Tablet Battery life results

Battery life testing is one of the last evaluations we subject tablets to at CNET Labs, but by no means is it the least valued. How long you can use your tablet is nearly as important as what it is you do while using it. 

Our CNET labs testing standards ensure that all tablets, regardless of size, color, or operating system, are tested as close to equally as possible. Details on how we test tablets are included below the testing results chart. We've also thrown in each tablet's maximum luminosity for good measure.

Expect this list to be updated frequently as new tablets are tested.

To see what tablets are coming down the pike, check our current and upcoming tablets list, which gets updated every week.

Tablet name	Video battery life  (in hours)	Maximum brightness  (in cd/m2)	Resolution	Screen size  (in inches)
Acer Iconia Tab A100	6	227	1,024x600	7
Acer Iconia Tab A200	7.7	318	1,280x800	10
Acer Iconia Tab A500	7.8	377	1,280x800	10.1
Acer Iconia Tab A501	6.4	322	1,280x800	10.1
Acer Iconia Tab A510	11.6	353	1,280x800	10.1
Acer Iconia Tab A700	10	325	1,920x1,200	10.1
Amazon Kindle Fire	6.7*	424	1,024x600	7
Amazon Kindle Fire (2012)	5.4	404	1,024x600	7
Amazon Kindle Fire HD	5.3	394	1,280x800	7
Apple iPad	12.6	388	1,024x768	9.7
Apple iPad 2	14.2	432	1,024x768	9.7
Apple iPad (third generation)	11.4	455	2,048x1,536	9.7
Apple iPad (fourth generation)	13.1	na	2,048x1,536	9.7
Apple iPad Mini	12.1	na	1,024x768	7.9
Archos 70	4.7	302	800x480	7
Archos 80 G9	5.8	220	1,024x768	8
Archos 101 8GB	5.8	177	1,024x600	10.1
Archos 101 G9	5.5	247	1,280x800	10.1
Archos 101 G9 Turbo	5.5	207	1,280x800	10.1
Archos Gen10 101 XS	5.6	210	1,280x800	10.1
Asus Eee Pad Slider	7.7	323	1,280x800	10.1
Asus Eee Pad Transformer	7.3 (10.7 with keyboard)	320	1,280x800	10.1
Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime	9.6 (15.3 with keyboard)	570	1,280x800	10.1
Asus Transformer Pad TF300 (Balance mode)	8.7 (13 with keyboard)	331	1,280x800	10.1
Asus Transformer Pad Infinity TF700 (Balance mode)	8.5 (13.9 with keyboard)	422	1,920x1,200	10.1
Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet	6.5*	307	1,024x600	7
Barnes & Noble Nook HD	7.3	455	1,440x900	7
Barnes & Noble Nook HD+	9.5	496	1,920x1,280	9
Google Nexus 7	Wi-Fi: 10.1; 3G: 9	288	1,280x800	7
Google Nexus 10	8.4	368	2,560x1,600	7
HP TouchPad	6.8	292	1,024x768	9.7
HTC Evo View 4G (Sprint)	6.9	454	1,024x600	7
HTC Flyer	6	372	1,024x600	7
HTC Jetstream	7.7	293	1,280x800	10.1
Lenovo IdeaPad A1	4	224	1,024x600	7
Lenovo IdeaPad K1	8.6	289	1,280x800	10.1
Lenovo IdeaTab A2109	9.3	304	1,280x800	9
Lenovo IdeaTab S2109	9.4	411	1,024x768	9.7
Lenovo IdeaTab S2110	10.1	437	1,280x800	9.7
Lenovo ThinkPad	7.6	425	1,280x800	10.1
Motorola Xoom	9.3	312	1,280x800	10.1
Motorola Droid Xyboard 10.1	8.7	411	1,280x800	10.1
Motorola Droid Xyboard 8.2	5.3	469	1,280x800	8.2
Pantech Element	8.8	446	1,024x768	8
RIM BlackBerry PlayBook	7.6	587	1,024x600	7
Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1	9.6	411	1,280x800	10.1
Samsung Galaxy Tab	7.8	364	1,024x600	7
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0	7.1	379	1,024x600	7
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 4G LTE	8.4	454	1,024x600	7
Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus	7.8	214	1,024x600	7.2
Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7	8.8	110	1,280x800	7.7
Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9	8.2	372	1,280x800	8.9
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1	7.5	336	1,280x800	10.1
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1	6.2	380	1,280x800	10.1
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 4G (Verizon)	8.4	455	1,280x800	10.1
Sony Tablet P	5.9	388	1,024x480	5.5
Sony Tablet S	6.2	393	1,280x800	9.4
Sony Xperia Tablet S	10.5	335	1,280x800	9.4
T-Mobile G-Slate	9.7	424	1,280x768	8.9
T-Mobile SpringBoard	7.3	353	1,280x800	7
Toshiba Excite 7.7	7.5	NA	1,280x800	7.7
Toshiba Excite 10	7.8	358	1,280x800	10
Toshiba Excite 10 LE	8	359	1,280x800	10.1
Toshiba Excite 13	8.8	236	1,600x900	13.3
Toshiba Thrive 10-inch	9.6	337	1,280x800	10.1

How we test tablets

We currently run two different tests to evaluate the performance of non-Windows tablets.

