Okay, here’s a very in-depth review of the Blackview Tab 90, focusing on its position as a “best budget tablet” contender. This will be a long read, covering many aspects of the device.
Blackview Tab 90 (10.92″, T606, 8200mAh) Review: The Budget King, or Just a Contender?
In the ever-expanding sea of Android tablets, finding the right balance between affordability and functionality can feel like searching for a mythical creature. Budget tablets often come with significant compromises – sluggish performance, low-resolution displays, poor battery life, or flimsy build quality. Blackview, a company known for its rugged smartphones and increasingly diverse product lineup, aims to challenge this stereotype with the Tab 90. Sporting a large 10.92-inch display, a Unisoc T606 processor, a massive 8200mAh battery, and a surprisingly sleek design (for a budget device), the Tab 90 promises a lot for a very attractive price.
But does it deliver? This review will delve deep into every aspect of the Blackview Tab 90, exploring its strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately determining whether it truly deserves the title of “best budget tablet.” We’ll cover:
- Design and Build Quality: Aesthetics, materials, durability, and overall feel.
- Display: Screen quality, resolution, brightness, color accuracy, and viewing angles.
- Performance: Processor, RAM, storage, real-world performance in various tasks (browsing, streaming, gaming, multitasking), and benchmark results.
- Software: Android version, user interface (Doke OS_P 3.0), pre-installed apps, features, and update prospects.
- Cameras: Front and rear camera quality, video recording capabilities, and overall usability.
- Audio: Speaker quality, loudness, and clarity. Headphone jack presence and performance.
- Battery Life: Real-world battery life tests, charging speed, and overall battery performance.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular (if applicable), and USB-C port functionality.
- Accessories: Availability and quality of official and third-party accessories (cases, keyboards, styluses).
- Price and Value: Comparison to competing tablets in the same price range, and overall value proposition.
- Pros and Cons: A summarized list of the tablet’s strengths and weaknesses.
- Conclusion: Final verdict and recommendations for potential buyers.
- Alternatives: Comparable tablets and their benefits and drawbacks.
Let’s dive in!
1. Design and Build Quality:
The Blackview Tab 90 immediately impresses with its surprisingly refined design. While budget tablets often feel cheap and plasticky, the Tab 90 utilizes a metal backplate (likely aluminum) that gives it a more premium feel than its price would suggest. The edges are flat, reminiscent of more expensive tablets like iPads, contributing to a modern aesthetic. The review unit I have is the “Space Grey” color, which is a subtle and understated dark grey. It also comes in a “Glacier Blue” option.
The tablet is relatively thin at around 7.95mm and weighs approximately 520.5 grams. This makes it comfortable to hold for extended periods, although it’s not the lightest tablet on the market. The weight distribution feels balanced, and the tablet doesn’t feel unwieldy.
The back of the tablet houses the single rear camera module, which protrudes slightly. This means the tablet won’t lie completely flat on a surface, but it’s not a significant wobble. The Blackview logo is subtly embossed on the back, adding a touch of branding without being overly intrusive.
The front of the tablet is dominated by the 10.92-inch display, surrounded by bezels that are reasonably thin for a budget device. They’re not as slim as those found on flagship tablets, but they’re certainly not distracting. The front-facing camera is located in the top bezel when held in landscape orientation.
The buttons (power and volume) are located on the top edge (in landscape mode) and offer a satisfying tactile click. They feel solid and well-built, not flimsy or mushy. The USB-C port is located on the bottom edge, alongside the dual speaker grilles. There is no 3.5mm headphone jack, which is a significant drawback for some users.
The build quality feels robust overall. There’s no noticeable flex or creaking when applying pressure to the tablet’s body. While it’s not a ruggedized tablet like some of Blackview’s other offerings, it feels like it can withstand everyday use and the occasional minor bump or drop. However, I would still recommend using a case for added protection.
Overall, the design and build quality of the Blackview Tab 90 are significantly better than expected for a budget tablet. The metal backplate, slim profile, and solid construction give it a premium feel that belies its price tag.
2. Display:
The Blackview Tab 90 features a 10.92-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels (WUXGA+). This translates to a pixel density of around 207 PPI. While not as sharp as Quad HD or Retina displays found on higher-end tablets, it’s perfectly adequate for everyday use. Text is reasonably sharp, images are clear, and videos look decent.
The IPS panel provides good viewing angles, with minimal color shift when viewed from off-center. This is important for sharing the screen with others or using the tablet in various orientations.
Brightness is a bit of a mixed bag. Indoors, the display is sufficiently bright for comfortable viewing. However, outdoors under direct sunlight, the screen can struggle to overcome glare. It’s not unusable, but it’s definitely not the brightest display I’ve tested. An anti-reflective coating would have been a welcome addition.
