OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Tablets Methodology v3.0
Tablets Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Tablets Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Tablets Methodology v3.0

Acer Iconia Tab A500 (1GB + 16GB) review: 168 specs compared

Avg. price:~£440RAM capacity:1 GBInternal storage:16 GBScreen size:10.1 inchesChipset:Nvidia Tegra 2 T20

Acer Iconia Tab A500 (1GB + 16GB) Review: Compare 168 technical specifications and 59 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Tablets category and whether it is worth buying.

Acer Iconia Tab A500 (1GB + 16GB)
6.8/10

Overall score

Score
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

35%

4.7

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

8.0

Reviews score

10%

9.2

Sentiment score

â–¼Worse than 58% of tablets
7.2

Value for money

Value for money
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the tablet's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a tablet with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
Score components

70%

6.8

Overall score

30%

8.2

Price

â–¼Worse than 72%
4.7

Technical score

Technical score
4.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Score components

22%

3.8

Performance

20%

4.9

Display

16%

5.2

Camera

14%

3.8

Battery

12%

5.6

Connectivity

8%

6.0

Software

5%

4.1

Design

3%

5.5

Audio

â–¼Worse than 95%
8.0

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 60% of models

80%

7.6

Average grade

20%

9.4

Popularity

Grades by review (59)
37 reviews: 17 with a printed score, 20 estimated from the review. 22 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 60%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • acer-iconia-tab-a500-16gb-1gb-16gb
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Where to buy
    N/A~ £440
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Acer Iconia Tab A500 (1GB + 16GB)

Based on 37 · 28

Reviewers value the ample ports and solid build, but find it heavy with weak battery life; opinions on the screen are split.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Acer Iconia Tab A500 (1GB + 16GB)

Based on 104 owners sharing their experience in online comments

67%positive9%mixed24%negative

Owners prize its flexibility, ports, and value, while crashes, slowing performance, and boot failures are the main frustrations.

What owners dislike

  • Apps often force close or freeze mid-use, especially games and the browser; closing background apps helps reduce crashes.9
  • It slows down over time and starts lagging when the home screen has many live wallpapers, widgets and apps.7
  • Some tablets get stuck on the Acer logo and never start, or show a message that the system was interrupted after a modification procedure.6
  • Owners say it is heavier than an iPad, about a kilo, and wish for a smaller, lighter option.5
  • The charger uses an unusual proprietary plug and its cable is short, about three feet, and replacement chargers are hard to find.4
  • Video playback buffers or struggles4
  • External drives work only in FAT32 unless the tablet is rooted, and some owners had a USB port that stopped working.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of tablet Acer Iconia Tab A500 (1GB + 16GB)

Technical score
Technical score
4.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Score components:

22%

3.8

Performance

20%

4.9

Display

16%

5.2

Camera

14%

3.8

Battery

12%

5.6

Connectivity

8%

6.0

Software

5%

4.1

Design

3%

5.5

Audio

4.7
Reviews score
8.0
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the tablet's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a tablet with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
Score components:

70%

6.8

Overall score

30%

8.2

Price

7.2
RAM capacity
1 GB
Market range: <1 GB – >8 GB
This tablet has 1 GB of RAM, which is less than 78% of tablets and equal to 19.1% of tablets.
Process node
40 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >40 nm
This tablet is built on a 40 nm process, which is larger than 86.9% of tablets and equal to 8% of tablets.
Internal storage
16 GB
Market range: <16 GB – >256 GB
This tablet has 16 GB of internal storage, which is less than 78.8% of tablets and equal to 14.8% of tablets.
Geekbench 6 single-core score
?
Chipset
Nvidia Tegra 2 T20
This tablet runs on Nvidia Tegra 2 T20, which is less advanced than 70.5% of tablets and equal to 2.6% of tablets.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen resolution
1280×800
This tablet has a 1280×800 screen, which is less sharp than 68.1% of tablets and equal to 21.7% of tablets.
Refresh rate
?
Display type
TFT LCD
This tablet uses a TFT LCD display type. 89.9% of tablets use this display technology.
Pixel density
149 ppi
Market range: <149 ppi – >291 ppi
This tablet has a pixel density of 149 ppi, which is lower than 86.8% of tablets and equal to 9.2% of tablets.
Display glass type
Corning Gorilla Glass
This tablet protects its screen with Corning Gorilla Glass, which is more durable than 45.4% of tablets and the same as 32.8% of tablets.
Show more
What reviewers say
Optical image stabilization
no
This tablet does not support optical stabilisation. 0.4% of tablets offer this.
Main camera megapixels
5 MP
Market range: <3.15 MP – >13 MP
This tablet has a rear camera with 5 MP resolution, which is lower than 63.7% of tablets and equal to 26% of tablets.
Front camera megapixels
2 MP
Market range: <1.2 MP – >9 MP
This tablet has a front camera with 2 MP resolution, which is lower than 53.8% of tablets and equal to 25.5% of tablets.
Main camera aperture
f/2.8
This tablet has a main camera aperture of f/2.8, which is narrower than 89.6% of tablets and equal to 3.1% of tablets.
Optical zoom
1xxx
This tablet has 1xx optical zoom, which is stronger than 18.2% of tablets and equal to 80.9% of tablets.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery capacity
3,260 mAh
Market range: <4k mAh – >10.1k mAh
This tablet has 3,260 mAh battery capacity, which is smaller than 94.8% of tablets and equal to 0.3% of tablets.
Charging speed
18 W
Market range: <10 W – >45 W
This tablet charges at 18 W, which is faster than 48% of tablets and equal to 12.3% of tablets.
Battery life
8 hours
Market range: <7 hours – >16 hours
This tablet has a battery life of 8 hours, which is shorter than that of 72.2% of tablets and equal to that of 11.9% of tablets.
Wireless charging
no
This tablet does not support wireless charging. 1.5% of tablets offer this.
Fast charging
yes
This tablet supports fast charging. 43.2% of tablets offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
LTE support
no
This tablet does not have built-in LTE. 42.9% of tablets offer this.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This tablet connects to Wi-Fi. 0.2% of tablets offer this.
GPS
yes
This tablet has built-in GPS. 17.1% of tablets offer this.
5G connectivity
no
This tablet does not support 5G. 8.1% of tablets offer this.
NFC
no
This tablet does not include NFC. 10.8% of tablets offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Android
This tablet uses the Android operating system, which is more advanced than the one used by 23.2%.
Update support duration
short
This tablet offers short update support, which is shorter than the support period of 52.4% of tablets and equal to that of 47.6% of tablets.
Direct OS updates
yes
This tablet supports direct OS updates. 20.3% of tablets offer this.
On-device AI
no
This tablet does not support on-device AI. 28.3% of tablets support this capability.
App tracking protection
no
This tablet does not support app tracking protection. 28.4% of tablets offer this.
Show more
IP rating
not rated
This tablet's IP rating is not rated, which is less protected than 16.5% of tablets and the same as 83.6% of tablets.
Weight
730 g
Market range: <315 g – >730 g
This tablet weighs 730 g, which is heavier than 89.5% of tablets and equal to 0.6% of tablets.
Backlit keyboard
no
This tablet does not support a backlit keyboard. 9.7% of tablets support backlit keyboards.
Keyboard accessory
yes
This tablet supports a keyboard accessory. 15.8% of tablets support this option.
Pen latency
N/A
Show more
What reviewers say
Number of microphones
?
aptX Adaptive
no
This tablet does not support aptX Adaptive. 6.9% of tablets offer this.
Dolby Atmos support
no
This tablet does not support Dolby Atmos. 31.3% of tablets support Dolby Atmos.
N. of speakers
2
Market range: <2 – >4
This tablet includes 2 speakers, which is more than in 9.8% of tablets and equal to the number in 60.8% of tablets.
FM radio
no
This tablet does not include an FM radio. 19% of tablets offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say

Acer Iconia Tab A500 (1GB + 16GB) vs the average tablet

246810TotalPerformanceDisplayCameraBatteryConnectivitySoftwareDesignAudio
  • 14.3% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 60% of models