Battery life

We evaluate battery life by continually running a movie file on the tablet until its battery dies.

We set each tablet to Airplane mode and adjust its respective brightnesses to 150 candelas per square meter (cd/M2) or as close to that number as possible.

For the iPad, we run the iPad version of "Toy Story 3." On Android tablets, we run a 720p version of "Toy Story 3." The reason we chose 720p for Android was that not every tablet can run 1080p video just yet, and we wanted to make sure we tested Android tablets under the same methodology.

On the iPads, we ran the movie through the iPod app; for Android, we used the movie player apps mVideoPlayer or DicePlayer, as they provide a much-needed repeat video function that not all native Android movie players include.

*The times for the Amazon Kindle Fire and the Barnes and Noble Nook Tablet reflect continually streaming video through a wireless connection. The router was approximately five feet away with a full signal. We used Amazon Prime to stream "Amadeus" on the Amazon Kindle Fire; for the Barnes and Noble Nook Tablet we used the Netflix application to stream "Amadeus". On both tablets when the movie ended it was manually repeated due to a lack of repeat video function available.

Contrast ratio and brightness

We also tested the maximum brightness, default brightness, and contrast ratio for each tablet. We conducted these tests using the Minolta CA-210 display color analyzer. With each screen at full luminosity, we placed the sensor in the middle of the screen. We used a completely white screen to test the brightness and a completely black screen to test the black level. We then divided the maximum brightness by the maximum black level to get the contrast ratio.

Apple iPhone 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy S3 vs. HTC One X: The cameras

Here's how the iPhone 5's camera stacks up against a couple of its Android competitors.

Apple didn't do much to the iPhone's camera from the 4S to the 5. Then again, it didn't really have to.

The iPhone 4S has one of the best cameras on a smartphone, and with some improved processing and other enhancements, the iPhone 5 does now, too. But it's not the only mobile device with a good camera built in, with the HTC One X and Samsung Galaxy S3 offering up some strong competition. 

All three devices use an 8-megapixel backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor. Basically, the benefit of BSI CMOS sensors over regular CMOS sensors is that their design allows more light to reach the photo diodes, which means less light is needed to get a properly exposed photo. The result is better low-light photo quality. (Keep in mind, though, that just because they all have the same sensor type, doesn't mean the sensors are of the same quality or the image processing will be identical.) 

To further help out in low-light conditions, all of the models have large apertures; the iPhone has an f2.4 33mm lens, the Galaxy S III has an f2.6 27mm lens, and there's an f2 28mm lens on the One X. Brighter lenses let in more light, so there's less of a need to use higher ISO sensitivities that introduce noise and kill detail.

All three of the cameras have very good shooting performance with no or low shutter lag and fast shot-to-shot recovery, so you're never really left waiting to take the next shot. 

Shooting options are pretty basic for the iPhone 5 with no controls over things like ISO or white balance, but you do get HDR and the new panorama mode. The Samsung and HTC, on the other hand, are closer to using a standalone point-and-shoot, with different scene modes and more control over results (though I doubt these things will matter to most people) and they, too, have HDR and panorama modes that essentially work the same as the iPhone's. 

I hesitate to pick an overall winner here -- my time shooting with all three was brief -- but when it came down to picture quality, the iPhone 5 regularly produced excellent photos regardless of lighting. The One X is a pretty close second, however, turning out photos with nice color and detail. The Galaxy S3 turns out very good pictures, too, but they're not as usable at larger sizes as the iPhone 5's. (You can take a look for yourself in the slideshow above.)

 

 

 

 

Shaping up to Windows size

WINDOWS 8 computers come in many unorthodox shapes

• TOSHIBA SATELLITE P840

Toshiba, $1699

Windows 8 is best experienced with a touchscreen and, while it may not look like it, this solid 14-inch laptop offers one. The Toshiba Satellite P840 looks like a solid, knockabout workhorse, thanks to an understated grey lid, a 2.9cm thick body, and a weight of 2.05kg.

But while it won't win beauty contests, it will complete most computing assignments. This Satellite comes with 8GB RAM, a 1 terabyte hard drive, and an Intel Core i7 processor, making it capable of everything from video-editing to rapid multi-tasking. Harman Kardon speakers sit at each side of the keyboard to give it some multimedia talents.

The tablet unit itself is more powerful than most. A third-generation Intel Core i5 chip powers Windows 8 Pro, as well as 4GB RAM and a 128GB hard drive.

The tablet also features its own USB 3.0 connection, a stylus, space for a MicroSD memory card and a Micro HDMI cable for TV displays. might take a moment to adjust to the tablet's length or its weight but angle when docked, and the dock-and-tablet combination's weight of 1.6kg will put out some travellers. Regardless, a user-friendly solution to a modern problem.

• ASUS TAICHI 21

Asus, $1599-$1899

It's hard to know which side of this computer requires attention. Open its lid and the Asus Taichi looks and works like a laptop, albeit an unnaturally slender one. Close its lid and you can continue working on the Taichi's exterior 11.6-inch screen like it's a tablet computer.

The transfer from one screen to another takes only seconds, making it the perfect arrangement when you need to show off photos, share a website or play an important app without the distraction of a keyboard.

