Keeping tab

Isn’t it good to have choices? In every segment of the 
consumer electronics jungle, there has to be something suitable for you. And let’s 
face it: not everyone’s pockets extend to the same depth. Which is precisely one of the reasons why choices exist.

So, if you’re looking for an 
affordable tablet, Simmtronics may have the perfect choice for you — the Xpad Mini Supertab. While it’s not in the sub-Dh500 range, I may have to categorise this somewhere in between the entry- and mid-level segments — if such a segment exists.

Anyway, one look at it and it does resemble one of those mini tabs way up there in the ranks, save for that little button missing below. It has a simple build, with the power and volume buttons plus a micro-SD slot on the right, and micro-USB, HDMI and audio ports atop.

At the onset, it does have speed to boast, although I noticed that you will experience some lags when you run roughshod through it — especially when apps are ins-talling; it has a tendency to freeze the interface for some seconds 
until the app finishes its work. But since you won’t be installing apps every second that you use it, you could probably bear that.

And you don’t have to worry about the OS because it runs on Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2. Also, in case you missed it, version 4.4 of Android will be named KitKat, NOT Key Lime Pie 5.0.

But I have to say that I’m 
impressed with its 7.85” IPS display, as it gives good clarity; well done for a budget tab. Although you will definitely feel the cameras’ lack of fine-quality; the main camera dishes out 5MP and the front one has 2MP. Even in good lighting conditions, it is noticeable that the images are grainy, 
especially if you zoom in a bit. Don’t fret if you need 3G though; while the piece is basically a Wi-Fi-only model, it comes with a 3G dongle so there’s your added boost of connectivity.

AND SO…

To be honest, it’s a good tablet at the middle-of-entry-and-mid-level segment. Save for that freezing when apps install and the 
camera functions, we’ve got a fair deal here — although it would have been sweeter if the price had been slashed a bit. It’s perfect for beginners, general-use consumers and, most of all, bargain hunters. What bugs me more right now is to figure out a proper term for that middle-of-entry-and-mid-level segment thingamajig. “Semi-mid-level” or “almost-mid-level”? Help me out. alvin@khaleejtimes.com

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EXTRA BYTE

Samsung Galaxy S4 zoom

Yeah, this is that smartphone-camera mash-up that launched in the UAE on July 1. I’ll admit I scoffed at the idea of having a full-camera lens slapped into a phone, and I wasn’t mistaken. The funny thing is… I eventually got to like it — because it is definitely unique. But only after I figured out how to conveniently access the keys with my fingers while using it as a phone, because of its bulk.

It has what’s called a Zoom Ring, a simple way to access the gizmo’s key features, such as quick launch, shortcuts, camera modes and many 
others, plus the unique in-call photo share feature that lets you take a shot during a call.

Bottom line: It’s a Samsung smartphone, and it takes great snaps.

Enough said.

PRICE: Dh1,899