Planning to Buy a Cheap Android Tablet? Be Careful!

While Android is the trending operating system this year, the tablet has gradually acquired a larger user base as enterprises and individuals opt for the more cost effective versions of this mobile device. The mobile market of 2012 saw the sale of a large number of cheap Android tablets, which users found useful as well as conforming with their mobile budgets. So, is it advisable to enjoy the Android experience on inexpensive tablets? According to mobile analysts, just because a tablet comes at a low price, does not mean that it will not provide the necessary functionalities. Listed below is a detailed account of things to remember while purchasing cheap Android tablets:

1. The Android Version – The latest version of the OS platform is 4.2 Jelly Bean; but it is difficult to find cheap tablets running this version. However, the user must settle for at least the 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich version, in order to enjoy complete tablet functionality. Only with the 4.0 Android version can a user access the updated Google applications including Gmail 4.x and Google Chrome. After installing the Android operating system in a cheap tablet, the user must check the device’s settings by clicking on the ‘about phone’ and ‘about device’ tabs found under the ‘software version’.

2. Screen Display and Specs – Users must check how photos, videos, widgets, and menus appear on the screen of a cheap tablet. Mobile analysts are of the opinion that it is best to avoid resistive touchscreens while purchasing a tablet; these are screens on which a user will not be able to register input just by touching lightly, applying pressure is necessary. Obfuscate specs are another disadvantage of cheap tablets. Though this factor cannot be identified by users who are not technically sound, the cheap tablets with obfuscate specs have dual core CPUs that perform poorly.

3. Google Play Advantage – Google Play support is generally necessary if one is using an Android tablet. If a cheap tablet does not have the Google Play advantage, it means that the device has not passed the certification process of Google and will provide very poor performance. Only the Nook and Amazon Kindle tablets can be purchased without the Google Play support since these devices have their own content ecosystems.

4. The Build Quality – Take a careful look at the tablet you are purchasing. If some parts of the device are found missing or are loose, reconsider making the purchase. Sometimes, cheap tablets are used as demo devices in stores and this is the reason why they are considered unstable since they have passed through several hands for testing. Even if you plan to buy such a tablet, every app must be cross checked to determine their functionality.

5. Branding and Pricing – This feature is not always full proof for making the best Android tablet purchase. This is because of the fact that a well known brand may release a poor performing tablet, just as a small vendor may come up with decent tablets at cost effective prices. Nevertheless, it is advisable that though users want a cheap Android tablet experience, they should stick to generic brand names.

Both Android and tablet are considered big names in the mobile industry. Since their uses are far-reaching, cheap versions are flooding the world mobile market.