While many analysts believe that the tablet computing space is dying because of lack of innovation, Micromax believes otherwise.
Though Micromax has come out with affordable Android tablets in the past, they have failed to impress.
The main reason is sluggish performance, limited specifications, poor display and shoddy build quality.
Indian smartphone maker Micromax has taken another go at tablet computing with Canvas Tab P690, priced at Rs 8,999.
Don’t expect this one to be an iPad.
Is it worth your money if you’re looking for a calling tablet on a budget? Let’s find out.
What’s Good?
Micromax seems to have addressed the issue of build quality on the Micromax Canvas Tab. It looks beautiful, has slim bezels and a unique metallic brush finish. It is 7.8mm thick and weighs just right at 318 grams.
The tablet works pretty smoothly and the user interface is clean and simple. It runs on the Android Kitkat operating system, which can be upgraded to Android Lollipop.
The Canvas Tab P690 is powered by Intel Atom Processor which is a 4th gen Atom Quad Core Processor that clocks up to 1.83 Ghz. The performance is pretty good considering that it is a budget tablet. There is also an Intel HD Graphics on the tablet that renders the games with ease.
But, if you play for a long while on this tablet, it begins to lag and become sluggish.
The tablet has a sufficient 1GB RAM, but for those who like to multitask with more than 8 apps running in the background, this tablet is not meant for you.
Micromax Canvas Tab P690 comes with an 8-inch WXGA IPS display. It’s not the best display you can find on a tablet or even a smartphone but it sure does the job well.
The display is reflective but has vivid colours and great contrast. The tablet claims that the display has a pixel resolution of 1280x800 but we think it’s just close to that.
For connectivity, you have a lot on this tablet. This is a voice calling tablet that has 3G connectivity. You also get WiFi connectivity and Bluetooth.
The best part is that Micromax has bundled an OTG Cable (USB on-the-go) along with the tablet. Now that made us smile.
What’s Bad?
Micromax Canvas Tab P690 is not a perfect tablet though. It does have small niggling issues.
For starters, it comes with a promising 4,000 mAh battery, but struggles to last for more than 8 hours. This is a tablet, not a smartphone, so we expected a better battery life from Micromax on this one.
The camera on the Canvas Tab is also a shame. It comes with a 5 megapixel auto-focus primary camera and a 2 megapixel front facing camera.
Sure, not everybody clicks photos with their tablets, but that’s not reason for a company to not pay attention to the camera.
The images are at best hazy with poor low light image capture and the camera takes a long time to focus on subjects.
We have no comments on the front camera of the Micromax Canvas Tab, just because it doesn’t even have the clarity of a really dirty mirror.
The tablet comes with only 8GB internal storage. Sure, you get 32GB SD Card support but that’s spending an additional Rs 1,000 just for that extra storage.
Why Buy It?
For Rs 8,999, the Canvas Tab P690 looks good and has voice calling on it. The user experience is also pretty acceptable.
But, overall this is for people who already have a super smartphone and are looking for a tablet to satisfy their basic computing needs and maybe watch a video or two.
Micromax has tried to iron out a few niggles to make a better budget tablet, but still there is a lot of scope for improvement in making an ultimate budget voice calling tablet.
The Micromax Canvas Tab P690 can never be your primary device but can be your secondary calling smartphone.