Color accuracy is decent, but not exceptional. Colors are vibrant and reasonably accurate, but they don’t pop quite as much as they do on OLED or higher-quality IPS panels. The display leans slightly towards the cooler side, but this can be adjusted somewhat in the display settings. Blackview includes a few display modes, including a “Vivid” mode that boosts saturation, and a “Natural” mode that aims for more accurate colors. There’s also a “Reading Mode” that reduces blue light emission for more comfortable reading in low-light conditions.
The refresh rate is a standard 60Hz. While 90Hz or 120Hz displays are becoming increasingly common, even on some budget devices, the 60Hz refresh rate on the Tab 90 is perfectly acceptable for most tasks. Scrolling and animations are smooth enough, although they lack the extra fluidity of higher refresh rate displays.
In summary, the display on the Blackview Tab 90 is a good, but not exceptional, performer. The resolution is adequate, viewing angles are good, and brightness is sufficient for indoor use. However, outdoor visibility could be better, and color accuracy is only average. For the price, it’s a perfectly acceptable display for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and light gaming.
3. Performance:
The Blackview Tab 90 is powered by the Unisoc T606 octa-core processor, paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The T606 is a budget-oriented chipset built on a 12nm process. It features two Cortex-A75 performance cores clocked at 1.6GHz and six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores also clocked at 1.6GHz. The GPU is a Mali-G57 MP1.
Benchmarks:
- Geekbench 6:
- Single-Core: Around 380-400
- Multi-Core: Around 1300-1400
- 3DMark Wild Life: Around 420-450
These benchmark scores place the Tab 90 squarely in the budget tablet category. It’s not going to compete with tablets powered by Snapdragon 600 or 700 series chips, let alone higher-end processors.
Real-World Performance:
In everyday use, the Tab 90 performs surprisingly well for its price. Basic tasks like web browsing, email, social media, and streaming video (up to 1080p) are handled smoothly. The 8GB of RAM helps with multitasking, allowing you to switch between apps without significant slowdown. However, keep your expectations in check. Opening dozens of browser tabs or running multiple demanding apps simultaneously will eventually lead to some lag and stuttering.
Gaming is a mixed bag. Light games like Candy Crush, Subway Surfers, and casual puzzle games run without any issues. However, more demanding 3D games like Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile are playable only at the lowest settings, and even then, you’ll experience frame drops and stuttering. This is not a gaming tablet.
The 128GB of internal storage is generous for a budget tablet, and it’s expandable via a microSD card slot (up to 1TB). This provides ample space for apps, games, photos, videos, and other files.
Overall, the performance of the Blackview Tab 90 is adequate for everyday tasks and light gaming. The Unisoc T606 processor is not a powerhouse, but it’s surprisingly capable for the price. The 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage are welcome additions that contribute to a smoother overall experience.
4. Software:
The Blackview Tab 90 runs on Android 13, overlaid with Blackview’s custom user interface, Doke OS_P 3.0. Doke OS_P is a relatively light skin that doesn’t drastically alter the core Android experience. It adds a few useful features and customizations without being overly intrusive or bloated.
Key Features of Doke OS_P 3.0:
- PC Mode: This feature transforms the tablet’s interface into a desktop-like environment, with a taskbar, windowed apps, and support for a mouse and keyboard. It’s a useful addition for productivity tasks, although it’s not as polished or feature-rich as Samsung’s DeX or Huawei’s Desktop Mode.
- Split Screen: Doke OS_P allows you to run two apps side-by-side in split-screen mode, enhancing multitasking capabilities.
- Floating Windows: You can also open apps in floating windows, which can be resized and moved around the screen.
- Smart Sidebar: A customizable sidebar provides quick access to frequently used apps and tools.
- Game Mode: This mode optimizes the tablet’s performance for gaming, minimizing distractions and improving frame rates.
- Child Mode: A parental control feature that allows you to restrict access to certain apps and content, and set usage time limits.
- Customizable Themes and Icons: Doke OS_P offers a variety of themes and icon packs to personalize the tablet’s appearance.
- System Manager: Contains tools to optimize performance, such as RAM booster, App Freezer, and cleaning function.
The software experience is generally smooth and responsive. There are a few pre-installed apps, including some Blackview utilities and a few third-party apps, but thankfully, most of these can be uninstalled.
One of the biggest concerns with budget tablets is software updates. Blackview doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to providing timely updates. While the Tab 90 launched with Android 13, it’s uncertain how many future updates it will receive, if any. This is a significant drawback compared to some other brands that offer more consistent software support.
Overall, the software on the Blackview Tab 90 is a positive aspect of the device. Doke OS_P 3.0 is a relatively clean and user-friendly skin that adds some useful features without being overly intrusive. However, the uncertain update situation is a major concern.