Asus has also packed enough power into this machine, with an Intel Core i5 or i7 chip, 4GB RAM and 128 or 256GB solid-state drives making quick work of Windows 8 Professional, and ensuring multi-tasking is simple. The Taichi is heavier than a tablet at 1.25kg, but it's speed and USB ports make itmore useful. But users must prepare for fingerprint smudges and buy a travel case.

• HP ENVY x2

HP, $999

HP has made a lot of hardware and that experience shows in this machine. The Envy x2 is a sophisticated device with a premium aluminium shell. Its lid curves to a thin edge and its buttons are recessed attractively. This machine is not just well built, however; it's also unorthodox.

While the Envy x2 feels like a laptop, complete with full-sized keyboard and touchpad, two USB ports and space for an HDMI cable, it's actually a tablet-laptop hybrid. Slide a metal switch to the left and this laptop's 11.6-inch screen can be lifted out to be used as a Windows 8 tablet.

While its solid form and 1.4kg weight is superior to others of its ilk, the Envy x2 doesn't feature as much computing oomph.storage, 31GB of which is already used by Windows and pre-loaded programs.  Envy x2 is certainly a slick, travel-friendly hybrid, but  may need to bring their own storage.

• SAMSUNG ATIV SMART PC Pro

Samsung, $1399

Those who can't decide whether to buy a tablet or a laptop computer may have an easier decision after seeing the Samsung ATIV Smart PC Pro. The hybrid device can be used as either, as it arrives as an 11.6-inch elongated tablet that fits into a sturdy keyboard dock.Once pushed into this dock, confirmed with a jaunty sound, the tablet transforms into a capable laptop, complete with two USB ports. The tablet unit itself is more powerful than most. A third-generation Intel Core i5 chip powers Windows 8 Pro, as well as 4GB RAM and a 128GB hard drive.

The tablet also features its own USB 3.0 connection, a stylus, space for a MicroSD memory card and a Micro HDMI cable for TV displays.

Galaxy Note 8.0 vs. iPad mini

We compare the specs - and other features - of the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 and Apple iPad mini

If Samsung wants to convince the world that it isn't an Apple copycat, the Galaxy Note 8.0 isn’t its best argument. Less than four months after the launch of Apple’s (almost) 8-inch tablet comes a new 8-inch tablet from Samsung. But, despite the obvious parallels, these are two distinct slates – outside and inside. Read on, as we compare the specs (and other features) of the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 and Apple iPad mini.

Size

The Galaxy Note 8.0 is a bit larger in every dimension, with the biggest difference being an extra 11 mm (0.93”) in height.

Weight

Both devices are relatively light, but the Note 8.0 is 30 g (1.06 oz.) heavier than the iPad mini.

Display

Screens are almost the same size, and neither offers mind-blowing resolution. The Note 8.0’s display is a bit sharper, at 189 pixels per inch (PPI).

Samsung hasn’t announced pricing yet for the Galaxy Note 8.0, but its less-than-stellar display could be a clue that it’s planning on staying in the same range as Apple’s US$330 tablet.

Processor

The Note 8.0 has the more powerful processor, with its Exynos 4 Quad chip, the same one found in Samsung’s phablet, the Galaxy Note II.

Apple gave the iPad mini a last-generation A5 chip, first introduced in 2011's iPad 2. Apart from its superior cameras, the iPad mini is essentially a scrunched-down iPad 2.

RAM

The Note 8.0 quadruples the iPad mini’s mere 512 MB of RAM.

Few tasks in iOS require massive amounts of RAM, but you may find that recent (backgrounded) apps close quicker on the iPad mini than on, say, the 4th-generation iPad.

Storage

Samsung skipped a 16 GB model for the Note 8.0, but otherwise flash memory numbers are the same. The Note also has a microSD card slot, unlike Apple’s mini-tablet.

Wireless

Both tablets ship in both Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi + mobile data models. At least in some regions, Samsung's will be LTE-capable. Apple also offers a (pricier) LTE iPad mini.

In some regions (probably not in the U.S.), the Note 8 will make phone calls.

Battery

The Note 8.0’s battery holds a bit more juice than the iPad mini’s. As always, though, remember that many other factors also determine actual battery life.

Cameras

Cameras are rarely the most important part of a tablet, and Samsung and Apple both realize this. These 5-megapixel rear shooters will do the job, but don’t expect anything extraordinary.

Intangibles

The center of this marketing angle is the Note’s stylus (S Pen). The stylus is integrated with Samsung’s software (Touchwiz layered over Android 4.1.2 Jellybean), so when you pull the stylus out, the Note automatically shifts into pen detection mode. The new version even lets you perform certain tasks while only hovering the pen over the screen (previewing stories in Flipboard is one example).

Android’s tablet app selection is improving, but here iOS is still King. On last check (several months ago), Apple had over 275,000 iPad-specific apps in the App Store. Google Play's selection often defaults to stretched-out phone apps. Fortunately, these will look a bit better on an 8-inch screen than on a 10-inch tablet.

Wrap-up

It probably isn’t a coincidence that Samsung’s 8-inch tablet follows so soon after Apple’s. But it looks like the company is determined to go its own way, and has made a device that – unlike anything Apple has made since the Newton – centers around stylus input.

