T-Mobile is following up on its Operation Tablet Freedom campaign by releasing two affordable 4G-enabled tablets exclusively through Walmart. The company, which earlier gave voice customers 1GB of free tablet data usage per month until the end of 2014, is now selling tablets that come with 200MB of free data for as long as the device works.
The devices, Appollo Brands’ Trio AXS Quad Core and HP’s Slate 7 HD, will be released a month apart, and are both exclusive through the retailer.
“The vast majority of tablet owners today are trapped in the Wi-Fi zone,” said T-Mobile Senior Vice President Doug Chartier in a press release. “First there’s the extra cost of a cellular-enabled tablet. Then there’s the added cost of the big three carriers’ expensive data plans and the danger of overages. It doesn’t have to be this way. With these great connected tablets, you get free 4G data for the life of your tablet on the blazing fast T-Mobile network – and the freedom to live your life beyond the Wi-Fi zone – at an unheard of price.”
While the two tablets on offer won’t amaze with specs, it would certainly appeal to bargain hunters. Considering the retailer, the targeting is brilliant.
The Trio AXS 4G is now available for $180. It runs on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean and has a 1.2GHz quad-core processor, a 7.85-inch HD display with 1024 x 768 pixel resolution, 16GB of storage, and Google Play.
The HP Slate 7 HD will be available through WalMart starting in June. The device, which has a price tag of $230, runs on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, and has a 1.2GHz Marvell dual-core processor, two cameras (2-megapixel front, 5-megapixel rear), and a 7-inch multitouch screen.
“We know many of our customers want to be constantly connected but often end up purchasing tablets with just Wi-Fi due to the cost,” said Kevin Pate, vice president of electronics for Walmart U.S. “The new T-Mobile tablets with Free Data for Life will not only provide our customers with the technology and cellular access they want but also an unmatched value.”
There are options if you don’t want to be tethered to 200MB data per month. Walmart customers can upgrade to 3.5GB for $35 or 5GB for $50. Current T-Mobile voice plan customers can also sign up for postpaid plans for as low as $10 per month.
