Greetings fellow sifu,
i may be getting a tablet with celluar and need some opinions and guidance on this. i have narrow a few down and would appretiate if there is any input on this or even addition to the options.

1. Brand.
hmmmm... i think most malaysia available brands are alright. dependable device at least.

2. Budget.
rm500-rm900

3. Specs. (Ram/Proc/Camera's MP/Screen size)
Ram: 2gb+
CPU: Intel Atom Z3560 or Snapdragon 800 above (snapdragon 800 is rank 673). ranking on notebookcheck mobile processor benchmark around 680 or more.
Camera: doesn't matter.
Screen Size: 7inch plus, FULL HD.
Other: Cellular capable. SD card for movie transfer.

4. What you need in the tablet (Casual browsing/eBook reading/Gaming/Note taking/etc):
- gaming
- movie watching
- in case of emergency, can make phone calls.

-------------------------------------

i have browse around with my limited knowledge and these are the few options that i manage to come about:

1. Lenovo Tab S8
Price: rm698 (SatuGadget)
CPU: Atom Z3745 (rank 561)
Ram: 2GB
Screen: 8.0 inch at 1200x1920, IPS
Memory: 16GB, MicroSD to 32GB
Cellular: LTE

2. Asus Memo Pad 7 ME572CL
Price: rm600 (DirectD)
CPU: Atom Z3560 (rank 697)
Ram: 2GB
Screen: 7.0 inch at 1200x1920, IPS
Memory: 16GB, MicroSD to 64GB
Cellular: LTE

3. Asus Memo Pad 8 ME581CL
Price: rm800 (DirectD)
CPU: Atom Z3580 (rank 552)
Ram: 2GB
Screen: 8.0 inch at 1200x1920, IPS, Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Memory: 16GB, (MicroSD debatable? some owners says yes, some sites say no?)
Cellular: LTE

gsmarena comparison page:
http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPho...L&idPhone2=6414

the Asus Memo Pad 8, there is a different sources claiming some have SD slot and some doesn't support. i google around and is pretty confuse about this.

so i would like to know any sifu's input and if there are other similar options as well. thank you very much.

This post has been edited by chaosneo: Jan 14 2016, 11:40 AM

i think you are referring to "Asus ZenPad 8.0 Z380KL", i actually love the zenpad line when i hold it, it feels so nice on hand but their specs are a tad disappointing. while it is newer but its specs seem to take a step back.
- 800 x 1280 pixels
- Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410
- Qualcomm MSM8929 Snapdragon 415

and the Asus ZenPad 7.0 Z370CG shares the same display resolution but its cpu is a tad little powerful which is Intel Atom x3-C3230. there are reports of the Zenpad 7.0 lags.

i just read that the Asus Memopad 7 and Memopad 8 might not support dialer/phone, its LTE is just for internet. i am trying to confirm this...

i am actually looking at telcast, possibly for my own media consumption. the price vs value looks very promising especially telcast X98 Dual Boot OS price around rm799-899 (depending where you buy at). the only part of the specs that i don't really like is 32gb storage & 2gb Ram. probably feels alright under android but under windows 10? hmmmm...

Screen Size: 9.7 IPS (2048 x 1536)
Dimension: 240 x 169 x 7.4
Weight: 0.52kg
OS: Windows 10, Android
CPU: Intel Atom Z3736F Quad Core
(stronger than Snapdragon 800, almost at Tegra K1)
Ram: 2GB
Storage: 32GB
Ports Micro HDMI, Micro USB.
Sim: Yes
MicroSD: Yes
Bluetooth (4.0) & Wifi
Battery: 8500mAh

if you willing to fork out a little more, the new HP Pavillion X2 12 seems very promising. they just launch early of Jan 2016.

i brought my Lenovo Tab S8-50LC from Gemfive for rm631.
delivered in 4 days time. i live Selangor though.

This post has been edited by chaosneo: Feb 13 2016, 10:15 AM

the price is RM 749.00, the voucher was MP118 and gave me a RM 118 discount which lowers to RM631
i don't think this tablet can be easily find already.

the best choice was lenovo Tab S8-50LC but cannot find or its pretty expensive. alternative would be zenpad but the specs don't do any justice for the price. HD and low cpu power and most reviews says the same thing, performance is lacking.

i look at at least minimum 2gb ram for android devices for smooth operations. FHD for 8 inch and above. if you don't mind the brand, this might be quite a good choice and there is good reviews about it:
http://www.teclast.com.my/ecomm/index.php?...t&product_id=75

there is even a lowyat forumer review on it.
https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/3561538/all

