The HP Slate 7 and Vodafone Smart Tab 7 represent a segment of the market focused on affordability. Released around the same time, both tablets aimed to provide a basic Android experience at a low price point. This comparison dissects their core hardware – specifically the CPU differences – to determine which tablet delivers a smoother, more responsive user experience for everyday tasks.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness, the HP Slate 7 edges out the Vodafone Smart Tab 7. While both are entry-level devices, the 1.6 GHz dual-core Cortex-A9 processor in the Slate 7 offers a slight performance advantage over the 1.2 GHz Snapdragon S3, resulting in quicker app loading and smoother multitasking.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 2100 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, February. Released 2013, April | 2012, February. Released 2012, February |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 197.1 x 116.1 x 10.7 mm (7.76 x 4.57 x 0.42 in) | 194 x 120 x 11.4 mm (7.64 x 4.72 x 0.45 in) |
| SIM | No | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 372 g (13.12 oz) | 319 g (11.25 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 600 x 1024 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~170 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 137.9 cm2 (~60.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 7.0 inches, 142.1 cm2 (~61.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | FFS+ LCD | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A9 | Dual-core 1.2 GHz Scorpion |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm MSM8260 Snapdragon S3 |
| GPU | - | Adreno 220 |
| OS | Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) | Android 3.2 (Honeycomb) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 16GB (12.7GB user available) |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 3.15 MP | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | 2 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | 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 | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, compass |
| | - | MP4/H.264 player
MP3/WAV/eAAC+ player
Organizer
Photo/video editor
Document viewer
Voice memo
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Talk time | Up to 5 h (multimedia) | Up to 7 h |
| Type | Li-Ion, non-removable | Non-removable Li-Ion 3400 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black/Silver, Red | Black |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 230 EUR |
HP Slate 7
- Slightly faster processor (1.6 GHz Cortex-A9)
- Potentially smoother multitasking
- More responsive user interface
- Brand recognition may be lower than Vodafone
- Display and camera quality likely similar to Vodafone
Vodafone Smart Tab 7
- Benefit from Qualcomm’s power management optimizations
- Stronger brand recognition within Vodafone’s network
- Potentially lower price point
- Slower processor (1.2 GHz Snapdragon S3)
- Less responsive user interface
- Potentially slower app loading times
Display Comparison
Information regarding display specifications (resolution, panel type, brightness) is unavailable. However, given the target market, both tablets likely utilized TN panels with modest resolutions. The focus here is on the internal hardware, as display quality was likely a secondary consideration for both manufacturers. Bezels were likely substantial on both devices, typical of tablets in this price range.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications for both devices are not provided. Given the budget nature of these tablets, camera quality was likely minimal. Expect low-resolution sensors and poor image quality, suitable only for basic snapshots in good lighting conditions. Focusing on camera performance is not a key differentiator between these two models.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processors. The HP Slate 7 features a dual-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU, while the Vodafone Smart Tab 7 utilizes the Qualcomm MSM8260 Snapdragon S3, housing dual-core 1.2 GHz Scorpion cores. The Cortex-A9 architecture, while older, generally offers better single-core performance than the Scorpion cores found in the Snapdragon S3. This translates to snappier app launches and a more fluid user interface. The Snapdragon S3, however, benefits from Qualcomm’s optimizations, potentially offering better power efficiency, though the lower clock speed limits its overall throughput. Neither chipset is capable of handling demanding games or applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are unavailable for both devices. However, considering their similar size and processor power, battery life is likely comparable – around 4-6 hours of moderate use. The Snapdragon S3’s potential power efficiency might offer a slight edge to the Vodafone Smart Tab 7, but the difference would likely be negligible in real-world usage. Charging times would also be similar, likely exceeding 3 hours with the included chargers.
Buying Guide
Buy the HP Slate 7 if you need a tablet that feels slightly more responsive for basic web browsing, email, and light media consumption. Its faster processor provides a marginally better experience for everyday tasks. Buy the Vodafone Smart Tab 7 if you prioritize brand recognition within the Vodafone ecosystem or find it at a significantly lower price point, understanding that performance will be a step behind the HP Slate 7.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will either of these tablets handle modern Android apps smoothly?
Neither the HP Slate 7 nor the Vodafone Smart Tab 7 are designed for demanding applications. They will struggle with resource-intensive games and apps. They are best suited for basic tasks like web browsing, email, and light media consumption.
❓ Is the difference in processor speed between the Cortex-A9 and Snapdragon S3 noticeable in everyday use?
The difference is subtle but present. The HP Slate 7 with the Cortex-A9 will generally feel slightly more responsive when launching apps and navigating the user interface. However, for basic tasks, the difference may not be immediately apparent to all users.
❓ Can I expect to play games on either of these tablets?
Simple, older games may be playable at low settings, but neither tablet is designed for gaming. Modern, graphically demanding games will likely experience significant lag and performance issues.