The big question is pricing. If the Note 8 is in the same range as the iPad mini, it could be a compelling alternative for customers who prefer Android or who use apps that could benefit from pen input.

Like its price, the Note 8’s release date is unknown. Samsung has only said that the device will ship worldwide in Q2.

Google Nexus 10 vs Microsoft Surface RT

Introduction:
Attempting feverishly to make a splash in the tablet market, the Microsoft Surface RT is the poster child for Microsoft’s new tablet platform in Windows RT. No doubt there’s an uphill battle ahead of its path already, seeing that it’s a new platform and all, but more importantly, it begs the question on how well it can compete with that other poster child taking space over in Android land – the Google Nexus 10. As we’ve seen already, there’s a ton of buzz surrounding these impressive tablets, but all things considered, it’s certain that most people are dying to know which one is going to give you the most bang for the buck.


Design:

Seeing that price constraints make the Nexus 10’s design a bit more modest, rather than premium taste that so many people crave with high-end devices, we’re going to stick with the Surface RT for having the better looking design. Overall, the two are very similar in size, but it’s the tapered edges and “VaporMg” body of the Surface RT that comes off as something a unconventional amongst tablet designs we’ve seen. Well, it’s not to say that the Nexus 10 is an ugly duckling, but rather it’s too cookie cutter to take away from the unique and delicate appearance of its rival.

Below its screen, we can spot the distinct Windows capacitive Start button on the Surface RT. Meanwhile, the Nexus 10 packs a very useful pulsating LED notification light beneath its display.

	Platform keys	Front cameras
The Google Nexus 10 (left) and the Microsoft Surface RT (right)

Fortunately, both tablets feature distinctive and springy power buttons and volume controls that are easily accessible around their trims. Making it convenient for us, it’s nice to know that the microUSB port of the Nexus 10 provides for charging and data connectivity, which isn’t a simple thing with the Surface RT because it employs a proprietary charging port. On the other hand, we appreciate that Microsoft’s slab incorporates a full-sized USB port that enables a host of peripherals to connect to it - such as keyboard, mice, and flash drives. And finally, we also love that the two offer quick and easy video-out functionality with their microHDMI ports. Along their bottom trims, though, proprietary docking ports on the two allow accessories to interact – such as the Touch and Type Covers for the Surface, though, it’s unknown at the moment what’s going to work with Google’s beauty.

The sides of the Google Nexus 10 (bottom) and the Microsoft Surface RT (top)

When it comes to cameras, the Nexus 10 manhandles its competition seeing that the Surface RT is packing paltry 1-megapixel front and rear cameras, which have the ability to shoot video in up to 800p resolution. Conversely, the Nexus 10 is more ahead of the times with its 5-megapixel auto-focus camera with LED flash and a 1.9-megapixel front-facing snapper – with both being able to shoot video in 1080p and 720p respectively.

Backs		Rear cameras
The Google Nexus 10 (left) and the Microsoft Surface RT (right)

Display:

Being the less expensive tablet, it’s amazing to know that the Nexus 10 is sporting the higher resolution with its display. Specifically, it’s a 10-inch 2650 x 1600 True RGB Real Stripe PLS display that delivers a class-leading pixel density of 300 ppi for tablets. Needless to say, its detail superiority over the Surface RT’s display is blatantly obvious, as there is a considerable level of sharpness with its appearance. We’re not saying that the 10.6-inch 1366 x 768 display (148 ppi) is abysmal, but it’s not as stunning to eye Adding to its sheer brilliance, the Nexus 10 has the higher brightness output to make it more visible in outdoor settings, and it produces colors that are more vibrant – thus, giving it that alluring wow factor from afar.

Viewing angles
Color production The Google Nexus 10 (left) and the Microsoft Surface RT (right)

Microsoft Surface Pro vs. Sony Vaio Duo 11 Comparison

Slate vs. Convertible, Sony vs. Microsoft. Today we're comparing the Microsoft Surface Pro with the Sony Vaio Duo 11. Both are Windows 8 tablets with Intel Core i5 CPUs, fast SSD drives and 4 or more gigs of DDR3 RAM. Both have inspired designs that shout, "buy me because I look so darned good!" and use top quality materials. They can run Windows 7 apps like Photoshop and iTunes, have full 1080p multi-touch displays with digital pens. So how do you decide?

The Surface Pro sells for $899 to $999, and the Touch Cover is an additional $120 while the Type Cover is $130.

The Sony Vaio Duo 11 starts at $1,199 for the Core i5, 4 gigs of RAM and a 128 gig SSD. The Core i7 with 256 gig SSD and 8 gigs of RAM is $1,599 and $2,299 gets you a whopping 512 gig SSD.

Design and Ergonomics

This is the big differentiator: the Microsoft Surface Pro is a slate tablet with a nifty set of optional clip-on keyboards. The Sony Vaio Duo 11 is a convertible slider with a permanently attached keyboard that tucks under the display when not in use. The Surface weighs 2 lbs. (2.5 lbs. with Touch or Type Cover) and the Sony Vaio Duo weighs 2.89 lbs. including the ever-present keyboard. The Sony is larger in part due to the bigger display: 11.6" vs. 10.6" on Surface Pro. It has a bigger footprint and is a bit thicker due to the slider design.