    80%

    7.6

    Average grade

    20%

    9.4

    Popularity

    Grades by review (59)
    37 reviews: 17 with a printed score, 20 estimated from the review. 22 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.0 vs 7.0
  • More advanced chipset
    This tablet has a more advanced chipset than the average tablet (Nvidia Tegra 2 T20 vs MediaTek MT8169A).
    Nvidia Tegra 2 T20 vs MediaTek MT8169A
  • Built-in camera flash
    This tablet has a camera flash, while the average tablet does not. 45.5% of tablets have one.
  • More vivid contrast
    This tablet has more contrast than the average tablet (1340:1 vs 1015:1). The average tablet has a contrast ratio of 1015:1.
    1,340:1 vs 1,015:1
  • 22.7% higher sentiment score
    9.2 vs 7.5
  • Supports HDMI output
    This tablet supports HDMI output, while the average tablet does not. 49.8% of tablets offer this.
    micro-HDMI port
  • 4 more GPU execution units
    This tablet has more GPU execution units than the average tablet (8 vs 4). The average tablet has 4 GPU execution units.
    8 vs 4
  • 14.3% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 60% of models

    80%

    7.6

    Average grade

    20%

    9.4

    Popularity

    Grades by review (59)
    37 reviews: 17 with a printed score, 20 estimated from the review. 22 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.0 vs 7.0
  • 22.7% higher sentiment score
    9.2 vs 7.5
  • More advanced chipset
    This tablet has a more advanced chipset than the average tablet (Nvidia Tegra 2 T20 vs MediaTek MT8169A).
    Nvidia Tegra 2 T20 vs MediaTek MT8169A
  • 4 more GPU execution units
    This tablet has more GPU execution units than the average tablet (8 vs 4). The average tablet has 4 GPU execution units.
    8 vs 4
  • More vivid contrast
    This tablet has more contrast than the average tablet (1340:1 vs 1015:1). The average tablet has a contrast ratio of 1015:1.
    1,340:1 vs 1,015:1
  • Built-in camera flash
    This tablet has a camera flash, while the average tablet does not. 45.5% of tablets have one.
  • Supports HDMI output
    This tablet supports HDMI output, while the average tablet does not. 49.8% of tablets offer this.
    micro-HDMI port
  • 6 fewer CPU threads
    This tablet has fewer CPU threads than the average tablet (2 vs 8). The average tablet has 8 CPU threads.
    2 vs 8
  • Inferior display type
    This tablet has an inferior display type compared to the average tablet (TFT LCD vs IPS LCD). 0.00% of tablets use the superior display type.
    TFT LCD vs IPS LCD
  • No USB-C port
    This tablet does not have a USB Type-C port, while the average tablet does. 54% of tablets have one.
  • 3 GB less RAM
    This tablet has less RAM than the average tablet (1 GB vs 4 GB). The average tablet has 4 GB of RAM.
    1 GB vs 4 GB
  • 50% lower CPU speed
    This tablet has a lower CPU speed than the average tablet (1 GHz vs 2 GHz). The average tablet has CPU speed of 2 GHz.
    1 GHz vs 2 GHz
  • 50.6% smaller battery capacity
    This tablet has a smaller battery capacity than the average tablet (3,260 mAh vs 6,600 mAh). The average tablet offers 6,600 mAh of battery capacity.
    3,260 mAh vs 6,600 mAh
  • More basic graphics
    This tablet has less advanced graphics than the average tablet (ULP GeForce vs Mali-G51).
    ULP GeForce vs Mali-G51
  • Shorter update support
    This tablet offers shorter update support than the average tablet (short vs medium). The average tablet gets medium of update support.
    short vs medium
  • 69.2% more expensive
    Acer Iconia Tab A500 (1GB + 16GB) is more expensive than the average tablet (£440 vs £260).
    £440 vs £260
  • 4.5% worse value for money
    Acer Iconia Tab A500 (1GB + 16GB) has worse value for money than the average tablet (7.22 vs 7.6).
    7.22 vs 7.55
  • 6 fewer CPU threads
    This tablet has fewer CPU threads than the average tablet (2 vs 8). The average tablet has 8 CPU threads.
    2 vs 8
  • 3 GB less RAM
    This tablet has less RAM than the average tablet (1 GB vs 4 GB). The average tablet has 4 GB of RAM.
    1 GB vs 4 GB
  • 50% lower CPU speed
    This tablet has a lower CPU speed than the average tablet (1 GHz vs 2 GHz). The average tablet has CPU speed of 2 GHz.
    1 GHz vs 2 GHz
  • More basic graphics
    This tablet has less advanced graphics than the average tablet (ULP GeForce vs Mali-G51).
    ULP GeForce vs Mali-G51
  • 2.86x larger process node
    This tablet has a larger process node than the average tablet (40 nm vs 14 nm). The average tablet is built on 14 nm.
    40 nm vs 14 nm
  • 1,199 MHz slower RAM speed
    This tablet has a lower RAM speed than the average tablet (667 MHz vs 1,866 MHz). The average tablet has RAM speed of 1,866 MHz.
