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

Lenovo Tab 7 Essential Cellular (1GB + 16GB) review: 168 specs compared

Avg. price:~£70RAM capacity:1 GBInternal storage:16 GBScreen size:7 inchesChipset:MediaTek MT8735D

Lenovo Tab 7 Essential Cellular (1GB + 16GB) Review: Compare 168 technical specifications and 2 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Tablets category and whether it is worth buying.

Lenovo Tab 7 Essential Cellular (1GB + 16GB)
5.9/10

Overall score

Score
5.9/ 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 89% of models
Score components

35%

5.0

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

5.0

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 89% of tablets
7.1

Value for money

Value for money
7.1/ 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 78% of models
Score components

70%

5.9

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 78%
5.0

Technical score

Technical score
5.0/ 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 89% of models
Score components

22%

4.3

Performance

20%

3.8

Display

16%

5.2

Camera

14%

4.9

Battery

12%

6.3

Connectivity

8%

6.7

Software

5%

6.6

Design

3%

3.9

Audio

â–¼Worse than 89%
5.0

Reviews score

Reviews score
5.0/ 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–¼ Worse than 91% of models

5.0

Mark 6.8 is below the typical mark 7.8 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.1

Average grade

20%

5.8

Popularity

Grades by review (2)
2 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–¼Worse than 91%
?

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
  • lenovo-tab-7-essential-1gb-16gb-cellular
lenovo-tab-7-essential-1gb-16gb-cellular
Where to buy
    N/A~ £70
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 + 16GB2GB + 16GB

What reviewers say about the Lenovo Tab 7 Essential Cellular (1GB + 16GB)

Based on 0 · 4

Reviewers praise the solid build and software, but agree that performance feels slow.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Lenovo Tab 7 Essential Cellular (1GB + 16GB)

Based on 119 owners sharing their experience in online comments

37%positive6%mixed57%negative

Reset instructions often bring the tablet back, but sluggish performance and limited storage frustrate owners most.

What owners dislike

  • Owners report slow, glitchy use with 1 GB RAM: apps close when switching, and video apps and browsers freeze or lag.25
  • Owners often land in a Chinese factory-test menu or a reboot loop; one fix was holding both volume keys and power together.12
  • Owners say demanding games such as Clash Royale and Asphalt 8 lag, and Call of Duty Mobile is not compatible with the tablet.8
  • Owners say 8 GB fills mostly with system files, leaving room for only a few apps, and an SD card may not be recognized.8
  • Owners report very slow charging, sometimes taking hours, and the tablet switching off while plugged in.6
  • Owners see system UI not responding pop-ups even without opening apps, and Gmail sign-in fails during setup with repeated error messages.5
  • Some owners find the tablet will not accept a SIM card, or a SIM is not detected, and 5G signal dropped suddenly.5
  • Owners report cracks and breakage, and some struggled to find a repair shop for a broken unit.4
  • Owners report that the volume up or down button stopped working, which blocks the reset steps that need those keys.3

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

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of tablet Lenovo Tab 7 Essential Cellular (1GB + 16GB)

Technical score
Technical score
5.0/ 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 89% of models
Score components:

22%

4.3

Performance

20%

3.8

Display

16%

5.2

Camera

14%

4.9

Battery

12%

6.3

Connectivity

8%

6.7

Software

5%

6.6

Design

3%

3.9

Audio

5.0
Reviews score
5.0
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.1/ 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 78% of models
Score components:

70%

5.9

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.1
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
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
MediaTek MT8735D
This tablet runs on MediaTek MT8735D, which is less advanced than 87.6% of tablets and equal to 0.1% of tablets.
Show more
What reviewers say
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
170 ppi
Market range: <149 ppi – >291 ppi
This tablet has a pixel density of 170 ppi, which is lower than 76.5% of tablets and equal to 4.7% 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
2 MP
Market range: <3.15 MP – >13 MP
This tablet has a rear camera with 2 MP resolution, which is lower than 93.6% of tablets and equal to 5.6% 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
?
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
Battery capacity
3,450 mAh
Market range: <4k mAh – >10.1k mAh
This tablet has 3,450 mAh battery capacity, which is smaller than 93.5% of tablets and equal to 0.6% of tablets.
Charging speed
5 W
Market range: <10 W – >45 W
This tablet charges at 5 W, which is slower than 96% of tablets and equal to 3.3% of tablets.
Battery life
20 hours
Market range: <7 hours – >16 hours
This tablet has a battery life of 20 hours, which is longer than that of 95.8% of tablets and equal to that of 1.4% 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
yes
This tablet has built-in LTE. 57.1% 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
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
What reviewers say
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
254 g
Market range: <315 g – >730 g
This tablet weighs 254 g, which is lighter than 98.7% of tablets and equal to 0.2% 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
1
Market range: <2 – >4
This tablet includes 1 speakers, which is fewer than in 90.3% of tablets and equal to the number in 9.6% of tablets.
FM radio
yes
This tablet includes an FM radio. 81.1% of tablets offer this.
Show more

