I did not expect this $180 Android tablet to be as impressive as it is

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• This is a assessment of the Oukitel OT5 Android tablet, which begins promoting on November 11 for $179 on the Oukitel web site.
• This tablet has an unimaginable battery life and a buttery easy show that is positive to please any Android tablet person.
• The cameras can not examine to these of costlier gadgets.

Android tablets get a nasty rap — and there is a purpose for that. For essentially the most half, Android tablet {hardware} merely can not compete with Apple. 

Where Apple focuses on premium, flagship {hardware}, most Android tablets have a tendency to lean closely into the budget-friendly zone. And that method is nice as a result of it makes Android tablets reasonably priced. But for these individuals searching for a extra superior expertise, Android tablets are a tough promote today. Often they embrace underpowered CPUs, not sufficient RAM, or shows that do not impress.

Also: These are the very best Android tablets you should purchase

Every so usually, nonetheless, I run into an Android tablet that punches above its weight. Don’t get me fallacious, I’ve by no means used a sub-$200 tablet that checked off each field. But infrequently, a tablet comes alongside that ticks many of the vital gadgets.

To be clear, I do not want a desk with a best-in-class digicam as a result of I do not have a tendency to use tablets for video or picture functions. What I do want is a desk with sufficient assets to perform with out lag and with out crumbling below the burden of multitasking.

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The Oukitel OT5 tablet

This 12-inch tablet impresses in sufficient classes to make it a no brainer advice.

I want an Android tablet that makes it simple to work with the Google suite of instruments, learn information, work with my teleprompter, and watch the occasional video. I additionally want a tablet with a stable battery life.

So, when somebody from Oukitel reached out to me to assessment the OT5 tablet, I was greater than keen to give it a go (assuming it would underwhelm). When I obtained the tablet, I fired it up, linked it to my wi-fi community, related it with my Google account, and had a play.

Also: The greatest low-cost tablets

To my shock, this sub-$200 tablet actually impressed me. 

No, it’s not going to greatest Apple’s flagship tablet, however the OT5 can definitely stand toe to toe with any mid-range Android tablet — and even some flagship gadgets.

The specs

Before I dive into my experiences with the tablet, let’s check out the specs:

• 12″ 2K display at 2000 x 1200 resolution that is TÜV SÜD certified
• Corning Gorilla Grass 5 screen
• MediaTek Helio G99 octa-core CPU
• 86% screen-to-body ratio
• 16MP main camera
• Four 1217 speaker boxes
• 11000mAh battery
• 36GB RAM
• 256GB internal storage
• 7.5mm thick and 560g weight
• OS Android 13
• The OT5 comes in gray, blue, or green, and includes a soft cover that doubles as a stand

My experience with the OT5

The first thing that grabbed me about the device is the display. It’s quite beautiful, crisp, bright, and large. Even the Windows 11-esque default wallpaper didn’t bother me. In fact, the display on the OT5 is probably the best I’ve seen at this price point. I’d go so far as to say it’s better than other, more costly, tablets I’ve tested.

Next, came the smoothness of the UI. Thanks to the 32GB of RAM, the 8-core CPU, and Android 13, the OT5 interface is great. Apps open quickly and switching between them is as smooth as butter.

Also: The best large-screen tablets you can buy

What really struck me about the OT5 is the battery life. I’ve been using the device for nearly two weeks and have charged it once. Now, I’m not saying you’ll get the same longevity from a single charge. If you’re using the tablet for social media, watching a lot of videos, or video conferencing, I’m certain the battery life will drop dramatically. But for my general usage, the battery on the OT5 has been seriously impressive. 

Consider the Samsung Tab S8 Ultra (which typically sells for $900-$1,200), which has an 11200mAh battery. The OT5 (which sells for $179.99) has an 11000mAh battery. If battery life is a high priority, you certainly cannot go wrong with this tablet.

The caveat

Of course, a sub-$200 tablet is going to have a caveat or two. The big issue with the OT5 is the cameras. That’s not to say they are bad. They actually take serviceable photos, so long as you have good lighting. In bad lighting, the cameras can’t stand up to most modern phones. But if you can always have good lighting available, you’ll find the photos aren’t awful.

That’s the case for both the front and rear-facing cameras. However, I was actually surprised that the lesser of the two cameras (the “selfie” camera) did a fairly nice job of capturing subjects, as long as the lighting was good.

My biggest issue with the cameras, however, is the lack of options. I’ve grown accustomed to the Pixel cameras (which, I know, is an unfair comparison) that include portrait, macro, and other modes to create stunning photos. Instead, the OT5 camera app is fairly generic. You get photos and videos and not much more. But this is a tablet, so you shouldn’t expect the level of flexibility found on a phone, especially at the level of the Pixel 8 Pro. 

So, if your tablet photo needs venture toward the basic, you won’t have any problem with the OT5.

ZDNET’s buying advice

If you’re looking for an inexpensive Android tablet for yourself or as a holiday gift for a friend or loved one, the Oukitel OT5 is an outstanding bargain that makes a strong case for the continuation of Android tablets.