The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite 7.0 3G and the Acer Iconia One 7 B1-730 represent a bygone era of ultra-affordable Android tablets. Both devices aimed to deliver basic functionality at a low price point, but they took different approaches under the hood. This comparison dissects the key differences between the Marvell PXA986-powered Samsung and the Intel Atom Z2560-equipped Acer, helping you understand which tablet offered the better experience for its time.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a basic tablet experience, the Acer Iconia One 7 B1-730 emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Intel Atom Z2560 processor, clocked at 1.6 GHz, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Samsung’s 1.2 GHz Marvell PXA986, translating to smoother multitasking and app loading, despite both being dual-core.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, January. Released 2014, February | 2014, April. Released 2014, June |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 193.4 x 116.4 x 9.7 mm (7.61 x 4.58 x 0.38 in) | 8.9 mm thickness |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | No |
| Weight | 322 g (11.36 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 (~61.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 7.0 inches, 142.1 cm2 |
| Type | TFT | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.2 GHz | Dual-core 1.6 GHz |
| Chipset | Marvell PXA986 | Intel Atom Z2560 |
| GPU | Vivante GC1000 | PowerVR SGX544MP2 |
| OS | Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) | Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 4.4.2 (KitKat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | Yes |
| | No | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, LE | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 200 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 9 h (multimedia) | Up to 7 h (multimedia) |
| Type | Li-Ion 3600 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3700 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Black, Green, Pink, Yellow | Red, white, black, blue, pink |
| Models | SM-T111 | - |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | 1.45 W/kg (head) 1.60 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.37 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite 7.0 3G
- Samsung Brand Recognition
- Potentially more refined software experience
- 3G connectivity for on-the-go access
- Slower processor (Marvell PXA986)
- Likely less responsive UI
- Potentially limited app compatibility
Acer Iconia One 7 B1-730
- Faster processor (Intel Atom Z2560)
- Smoother multitasking and app loading
- Better overall performance for the price
- Less established brand in tablets
- Potentially less polished software
- May lack 3G connectivity in some models
Display Comparison
Neither tablet boasts a particularly impressive display. Given the context of these devices, we can assume both utilize TN panels to keep costs down. The lack of detailed display specifications necessitates a focus on performance impact. A less demanding processor, like the Marvell in the Samsung, might be less stressed by rendering the UI, but the difference would be minimal. Bezels were likely substantial on both, typical for tablets in this price range.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both tablets was likely subpar, serving only for basic snapshots. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both feature low-resolution sensors. The focus should be on the processor’s ability to handle image processing, where the Intel Atom in the Acer likely has a slight edge due to its superior processing power. However, the overall image quality will remain limited by the sensor itself.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processors. The Acer Iconia One 7 B1-730’s Intel Atom Z2560, with its 1.6 GHz dual-core configuration, represents a clear advantage over the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite’s Marvell PXA986 at 1.2 GHz. While both are dual-core, Intel’s Atom architecture generally offers better single-core performance, crucial for everyday tasks. The Atom’s architecture, though older, was designed for mobile devices and offers a more efficient instruction set. This translates to quicker app launches and smoother scrolling. Thermal management is unlikely to be a significant concern on either device given the low TDP of both chips.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While specific mAh ratings are unavailable, the Intel Atom Z2560 is known for its relatively efficient power consumption. The Marvell PXA986, while less powerful, might also offer decent battery life. Charging speeds were likely slow on both devices, reflecting their budget nature. The difference in processor efficiency could translate to a slightly longer runtime for the Acer, but the impact will be modest.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite 7.0 3G if you prioritize brand recognition and a slightly more polished software experience, potentially benefiting from Samsung’s ecosystem features. Buy the Acer Iconia One 7 B1-730 if you prioritize raw performance within this budget segment, as the Intel Atom processor delivers a more responsive user interface and better handles demanding applications, even if the software experience is less refined.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Intel Atom Z2560 in the Acer Iconia One 7 capable of running modern Android apps?
While the Intel Atom Z2560 was a capable processor for its time, it's important to remember these tablets are several years old. Modern, graphically intensive apps may run slowly or not at all. However, for basic tasks like web browsing, email, and light social media, it should still provide a functional experience.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite 7.0 3G's 3G connectivity still work on current cellular networks?
The 3G connectivity on the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite 7.0 3G may be limited or non-functional depending on your region and carrier. Many carriers have phased out 3G networks, so it's unlikely to provide reliable data access in most areas. It may still function for voice calls if supported by your carrier.
❓ Which tablet is better for playing older Android games?
The Acer Iconia One 7 B1-730 is the better choice for playing older Android games. The Intel Atom Z2560’s superior processing power will provide a smoother gaming experience compared to the Marvell PXA986 in the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite 7.0 3G, even if both struggle with modern titles.