Lenovo Tab 7 Essential Cellular (1GB + 16GB) vs the average tablet

246810TotalPerformanceDisplayCameraBatteryConnectivitySoftwareDesignAudio
  • 10 hours longer battery life
    This tablet offers longer battery life than the average tablet (20 hours vs 10 hours). The average tablet offers 10 hours of battery life.
    20 hours vs 10 hours
  • 48.2% lighter
    This tablet is lighter than the average tablet (254 g vs 490 g). The average tablet weighs 490 g.
    254 g vs 490 g
  • Supports LTE
    This tablet supports LTE, while the average tablet does not. 42.9% of tablets support LTE.
  • Supports cellular data
    This tablet supports cellular data, while the average tablet does not. 47.4% of tablets offer this.
  • Supports slow-motion video
    This tablet supports slow-motion recording, while the average tablet does not. 37.3% of tablets support slow-motion recording.
  • 73.3 mm narrower
    This tablet is narrower than the average tablet (102 mm vs 175.3 mm). The average tablet is 175.3 mm wide.
    102 mm vs 175.3 mm
  • 3.71x cheaper
    Lenovo Tab 7 Essential Cellular (1GB + 16GB) is cheaper than the average tablet (£70 vs £260).
    £70 vs £260
  • 3.71x cheaper
    Lenovo Tab 7 Essential Cellular (1GB + 16GB) is cheaper than the average tablet (£70 vs £260).
    £70 vs £260
  • Supports slow-motion video
    This tablet supports slow-motion recording, while the average tablet does not. 37.3% of tablets support slow-motion recording.
  • 10 hours longer battery life
    This tablet offers longer battery life than the average tablet (20 hours vs 10 hours). The average tablet offers 10 hours of battery life.
    20 hours vs 10 hours
  • Supports LTE
    This tablet supports LTE, while the average tablet does not. 42.9% of tablets support LTE.
  • Supports cellular data
    This tablet supports cellular data, while the average tablet does not. 47.4% of tablets offer this.
  • 48.2% lighter
    This tablet is lighter than the average tablet (254 g vs 490 g). The average tablet weighs 490 g.
    254 g vs 490 g
  • 73.3 mm narrower
    This tablet is narrower than the average tablet (102 mm vs 175.3 mm). The average tablet is 175.3 mm wide.
    102 mm vs 175.3 mm
  • 28.6% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.0/ 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–¼ Worse than 91% of models

    5.0

    Mark 6.8 is below the typical mark 7.8 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.1

    Average grade

    20%

    5.8

    Popularity

    Grades by review (2)
    2 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.
    5.0 vs 7.0
  • 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
  • 6 MP lower rear resolution
    This tablet has a lower-resolution rear camera than the average tablet (2 MP vs 8 MP). The average tablet has a rear camera of 8 MP.
    2 MP vs 8 MP
  • 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
  • 47.7% smaller battery capacity
    This tablet has a smaller battery capacity than the average tablet (3,450 mAh vs 6,600 mAh). The average tablet offers 6,600 mAh of battery capacity.
    3,450 mAh vs 6,600 mAh
  • 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
  • 45% lower CPU speed
    This tablet has a lower CPU speed than the average tablet (1.1 GHz vs 2 GHz). The average tablet has CPU speed of 2 GHz.
    1.1 GHz vs 2 GHz
  • 28.6% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.0/ 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–¼ Worse than 91% of models

    5.0

    Mark 6.8 is below the typical mark 7.8 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.1

