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

Kobo Arc (1GB + 32GB) review: 168 specs compared

Avg. price:~£170RAM capacity:1 GBInternal storage:32 GBScreen size:7 inchesChipset:TI OMAP 4470

Kobo Arc (1GB + 32GB) Review: Compare 168 technical specifications and 24 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Tablets category and whether it is worth buying.

Kobo Arc (1GB + 32GB)
6.6/10

Overall score

Score
6.6/ 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 65% of models
Score components

35%

4.8

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%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.9, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–¼Worse than 65% of tablets
7.5

Value for money

Value for money
7.5/ 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 57% of models
Score components

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

â–¼Worse than 57%
4.8

Technical score

Technical score
4.8/ 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 94% of models
Score components

22%

4.2

Performance

20%

4.7

Display

16%

5.1

Camera

14%

3.8

Battery

12%

5.1

Connectivity

8%

6.1

Software

5%

6.0

Design

3%

4.8

Audio

â–¼Worse than 94%
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%

7.9

Average grade

20%

8.6

Popularity

Grades by review (24)
19 reviews: 13 with a printed score, 6 estimated from the review. 5 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
  • kobo-arc-1gb-32gb
kobo-arc-1gb-32gb
Where to buy
    N/A~ £170
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Other versions:
1GB + 32GB1GB + 8GB1GB + 16GB1GB + 64GB

What reviewers say about the Kobo Arc (1GB + 32GB)

Based on 19 · 5

Reviewers like the screen and app selection, but complain about limited storage and an intrusive recommendation bar.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of tablet Kobo Arc (1GB + 32GB)

Technical score
Technical score
4.8/ 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 94% of models
Score components:

22%

4.2

Performance

20%

4.7

Display

16%

5.1

Camera

14%

3.8

Battery

12%

5.1

Connectivity

8%

6.1

Software

5%

6.0

Design

3%

4.8

Audio

4.8
Reviews score
8.0
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 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 57% of models
Score components:

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

7.5
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
45 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >40 nm
This tablet is built on a 45 nm process, which is larger than 94.9% of tablets and equal to 4.4% of tablets.
Internal storage
32 GB
Market range: <16 GB – >256 GB
This tablet has 32 GB of internal storage, which is less than 60.9% of tablets and equal to 17.9% of tablets.
Geekbench 6 single-core score
?
Chipset
TI OMAP 4470
This tablet runs on TI OMAP 4470, which is less advanced than 67.8% of tablets and equal to 0.2% 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
60 Hz
Market range: <60 Hz – >120 Hz
This tablet has a 60 Hz screen, which is smoother than 0.1% of tablets and equal to 73.4% of tablets.
Display type
IPS LCD
This tablet uses a IPS LCD display type. 17% of tablets use this display technology.
Pixel density
215 ppi
Market range: <149 ppi – >291 ppi
This tablet has a pixel density of 215 ppi, which is lower than 55.7% of tablets and equal to 0.2% of tablets.
Display glass type
?
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
N/A
Front camera megapixels
1.3 MP
Market range: <1.2 MP – >9 MP
This tablet has a front camera with 1.3 MP resolution, which is lower than 80.9% of tablets and equal to 5.4% of tablets.
Main camera aperture
N/A
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
4,400 mAh
Market range: <4k mAh – >10.1k mAh
This tablet has 4,400 mAh battery capacity, which is smaller than 80% of tablets and equal to 0.5% of tablets.
Charging speed
10 W
Market range: <10 W – >45 W
This tablet charges at 10 W, which is slower than 60.9% of tablets and equal to 33.3% of tablets.
Battery life
10 hours
Market range: <7 hours – >16 hours
This tablet has a battery life of 10 hours, which is longer than that of 39.1% of tablets and equal to that of 20.5% of tablets.
Wireless charging
no
This tablet does not support wireless charging. 1.5% of tablets offer this.
Fast charging
no
This tablet does not support fast charging. 56.9% of tablets offer this.
Show more
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
no
This tablet does not have built-in GPS. 82.9% 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
364 g
Market range: <315 g – >730 g
This tablet weighs 364 g, which is lighter than 78.9% of tablets and equal to 0.3% of tablets.
Backlit keyboard
no
This tablet does not support a backlit keyboard. 9.7% of tablets support backlit keyboards.
Keyboard accessory
?
Pen latency
N/A
Show more
What reviewers say
Number of microphones
1
Market range: <1 – >3
This tablet has a microphone array of 1, which is more than 0.2% of tablets and equal to 54.8% of tablets.
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

