The HP Slate7 and Slate7 Extreme represent two points in HP’s early Android tablet strategy. While both aimed for the affordable end of the market, they differed significantly in their internal hardware. The key distinction lies in the processor: the Slate7 Extreme boasts an Nvidia Tegra 4, while the standard Slate7 utilizes a dual-core Cortex-A9. This comparison will dissect the implications of this core difference, and other factors, to determine which tablet offers the best experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the HP Slate7 Extreme is the clear winner. The Nvidia Tegra 4 provides a substantial performance uplift over the Cortex-A9 in the standard Slate 7, making it better suited for gaming and demanding applications. However, the standard Slate 7 may suffice for basic tasks and offers a potentially lower price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, December. Released 2013, December | 2013, February. Released 2013, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 200 x 120 x 9.4 mm (7.87 x 4.72 x 0.37 in) | 197.1 x 116.1 x 10.7 mm (7.76 x 4.57 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 319.8 g (11.25 oz) | 372 g (13.12 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) | 600 x 1024 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~170 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 142.1 cm2 (~59.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 7.0 inches, 137.9 cm2 (~60.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | FFS+ LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A15 | Dual-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A9 |
| Chipset | Nvidia Tegra 4 | - |
| OS | Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) | Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 3.15 MP |
| Video | 720p | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | VGA |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 3.0 | 2.1, A2DP, EDR |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Talk time | Up to 10 h 30 min (multimedia) | Up to 5 h (multimedia) |
| Type | Li-Po 4100 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black/Silver | Black/Silver, Red |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 130 EUR |
HP Slate7 Extreme
- Significantly faster processor (Tegra 4)
- Superior GPU performance for gaming
- More responsive multitasking experience
- Potentially higher price
- Tegra 4 may consume more power during intensive tasks
HP Slate 7
- Lower price point
- Adequate for basic tasks
- Potentially longer battery life during light use
- Sluggish performance with demanding apps
- Poor gaming experience
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Display Comparison
Context data lacks display specifics for both devices. Given the target market, both likely feature IPS LCD panels with resolutions around 1024x600. The Slate7 Extreme, positioned as the 'Extreme' model, *may* have had slightly better color reproduction or viewing angles, but this is speculative. Bezels were likely substantial on both, typical of tablets in this price range at the time. Without specific nit ratings, it's impossible to determine brightness differences.
Camera Comparison
Context data does not provide camera specifications. Based on the market segment, both tablets likely featured low-resolution cameras (around 2-3MP) suitable for basic video calls and snapshots. Image quality would have been limited by the sensor size, lens quality, and image processing capabilities. It’s unlikely there was a significant difference in camera performance between the two devices.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The HP Slate7 Extreme’s Nvidia Tegra 4, with its quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A15 CPU, represents a significant leap over the HP Slate 7’s dual-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A9. The Cortex-A15 architecture in the Tegra 4 is more efficient and powerful than the Cortex-A9. The Tegra 4 also includes a more capable GPU, offering a substantially better gaming experience. The dual-core Cortex-A9 in the Slate 7 will feel sluggish when multitasking or running graphically intensive apps. The Tegra 4’s architecture also benefits from Nvidia’s optimizations, potentially leading to better power efficiency under load.
Battery Life
Again, battery capacity is not specified. However, the Tegra 4’s more efficient architecture *could* offset its higher clock speed, resulting in comparable battery life to the Slate 7. The more demanding applications the Tegra 4 can run will, however, drain the battery faster when utilized. Charging wattage is also unknown, making it impossible to compare 0-100% charging times.
Buying Guide
Buy the HP Slate7 Extreme if you need a tablet capable of handling more demanding applications, enjoy mobile gaming, or want a device that feels more responsive overall. The Tegra 4’s quad-core architecture and superior GPU will provide a smoother experience. Buy the HP Slate 7 if you primarily need a tablet for basic tasks like web browsing, email, and light media consumption, and are looking for the most affordable option. The Cortex-A9 is adequate for these tasks, but will struggle with more intensive workloads.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tegra 4 in the Slate7 Extreme allow me to play modern Android games?
While the Tegra 4 was a capable chip for its time, 'modern' Android games released years after these tablets are unlikely to run smoothly, or even be compatible. However, it will handle many games from 2013-2014 significantly better than the Slate 7's Cortex-A9.
❓ Is the HP Slate7 Extreme a good choice for streaming video?
The Tegra 4’s decoding capabilities should handle 1080p video streaming without issue. However, the screen resolution of both tablets is relatively low, so the benefits of high-resolution streaming will be limited. The standard Slate 7 may struggle with more demanding codecs.
❓ Can I expect significant performance improvements when upgrading from the HP Slate 7 to the Slate7 Extreme?
Yes, you should notice a substantial difference in performance. The Tegra 4 offers a much smoother and more responsive experience, especially when multitasking or running demanding applications. The difference will be most noticeable when gaming or using apps that require significant processing power.