    Average grade

    20%

    5.8

    Popularity

    Grades by review (2)
    2 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.
    5.0 vs 7.0
  • 5.8% worse value for money
    Lenovo Tab 7 Essential Cellular (1GB + 16GB) has worse value for money than the average tablet (7.14 vs 7.6).
    7.14 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
  • 45% lower CPU speed
    This tablet has a lower CPU speed than the average tablet (1.1 GHz vs 2 GHz). The average tablet has CPU speed of 2 GHz.
    1.1 GHz vs 2 GHz
  • More basic graphics
    This tablet has less advanced graphics than the average tablet (Mali-T720 MP1 vs Mali-G51).
    Mali-T720 MP1 vs Mali-G51
  • 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
  • 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
  • 78.5% less memory bandwidth
    This tablet has less memory bandwidth than the average tablet (3.2 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s). The average tablet has 14.9 GB/s of memory bandwidth.
    3.2 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.
  • 38.5% slower GPU clock
    This tablet runs its GPU slower than the average tablet (400 MHz vs 650 MHz). The average tablet runs its GPU at 650 MHz.
    400 MHz vs 650 MHz
  • 3 fewer GPU execution units
    This tablet has less GPU execution units than the average tablet (1 vs 4). The average tablet has 4 GPU execution units.
    1 vs 4
  • 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
  • 101 nits dimmer screen
    This tablet is dimmer than the average tablet (300 nits vs 401 nits). The average tablet reaches 401 nits.
    300 nits vs 401 nits
  • 100 nits lower typical brightness
    This tablet has a lower typical brightness than the average tablet (300 nits vs 400 nits). The average tablet reaches 400 nits typical brightness.
    300 nits vs 400 nits
  • 23.1% softer screen detail
    This tablet has softer screen detail than the average tablet (170 ppi vs 221 ppi). The average tablet has a pixel density of 221 ppi.
    170 ppi vs 221 ppi
  • Less vivid contrast
    This tablet has less contrast than the average tablet (800:1 vs 1015:1). The average tablet has a contrast ratio of 1015:1.
    800:1 vs 1,015:1
  • 6 MP lower rear resolution
    This tablet has a lower-resolution rear camera than the average tablet (2 MP vs 8 MP). The average tablet has a rear camera of 8 MP.
    2 MP vs 8 MP
  • 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
  • Narrower front camera aperture
    This tablet has a narrower front camera aperture than the average tablet (f/2.4 vs f/2.2). The average tablet's front camera aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.4 vs f/2.2
  • No manual exposure control
    This tablet does not support manual exposure, while the average tablet does. 63.6% of tablets support manual exposure.
  • 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 backside-illuminated sensor
    This tablet does not have a BSI sensor, while the average tablet does. 52.6% of tablets have a BSI sensor.
  • 47.7% smaller battery capacity
    This tablet has a smaller battery capacity than the average tablet (3,450 mAh vs 6,600 mAh). The average tablet offers 6,600 mAh of battery capacity.
    3,450 mAh vs 6,600 mAh
  • No fast charging
    This tablet does not support fast charging, while the average tablet does. 56.8% of tablets support fast charging.
  • 72.2% slower charging
    This tablet charges slower than the average tablet (5 W vs 18 W). The average tablet charges at 18 W.
    5 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)
  • 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
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This tablet has an older Bluetooth version than the average tablet (4.1 vs 5).
    4.1 vs 5
  • 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 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 dark mode
    This tablet does not support dark mode, while the average tablet does. 57.7% of tablets offer this.
  • 0.8 mm thicker
    This tablet is thicker than the average tablet (8.8 mm vs 8 mm). The average tablet is 8 mm thick.
    8.8 mm vs 8 mm
  • 1 fewer speakers
    This tablet has less speakers than the average tablet (1 vs 2). The average tablet has 2 speakers.
    1 vs 2

Video reviews

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

4.0
My Next Tablet
≈ estimated
24/04/2018
Full review · benchmarks, gaming and battery test
Verdict
Lenovo Tab 7 Essential Cellular has a good display, build and battery for the price, but it is too slow to recommend to most buyers.
7.0
My Next Tablet
≈ estimated
29/03/2018
Unboxing · first impressions and first benchmarks
Verdict
Lenovo Tab 7 Essential Cellular is fine for simple tasks at this price, but it is too slow for gaming and heavy multitasking.
Not graded
Not graded
Not graded

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Lenovo Tab 7 Essential Cellular (1GB + 16GB)

  • Affordable entry-level price point for a cellular-enabled tablet.
  • Extremely lightweight and thin design makes it highly portable for travel.
  • Supports multi-user accounts, allowing individual profiles for family members.
  • Clean Android experience with minimal bloatware compared to competitors.
  • Good build quality with a solid, rigid feel despite the plastic construction.

What customers don't like about Lenovo Tab 7 Essential Cellular (1GB + 16GB)

  • Slow performance and frequent lag when opening apps or multitasking due to limited 1GB RAM.
  • Low-resolution display (1024 x 600) results in coarse details and poor viewing angles.
  • Underpowered for gaming; struggles with popular titles like PUBG or graphic-heavy apps.
  • Poor camera quality; both front and rear 2MP sensors produce grainy, washed-out images.
  • Limited internal storage (typically 8GB or 16GB) is quickly consumed by the system OS.
  • Inconsistent battery life reports, with some users experiencing fast drainage during active use.

Verdict

The Lenovo Tab 7 Essential Cellular is an entry-level 7-inch tablet featuring an IPS LCD display with a 1024 x 600 resolution and a slim 8.8mm plastic chassis. It is powered by a quad-core MediaTek MT8735D processor (1.1 GHz) paired with 1GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, which is expandable up to 128GB via a dedicated microSD slot. This cellular variant supports 3G/LTE connectivity for calls and data and runs on a near-stock version of Android 7.0 Nougat. Key strengths include its highly portable, lightweight design (254g), a multi-user account feature ideal for families, and a laminated IPS screen that offers decent viewing angles for its class. However, significant drawbacks include sluggish performance that struggles with multitasking, very basic 2MP front and rear cameras, and a low-resolution display that may appear grainy compared to modern standards.

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