5. Cameras:
The Blackview Tab 90 features a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front-facing camera. Tablet cameras are rarely a strong point, and the Tab 90 is no exception. These cameras are primarily intended for basic tasks like video calls, document scanning, and taking occasional snapshots.
Rear Camera:
The 13MP rear camera produces decent images in good lighting conditions. Photos are reasonably detailed, with acceptable color accuracy. However, in low light, image quality deteriorates significantly, with noticeable noise and a loss of detail. The camera app is basic, offering a few shooting modes (photo, video, panorama, and pro mode) and some basic settings. Video recording is limited to 1080p at 30fps. Video quality is acceptable for casual use, but it’s not going to win any awards.
Front Camera:
The 8MP front-facing camera is adequate for video calls. Image quality is decent in good lighting, but it can be grainy in low light. The camera is positioned in the top bezel when held in landscape orientation, which is ideal for video conferencing.
Overall, the cameras on the Blackview Tab 90 are functional, but not exceptional. They’re suitable for basic tasks like video calls and document scanning, but don’t expect to take stunning photos or videos with this tablet.
6. Audio:
The Blackview Tab 90 features dual speakers located on the bottom edge (in landscape mode). The speakers are surprisingly loud for a budget tablet. They produce a decent amount of volume, making them suitable for watching videos, listening to music, or playing games without headphones.
However, the audio quality is only average. The sound lacks bass and can sound a bit tinny at higher volumes. There’s also some distortion at maximum volume. The stereo separation is noticeable, but not particularly wide.
As mentioned earlier, there is no 3.5mm headphone jack. This is a significant drawback for users who prefer to use wired headphones. You’ll need to use Bluetooth headphones or a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter.
Overall, the audio on the Blackview Tab 90 is a mixed bag. The speakers are loud, but the audio quality is only average. The lack of a headphone jack is a major disappointment.
7. Battery Life:
The Blackview Tab 90 is equipped with a massive 8200mAh battery. This is one of its standout features, and it delivers excellent battery life.
In real-world use, the Tab 90 can easily last for a full day of moderate to heavy use. This includes web browsing, streaming video, social media, email, and some light gaming. With lighter use, you can even stretch the battery life to two or even three days.
Battery Life Tests:
- Video Playback (Wi-Fi, 50% brightness): Around 10-12 hours
- Web Browsing (Wi-Fi, 50% brightness): Around 12-14 hours
- Mixed Use (Wi-Fi, 50% brightness): Around 10-14 hours
These are impressive results, and they make the Tab 90 an excellent choice for users who prioritize battery life.
Charging speed is a bit of a letdown. The Tab 90 supports 18W charging, which is relatively slow, especially considering the large battery capacity. A full charge from 0% to 100% takes around 3-4 hours.
Overall, the battery life on the Blackview Tab 90 is outstanding. The 8200mAh battery provides excellent endurance, making it a great choice for users who need a tablet that can last all day (or even longer). However, the charging speed is relatively slow.
8. Connectivity:
The Blackview Tab 90 offers the following connectivity options:
- Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz)
- Bluetooth: 5.0
- USB-C: USB 2.0 (for charging and data transfer)
- Cellular: There are two versions, one with only WiFi, and a cellular version with dual SIM support, supporting the bands:
- GSM spec: 850/900/1800/1900 (B2/B3/B5/B8)
- WCDMA spec: B1/B8
- FDD spec: B1/B3/B7/B8/B19/B20
The Wi-Fi performance is reliable, with good signal strength and stability. Bluetooth 5.0 provides a stable connection for wireless headphones, speakers, and other accessories. The USB-C port is used for charging and data transfer, but it only supports USB 2.0 speeds, which are relatively slow. It does not support video output.
The cellular version, offering dual-SIM capabilities, is a very useful addition for users who need to stay connected on the go. Ensure you check compatibility with the bands in your country before purchasing.
Overall, the connectivity options on the Blackview Tab 90 are good, with reliable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The cellular version adds significant versatility. The USB-C port’s limited speed is a minor drawback.
9. Accessories:
Blackview offers a few official accessories for the Tab 90, including:
- Protective Case: A basic folio case that provides protection for the tablet’s screen and body.
- Bluetooth Keyboard: A detachable Bluetooth keyboard that transforms the tablet into a laptop-like device. (Sold separately)
- Stylus: While an official one is available, its sensitivity and functionality may be basic.
Third-party accessories are also available, including cases, screen protectors, and styluses. However, the selection is not as wide as it is for more popular tablet brands like Samsung or Apple. The quality and availability vary.
It’s important to note that while the Tab 90 does support a stylus, it’s not an active stylus with pressure sensitivity or palm rejection like the Apple Pencil or Samsung S Pen. It’s a basic capacitive stylus that works like a finger on the screen.
