Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Tablets
  3. Mobile
  4. Legacy Archives

ZTE shows off its V81 8-inch Android tablet, but keeps quiet about the cost

Add as a preferred source on Google

ZTE V81ZTE is getting better at releasing interesting, well-specced smartphones, but its tablet range still leaves plenty to be desired; however, it has revealed images and spec details for a new tablet, named the V81, and published them on its website. It appears ZTE’s plan emulates that of its competitors: provide a good spec tablet at a potentially low cost.

The V81 starts off on a positive note as it has an 8-inch screen, but it’s let down by a 1024 x 768 pixel resolution. Powering the device is a dual-core, 1.4GHz processor with 1GB of RAM, while the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean operating system is bang up-to-date. The slightly disappointing 4GB of internal storage space can at least be boosted by a microSD card up to 32GB, plus the V81 has both a 2-megapixel rear camera and a VGA video call lens.

Recommended Videos

Further good news is its built-in cellular connectivity, along with – if we’re reading the specs correctly, a full-size USB and HDMI port. Of course, both of these could turn out to be their miniature counterparts, but if not, it’s a considerable bonus for anyone wanting a tablet suitable for media consumption. The spec list concludes with GPS, Bluetooth 2.1 and a 3700mAh battery.

The V81 ends up with a feature list to challenge the iPad Mini, but given ZTE’s build quality probably won’t be up there with Apple’s, we’re expecting the price tag to be considerably less. ZTE hasn’t listed a cost or release date for the V81, however we may only have to wait until Mobile World Congress to find out these final, but important details.

Andy Boxall
Andy has written about mobile technology for almost a decade. From 2G to 5G and smartphone to smartwatch, Andy knows tech.
Apple may host another launch on October 27, with new Macs and an OLED iPad mini expected
Apple’s late-October hardware plans may include a touch-screen MacBook Pro, M6 iMac, and refreshed iPad mini.
Computer, Electronics, Laptop

Apple is reportedly planning to launch a new slate of devices late in October, and this event will focus on Macs, it seems. Earlier today, Apple confirmed that a smart home-focused event is lined up for October 13, which leaves the doors open for another busy event where the company is expected to launch a highly anticipated MacBook Pro overhaul with the touch-sensitive OLED screen, a new iPad, and more computing gear.

“The product launch is scheduled on or around Tuesday, Oct. 27, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The end-of-month announcements will also include versions of the 14-inch MacBook Pro and iMac with M6 chips,” says the report.

Read more
Amazon is doing with Android tablets what Apple still won’t do with the iPad
Amazon's new tablets have an idea that other Androids should copy
Amazon Alexa Tablet 12 Pro pen

I did not expect Amazon to be the company that made me reconsider what an Android tablet should actually be. The company's Fire tablets have been quite the opposite of what you'd expect from an Android experience. Despite running on the Android OS, they ran a fork of Android, which pushed users toward Amazon’s own apps and services, and famously shipped without the Google Play Store.

That's not to say they were entirely terrible. In our review of the Fire Max 11, we praised it for its hardware package and overall value. Though its sparse app selection was also one of the biggest things holding it back. Installing Google Play yourself made the tablet dramatically more useful.

Read more
Amazon’s new Alexa Tablets let Alexa see your screen and help in real time
From planning a hike to adding events to your calendar, Alexa can now understand what you're looking at and take action without making you start from scratch.
Amazon Alexa tablet On Screen Intelligence

Amazon has launched three new Alexa Tablets, starting at $229.99, and they look like solid devices with aluminum builds and sharp displays. That said, hardware isn't what got me interested. The feature I keep thinking about is On-Screen Intelligence, which gives Alexa the ability to understand what's open on your tablet and help with it.

Why does this matter?

Read more