Screen size: 9.7 Inch
Screen type: Retina IPS
Display resolution: 2048*1536（4:3）
Processor: Intel Bay Trail-T Z3736F 64bit processor (x86 architecture)
Burst Frequency: 2.16GHz
RAM: 2G DDR3L
Storage: 32/64GB eMMC
OS: Android 4.4 / Windows 8.1 / Dual OS (Android 4.4 + Windows 8.1)
Cameras: 2MP front camera, 5MP rear camera
Networks: 2G (GSM) /3G (WCDMA), WiFi (IEEE 802.11b/g/n)
GPS & A-GPS, Bluetooth 4.0
Ports: Standard SIM slot, Micro USB port x1, Micro HDMI port x1, 3.5mm
headphone jack x1
Extension: Micro SD slot
OTG: Support
Speaker: Built-in dual speaker & Mic
Physical buttons: 3
Battery: 8500mAh

the specs looks damn good for its price but the only gripe i had with it is memory space... 32gb space
i wonder if the Win8.1 can get free upgrade to win10.

currently retailing for rm899 but i think with coupons, you may get it cheaper.

This post has been edited by chaosneo: Feb 16 2016, 10:16 AM

hi bro,
they do have a local office and business, so i assume that it has local warranty too. i read somewhere lazada selling around near rm700.

but our local teclast sells outdated & limited products. the international Teclast already selling new products with better specs: http://www.teclast.com/en/ - have a look and you know what i mean.

for example Teclast X98 Plus (no calls/data) or X16 Pro but this is costly than the cheap tablet i think.

just wondering, why not mipad? which is pretty good for its price.

for gaming and entertainment, you can drop Asus Zenpad 7, maybe Asus Zenpad 8 (only some variant). you probably have better satisfaction from using 8" to 10".

here are some other options.

1. Xiaomi Mi Pad 2
7.9 inches, 1536 x 2048
Intel Atom X5-Z8500
16/64 GB, 2 GB RAM

Estimate RRP rm899

-----------------

2. Telcast X98 Air 3G (dual boot benefits)
9.7 inches, 1536 x 2048
Intel Bay Trail-T Z3736F
16/32 GB, 2 GB RAM

Gemfive - rm899 (use voucher can get better discount)

-----------------

3. Telcast X98 Plus (dual boot benefits)
9.7 inches, 1536 x 2048
Intel Atom X5-Z8300
64 GB, 4 GB RAM

rm999 (got free SP and casing)

-----------------

4. Asus Zenpad S 8.0 Z580CA
Intel Atom Z3560 or Z3580
8.0 inches, 1536 x 2048
16/32/64 GB, 2/4 GB RAM

Estimate Price: ???

This post has been edited by chaosneo: Mar 15 2016, 03:44 PM

at that budget, these are the ones i recommend.

1. Xiaomi Mi Pad 2
7.9 inches, 1536 x 2048
Intel Atom X5-Z8500
16/64 GB, 2 GB RAM

Estimate RRP rm899

-----------------

2. Telcast X98 Air 3G (dual boot benefits)
9.7 inches, 1536 x 2048
Intel Bay Trail-T Z3736F
16/32 GB, 2 GB RAM

Gemfive - rm899 (use voucher can get better discount)

-----------------

3. Telcast X98 Plus (dual boot benefits)
9.7 inches, 1536 x 2048
Intel Atom X5-Z8300
64 GB, 4 GB RAM

rm999 (got free SP and casing)

what about screen size? any preference?
at around that price there are some nice recommendation like:

- Samsung Tab S2 8.0 inch LTE
8.0, , 1536 x 2048
Samsung Exynos 5433 Octa 1.9 GHz
32/64 GB, 3 GB RAM
Li-Ion 4000 mAh battery

- Xiaomi Mi Pad 2
7.9 inches, 1536 x 2048
Intel Atom X5-Z8500
16/64 GB, 2 GB RAM
Li-Po 6700 mAh battery

- Xiaomi Mi Pad 7.9"
7.9 inches, 1536 x 2048
Nvidia Tegra K1
16/64 GB, 2 GB RAM
Li-Po 6700 mAh battery

- Teclast X98 Plus
9.7 inches, 1536 x 2048
Intel Atom X5-Z8300
64 GB, 4 GB RAM
Li-Po 8000 mAh battery

these above at least have respectable CPU, screen size, and battery life. and it falls within your budget.

Bro Auto,
it might be better if you can up the budget to get the specs or at least a decent tablet that you want or buy a powerbank for your iPhone for media consumption.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Bro Blaze,
first, asus zenpad 8.0 is available in MY.
http://www.gemfive.com/my/catalogsearch/re...q=asus+zenpad+8

second, comparing the specs between Huawei M2 and Asus Zenpad:
http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPho...9&idPhone2=7255
i would go for the M2 because:
- bigger battery.
- IPS, Full HD, sharp screen for media consumption.
- higher ram
- higher memory
- tad more powerful processor
--- Kirin 930 - rank 697
--- SD 415 - rank 780
- dual band wifi AC
- thinner hehehe

if you going to surf net a lot, movies, and games, Full HD screen or higher resolution is better, save you a lot of zooming and scrolling. most of the Zenpad 7 or Zenpad 8 CPU is below par. if you don't mind seller warranty, can try Mi Pad 2.
http://www.directd.com.my/xiaomi-mi-pad-2-latest-model