    667 MHz vs 1,866 MHz
  • 75% less internal storage
    This tablet has less internal storage than the average tablet (16 GB vs 64 GB). The average tablet has 64 GB of internal storage.
    16 GB vs 64 GB
  • 82.6% less memory bandwidth
    This tablet has less memory bandwidth than the average tablet (2.6 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s). The average tablet has 14.9 GB/s of memory bandwidth.
    2.6 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s
  • No big.LITTLE architecture
    This tablet does not support big.LITTLE architecture, while the average tablet does. 51.7% of tablets support big.LITTLE architecture.
  • 8 years older
    This tablet was released earlier than the average tablet (2011 vs 2019). The average tablet was released in 2019.
    April 2011
    2011 vs 2019
  • More basic memory type
    This tablet uses less advanced memory than the average tablet (DDR2 vs LPDDR3).
    DDR2 vs LPDDR3
  • Inferior display type
    This tablet has an inferior display type compared to the average tablet (TFT LCD vs IPS LCD). 0.00% of tablets use the superior display type.
    TFT LCD vs IPS LCD
  • 32.6% softer screen detail
    This tablet has softer screen detail than the average tablet (149 ppi vs 221 ppi). The average tablet has a pixel density of 221 ppi.
    149 ppi vs 221 ppi
  • 59 nits dimmer screen
    This tablet is dimmer than the average tablet (342 nits vs 401 nits). The average tablet reaches 401 nits.
    342 nits vs 401 nits
  • 95 nits lower typical brightness
    This tablet has a lower typical brightness than the average tablet (305 nits vs 400 nits). The average tablet reaches 400 nits typical brightness.
    305 nits vs 400 nits
  • Less sharp display
    This tablet has a less sharp screen than the average tablet (1280×800 vs 1920×1200).
    1,280×800 vs 1,920×1,200
  • 50% slower touch response
    This tablet samples touch more slowly than the average tablet (60 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average tablet samples touch at 120 Hz.
    60 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • 3 MP lower front resolution
    This tablet has a lower-resolution front camera than the average tablet (2 MP vs 5 MP). The average tablet has a front camera of 5 MP.
    2 MP vs 5 MP
  • No continuous video AF
    This tablet does not support continuous video AF, the average tablet does. 57.7% of tablets support continuous video autofocus.
  • Worse main-camera video
    This tablet supports worse main-camera video recording than the average tablet (720x30 fps vs 1080x30 fps). The average tablet supports 1080x30 fps main-camera video recording.
    720x30 fps vs 1080x30 fps
  • 3 MP lower rear resolution
    This tablet has a lower-resolution rear camera than the average tablet (5 MP vs 8 MP). The average tablet has a rear camera of 8 MP.
    5 MP vs 8 MP
  • No manual exposure control
    This tablet does not support manual exposure, while the average tablet does. 63.6% of tablets support manual exposure.
  • No HDR photo mode
    This tablet does not have HDR photo mode, the average tablet does. 79.8% of tablets support HDR photo mode.
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    This tablet has a narrower main camera aperture than the average tablet (f/2.8 vs f/2.2). The average tablet's main camera aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.8 vs f/2.2
  • No panorama mode
    This tablet does not support panorama mode, while the average tablet does. 78.6% of tablets support panorama mode.
  • 50.6% smaller battery capacity
    This tablet has a smaller battery capacity than the average tablet (3,260 mAh vs 6,600 mAh). The average tablet offers 6,600 mAh of battery capacity.
    3,260 mAh vs 6,600 mAh
  • 2 hours shorter battery life
    This tablet offers shorter battery life than the average tablet (8 hours vs 10 hours). The average tablet offers 10 hours of battery life.
    8 hours vs 10 hours
  • No USB-C port
    This tablet does not have a USB Type-C port, while the average tablet does. 54% of tablets have one.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This tablet has an older Bluetooth version than the average tablet (2.1 vs 5).
    2.1 vs 5
  • Older Wi-Fi standard
    This tablet has an older Wi-Fi standard than the average tablet (Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Fewer Wi-Fi bands
    This tablet supports fewer Wi-Fi bands than the average tablet (2.4GHz vs 2.4GHz/5GHz). The average tablet supports 2.4GHz/5GHz Wi-Fi bands.
    2.4GHz vs 2.4GHz/5GHz
  • No face recognition
