Summertime! what better time to head out to the garden, beach or on the road with an Android tablet by your side. We take a logo at the top 10 Android iPad mini alternatives for Summer 2013.
It’s not secret that although I am an Android phone users, when it comes to tablets it’s the iPad mini that I reach for when hitting the road! Well at least that was true until Chinese tablet makers started to produce these great looking, affordable Android iPad mini alternatives!
Top 10 Android iPad mini alternatives
No. 1 P7 Mini Pad
The No. 1 P7 was one of the first 7-inch Android mini tablets to actually go on sale in China. The 7-incher was originally announced as a 2GB RAM tablet with built-in 3G but due to the various issues with the 1.2Ghz MT6589 processor only a 1GB model made it to market.
As the processor is a MT6589 you can also makes calls and browse the internet over WIFI and 3G on the No.1 Mini pad making it quite a versatile little tablet.
Other highlights include a 7-inch 1280 x 800 display, 8 mega-pixel rear camera, 5000mAh battery and 999 Yuan ($160) price tag.
Ramos X10 Mini Pad
The Ramos X10 is also a quad-core tablet but unlike the P7 the processor in the X10 is a tablet specific 1.5Ghz quad-core chip which propels the tablet to Antutu scores of over 13,000 points.
Pricing is a little higher too with the Ramos costing $180, throw in the fact that this tablet only supports WIFI and the X10 is looking like a pricy prospect. However there is the benefit are a more ‘International’ brand than No.1 so warranty and service issues might be less of a problem.
Ainol Novo 8 Dream F1
The Ainol Novo 8 Dream F1 looks less like the iPad mini than some of the others on this list due to the larger 8-inch display and thick bezels. Under the hood a Actions ATM029 ARM A9 1.5Ghz quad-core processor purrs along with the help of 1GB RAM and 8GB of built-in memory. There is also room for a 32GB SD card meaning you can load planting of media on the tablet to keep you occupied by the pool.
Again the Novo 8 is a WIFI only tablet but at just $150 for intentional customers it is quite a bargain.
Newsmy S8 Mini
Chinese electronics maker Newman are better known for their MP3, MP4 players and more recently their phones like the Newman N2 and K2. The company also makes a range of tablets under their Newsmy brand like the S8 Mini iPad mini alternative.
The body of the Newsmy S8 mini measures just 7.2mm while the display is a 7.9-inch OGS panel with a resolution of 1024 x 768. Processing power comes from a 1.6Ghz quad-core Cortex A9 chipset with 2GB RAM. 2 versions of the tablet are available one with 8GB memory and the other with 16GB, both feature space for a 32GB SD card, mini USB and HDMI out.
GooPad Mini 7
The GooPad mini was first announced just hours after the launch of the real iPad mini, but it has only been available to buy since early this year. The GooPad mini 7 is a 7-inch version with 1280 x 720 display and quad-core Mediatek processor.
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As you can probably guess the GooPad accepts SIM cards meaning you can make calls or browse the web over 3G or 2G networks. Two version of the GooPad mini 7 are available a standard model with non removable 4800mAh battery and MT6589 processor and a Plus version which has s MT8389 chipset and removable battery.
MSI Primo 81
Of the tablets on this list the MSI is probably the one which you are likely able to buy easily outside of China.
Originally shown off at Computex 2013 in Taiwan, the MSI Primo 81 packs a 7.85-inch 1024 x 768 display, quad-core Allwinner processor, 1GB RAM, 3500mAh battery, HDMI out, Micro USB, dual cameras and SD card reader.
Orient Tab 7 plus
Another 3G equipped tablet, the Orient Tab 7 uses the popular quad-core MT8389 chipset which is similar to the MT6589 but designed for tablet usage rather than phone use. The Soc brings WIFI, 3G, phone calls and GPS to the tablet along with great performance.
The display is a 7-inch 1280 x 800 resolution unit, there is a 4000mAh battery, Android 4.2.1, 5 mega-pixel front camera and 8 mega-pixel rear! The Orient Tab 7 is on sale for $249.68.