The Sony Vaio Duo 11 feels more like an Ultrabook. That makes it more versatile as your main machine while Surface Pro feels more like your second due to the small display and keyboards that are more accessory than main feature. If you want something as powerful and portable as possible, it's the Surface Pro. If you want something that leans more toward the Ultrabook camp, it's the Sony Vaio Duo 11. There's no winner here, because it depends on your needs. Build quality is top notch on both with liberal use of metal, Gorilla Glass and attention to detail.


Performance and Horsepower

The Sony Vaio Duo 11 comes in three flavors: ours with a Core i5, 6 gigs of DDR3 RAM and a 128 gig SSD, and a Core i7 with 8 gigs of RAM and a 256 gig SSD. There's a 512 gig SSD option with a Core i7 now as well. The Surface Pro has a 1.7GHz Core i5, 4 gigs of DDR3 RAM and a 64 or 128 gig SSD. There is no higher capacity available nor is there a Core i7 (I suspect Microsoft was trying to keep Surface Pro prices affordable). We have the Vaio with the 1.7GHz Core i5-3317U, which is the same CPU in Surface. Sony, like many manufacturers, recently made a minor update with Intel's newer 1.8GHz Core i5, and you'll likely see a 5 percent improvement with that 100MHz boost.




The Surface Pro benchmarks just slightly slower than our Vaio Duo 11 in PCMark07, with the Vaio scoring 4772 vs. the Surface Pro's 4657. Keep in mind our Vaio has the 1.7GHz rather than 1.8GHz refresh CPU. Both have Intel HD 4000 graphics. Both have very fast SSD drives. Obviously with the Sony you can go up to a faster Core i7 ULV CPU for a bit better performance (it's not a huge jump with a dual core ULV i7 compared to quad core full mobile and desktop i7 CPUs).

A benefit of the larger chassis and the motherboard being in the bottom rather than directly behind the display is the Sony has more cooling opportunities. That means less thermal throttling when the machine is working hard playing 3D games or encoding HD video. Though Surface Pro throttles less than some other pure slate Core i5 Windows 8 tablets on the market, it does something cut back on CPU and GPU speeds to keep temps safe. The Vaio Duo 11 throttles less often.

Winner: Sony Vaio Duo 11 for updated CPUs, more CPU and storage options and slightly better performance


Display and Digital Pen


Both machines have 1920 x 1080 displays with very wide viewing angles and 10 points of multitouch. The Vaio's display is an inch larger, which makes viewing the traditional desktop a little easier (text and icons aren't quite as tiny), though with either you'll probably want to use desktop scaling to make things easier to read. Size is a matter of personal preference, and there is no winner for this point. Colors on both displays are natural and each achieves near 400 nits of brightness, though you'll have to disable Windows 8's auto-brightness feature to see it (you may also want to disable Sony's separate ambient light sensor feature too). The Vaio Duo 11's colors are a little bit more saturated, which I think most will prefer.




Both have active digitizers and come with digital pens. The MS Surface Pro has a Wacom digitizer and a very pen-like plastic pen with an eraser on the end and one button on the side. The Sony has an N-Trig digitizer and Duo Sense 2 pen, which is shorter than the Surface Pro pen but make of metal and it has two side buttons (one of which can function as an eraser modifier) but there's no eraser on the end (surprisingly, N-Trig told us that in user surveys not that many people wanted an eraser on the end). I suspect note takers and casual doodlers could care less if it's Wacom or N-Trig, and they're both big names in the pen digitizer business. Graphic artists tend to have stronger opinions, and I know some of you are die-hard Wacom fans. I find the inking experience to be slightly more buttery on the Surface Pro with Wacom, while the N-Trig has better pen calibration and is more accurate near the edges of the display. Wacom supports 1,024 levels of pressure sensitivity vs. 256 for N-Trig, though in practice, it's less noticeable than you'd think when drawing.




Both have pressure sensitivity in modern apps that use the Windows ink API, but no WinTab drivers yet. Adobe Photoshop, Corel Painter and Paint Tool SAI require WinTab for pressure sensitivity. N-Trig has been working with Adobe to get drivers out, but we've been waiting since October 2012. Ahem. Microsoft and Wacom have said they're making WinTab drivers a priority for Surface Pro, but we don't have a date yet.

Winner: Advantage Sony for larger screen and slightly richer colors, advantage Microsoft for Wacom digitizer.


Ports, Networking and Expansion

This is where the Sony Vaio Duo 11 laughs maniacally and Surface Pro hides in a corner. The Duo 11 has more ports than you'll find on many Ultrabooks and certainly outclasses slate Windows 8 tablets that have very few ports.

- USB 3.0: MS Surface Pro has 1, Sony Vaio Duo 11 has 2.
- Display out: MS Surface Pro has a mini DisplayPort, Sony Vaio Duo 11 has VGA and full size HDMI.
- Audio: both have a 3.5mm combo audio jack.
- Wired LAN: Sony Duo 11 has an Ethernet jack, MS Surface Pro does not
- Card slot: MS Surface Pro has an SDXC microSD card slot, Sony Vaio Duo 11 has a full size SD card slot/Memory Stick Duo slot.
- 3G/4G and GPS: MS Surface Pro isn't available with these features, US version of Vaio Duo doesn't either, though overseas these are available.
- NFC: MS Surface Pro no, Vaio Duo 11 yes.
- Expansion: MS Surface Pro has a port on the bottom for Touch and Type covers (maybe more accessories in the future?). The Sony Vaio Duo 11 has a connector for a sheet battery on the base.

