The sub-$100 tablet market is fiercely competitive, offering basic functionality for casual users. We pit the BLU Touchbook G7, powered by a dual-core Cortex-A7, against the Asus Zenpad C 7.0, featuring the quad-core Intel Atom x3-C3200 chipset, to determine which provides the best experience for everyday tasks and media consumption.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the Asus Zenpad C 7.0 is the clear winner. Its quad-core Intel Atom x3-C3200 chipset delivers a significantly smoother experience than the BLU Touchbook G7’s dual-core Cortex-A7, making it better suited for web browsing and app usage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - P240U | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - Z170CG |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 - P240L | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, August. Released 2015, August | 2015, June. Released 2015, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 197.2 x 107 x 8.9 mm (7.76 x 4.21 x 0.35 in) | 189 x 108 x 8.4 mm (7.44 x 4.25 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Micro-SIM - cellular model only |
| Weight | 298 g (10.51 oz) | 265 g (9.35 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Oleophobic coating |
| 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 (~67.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core |
| Chipset | - | Intel Atom x3-C3200 |
| GPU | Mali-400 | Mali-450MP4 |
| OS | Android 5.0 (Lollipop) | Android 5.0 (Lollipop) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.0 or 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 | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 190 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 10 h (3G) | Up to 8 h |
| Type | Li-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3450 mAh, non-removable (13 Wh) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Gold, Grey | Black, White, Red, Aurora Metallic |
| Price | - | About 140 EUR |
BLU Touchbook G7
- Potentially longer battery life due to the more efficient Cortex-A7 processor.
- Likely the more affordable option.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Zenpad C 7.0.
- Struggles with multitasking and demanding apps.
- May exhibit noticeable lag during everyday use.
Asus Zenpad C 7.0
- Faster and more responsive performance thanks to the quad-core Intel Atom x3-C3200.
- Better suited for web browsing and running multiple apps.
- Asus’s brand reputation for quality and reliability.
- Potentially shorter battery life compared to the BLU Touchbook G7.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Intel Atom x3-C3200 is an older architecture.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data lacks display specifics, we can assume both utilize standard IPS LCD panels common in this price bracket. The Zenpad C 7.0, benefiting from Asus’s display expertise, likely has slightly better color calibration. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within the 7-inch form factor. Expect similar resolutions, likely 1024x600, prioritizing battery life over pixel density.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar and underwhelming on both devices. Given the target market, both tablets likely feature low-resolution sensors. Without specific details, it’s safe to assume image quality will be acceptable for casual snapshots but not suitable for serious photography. Expect significant noise and limited dynamic range in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. Focusing on camera specs is not a key differentiator here.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processors. The Asus Zenpad C 7.0’s Intel Atom x3-C3200, a quad-core processor, offers a substantial advantage over the BLU Touchbook G7’s dual-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7. While the Cortex-A7 is power-efficient, its limited core count will struggle with multitasking and demanding applications. The Intel Atom x3-C3200, despite being an older architecture, provides a more fluid experience for web browsing and basic app usage. The Zenpad C 7.0 will exhibit less lag and faster app loading times.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While the mAh capacity isn’t specified for either device, the Cortex-A7 in the BLU Touchbook G7 is generally more power-efficient than the Intel Atom x3-C3200. However, the Zenpad C 7.0’s superior processing power allows it to complete tasks faster, potentially reducing overall screen-on time. Charging speeds are also likely to be similar, utilizing standard micro-USB charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU Touchbook G7 if you need a very basic tablet for static tasks like reading ebooks or displaying photos, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Asus Zenpad C 7.0 if you prefer a more responsive experience for web browsing, light gaming, and running multiple apps simultaneously, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Asus Zenpad C 7.0 struggle with popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Zenpad C 7.0 can *run* PUBG Mobile, expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and potentially experience frame rate drops. The Intel Atom x3-C3200 isn't a gaming powerhouse, and the tablet's thermal management is likely limited. It's suitable for casual gaming, but not for demanding titles.
❓ Is the BLU Touchbook G7 suitable for video streaming services like Netflix or YouTube?
The BLU Touchbook G7 can handle video streaming, but the dual-core processor may result in buffering or lag, especially with higher resolution content. The experience will be significantly smoother on the Asus Zenpad C 7.0 due to its more powerful processor.
❓ How much storage space does each tablet offer, and can it be expanded?
Storage capacity isn't specified in the provided data. However, budget tablets typically offer 8GB or 16GB of internal storage. Both devices likely feature a microSD card slot for storage expansion, allowing users to add more space for apps, photos, and videos.