    This tablet does not have face recognition, the average tablet does. 56.4% of tablets support face recognition.
  • Shorter update support
    This tablet offers shorter update support than the average tablet (short vs medium). The average tablet gets medium of update support.
    short vs medium
  • No split-screen
    This tablet does not support split-screen, the average tablet does. 72.8% of tablets support split-screen.
  • No picture-in-picture mode
    This tablet does not support picture-in-picture, the average tablet does. 61.4% of tablets support picture-in-picture.
  • No camera and mic privacy
    This tablet does not support camera and mic privacy, while the average tablet does. 56.6% of tablets offer this.
  • No multi-user mode
    User score
    8.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average of independent expert reviews and videos, graded by us; missing reviews count as 7/10.
    When it matters
    When you want to know how independent test sites and video reviewers rate the product in real use.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Acer Iconia Tab A500
    the average tablet
    Acer Iconia Tab A500 (1GB + 16GB) does not support multi-user mode, while the average tablet does. 73.8% of tablets offer this.
  • No location privacy
    This tablet does not support location privacy, while the average tablet does. 76.7% of tablets offer this.
  • No dark mode
    This tablet does not support dark mode, while the average tablet does. 57.7% of tablets offer this.
  • No offline voice recognition
    This tablet does not support offline voice recognition, the average tablet does. 76.4% of tablets support offline voice recognition.
  • 49% heavier
    This tablet is heavier than the average tablet (730 g vs 490 g). The average tablet weighs 490 g.
    730 g vs 490 g
  • 5.3 mm thicker
    This tablet is thicker than the average tablet (13.3 mm vs 8 mm). The average tablet is 8 mm thick.
    13.3 mm vs 8 mm
  • 60 mm taller
    This tablet is taller than the average tablet (260 mm vs 200 mm). The average tablet is 200 mm tall.
    260 mm vs 200 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
TheTechLi0n
≈ estimated
16/03/2012
Custom ROM review · benchmarks and daily use
Verdict
Acer Iconia Tab A500 runs smoothly on this unofficial Ice Cream Sandwich build, though its 2D graphics scores lag behind.
9.0
Life with Steve
≈ estimated
29/02/2012
Two-month review · daily use and media tests
Verdict
Acer Iconia Tab A500 is a great tablet and an alternative to pricier rivals, despite a short charger and some quirks.
9.0
InfinitelyGalactic
≈ estimated
05/12/2011
Hands-on review · ports, keyboard, apps, cover
Verdict
Acer Iconia Tab A500 is a great device for its price, with strong connectivity, though the official cover is a letdown.
7.0
Fred Hart
≈ estimated
23/11/2011
Hands-on review · keyboard and app tests
Verdict
Acer Iconia Tab A500 is not the best tablet near this price; the Asus rival has a much better screen.
9.0
Quarantine486
≈ estimated
16/10/2011
Hands-on review · touch, games, browsing and keyboard
Verdict
Acer Iconia Tab A500 is worth buying and good quality for the money, though not a match for top tablets.
9.0
Mrwhosetheboss
≈ estimated
28/08/2011
Hands-on review · gaming, apps and camera tests
Verdict
Acer Iconia Tab A500 is a good tablet worth buying, though it has some lag and an awkwardly placed front camera.
9.0
Afterglow
≈ estimated
18/08/2011
Hands-on review · emulators, streaming, browsing and apps
Verdict
Acer Iconia Tab A500 is a great buy for retro gamers, especially paired with a controller and phone.
9.0
EscaVlog
≈ estimated
18/07/2011
Hands-on review · two weeks of personal use
Verdict
Acer Iconia Tab A500 is versatile and less expensive than rivals, with a USB input, and a good buy overall.
9.0
MyTabletLife
≈ estimated
17/05/2011
Hands-on review · media, app and accessory tests
Verdict
Acer Iconia Tab A500 is a good buy overall, with some Honeycomb glitches and limited format support.
7.0
butterscotchcom
≈ estimated
09/05/2011
Hands-on review · build, gaming and apps
Verdict
Acer Iconia Tab A500 has solid hardware at a low price, though the build feels cheap and few games are tuned for it yet.
8.0
PhoneArena
≈ estimated
05/05/2011
Hands-on review · display, camera, web and battery tests
Verdict
Acer Iconia Tab A500 is not perfect, but it is pretty good value for the price, and Honeycomb feels tight.
7.0
MobileTechReview
≈ estimated
26/04/2011
Hands-on review · build, gaming, video and battery tests
Verdict
Acer Iconia Tab A500 has a solid build and a reasonable price, but a few glitches and weak video playback hold it back.
More graded video reviews (7)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.3