- WiFi: both have dual band WiFi. Sony has Intel WiFi with WiDi wireless display.
- Bluetooth: both have Bluetooth 4.0.

Winner: Sony Vaio Duo 11


Battery Life

Neither of these are Energizer bunnies. The Surface Pro averages 4.5 to 5 hours on a charge with WiFi on and brightness set to 50%. The naked Sony Vaio Duo 11 averages 4 hours. The $149 optional Sony sheet battery adds approximately 3 hours.

Winner: For units without add-on battery, Microsoft Surface Pro wins. Sony gets an honorable mention for offering a secondary sheet battery for those who need longer runtimes.


Here's our Microsoft Surface Pro vs. Sony Vaio Duo 11 Comparison Smackdown video:

Micromax A116 Canvas HD vs Swipe MTV Volt - Feature and Spec Comparison (Indian Tablet)

In this article I have compared Micromax A116 Canvas HD and Swipe MTV Volt Smartphones (Fablets). So, if you are in confusion with which one to buy, go through this article and get acknowledged about Canvas HD and Volt, their features, specifications, pros and cons. This article relates to Micromax A116 Canvas HD and Swipe MTV Volt- Feature and Spec Comparison.

About Micromax A116 Canvas HD Smartphone

Micromax, also known as the dawn for Indian Smartphones has recently launched its Canvas HD A116 Smartphone. This phone is the successor of the Canvas 2 model and the Micromax Company was sure about its success before launch. And really! The Micromax A116 Canvas HD proved right as within its launching ours, it has gone out of stock.

Advantages of Micromax A116 Canvas HD
1. The Smartphone covers a highly improved front camera- A real HD.
2. Enhanced speaker is placed than that of Canvass A110.
3. Preloaded with MediaTek's MT6589 1.2 GHz quad core processor, for smooth and fine multi-tasking.
4. Comes with an HD IPS screen (display), generating an HD resolution of 1280×720 and an impressive color depth of about 16.7 million.

Disadvantages of Micromax A116 Canvas HD
1. A116, being handy is quite good but the problem occurs while keeping the Smartphone in the pocket due to its large dimension.
2. No 4G Networking Service available.

About Swipe MTV Volt Smartphone

Finally! Swipe telecom in association with MTV launched a 6 inch Fablet Volt. This Smartphone is powered by Dual Core Processor, 1 GHz Speed and MTK 6577. Running on android 4.1 Jelly Bean, the device also covers a RAM of 512MB or 1GB, 4GB internal memory and 32 GB expandable memory.

Advantages of Swipe MTV Volt
1. Volt comes with a 6 inch screen
2. Has a low price and great quality
3. Has a rear camera of 8MP with flash and 1.3MP front camera.
4. Preinstalled with Android 4.1 Operating System (OS).
5. Covers a good battery backup.

Disadvantages of Swipe MTV Volt
1. Low RAM

Feature Comparison between Micromax A116 Canvas HD and Swipe MTV Volt

With the coming of a variety of over-sized Smartphones called "Fablets" in the market, Micromax and Swipe showed a face-off with their Micromax A116 Canvas HD and Swipe MTV Volt respectively. Both the Smartphones conclude to have a set of similarities including camera optics (front and rear), storage, connectivity etc. However, they are at total distinction when we come to performance.

Below is a key feature comparison between Canvas HD and MTV Volt (covering about aspect of both smartphones).

Build and Handling
1. Micromax Company has developed A116 Canvas HD quite similar to Samsung Galaxy smartphones. The round edge of its body makes it sharp and skim and also makes you feel good when on the hand. The Smartphone also comes in two colors, Black and Blue which are quite effective and perfectly a good match between its body and style. But its 5 inch screen makes you feel a kind of irritation when kept in the pocket. It gives a bulky look too. While as Swipe MTV Volt holds a sleeker appearance than that of Canvas HD. Infact, having a larger screen the Smartphone doesn't make you feel effort while carrying it and also, it slips down into ones pocket or bag quite easily. The Fablet's smooth curved edged makes it comfortable to hold and use.
2. Swipe MTV Volt Smartphone with 6-inch display screen weighs around 239g while as the Canvas HD weighs a bit more than it.

From the above comparison based on "Build and Handling" the result is quite clear that Swipe MTV Volt gained the triumph in style and design over the Micromax A116 Canvas HD Smartphone.

Display
Canvas HD comes with a 5-inch IPS HD display with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, making images sharp, bright colored, and crisp contrasted with the increase in its PPI. Its HD resolution and HD color depth of about 16.7 million maintain its premium viewing experience. While as MTV Volt has 6-inch HD FWVGA display with a resolution of 854 X 480 pixels only. Its 5-point multi-touch touchscreen is build (designed) for viewing video files on the move and also offers clear picture quality, high contrasts and very vivid colors. But the display of Volt is nothing at all before the HD display of Canvas HD.

