titles, even at the lowest settings. These tablets are best suited for casual games and media consumption.
❓ Is the alcatel 1T 7 a good choice for video conferencing?
The alcatel 1T 7 is *adequate* for basic video conferencing, but don't expect high quality. The camera resolution is likely low, and the microphone performance will be average. It's suitable for short, informal calls, but not for professional or extended video meetings.
❓ Can I expect regular software updates on either of these tablets?
Software update support is limited on budget tablets like the BLU Touchbook G7 and alcatel 1T 7. Expect minimal updates, primarily security patches if any. Don't rely on receiving the latest Android version or feature updates.
