Skip to main content

This Android tablet uses the internet without Wi-Fi or a SIM card

Blackview is mostly known for making devices designed to withstand harsh treatment, and today the company announced the launch of a tablet that doesn’t require Wi-Fi or a SIM card for users to access the internet. The Tab 13 is a little bit different from the rest of Blackview’s lineup of sturdy devices as it doesn’t feature any of the protective layers that the company is known for. However, its internet connection options make it stand out for reasons all on its own.

Instead of relying on Wi-Fi or other sources of connection, the Tab 13 makes use of SIMO, a service that relies on a digital SIM card (also known as an eSIM) to keep devices connected. The exact specifications of how SIMO’s Wi-Fi and SIM card-less connection works aren’t entirely clear from the company’s website, but the Tab 13 promises painless and easy connection to SIMO subscribers in more than 135 countries across the world.

The Blackview Tab 13 showing the SIMO logo on its display.
Blackview

Although it doesn’t sport the same built-in protective measures as the rest of Blackview’s offerings, the Tab 13 falls in line with other Blackview products as a device perfect for traveling. Because of things like its SIM card-less connection, massive 7280mAh battery cell, and easily portable size, it could be a solid pick for those looking for a dependable tablet to take with them on the go.

Unfortunately, the rest of the Tab 13 specs aren’t much to write home about. It runs on Doke OS_P 3.0, which is based on Android 12, and sports the MediaTek Helio G85 chipset. There’s also 6GB RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The tablet features three cameras, but with how low resolution the 0.3MP lens is on the rear, it may as well just have two: an 8MP front-facing selfie lens and a 13MP rear camera that will undoubtedly do all the heavy lifting for the 0.3MP shooter it’s paired with.

While there’s a lot to be desired when it comes to the technical specs of the Tab 13, it’s not meant to be a flagship powerhouse. Instead, it’s aimed at travelers who aren’t looking to engage with the hassle of switching out SIM cards or finding solid Wi-Fi connections thanks to the SIMO features it comes paired with. It’s worth pointing out that to use SIMO, device owners will need to purchase a subscription, but luckily, plans are relatively cheap and certainly less involved than navigating multiple SIM cards.

Editors' Recommendations

Peter Hunt Szpytek
A podcast host and journalist, Peter covers mobile news with Digital Trends and gaming news, reviews, and guides for sites…
The OnePlus Pad is a lovely Android tablet with a surprising flaw
OnePlus Pad with keyboard case and stylus.

The OnePlus Pad is a story of what could have been if Android was better optimized for trackpads on keyboard accessories. That may sound like a small, niche complaint, but it's played a big role in my enjoyment (and frustration) with the tablet.

Using the OnePlus Pad can be glitchy and buggy at times, but despite its imperfect trackpad implementation (often resulting in me getting frustrated and wanting to move to my laptop for work), the tablet is surprisingly good for being your media consumption device.

Read more
I used AR glasses with Android tablets and iPads. Only one was good
Two pairs of AR glasses on top of an iPad and an Android tablet.

When Apple announced its overtly expensive Vision Pro AR headset, arguably its biggest promise had little to do with hardware. The company says “hundreds and thousands of iPhone and iPad apps" run well on Vision OS, and they will be ready to boot on the Vision Pro on launch day.

Apple made an ever bigger promise to developers. “By default, your iPad and/or iPhone apps will be published automatically on the App Store on Apple Vision Pro,” the company said. That’s akin to solving the biggest problem for an experimental class of hardware.

Read more
I found the perfect Android tablet to buy this year
Man holds Blackview Active 8 Pro rugged Android tablet in black color with a leather strap.

The iPad primarily dominates the market for tablets despite an exceptionally powerful battalion of great Android tablets. In the lower price ranges, however, Android dominates with countless offerings — often from lesser-known brands. With Google's reignited interest in the tablet segment, brands like OnePlus put up great competition -- even challenging the iPad -- in the sub-$500 segment. But as you go lower in price, you may find brands cutting costs to stay profitable in the competitive market.

The Blackview Active 8 Pro feels like an exception, with solid and reliable hardware, an everlasting battery, and a desktop-like experience that isn't seen on tablets higher up the price ladder. For just $360 (and potentially even cheaper during the holiday shopping season), this tablet feels appropriate whether you have an active lifestyle, are just looking for a secondary device to feed your appetite for sofa-tainment, or dedicate a device for your kids.

Read more