This post has been edited by chaosneo: Apr 5 2016, 04:02 PM

the Teclast most famous is for its X98 series, Teclast X98 series is worth recommending because of the specs vs price, especailly for a tablet that below 1K. i would recommend get the Teclast X80 which is a little tad more than the P70 because since you include casual gaming but it doesn't come with a 3G connectivity unless that is your requirement as well.

http://www.teclast.com.my/ecomm/index.php?...t&product_id=98

the Intel Z8300 and 2GB ram would give a little more smoother operation and you get the benefit of dual boot.

here is a review site about it:
http://techtablets.com/2016/03/teclast-x80...d-review-video/

but please bear in mind, its only 32gb and that is shared by two OS. so space i think its pretty limited and you probably need a good size SDcard to complement it.

but good thing is, i just realise that it comes with a micro HDMI & micro USB port. so can watch video on bigger TV

This post has been edited by chaosneo: Apr 10 2016, 03:28 PM

i think what you need is just a [ micro HDMI converter to HDMI ---> HDMI cable ] if i am not wrong. sorry bro, i don't own a Teclast device though was tempted to get the X98 last time.

but do give a review once you got it yah? i think many forumers would probably like to know about the X80 Plus because of its price point.

the options that you stated, some of them are of very difference price range especially Ipad Air 2 64GB and Galaxy S2 8.0

of course if you have the budget the Ipad Air 2 and S2 8.0 is among the great choice but otherwise below 1K budget, the Teclast X98 is a worth buy. you can actually get it cheaper from lazada. but i wouldn't recommend Galaxy Tab A 8.0 mainly because of sub par display and weak processor. :
- Resolution 768 x 1024 pixels and non IPS display.
- Snapdragon 410.

considering that you use mainly for media consumption, a high resolution screen like Full HD or higher and IPS screen would be good for you. look up some youtube reviews, they help a lot in helping make the choice.


This post has been edited by chaosneo: Apr 15 2016, 09:46 AM

hahaha... bro if you have that phobia, you sure you should be asking for my opinion?
since you ask i shall try my best to answer.

your friend is not wrong, at least what i know about the movie part, is that iPad requires to convert in order to play? you have to ask iPad owners about this. where android you can just download and play. both OS have their own strength. i heard ioS have more games too.

currently the Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 is retailing around rm1,600. it does not have sPen. 3GB Ram.
http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_tab_s2_8_0-7439.php

depending on budget brother,
if i have less than 1K, i go for teclast X98 Plus as the 9.7 inch screen with 9.7 inches (1536 x 2048) for movies, tv series, anime, etc. the CPU Intel Atom X5-Z8300, 64 GB, 4 GB RAM will for sure capable smooth running.
if i can fork out more, the galaxy Tab S2 8.0 or S2 9.7 are very good choices. and i really love how the Tab S2 looks, both variant of 8.0 and 9.7 inch screen are beautiful.

here are some CPU score:
Rank 493 : Snapdragon 652 (Galaxy Tab S2) - around rm1,600
Rank 563 : Exynos 5433 Octa (Galaxy Tab S2) - around rm1,900
Rank 570 : Intel X5-Z8300 (Teclast X98 Plus) - around rm1,000

at that budget, you can consider Acer Switch Alpha 12 at rm2,499 hahaha

specs:
Intel Core i3-6100U processor, 4GB of DDR3L RAM, 128GB SSD, 12 inch QHD.

if want android, just download Remix OS and make the tablet dual OS.

the options available to you is very wide. from Asus to Samsung to Lenovo to non mainstream like Telcast. how old is your kid? i advise that you refine your requirements for more suitable choice. below are some examples...

- Xiaomi Mi Pad 2
7.9 inches, 1536 x 2048
Intel Atom X5-Z8500
16/64 GB, 2 GB RAM
Li-Po 6700 mAh battery

- Xiaomi Mi Pad 7.9"
7.9 inches, 1536 x 2048
Nvidia Tegra K1
16/64 GB, 2 GB RAM
Li-Po 6700 mAh battery

- Teclast X98 Plus
9.7 inches, 1536 x 2048
Intel Atom X5-Z8300
64 GB, 4 GB RAM
Li-Po 8000 mAh battery

things like big battery life and good CPU for gaming are good criteria. all tablets nowadays comes with Wifi.

i think don't have therefore most you find no one reply. i think you can look at Sony Xperia C5 Ultra Dual. its not 7 inch but 6 inch, nearest you can find.

RM999 is after rebate or before?

this tablet has good resolution, screen size, good CPU, storage expansion, and speaker location.
worrisome RAM (only 2gb), small battery,

please read up review on this.

on another note,
there is a new samsung tablet that has Spen and it looks promising. but still need to see a review on this first.