Kobo Arc (1GB + 32GB) vs the average tablet

246810TotalPerformanceDisplayCameraBatteryConnectivitySoftwareDesignAudio
  • 25.7% lighter
    This tablet is lighter than the average tablet (364 g vs 490 g). The average tablet weighs 490 g.
    364 g vs 490 g
  • More advanced chipset
    This tablet has a more advanced chipset than the average tablet (TI OMAP 4470 vs MediaTek MT8169A).
    TI OMAP 4,470 vs MediaTek MT8169A
  • 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%

    7.9

    Average grade

    20%

    8.6

    Popularity

    Grades by review (24)
    19 reviews: 13 with a printed score, 6 estimated from the review. 5 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
  • 55.3 mm narrower
    This tablet is narrower than the average tablet (120 mm vs 175.3 mm). The average tablet is 175.3 mm wide.
    120 mm vs 175.3 mm
  • 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%

    7.9

    Average grade

    20%

    8.6

    Popularity

    Grades by review (24)
    19 reviews: 13 with a printed score, 6 estimated from the review. 5 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 (TI OMAP 4470 vs MediaTek MT8169A).
    TI OMAP 4,470 vs MediaTek MT8169A
  • 25.7% lighter
    This tablet is lighter than the average tablet (364 g vs 490 g). The average tablet weighs 490 g.
    364 g vs 490 g
  • 55.3 mm narrower
    This tablet is narrower than the average tablet (120 mm vs 175.3 mm). The average tablet is 175.3 mm wide.
    120 mm vs 175.3 mm
  • 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
  • 3.7 MP lower front resolution
    This tablet has a lower-resolution front camera than the average tablet (1.3 MP vs 5 MP). The average tablet has a front camera of 5 MP.
    1.3 MP vs 5 MP
  • 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
  • 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 fast charging
    This tablet does not support fast charging, while the average tablet does. 56.8% of tablets support fast charging.
  • 3.21x larger process node
    This tablet has a larger process node than the average tablet (45 nm vs 14 nm). The average tablet is built on 14 nm.
    45 nm vs 14 nm
  • 3.1 inches smaller screen
    This tablet has a smaller screen than the average tablet (7 inches vs 10.1 inches). The average tablet measures 10.1 inches.
    7 inches vs 10.1 inches
  • 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
  • 3.21x larger process node
    This tablet has a larger process node than the average tablet (45 nm vs 14 nm). The average tablet is built on 14 nm.
    45 nm vs 14 nm
  • 25% lower CPU speed
    This tablet has a lower CPU speed than the average tablet (1.5 GHz vs 2 GHz). The average tablet has CPU speed of 2 GHz.
    1.5 GHz vs 2 GHz
  • More basic graphics
    This tablet has less advanced graphics than the average tablet (PowerVR SGX544 vs Mali-G51).
    PowerVR SGX544 vs Mali-G51
  • 933 MHz slower RAM speed
    This tablet has a lower RAM speed than the average tablet (933 MHz vs 1,866 MHz). The average tablet has RAM speed of 1,866 MHz.
    933 MHz vs 1,866 MHz
  • 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.
  • 50% less internal storage
    This tablet has less internal storage than the average tablet (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average tablet has 64 GB of internal storage.
    32 GB vs 64 GB
  • 49.7% less memory bandwidth
    This tablet has less memory bandwidth than the average tablet (7.5 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s). The average tablet has 14.9 GB/s of memory bandwidth.
    7.5 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s
  • 7 years older
    This tablet was released earlier than the average tablet (2012 vs 2019). The average tablet was released in 2019.
    November 2012
    2012 vs 2019
  • More basic memory type
    This tablet uses less advanced memory than the average tablet (LPDDR2 vs LPDDR3).
    LPDDR2 vs LPDDR3
  • 3.1 inches smaller screen
    This tablet has a smaller screen than the average tablet (7 inches vs 10.1 inches). The average tablet measures 10.1 inches.
    7 inches vs 10.1 inches
  • 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
  • 8 nits dimmer screen
    This tablet is dimmer than the average tablet (393 nits vs 401 nits). The average tablet reaches 401 nits.
    393 nits vs 401 nits
  • 7 nits lower typical brightness
    This tablet has a lower typical brightness than the average tablet (393 nits vs 400 nits). The average tablet reaches 400 nits typical brightness.
    393 nits vs 400 nits
  • 2.7% softer screen detail
    This tablet has softer screen detail than the average tablet (215 ppi vs 221 ppi). The average tablet has a pixel density of 221 ppi.
    215 ppi vs 221 ppi
  • 3.7 MP lower front resolution
    This tablet has a lower-resolution front camera than the average tablet (1.3 MP vs 5 MP). The average tablet has a front camera of 5 MP.
    1.3 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.
  • No tap-to-focus
    This tablet does not support touch autofocus, while the average tablet does. 83% of tablets support touch autofocus.
  • No manual white balance
    This tablet does not support manual white balance, while the average tablet does. 51.5% of tablets support manual white balance.
  • No timelapse video
    This tablet does not support timelapse video, while the average tablet does. 57.5% of tablets support timelapse video.
  • No fast charging
    This tablet does not support fast charging, while the average tablet does. 56.8% of tablets support fast charging.
  • 33.3% smaller battery capacity
    This tablet has a smaller battery capacity than the average tablet (4,400 mAh vs 6,600 mAh). The average tablet offers 6,600 mAh of battery capacity.
    4,400 mAh vs 6,600 mAh
  • 44.4% slower charging
    This tablet charges slower than the average tablet (10 W vs 18 W). The average tablet charges at 18 W.
    10 W vs 18 W
  • 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 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)
  • No GPS
    This tablet does not include GPS, while the average tablet does. 82.9% of tablets include GPS.
  • 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 Ethernet support
    This tablet does not have Ethernet support, the average tablet does. 76.5% of tablets support Ethernet.
  • 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 full-page screenshots
    This tablet does not support full-page screenshots, the average tablet does. 53% of tablets support full-page screenshots.
  • 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.
  • 3.5 mm thicker
    This tablet is thicker than the average tablet (11.5 mm vs 8 mm). The average tablet is 8 mm thick.
    11.5 mm vs 8 mm