Julong Mini Tab
Julong have entered the popular mini tablet market at the 999 Yuan ($160) price point with this plastic bodied 3G device. Powered by a 1.2Ghz MT6589 quad-core processor you can think of the Julong Mini Tab as a large phone rather than tablet as it can also make voice calls.
Android 4.2 runs on the device which a custom ROM to give it a similar look to iO6 on the iPad mini.
Cube U55GT
The Cube U55GT is another option for those of you wanting long battery life with the flexibility of 3G connectivity. The tablet runs on the energy-efficient quad-core MT8389 chipset allowing 3G web surfing and voice calls plus there is a build in 4500mAh battery (one to the largest on the list!).
Other features include a 7.9-inch 1024 x 768 display, 5 mega-pixel main camera, 2 mega-pixel front, 1GB RAM, 16GB memory and Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean.
Xiaomi Tablet
The Xiaomi tablet should be officially launched on 16th August in Beijing. We don’t have official specs yet, but according to rumours the tablet will feature a 7-inch 1280 x 720 display, 1GB RAM, 16GB memory, quad-core processor, built-in 3G, 13 mega-pixel camera and 4000mAh battery.
We can also expect a new custom version of MIUI V5 for the tablet along with a price tag of 999 Yuan ($160).
CHUWI Mini Pad V88
The CHUWI Mini Pad V88 is probably the most powerful Android iPad min alternative on the list thanks to the 1.8Ghz quad-core Rockchips RK3188 processor, Mali 400 GPU and 2GB RAM.
The Mini Pad V88 also boasts a 7-inch 1024 x 768 display, 4000mAh battery, and 5 mega-pixel camera. Pricing is $164.59 for international customers.
Top 10 Android iPad mini alternatives
So this is our summer list of top 10 Android iPad mini tablets. Did we miss anything out you think we should have mentioned? Do you own any of the above? What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.
What about Vido Mini One ? I like it, its thinner than the mini Ipad.
And what about Onda V811, V812?
Onda V811 has quad core Allwinner A31, which means better GPU than RK3188, and 2GB RAM and 16GB storage. Latest firmware is android 4.2.2
It can be found for around 140$.
I bought the Vido mini one around a month ago and it has better specs than all those listed and I must admit its been very good with regular software updates direct from Vido.
The ipad mini case fits too
are most of these ‘ipad mini’ knockoff can use ipad accessories? what is the general compatibility between apple, lets say bluetooth keyboard, and android OS? or ipad mini case? my guess is that there must have tons of ipad case, from full back and front cover to super thin ones.
Compatibility depends on the form factor, many so called ipad mini copies are actually 7 inch not 7.8 so obviously the cases won’t fit, the depth also varies, the Vido uses the the same sharp screen as the ipad and the depth is the same give or take a millimeter, the ports are different so a bit of modification needs to be carried out but this is easy enough on the plastic edges.
I don’t see why a bluetooth keyboard wouldn’t work with any device if bluetooth is included.
Currently there are already that can fit iPad mini case like Vido Mini S which is 7.85 inch… and probably the Teclast P88S.
anything with a battery less than 4500mah, better 5000mah or more, is useless
And PIPO U8
better than any on this list
Hyundai T7S… was it not intended for the chinese market?
Has GPS, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Of course not forgetting the 2nd Generation Nexus 7
nice fairy tale this article and now please also write how is the wifi reception on these chinese tablets, if it can go at least through one wooden door aay from router, since majority of chinese tablets suck hard with wifi signal
I want to buy one of your preferred non Chinese tablets. What might that be? An iPad? No. A Nexus? No. That’s made in China too. Please name a tablet that is made in the USA. And name me a TV that is also while you are at it.
What about Vido Mini One ? I like it, its thinner than the mini Ipad.
And what about Onda V811, V812?
Onda V811 has quad core Allwinner A31, which means better GPU than RK3188, and 2GB RAM and 16GB storage. Latest firmware is android 4.2.2
It can be found for around 140$.
I bought the Vido mini one around a month ago and it has better specs than all those listed and I must admit its been very good with regular software updates direct from Vido.
The ipad mini case fits too
are most of these ‘ipad mini’ knockoff can use ipad accessories? what is the general compatibility between apple, lets say bluetooth keyboard, and android OS? or ipad mini case? my guess is that there must have tons of ipad case, from full back and front cover to super thin ones.