cnet.com
✓ explicit
21/04/2011
Lab test · Heavy Honeycomb tablet
Verdict
The Acer Iconia Tab A500 matches the Motorola Xoom's features at an iPad-beating price, but it is the heaviest Android tablet tested so far.
7.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
26/05/2011
Hands-on review · Android 3.0 tablet
Verdict
The Acer Iconia Tab A500 is a very good Android 3.0 tablet with a sturdy body, but its less attractive design keeps it slightly behind the Motorola Xoom.
8.5
notebookcheck.net
✓ explicit
27/05/2011
Lab test · Android 3.0 tablet
Verdict
The Acer Iconia Tab A500 is a solidly built, fast Android tablet with a high-contrast screen, but it falls behind the iPad in many respects.
7.0
uk.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
16/09/2011
Lab test · Honeycomb tablet
Verdict
The Acer Iconia Tab A500 is a fast, well-connected Honeycomb tablet, best for media fans, though its bulk and 16:9 screen make it awkward to browse in portrait.
7.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
20/06/2011
Hands-on review · Honeycomb tablet
Verdict
The Acer Iconia Tab A500 has a sharp screen and smooth Honeycomb software, but it is much like its rivals and its plain design lacks flair.
8.0
mobiletechreview.com
≈ estimated
30/04/2011
Hands-on review · Honeycomb tablet
Verdict
The Acer Iconia Tab A500 is an attractive, solid tablet with lots of features for the money, though early firmware problems had to be fixed.
5.0
techlicious.com
✓ explicit
23/05/2011
Hands-on review · Honeycomb tablet
Verdict
The Acer Iconia Tab A500 is a budget-minded alternative to the iPad 2, best for browsing with tabs, but it is heavy and its camera photos disappoint.
9.0
uk.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
22/04/2011
Hands-on review · Design and ports
Verdict
The Acer Iconia Tab A500 is a sturdy, well-connected tablet, but its wide 16:9 screen is awkward in portrait and its USB port cannot yet use a keyboard.
6.5
theverge.com
✓ explicit
27/04/2011
Full review · Screen and software
Verdict
The Acer Iconia Tab A500 is a sturdy tablet with a bright screen, but its camera is weak and few apps are built for tablets yet.
9.0
rayazmuthalif.wordpress.com
≈ estimated
19/11/2011
Personal review · Build and ports
Verdict
The Acer Iconia Tab A500 is a solid, well-built Honeycomb tablet with full USB and microSD, but its glossy screen washes out in sunlight and its camera is noisy.
6.0
tomshardware.com
≈ estimated
21/07/2011
Hands-on review · Storage and ports
Verdict
The Acer Iconia Tab A500 is a cheaper iPad 2 alternative whose USB and microSD ports suit movie libraries, though tablet apps remain scarce.
7.0
groovypost.com
≈ estimated
15/09/2011
Hands-on review · Daily use
Verdict
The Acer Iconia Tab A500 is a capable all-rounder that works well with a keyboard and mouse, but its cloudy screen makes it a poor choice for movies.
7.0
digit.in
✓ explicit
14/06/2011
Hands-on review · Software and battery
Verdict
The Acer Iconia Tab A500 offers good software and a two-day battery, but a bluish screen and weak sound hold it back.
7.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
26/05/2011
Feature review · Media and screen
Verdict
The Acer Iconia Tab A500 is a solid 10-inch media tablet with a clear screen, though it has no built-in way to buy or rent movies.
8.0
pocket-lint.com
✓ explicit
16/04/2013
Hands-on review · Ports and design
Verdict
The Acer Iconia Tab A500 offers more ports than most rivals, so USB drive and HDMI fans will overlook its bulky design and weak video.
8.0
engadget.com
≈ estimated
26/04/2011
Hands-on review · Hardware and battery
Verdict
The Acer Iconia Tab A500 is a stylish, fast tablet with good speakers, but its short battery life and glossy screen let it down.
7.0
androidcentral.com
≈ estimated
05/09/2011
Hands-on review · Ports and weight
Verdict
The Acer Iconia Tab A500 is a bulky, port-packed tablet suited to people who need a full-size USB port more than a slim design.
8.0
crn.com
≈ estimated
Not Dated
Hands-on review · Battery and ports
Verdict
The Acer Iconia Tab A500 is a long-lasting iPad rival with a full-size USB port, though its weight tires your wrist.
7.2
cnet.com
✓ explicit
10/02/2019
Hands-on test · Business tablet
Verdict
The Acer Iconia A500 is a fast, well-connected tablet for business users, but at 730g with a glossy screen it is tiring to hold and hard to read outdoors.
8.0
connect.de
≈ estimated
28/07/2011
Lab test · Home tablet
Verdict
The Acer Iconia Tab A500 is a home tablet with an excellent indoor display, but it is heavy at 762 grams and its glossy screen struggles in daylight.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Acer Iconia Tab A500 (1GB + 16GB)