So, the round is of Micromax A116 Canvas HD Smartphone over Swipe MTV Volt Smartphone.

Processor
Micromax A116 Canvas HD is powered by a MediaTek MT6589 1.2 GHz quad-core Cortex-A7 processor and a battery of 2,100 mAh. The Smartphone can effort many tasks at a time including HD gaming and the battery makes it work at peak for hours. There is no high-end game or Productive app which the Smartphone can't effort. While as Swipe MTV Volt is powered by Dual Core 1GHz and a battery of 3,200 mAh. Though it has more power but Canvas HD has very much more than it. But it has the ability to run all sorts of tasks easily, ranging from a very simple task to a very complex one.

The above round also goes to Micromax A116 Canvas HD.

RAM and Camera
Canvas HD has about 1GB of RAM and an 8MP rear camera (HD) with auto-focusing options and a front camera. The Jelly Bean OS is the common interface between the two hand-sets but the fact which arises is of the performance which is more Micromax A116 than that in MTV Volt. While as talking about Volt, it also comes around with 1GB of RAM and an 8MP camera but the power given by the processor to access the speed and RAM of the device is not higher than Canvas HD.

So, also in above comparison Micromax A116 Canvas HD draws its influence on Swipe MTV Volt.

Wrap-Up
Consider A116 Canvas HD presents at Rs.14990 and Volt at Rs.12999 then according to their respective features, both worth the money. If you have a budget around 15K then Canvas HD is the best choice for you and if not, then MTV Volt is the correct opinion to be selected.

More Feature Comparison between Micromax A116 Canvas HD and Swipe MTV Volt

There is a feature fight indulging between Canvas HD of 5-inch and Volt of 6-inch and it is quite interesting that both smartphones are offering very exciting features and truth prevails that they (Micromax A116 Canvas HD and Swipe MTV Volt) are the ultimate Fablets. Let's compare both on the basis of

Dimensions & Weight: While the actual dimension and weight of Micromax Canvas HD is not known, the MTV Volt has a dimension of 158.5 x 88.6 x 11.3mm and weighs at around 239g.

Display: The all-new Canvas HD houses a capacitive touchscreen of 5-inch with HD IPS and resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, Swipe's MTV Volt holds a 5 point multi-touch capacitive touchscreen of 6-inch with resolution of 854 x 480 pixels.

Processor: Canvas HD is powered by a MediaTek MT6589 1.2 GHz quad core processor and MTV Volt is equipped with a MediaTek MTK 6577 1GHz dual core processor.

Operating System (OS): It is quite interesting that both smartphones are loaded with Android 4.1 (version) Jelly Bean OS, making them superior when compared with other phones offering at similar price points.

Camera: While talking about the camera optics both A116 and Volt support a rear camera of 8MP. However, Volt scores more with a show-off of its 1.3MP front camera while compared to the VGA front camera for video chatting and calling in Micromax A116 HD.

Storage: Here also, both the Smart hand-sets have equal memories viz. 4GB internal storage and a micro SD slot (card slot) which supports up to 32GB additional storage.

Connectivity: Both the hand-sets are packed with awesome features including 3G, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth connectivity for data exchange.

Battery: A116 Canvas HD is powered by a 2,100 mAh battery of backup through hours. MTV Volt has a powerful 3,200 mAh Li-Po battery.

Price: Taking all the features under consideration, Micromax has priced A116 Canvas HD at Rs 13999 whereas; Swipe in association with MTV has priced the Volt at Rs 12999.

Spec Comparison: MTV Volt v/s Micromax Canvas HD

Swipe MTV Volt Smartphone Specifications (Specs)
OS - Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
Processor - Dual-core processor 1GHz
Display – 6 inch screen
Resolution - 854×480pixels
RAM - 512 MB RAM
SIM Slot – Dual SIM
Camera - 8 MP rear camera; 1.3 MP front camera
Internal Storage - 4 GB
Micro SD Slot - Expandable up to 32 GB
WiFi - Yes
3G – Yes
Bluetooth – Yes
FM Radio- Yes
GPS – Yes
Battery - 3200 mAh Li-ion
Price – 239 USD

Micromax Canvas HD Smartphone Specifications
OS - Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
Processor - Quad Core processor 1.2 GHz
Display – 5 inch screen
Resolution - 1280×720pixels
RAM – 1GB
SIM Slot – Dual SIM
Camera - 8 MP rear camera; 1.3 MP front camera
Internal Storage - 4 GB
Micro SD Slot - Expandable up to 32 GB
WiFi - Yes
3G – Yes
Bluetooth – Yes
FM Radio- Yes
GPS – Yes
Battery - 2100 mAh Li-ion
Price – 249 USD

Conclusion with my Verdict

Though the price rate of Micromax A116 Canvas HD Fablet is a little higher than that of Swipe MTV Volt but with a better and ridiculous processor and very high resolution, Micromax Canvas HD will surely lead the development of Fablets to a pinnacle before the public. The other eye catching difference which I noticed between the two Smartphones is the Display and the Screen Resolution. Swipe MTV Volt is quite interesting with a 6-inch display but personally I think that any versatile Smartphone above 5-inch doesn't act as too handy to work with. And talking about Micromax A116 Canvas HD Smartphone, it is quite better with a 5-inch screen and a resolution of 1280×720pixels.