Video reviews

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

Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
23/01/2013
Benchmark test · Small Android tablet
Verdict
The Kobo Arc is a zippy small Android tablet with Google Play access, but short battery life and an unhideable Discover bar keep it behind the Nexus 7.
8.0
androidcentral.com
≈ estimated
22/10/2012
Hands-on review · Android tablet
Verdict
The Kobo Arc is a fine alternative to the Nexus 7 for buyers who want something different, with a bright screen and near-stock Android, though it feels plasticky.
6.3
cnet.com
✓ explicit
01/02/2013
Lab test · 7-inch tablet
Verdict
The Kobo Arc is a fine but unexciting 7-inch tablet with strong gaming performance, though it gives little reason to pick it over the Nexus 7.
8.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
04/07/2013
Hands-on review · Reading tablet
Verdict
The Kobo Arc is a capable reading tablet with full Google Play access and quick performance, but lacks Bluetooth, HDMI output and a microSD slot.
8.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
08/02/2013
Hands-on review · E-reader tablet
Verdict
The Kobo Arc is good value for an ebook-focused tablet, more open than the Kindle Fire HD, but its dull, fingerprint-prone screen and slower feel hold it back.
8.0
uk.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
01/08/2013
Review · Small Android tablet
Verdict
The Kobo Arc is a crisp, solid small Android tablet with Google Play access, though its battery life is mediocre and its Android changes are questionable.
8.0
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
02/05/2014
Retrospective review · Discontinued tablet
Verdict
The Kobo Arc is a bright, flexible ebook tablet that's now discontinued, but frequent Wi-Fi drops and no microSD slot count against it.
9.0
scottishbookworm.wordpress.com
≈ estimated
24/07/2013
Personal review · Budget tablet
Verdict
The Kobo Arc is a nice budget tablet for magazines and email, with fast browsing and Google Play, though Kobo's book search is hit-or-miss and TV apps are missing.
8.0
laptopmag.com
✓ explicit
15/03/2013
Expert review · 7-inch reader tablet
Verdict
The Kobo Arc is a strong 7-inch alternative with full Google Play access and a sturdy build, though its Android version is outdated and its screen reflects glare.
9.0
hifitest.de
✓ explicit
22/04/2013
Test · Reading-focused tablet
Verdict
The Kobo Arc surprises with a sharp, well-colored screen and top-class performance for a 7-inch tablet, but its fixed storage and ad bar may disappoint.
8.0
android-user.de
✓ explicit
09/02/2024
Hands-on test · E-book tablet
Verdict
The Kobo Arc is a good alternative to the Kindle Fire HD for e-book fans, with Google Play, though its rear cover collects dirt and its speakers rattle.
8.0
spiegel.de
≈ estimated
23/01/2013
Hands-on test · E-reader tablet
Verdict
The Kobo Arc is a light, quick 7-inch tablet with a sharp screen and full Google Play access, held back by an unhideable recommendation bar and old Android.
8.7
teltarif.de
✓ explicit
23/01/2013
Hands-on test · Media tablet
Verdict
The Kobo Arc is a sturdy, bright 7-inch tablet with full Google Play access that has an edge over the Kindle Fire, but its storage cannot be expanded.
6.8
01net.com
