Android tablets get a bad rap and there’s a reason why. For the most part, the quality of hardware in Android tablets simply can’t compete with Apple’s.
While Apple focuses on high-end components, most Android tablets tend to make do with lower-value components. This approach is interesting, it makes Android tablets affordable. But for people looking for a more advanced experience, Android tablets are difficult to convince. They often have underpowered processors, insufficient RAM or screens that don’t impress.
I need a tablet that works without slowness and without collapsing under the weight of multitasking
Every once in a while, though, I come across an Android tablet that stands out. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve never used a tablet for less than 200 euros that met all the conditions. But every once in a while, a tablet comes along that checks most of the important boxes.
To be clear, I don’t need a tablet with a top-notch camera because I’m not used to using tablets to take videos or photos. What I need is a tablet with enough resources to function without slowness and without being overwhelmed by the weight of multitasking.
I need an Android tablet that allows me to easily work with the Google suite of tools, read the news, and watch the occasional video. I also need a tablet with good battery life.
So when Oukitel contacted me to review the OT5 tablet, I was more than willing to give it a chance (not discounting the likelihood that it wouldn’t be up to par). When I received the tablet, I turned it on, connected it to my WiFi network, linked it to my Google account and tried it out.
The main takeaways for the Oukitel OT5 tablet
- This test is devoted to the Oukitel OT5 Android tablet, which is already on sale at a price of €214.
- This tablet has incredible battery life and a very fluid screen that will please all Android users.
- The photo quality cannot be compared to more expensive devices.
To my great surprise, this Oukitel OT5 tablet for less than 200 euros really impressed me.
No, it won’t outperform Apple’s flagship tablets, but the OT5 can certainly compete with any mid-range Android tablet and even some higher-end devices.
The characteristics of the Oukitel OT5
Before we get to my experience with the Oukitel OT5 tablet, let’s take a look at its features:
- 12-inch 2K display with 2000 x 1200 resolution, certified by TÜV SÜD
- Corning Gorilla Grass 5 Display
- MediaTek Helio G99 octa-core processor
- 86% screen-to-tablet ratio
- 16 MP main camera
- Four 1217 speakers
- 11,000 mAh battery
- 36 GB of RAM (12 GB real and 24 GB added in the hybid memory session in the settings)
- 256 GB of internal storage
- 7.5mm thick and 560g
- Android 13 operating system
- The OT5 comes in gray, blue, or green, and includes a soft cover that doubles as a stand.
My experience with the OT5
The first thing that struck me about this device was the screen. It is very beautiful, clean, bright and large. Even the default wallpaper, worthy of Windows 11, didn’t bother me. In fact, the OT5’s screen is probably the best I’ve seen at this price point. I would even say that it is better than other more expensive tablets that I have tested before.
Next comes the fluidity of the user interface. Thanks to the 32 GB of RAM (24 GB of which is taken from the ROM), the 8-core processor and Android 13, the OT5 interface is excellent. Applications open quickly and switching from one to another is smooth.
What really struck me with the OT5 was its autonomy, with its 11,200 mAh battery! I’ve been using the device for almost two weeks and have only charged it once. I’m not saying you’ll get the same longevity from a single charge. If you use the tablet for social media, watch a lot of videos, or do video conferencing, I’m sure the battery life will decrease significantly. However, for my general use, the OT5’s battery is really impressive.
A downside despite a huge battery
Of course, a €214 tablet has one or two weak points. The big problem with the OT5 is the cameras. That doesn’t mean they’re bad. They take decent photos… as long as the lighting is good. With insufficient light, the cameras are no match for most modern smartphones. But if you still have good lighting, you’ll find that the photos aren’t great.
This is the case for the front and rear cameras. However, I was surprised to find that the smaller of the two cameras (the “selfie” camera) did a pretty good job of capturing subjects, provided the lighting was good.
My best glamor photo with the OT5 selfie camera. Jack Wallen/ZDNET
My biggest problem with the cameras, however, is the lack of options. I’ve gotten used to Pixel cameras (which I know is too unfair a comparison) that have portrait, macro, and other modes to create stunning photos. Instead, the OT5’s camera app is pretty generic.
You get photos and videos, and not much more. But it’s a tablet, so you shouldn’t expect the level of flexibility of a smartphone, especially at the level of the Pixel 8 Pro.
So if your tablet photography needs lean towards the basics, you’ll have no problem with the OT5.
ZDNET’s purchasing advice for the Oukitel OT5 tablet
If you’re looking for a cheap Android tablet for yourself or as a gift for a friend or loved one, the Oukitel OT5 is a great deal that makes the case for the longevity of Android tablets.
Source: “ZDNet.com”