Best sub 8-inch tablets (February 2013 edition)

Introduction

Tablets are a booming sector, and there’s never been a broader selection of hardware on offer. In this post we will take a look at a selection of the best sub 8-inch tablets on offer, starting at only $149.

All tablets listed have a screen size measured diagonally of between 7 and 8-inches.

1. Apple iPad mini

More column inches have been devoted to Apple's iPad mini than any other sub 8-inch tablet in existence. If hype is what counts, this is undoubtedly the king of the small tablets.

Apple has released a no-compromise product. It is a full-sized iPad that's been hit with a shrink-ray. Anything you can do on the 9.7-inch iPad you can do on this 7.9-inch device.

• Processor: A5;
• Operating system: iOS 6;
• Screen: 7.9-inch, 1024 x 768 resolution;
• Battery life: 10 hours.

Pros:

• Solid, well made;
• Incredible array of apps;
• Excellent camera and speakers.

Cons:

• Pricey;
• On-screen keyboard a little cramped;
• If you dislike iOS or have an Android handset, it’s probably not for you.

Price: Starting at $329 for the 16GB Wi-Fi only model.

2. Amazon Kindle Fire HD

Over the past few years Amazon has come from nowhere to become a major player in the hardware sector. It started out with the Kindle e-book reader, and has now extended its reach with the Kindle Fire range of tablets.

While the Kindle Fire HD runs Android, it is a heavily modified version of the operating system.

• Processor: 1.2 GHz dual-core ARM Cortex-A9;
• Operating system: Modified Android 4.0 "Ice Cream Sandwich";
• Screen: 7-inch, 1280 x 800 resolution;
• Battery life: 11 hours.

Pros:

• Android, but not Android, which works for a lot of people;
• Superb screen;
• Excellent selection of apps;
• Vastly superior speakers to any tablet.

Cons:

• If you want a pure Android experience, this is not for you;
• Amazon products and services are pushed at every turn;
• No support for expandable storage.

Price: Starting at $199 for the 16GB model.

3. Google Nexus 7

Android is Google's operating system, so who better to design a tablet for the platform.

The Nexus 7 offers the purest Android experience of any of the tablets here, running the stock Android 4.2.1 "Jelly Bean" operating system, free from third-party customizations and crapware.

• Processor: 1.3 GHz quad-core Cortex-A9;
• Operating system: Android 4.2.1 "Jelly Bean";
• Screen: 7-inch, 1280 x 800 resolution;
• Battery life: 10 hours.

Pros:

• Pure Android experience;
• Quad-core power;
• Price.

Cons:

• No support for expandable storage;
• Some build quality complaints.

Price: Starting at $199 for 8GB model.

4. Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0

One of the biggest players in the smartphone and tablet market is Samsung, and its Galaxy range of hardware.

Samsung brings to the table not only excellent build quality, but also custom features that appeal to hardcore business and enterprise users, features such as on-board virtual private networking (VPN) support.

• Processor: 1.0 GHz dual-core Cortex-A9;
• Operating system: Android 4.0 "Ice Cream Sandwich"(upgradable to Android 4.2 "Jelly Bean");
• Screen: 7-inch, 1024 x 600 resolution;
• Battery life: Not specified, but tests suggest about 8 hours.

Pros:

• Expandable storage;
• Enterprise features;
• Front and rear facing cameras.

Cons:

• No near-field communications (NFC) support;
• Glass can scratch easier than the competition;

Price: Starting at $249 for 8GB model.

5. Archos Arnova 8 G3

While Archos is better known for making media players, it also makes the Arnova range of tablets which are aimed at the more budget end of the market.

The Arnova 8 G3 is the company’s 8-inch offering. However, in order to get it in at a recommended street price of $150, corners have had to be cut in terms of the hardware.

• Processor: 1.0 GHz dual-core Cortex-A8
• Operating system: Android 4.0 “Ice Cream Sandwich”
• Screen: 8-inch, 800×600
• Battery life: Not specified, but tests suggest about 3 hours

Pros:

• Cheap price

Cons:

• Low resolution screen
• Poor battery life
• Poor speakers

Price: $149.99.

6. Huawei MediaPad 7 Lite

Think of tablet makers and you'll probably come up with Apple, Amazon, and Samsung. Huawei is not a name that springs to mind, but it is a big player in China when it comes to budget-priced consumer electronics, and it s a company making massive in-roads in Western markets.

While the iPad mini or the Kindle Fire HD is light years ahead of this unit, this is a solid, well-made, reliable tablet. It might not have the best screen, or the most powerful processor, but as a cheap tablet to throw into a bag, keep on the coffee table, or give to someone working out in the field, it is well worth considering

• Processor: 1.2 GHz dual-core Cortex-A8;
• Operating system: Android 4.0 "Ice Cream Sandwich";
• Screen: 7-inch, 1024 x 600 resolution
• Battery life: Not specified, but tests suggest about 2 to 3 hours.

Pros:

• Cheap price;
• Solid build quality;
• Expandable storage.

Cons:

• Low resolution screen;
• Poor battery life.

Price: $199.99.