✓ explicit
07/01/2013
Test · Performance and battery
Verdict
The Kobo Arc is a strong 7-inch rival to the Kindle Fire HD and Nexus 7, with a bright screen and very long battery life, though storage cannot be expanded.
5.0
tablette-tactile.net
✓ explicit
11/12/2012
Hands-on test · E-reader tablet
Verdict
The Kobo Arc is a 7-inch tablet that feels close to an e-reader, with access to 2.2 million books but a flimsy plastic build and a cluttered home screen.
7.0
webnews.it
≈ estimated
21/12/2012
Review · 7-inch Android tablet
Verdict
The Kobo Arc is a sturdy 7-inch Android tablet for readers, with full Google Play access, but its 360-gram weight and reflective screen are drawbacks.
8.0
dday.it
≈ estimated
13/12/2012
Hands-on test · Affordable Android tablet
Verdict
The Kobo Arc is a smooth, well-balanced 7-inch tablet for reading and everyday tasks, though some apps misbehave and demanding games slow down.
8.0
fwd.nl
✓ explicit
20/01/2013
Review · Ebook-focused tablet
Verdict
The Kobo Arc is a sturdy 7-inch tablet with a sharp screen and all-day battery, but its plain look and pushy book promotions may annoy.
9.0
ereaders.nl
≈ estimated
12/12/2012
Hands-on review · Reading tablet
Verdict
The Kobo Arc suits book lovers who want a fast, easy 7-inch tablet with full Android, but at 364 grams it is tiring for long reading in bed.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Kobo Arc (1GB + 32GB)

  • Full access to Google Play Store and official Google apps
  • High-quality IPS display with sharp text and wide viewing angles
  • Strong gaming performance for its class due to a powerful GPU
  • Dedicated 'Reading Mode' that minimizes distractions and notifications
  • Customizable 'Tapestries' interface for organizing multimedia content
  • Front-facing speakers provide better direct audio than rear-mounted ones
  • Sturdy build quality capable of withstanding small drops

What customers don't like about Kobo Arc (1GB + 32GB)

  • Mediocre battery life, especially when gaming or in standby mode
  • Heavier and bulkier than competitors like the Nexus 7 or iPad mini
  • Lacks essential hardware features such as Bluetooth, GPS, and microSD expansion
  • Glossy screen finish is highly reflective and prone to fingerprint smudges
  • The 'Discover Ribbon' takes up screen space and cannot be easily disabled
  • Tinny audio quality that can become distorted at higher volumes
  • Ships with older versions of Android, lacking some performance optimizations

Verdict

The Kobo Arc (1GB + 32GB) is a 7-inch Android tablet featuring a 1280 x 800 IPS display (215 ppi) and a 1.5 GHz dual-core TI OMAP 4470 processor. Its main characteristics include 32GB of internal storage, dual front-facing speakers with SRS TruMedia sound, and a 1.3MP front-facing camera capable of 720p video. Key pros include full access to the Google Play Store, a durable design claimed to withstand 5-foot drops, and the unique 'Tapestries' interface for content organization. However, notable cons include the lack of a rear camera, no microSD card slot for storage expansion, and no Bluetooth connectivity.

Compare Kobo Arc (1GB + 32GB) with other tablets

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of Kobo Arc (1GB + 32GB) and other tablets

No results found