The Karbonn Smart Tab 7 and Micromax Funbook P300 represent the extreme end of the Android tablet market, targeting users seeking the lowest possible entry point. Both devices aim to provide basic functionality for media consumption and light tasks, but significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate which tablet offers a more fluid and responsive experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness, the Micromax Funbook P300 edges out the Karbonn Smart Tab 7. While both are limited, the Cortex-A8 architecture provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Vivante GC860, making everyday tasks slightly smoother.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2012. Released 2012 | 2012, April. Released 2012, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | - | 192 x 122 x - |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | - | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~117 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~133 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 182.2 cm2 | 7.0 inches, 139.5 cm2 (~59.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 1.2 GHz | 1.22 GHz Cortex-A8 |
| Chipset | Vivante GC860 | - |
| GPU | Mali-400 | Mali-400 |
| OS | Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), upgradable to 4.1 (Jelly Bean) | Android 4.0.3 (Ice Cream Sandwich) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 1GB 512MB RAM | 4GB 512MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| - | No |
| Single | 2 MP | - |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | VGA |
| | No | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | Yes |
| NFC | No | - |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | Proprietary | miniUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, gyro |
| | HDMI port | HDMI port
MP3/WAV/WMA/AAC player
MP4/H.263 player
Organizer
Photo editor
Document viewer
Voice memo/dial
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Talk time | Up to 7 h (multimedia) | Up to 5 h (multimedia) |
| Type | Li-Ion 3700 mAh, non-removable | Non-removable Li-Ion 2800 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black/White | Suave silver, Brilliant black |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Karbonn Smart Tab 7
- Likely the most affordable option.
- Suitable for static media consumption.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Inferior CPU architecture (Vivante GC860).
- Expect noticeable lag in most applications.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
Micromax Funbook P300
- More responsive CPU (Cortex-A8).
- Slightly smoother multitasking.
- Better suited for basic web browsing.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Still limited by low RAM (assumed).
- Camera quality is likely poor.
Display Comparison
Neither Karbonn nor Micromax provide display specifications beyond size. Given the price point, both tablets likely utilize TN panels with limited viewing angles and color accuracy. The absence of detailed specs suggests neither device is suited for color-critical work. The focus here is purely functional, prioritizing cost over visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Both tablets likely feature low-resolution cameras primarily for video calls. Given the target market, image quality is not a priority. Detailed camera specs are unavailable, and any attempt to use these devices for photography beyond basic documentation would be ill-advised. The absence of any mention of features like autofocus or flash further reinforces this point.
Performance
The core difference lies in the CPU architecture. The Micromax Funbook P300’s 1.22 GHz Cortex-A8 processor, while aging, represents a more mature and efficient design than the Karbonn Smart Tab 7’s Vivante GC860. The Cortex-A8 benefits from a more robust instruction set and better memory handling, translating to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking, even with limited RAM (spec not provided, but likely 512MB or 1GB in both). The Vivante GC860, while capable of basic graphics rendering, will struggle with even moderately demanding applications. Users should expect noticeable lag when switching between apps on the Karbonn.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given the low-power CPUs and likely small screen sizes, both tablets should offer several hours of usage for basic tasks like reading or video playback. Charging times will likely be lengthy due to the use of generic chargers and potentially limited power delivery capabilities. Expect a full charge to take several hours.
Buying Guide
Buy the Karbonn Smart Tab 7 if you need a tablet solely for static media consumption like reading ebooks or watching pre-downloaded videos, and absolute cost is your primary concern. Buy the Micromax Funbook P300 if you prefer a slightly more responsive experience for basic web browsing, email, and light app usage, even if it comes at a potentially small price premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Micromax Funbook P300 handle basic web browsing without significant lag?
The Cortex-A8 processor in the Funbook P300 offers a noticeable improvement over the Karbonn's Vivante GC860, allowing for a somewhat smoother web browsing experience. However, with limited RAM (likely 512MB or 1GB), expect some slowdown when loading complex webpages or having multiple tabs open.
❓ Can either of these tablets be used for video conferencing?
Both tablets likely include front-facing cameras suitable for basic video calls. However, the low resolution and potentially poor image quality will result in a subpar video conferencing experience. Audio quality may also be limited.
❓ Is it possible to expand the storage on either the Karbonn Smart Tab 7 or the Micromax Funbook P300?
Storage expansion capabilities are not specified for either device. Given the price point, it's unlikely that either tablet includes a microSD card slot. Users should be prepared to manage storage carefully and rely on cloud storage solutions.
