The BLU Touchbook G7 and HP 7 VoiceTab represent the lower end of the Android tablet market, targeting users prioritizing affordability over premium features. Both devices aim to provide basic functionality for media consumption and light tasks, but significant differences in their core hardware dictate which tablet offers a smoother user experience. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on performance and value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional, if not flashy, tablet experience, the HP 7 VoiceTab emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek MT8382 chipset, featuring a quad-core Cortex-A7 processor, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the BLU Touchbook G7’s dual-core configuration, resulting in snappier multitasking and app loading.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - P240U | HSDPA |
| EDGE | - | Yes |
| GPRS | - | Yes |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 - P240L | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, August. Released 2015, August | 2014, October. Released 2014, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 197.2 x 107 x 8.9 mm (7.76 x 4.21 x 0.35 in) | 192.1 x 102.2 x 10.2 mm (7.56 x 4.02 x 0.40 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 298 g (10.51 oz) | 305 g (10.76 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 600 x 1024 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~170 ppi density) | 600 x 1024 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~171 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 137.9 cm2 (~65.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.95 inches, 135.9 cm2 (~69.2% 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 MT8382 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 | Mali-400MP2 |
| OS | Android 5.0 (Lollipop) | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | Yes |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 190 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 10 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Gold, Grey | Black/White |
| Price | - | About 140 EUR |
BLU Touchbook G7
- Potentially lower price point
- Compact and portable design
- Basic Android functionality
- Dual-core processor limits performance
- Likely slower multitasking
- Inferior overall user experience
HP 7 VoiceTab
- Quad-core processor offers better performance
- More responsive multitasking
- Potentially better power efficiency
- May be slightly more expensive
- Still limited by budget components
- Camera quality likely remains low
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to boast a high-quality display. Given the price bracket, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels with resolutions around 1024x600. Without specific nit brightness data, it's reasonable to assume both offer adequate visibility indoors, but struggle in direct sunlight. The lack of information on color gamut coverage suggests neither will be suitable for color-critical work. Bezels are likely substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either device. Both are likely equipped with low-resolution sensors, and image quality will be subpar, especially in low-light conditions. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both cameras are adequate for basic video calls and occasional snapshots, but not much more. Focusing on camera specs would be a misdirection given the target market.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The HP 7 VoiceTab’s Mediatek MT8382, built on a 28nm process, features a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU. This configuration provides a significant 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 HP 7 VoiceTab allow for better parallel processing, resulting in smoother multitasking and faster app launches. The 28nm process node of the MT8382 also suggests slightly better power efficiency compared to an unknown fabrication process for the BLU device. The HP 7 VoiceTab will handle web browsing with multiple tabs and basic app switching with less lag.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. Without mAh specifications, it’s difficult to make a definitive statement. However, the Mediatek MT8382’s 28nm process node may contribute to slightly better power efficiency, potentially translating to longer battery life on the HP 7 VoiceTab, even with a similar battery capacity. Charging times are also unknown, but likely to be several hours with the included chargers.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU Touchbook G7 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price point and your usage is limited to very basic tasks like static web browsing and occasional video playback. Buy the HP 7 VoiceTab if you prioritize a more responsive user experience, even for light multitasking, and are willing to spend a slightly higher amount for improved performance. The HP 7 VoiceTab is better suited for users who want a tablet that feels less sluggish during everyday use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the HP 7 VoiceTab struggle with popular games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, both tablets are unlikely to provide a playable experience with demanding games like PUBG Mobile. The Cortex-A7 CPU and limited GPU capabilities are insufficient for running these titles smoothly, even at the lowest settings. These tablets are best suited for casual gaming with less graphically intensive titles.
❓ Is the HP 7 VoiceTab a good choice for streaming video from services like Netflix or YouTube?
The HP 7 VoiceTab is a more suitable option for streaming video than the BLU Touchbook G7, thanks to its quad-core processor. While it won't offer the highest resolution or smoothest playback, it should handle standard definition and 720p video streaming without significant buffering or lag. The BLU Touchbook G7 may struggle with consistent playback, especially with multiple apps running in the background.
❓ Can I expect regular software updates on either of these tablets?
Software update support is highly unlikely for both the BLU Touchbook G7 and HP 7 VoiceTab. These devices fall into the budget category, and manufacturers typically do not provide long-term software support. Expect to be running the version of Android that comes pre-installed, with limited or no updates.
