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 7 (1GB + 8GB) review: 168 specs compared

Avg. price:~£130RAM capacity:1 GBInternal storage:8 GBScreen size:7 inchesChipset:MediaTek MT8125

Kobo Arc 7 (1GB + 8GB) Review: Compare 168 technical specifications and 3 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Tablets category and whether it is worth buying.

Kobo Arc 7 (1GB + 8GB)
5.8/10

Overall score

Score
5.8/ 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 92% 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%

4.8

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 92% of tablets
7.0

Value for money

Value for money
7.0/ 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 83% of models
Score components

70%

5.8

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

â–¼Worse than 83%
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 92% of models
Score components

22%

4.5

Performance

20%

4.7

Display

16%

4.9

Camera

14%

3.9

Battery

12%

5.3

Connectivity

8%

6.1

Software

5%

6.2

Design

3%

4.8

Audio

â–¼Worse than 92%
4.8

Reviews score

Reviews score
4.8/ 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–¼ Worse than 95% of models

4.8

Mark 7.4 is below the typical mark 7.8 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.7

Average grade

20%

6.3

Popularity

Grades by review (3)
2 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. 1 video review, 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–¼Worse than 95%
?

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-7-1gb-8gb
  • kobo-arc-7-1gb-8gb
kobo-arc-7-1gb-8gb
kobo-arc-7-1gb-8gb
Where to buy
    N/A~ £130
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 Kobo Arc 7 (1GB + 8GB)

Based on 2 · 2

Reviewers agree it offers a pleasant, comfortable reading experience.
Praised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of tablet Kobo Arc 7 (1GB + 8GB)

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 92% of models
Score components:

22%

4.5

Performance

20%

4.7

Display

16%

4.9

Camera

14%

3.9

Battery

12%

5.3

Connectivity

8%

6.1

Software

5%

6.2

Design

3%

4.8

Audio

4.8
Reviews score
4.8
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.0/ 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 83% of models
Score components:

70%

5.8

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

7.0
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
28 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >40 nm
This tablet is built on a 28 nm process, which is larger than 65.1% of tablets and equal to 17.6% of tablets.
Internal storage
8 GB
Market range: <16 GB – >256 GB
This tablet has 8 GB of internal storage, which is less than 93.6% of tablets and equal to 4.8% of tablets.
Geekbench 6 single-core score
?
Chipset
MediaTek MT8125
This tablet runs on MediaTek MT8125, which is less advanced than 94% of tablets and equal to 0.5% of tablets.
Show more
Screen resolution
1024×600
This tablet has a 1024×600 screen, which is less sharp than 92.8% of tablets and equal to 6.2% 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
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
N/A
Show more
Battery capacity
4,200 mAh
Market range: <4k mAh – >10.1k mAh
This tablet has 4,200 mAh battery capacity, which is smaller than 81.7% of tablets and equal to 1.2% of tablets.
Charging speed
13 W
Market range: <10 W – >45 W
This tablet charges at 13 W, which is slower than 58.4% of tablets and equal to 0.3% 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
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
360 g
Market range: <315 g – >730 g
This tablet weighs 360 g, which is lighter than 79.2% of tablets and equal to 0.8% 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
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

Kobo Arc 7 (1GB + 8GB) vs the average tablet

246810TotalPerformanceDisplayCameraBatteryConnectivitySoftwareDesignAudio
  • 26.5% lighter
    This tablet is lighter than the average tablet (360 g vs 490 g). The average tablet weighs 490 g.
    360 g vs 490 g
  • 53.3 mm narrower
    This tablet is narrower than the average tablet (122 mm vs 175.3 mm). The average tablet is 175.3 mm wide.
    122 mm vs 175.3 mm
  • More advanced memory type
    This tablet uses more advanced memory than the average tablet (DDR3L vs LPDDR3).
    DDR3L vs LPDDR3
  • Supports HDMI output
    This tablet supports HDMI output, while the average tablet does not. 49.8% of tablets offer this.
    micro-HDMI port
  • 2x cheaper
    Kobo Arc 7 (1GB + 8GB) is cheaper than the average tablet (£130 vs £260).
    £130 vs £260
  • 2x cheaper
    Kobo Arc 7 (1GB + 8GB) is cheaper than the average tablet (£130 vs £260).
    £130 vs £260
  • More advanced memory type
    This tablet uses more advanced memory than the average tablet (DDR3L vs LPDDR3).
    DDR3L vs LPDDR3
  • Supports HDMI output
    This tablet supports HDMI output, while the average tablet does not. 49.8% of tablets offer this.
    micro-HDMI port
  • 26.5% lighter
    This tablet is lighter than the average tablet (360 g vs 490 g). The average tablet weighs 490 g.
    360 g vs 490 g
  • 53.3 mm narrower
    This tablet is narrower than the average tablet (122 mm vs 175.3 mm). The average tablet is 175.3 mm wide.
    122 mm vs 175.3 mm
  • 31.4% lower review score
    Reviews score
    4.8/ 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–¼ Worse than 95% of models

    4.8

    Mark 7.4 is below the typical mark 7.8 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.7

