The sub-$100 tablet market is fiercely competitive, offering basic functionality for casual users. We pit the BLU Touchbook G7, a no-frills option, against the Lenovo Tab M7, a more established player, to determine which provides the best experience for the price. This comparison focuses on core performance and usability, given the limited specifications of both devices.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing basic tasks like web browsing and video playback, the Lenovo Tab M7 emerges as the better choice. Its quad-core processor and inclusion of both Wi-Fi and optional LTE connectivity provide a noticeable performance advantage and greater versatility compared to the BLU Touchbook G7’s dual-core Cortex-A7.
| 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 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 - P240L | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, August. Released 2015, August | 2019, September. Released 2019, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 197.2 x 107 x 8.9 mm (7.76 x 4.21 x 0.35 in) | 176.3 x 102.9 x 8.3 mm (6.94 x 4.05 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 298 g (10.51 oz) | 236 g (8.32 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 (~76.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.3 GHz |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT8321 (28 nm) - Wi-FiMediatek MT8765B - Wi-Fi/LTE |
| GPU | Mali-400 | Mali-400 |
| OS | Android 5.0 (Lollipop) | Android 9.0 (Pie) - 2GB RAM, Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition) - 1GB RAM |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | 2 MP |
| Video | - | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only |
| 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-Po 3590 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Gold, Grey | Iron Grey, Platinum Grey, Onyx Black |
| Models | - | TB-7305F, TB-7305X, TB-7305I |
| Price | - | About 100 EUR |
BLU Touchbook G7
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple, straightforward Android experience
- Lightweight and portable
- Significantly weaker processor
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Lack of brand recognition and support
Lenovo Tab M7
- Quad-core processor for smoother performance
- Optional LTE connectivity for mobile data
- Established brand with better software support
- May be slightly more expensive
- Basic display quality
- Limited storage capacity (likely)
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, detailed specifications like resolution and brightness are unavailable for the BLU Touchbook G7. The Lenovo Tab M7, while also lacking detailed display specs, benefits from a more standardized manufacturing process, potentially leading to slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles. The absence of features like high refresh rates or wide color gamut is expected at this price point.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either device. Both tablets likely feature low-resolution cameras primarily suitable for video calls. Detailed camera specifications are unavailable for the BLU Touchbook G7. The Lenovo Tab M7’s camera specs are also minimal, suggesting image quality will be basic. Focusing on camera capabilities would be a misdirection given the target market and price point.
Performance
The Lenovo Tab M7’s Mediatek MT8321 chipset represents a significant advantage over the BLU Touchbook G7’s dual-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7. The MT8321’s quad-core configuration allows for better multitasking and smoother operation of Android. While both CPUs operate at the same clock speed, the architectural differences – the MT8321 utilizing ARM Cortex-A53 cores versus the older Cortex-A7 – translate to improved instructions per clock (IPC). The MT8321’s 28nm process node is also more efficient than whatever process is used in the G7, potentially leading to slightly better battery life under load. The inclusion of the MT8765B for Wi-Fi/LTE connectivity on the Tab M7 further enhances its versatility.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. Without specific battery capacity information for the BLU Touchbook G7, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. The Lenovo Tab M7’s battery life will be influenced by whether the Wi-Fi or LTE variant is used. LTE connectivity inherently consumes more power. However, the MT8321’s more efficient 28nm process node could partially offset this difference. Expect both tablets to offer several hours of light use, but demanding tasks will quickly deplete the battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU Touchbook G7 if you need a strictly stationary tablet for very light tasks like reading ebooks or displaying static information, and are extremely price-sensitive. Buy the Lenovo Tab M7 if you prefer a more responsive experience for general use, value the option of mobile data connectivity with the LTE variant, and want a tablet from a more recognized brand with potentially better software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lenovo Tab M7 handle basic games like Candy Crush or Angry Birds?
Yes, the Mediatek MT8321 chipset should be capable of running less demanding games like Candy Crush and Angry Birds without significant issues. However, don't expect a smooth experience with graphically intensive titles.
❓ Is the BLU Touchbook G7 suitable for video conferencing?
The BLU Touchbook G7 can be used for video conferencing, but the dual-core processor may result in occasional lag or stuttering, especially with multiple apps running simultaneously. The camera quality is also likely to be basic.
❓ Does the Lenovo Tab M7 support expandable storage via microSD card?
While not explicitly stated in the provided specifications, Lenovo tablets in this price range often include a microSD card slot for expandable storage. Checking the product listing or user reviews is recommended to confirm.
❓ What Android version do these tablets ship with?
Given their price point and release timeframe, both tablets likely ship with Android 11 or 12 (Go Edition). This streamlined version of Android is optimized for devices with limited resources.