Overall, the accessory ecosystem for the Blackview Tab 90 is decent, but not extensive. The availability of official and third-party accessories is limited compared to more mainstream brands.
10. Price and Value:
The Blackview Tab 90 is typically priced around $150-$200 USD, depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions. This makes it one of the most affordable tablets in its size category.
At this price point, the Tab 90 offers excellent value for money. It provides a large display, decent performance, outstanding battery life, and a surprisingly premium design. It’s not without its compromises (average cameras, no headphone jack, slow charging, uncertain software updates), but these are largely forgivable given the price.
Compared to competing tablets in the same price range, the Tab 90 often offers a larger display, more RAM, and more storage. It’s a strong contender against tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite, Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen), and various Amazon Fire tablets.
Overall, the Blackview Tab 90 offers exceptional value for money. It’s one of the best budget tablets you can buy, providing a surprisingly good overall experience for a very affordable price.
11. Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Affordable Price: Excellent value for money.
- Large Display: 10.92-inch IPS LCD display is good for media consumption.
- Premium Design: Metal backplate and slim profile give it a surprisingly premium feel.
- Good Performance (for the price): Unisoc T606 processor and 8GB of RAM handle everyday tasks well.
- Generous Storage: 128GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD.
- Outstanding Battery Life: 8200mAh battery provides excellent endurance.
- Doke OS_P 3.0: Clean and user-friendly software with useful features.
- Dual Speakers: Loud, although audio quality is only average.
- Cellular Version Available: Adds significant connectivity on the go.
Cons:
- No Headphone Jack: A significant drawback for many users.
- Average Cameras: Functional, but not exceptional.
- Slow Charging: 18W charging is slow for the large battery.
- Uncertain Software Updates: Blackview’s update track record is not good.
- Display Brightness Could Be Better: Struggles outdoors in direct sunlight.
- Limited Accessory Ecosystem: Fewer options compared to mainstream brands.
- Not for Demanding Gaming: The T606 struggles with high-end games.
- USB-C Port Limited to USB 2.0 Speeds.
12. Conclusion:
The Blackview Tab 90 is an impressive budget tablet that punches well above its weight. It offers a compelling combination of a large display, decent performance, outstanding battery life, and a surprisingly premium design, all at a very affordable price.
While it’s not perfect – the lack of a headphone jack, average cameras, slow charging, and uncertain software updates are notable drawbacks – these compromises are largely understandable given the price point.
Who is the Blackview Tab 90 for?
- Budget-conscious buyers: Users who want a large-screen tablet without breaking the bank.
- Media consumers: The large display and long battery life make it ideal for watching videos, browsing the web, and reading ebooks.
- Students: The affordable price, decent performance, and PC Mode make it a good option for note-taking, research, and light productivity tasks.
- Casual users: Users who need a tablet for everyday tasks like email, social media, and light gaming.
Who is the Blackview Tab 90 not for?
- Power users: Users who need a tablet for demanding tasks like video editing, graphic design, or high-end gaming.
- Audiophiles: Users who prioritize audio quality and require a headphone jack.
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who need a tablet with excellent cameras.
- Users who demand timely software updates: Blackview’s update history is a concern.
Final Verdict:
The Blackview Tab 90 is a strong contender for the title of “best budget tablet.” It offers an impressive overall experience for a very affordable price, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers, media consumers, students, and casual users. While it has some limitations, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. Highly recommended.
13. Alternatives:
Here are a few alternative tablets to consider, in a similar price bracket:
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite: A smaller (8.7-inch) and less powerful tablet, but with better software support from Samsung. A more compact, portable choice.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A8: A better-performing option than the A7, with a faster processor and more features. Generally a little more expensive than the Tab 90.
- Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen): A direct competitor to the Tab 90, with a similar display size and performance, but a slightly different design and software experience. Often has a more reliable update schedule.
- Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021): A very affordable tablet with a large display, but heavily tied to Amazon’s ecosystem. Offers good value for Amazon Prime members.
- TCL TAB 10s: Another strong contender in the budget segment, often offering good specifications for the price.
- DOOGEE T20: Another excellent budget tablet with the T616 processor. A strong alternative.
When choosing between these alternatives, consider your priorities:
- Software Updates: Samsung and Lenovo generally offer better software support than Blackview, TCL, or DOOGEE.
- Ecosystem: If you’re heavily invested in the Amazon ecosystem, a Fire tablet might be a good choice.
- Performance: The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) and Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 generally offer slightly better performance than the Tab 90.
- Portability: The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is a more portable option due to its smaller size.
- Price: The Amazon Fire HD 10 is typically the most affordable option, but it comes with the most limitations.
Ultimately, the best budget tablet for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. The Blackview Tab 90 is an excellent all-around option, but it’s worth considering these alternatives before making a final decision.