Compatibility depends on the form factor, many so called ipad mini copies are actually 7 inch not 7.8 so obviously the cases won’t fit, the depth also varies, the Vido uses the the same sharp screen as the ipad and the depth is the same give or take a millimeter, the ports are different so a bit of modification needs to be carried out but this is easy enough on the plastic edges.
I don’t see why a bluetooth keyboard wouldn’t work with any device if bluetooth is included.
Currently there are already that can fit iPad mini case like Vido Mini S which is 7.85 inch… and probably the Teclast P88S.
anything with a battery less than 4500mah, better 5000mah or more, is useless
And PIPO U8
better than any on this list
clone without button home doesn’t clone
Alternatives not clones
Hyundai T7S… was it not intended for the chinese market?
Has GPS, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Of course not forgetting the 2nd Generation Nexus 7
nice fairy tale this article and now please also write how is the wifi reception on these chinese tablets, if it can go at least through one wooden door aay from router, since majority of chinese tablets suck hard with wifi signal
I want to buy one of your preferred non Chinese tablets. What might that be? An iPad? No. A Nexus? No. That’s made in China too. Please name a tablet that is made in the USA. And name me a TV that is also while you are at it.
clone without button home doesn’t clone
Alternatives not clones
I don’t consider buying Ipad Mini clones because of their crappy resolution (fake “retina”). Nexus 7-2 is the first real candidate. I wish it had actually narrow bezel, if china guys start making FHD+ tablets in 7-8″ with 3g/4g – I’m in 🙂
And yes, without software buttons 🙂
Does anyone know if these 2 pablets, the No1 P7 and the Cube U55Gt have MHL support?
I would like to output to my HDMI big screen TV 🙂
I don’t consider buying Ipad Mini clones because of their crappy resolution (fake “retina”). Nexus 7-2 is the first real candidate. I wish it had actually narrow bezel, if china guys start making FHD+ tablets in 7-8″ with 3g/4g – I’m in 🙂
And yes, without software buttons 🙂
Does anyone know if these 2 pablets, the No1 P7 and the Cube U55Gt have MHL support?
I would like to output to my HDMI big screen TV 🙂
Chuwi and newsmy are the same product. Andi Pls read this http://mikecanex.wordpress.com and update the article. However to be a really clone the display must be a 4:3 with 7.9″ 😉
Chuwi and newsmy are the same product. Andi Pls read this http://mikecanex.wordpress.com and update the article. However to be a really clone the display must be a 4:3 with 7.9″ 😉
I would add Telclast P88S and Vido Mini One / Mini S.
I personally find ~8 inch 4:3 tablets easier to use than 7 inch ones.
I would add Telclast P88S and Vido Mini One / Mini S.
I personally find ~8 inch 4:3 tablets easier to use than 7 inch ones.
i own a chuwi v88 and i can tell you i have a love-hate relationship with it.
After updating from 4.1 to 4.2.2 wifi improved a lot and i got rid of the ghost touches.
Its not possible to charge it over usb connection, you need to charge it with a very small jack (2 mm or something) which keeps disconnecting so you have to keep checking it time to time while charging. the charging device is crap and i replaced it immediately.
The micro-sd sticks out for about 3 mm so sometimes it pops out when you grab the device at that side, very annoying and it already killed my sdcard.
Battery life and the display quality are awesome and the android version is almost original and very snappy.
But overall i wouldn`t buy it again…
i own a chuwi v88 and i can tell you i have a love-hate relationship with it.
After updating from 4.1 to 4.2.2 wifi improved a lot and i got rid of the ghost touches.
Its not possible to charge it over usb connection, you need to charge it with a very small jack (2 mm or something) which keeps disconnecting so you have to keep checking it time to time while charging. the charging device is crap and i replaced it immediately.
The micro-sd sticks out for about 3 mm so sometimes it pops out when you grab the device at that side, very annoying and it already killed my sdcard.
Battery life and the display quality are awesome and the android version is almost original and very snappy.
But overall i wouldn`t buy it again…