    Average grade

    20%

    6.3

    Popularity

    Grades by review (3)
    2 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. 1 video review, 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.
    4.8 vs 7.0
  • 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.
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    This tablet has fewer CPU threads than the average tablet (4 vs 8). The average tablet has 8 CPU threads.
    4 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
  • Less sharp display
    This tablet has a less sharp screen than the average tablet (1024×600 vs 1920×1200).
    1,024×600 vs 1,920×1,200
  • 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.
  • 31.4% lower review score
    Reviews score
    4.8/ 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–¼ Worse than 95% of models

    4.8

    Mark 7.4 is below the typical mark 7.8 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.7

    Average grade

    20%

    6.3

    Popularity

    Grades by review (3)
    2 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. 1 video review, 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.
    4.8 vs 7.0
  • 7.2% worse value for money
    Kobo Arc 7 (1GB + 8GB) has worse value for money than the average tablet (7.04 vs 7.6).
    7.04 vs 7.55
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    This tablet has fewer CPU threads than the average tablet (4 vs 8). The average tablet has 8 CPU threads.
    4 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
  • 87.5% less internal storage
    This tablet has less internal storage than the average tablet (8 GB vs 64 GB). The average tablet has 64 GB of internal storage.
    8 GB vs 64 GB
  • 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 SGX544MP vs Mali-G51).
    PowerVR SGX544MP vs Mali-G51
  • 2x larger process node
    This tablet has a larger process node than the average tablet (28 nm vs 14 nm). The average tablet is built on 14 nm.
    28 nm vs 14 nm
  • 71.4% less memory bandwidth
    This tablet has less memory bandwidth than the average tablet (4.3 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s). The average tablet has 14.9 GB/s of memory bandwidth.
    4.26 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.
  • 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
  • 18.2% slower GPU clock
    This tablet runs its GPU slower than the average tablet (532 MHz vs 650 MHz). The average tablet runs its GPU at 650 MHz.
    532 MHz vs 650 MHz
  • Less sharp display
    This tablet has a less sharp screen than the average tablet (1024×600 vs 1920×1200).
    1,024×600 vs 1,920×1,200
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 36.4% smaller battery capacity
    This tablet has a smaller battery capacity than the average tablet (4,200 mAh vs 6,600 mAh). The average tablet offers 6,600 mAh of battery capacity.
    4,200 mAh vs 6,600 mAh
  • 27.8% slower charging
    This tablet charges slower than the average tablet (13 W vs 18 W). The average tablet charges at 18 W.
    13 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.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This tablet has an older Bluetooth version than the average tablet (4 vs 5).
    4 vs 5
  • 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.
  • 2.05 mm thicker
    This tablet is thicker than the average tablet (10.1 mm vs 8 mm). The average tablet is 8 mm thick.
    10.05 mm vs 8 mm

Video reviews

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

7.0
Good e-Reader
≈ estimated
25/10/2013
Hands-on review · hardware, software and reading features
Verdict
Kobo Arc 7 is a good entry-level tablet for the price, but the store layout and missing magazine section hold it back.
6.0
Good e-Reader
≈ estimated
25/10/2013
Comparison · hands-on tests against the previous model
Verdict
Kobo Arc 7 is not enough of an upgrade over the previous model, though its new interface stands out.
Not graded
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
travgear.com
≈ estimated
01/07/2014
Hands-on review · Open Android tablet
Verdict
The Kobo Arc 7 is an open Android tablet whose Tapestries folders and wide media support stand out, though its weak battery and dull, thick build hold it back.
8.0
fwd.nl
✓ explicit
20/01/2013
In-use review · Reading tablet
Verdict
The Kobo Arc 7 is a sturdy tablet with a sharp screen for reading, but its basic ports, old Android version and pushy Kobo promotions hold it back.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Kobo Arc 7 (1GB + 8GB)

  • Open Android experience with full access to the Google Play Store
  • Strong performance for games and 1080p video playback
  • Crisp IPS display with wide viewing angles
  • Unique 'Tapestries' UI for pinning and organising content
  • Support for a wide variety of open file formats including EPUB and FLAC
  • Front-facing speakers provide better audio direction than rear-mounted ones
  • Good value for the price compared to contemporary rivals

What customers don't like about Kobo Arc 7 (1GB + 8GB)

  • Mediocre battery life, especially during intensive tasks like gaming
  • Lacks essential hardware features like Bluetooth, GPS, and a rear-facing camera
  • No microSD card slot for expandable storage
  • Highly reflective screen can be difficult to use in bright environments
  • Occasional stability issues and crashes with the Tapestries interface
  • Boxy and somewhat heavy design compared to sleeker tablets
  • Intermittent Wi-Fi connectivity issues reported by some users

Verdict

The Kobo Arc 7 is a budget-friendly 7-inch Android tablet featuring a 1024 x 600 resolution LCD capacitive touchscreen and a 1.2 GHz MediaTek MTK8125 quad-core processor. It is equipped with 1GB of DDR3L RAM and 8GB of internal storage, which is expandable via a dedicated microSD slot up to 32GB. Key characteristics include a micro-HDMI port for video output, a 0.3 MP front-facing VGA camera, and a specialized 'Reading Mode' that silences notifications to enhance the e-reading experience. Main pros include its economical price point, a robust collection management system for organizing ebooks, and full access to the Google Play Store. However, cons include a relatively low-resolution display compared to its 'HD' counterparts, a mono speaker that can be quiet for media, and reported issues with spotty Wi-Fi connectivity and touchscreen responsiveness.

Compare Kobo Arc 7 (1GB + 8GB) with other tablets

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