  • Full-size USB host port for easy file transfer and peripheral support
  • Competitive, affordable pricing compared to rivals like the iPad 2
  • Solid brushed aluminum build quality that feels durable
  • Integrated mini-HDMI port for direct external display output
  • Impressive stereo speakers with Dolby Mobile audio enhancement
  • MicroSD card slot allowing for easy storage expansion

What customers don't like about Acer Iconia Tab A500 (1GB + 16GB)

  • Notably heavy and bulky, making it uncomfortable for long-term handheld use
  • Glossy screen is highly reflective and difficult to view in outdoor light
  • Cameras (front and rear) produce subpar, noisy images and video
  • Requires a proprietary charger rather than standard micro-USB for power
  • Proprietary software and 'hubs' can add unnecessary complexity to the UI
  • Occasional software bugs and browser crashes reported on Android 3.0

Verdict

The Acer Iconia Tab A500 is a 10.1-inch Android tablet featuring a 1280 x 800 resolution display and a durable brushed aluminum casing. Internally, it is powered by a 1GHz dual-core NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor paired with 1GB of RAM and 16GB of internal flash storage, which can be expanded via a microSDHC card slot. Key advantages include its versatile connectivity with a full-size USB host port and micro HDMI output, as well as high-quality stereo speakers enhanced by Dolby Mobile technology. However, the device is notably heavy and thick at approximately 1.7 pounds, and some users have reported mediocre camera performance and inconsistent Wi-Fi stability.

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