“Who still uses tablets now, anyway??”
Well, people who need screens that are bigger than their phones, Susan!
I’ve been asked this question again and again for the past few days by people within my age range, and I’ve been answering them in the same way. Apparently, there are still tablet users even though more and more people are settling with only their mobile phones. For starters, take millennial parents who leave tablets with their kids (or cats) for games and videos. There are also people who prefer drawing portraits, reading e-books, and binge-watching on such gadgets, to name a few.
So why create a review? For them and for those who are considering a second gadget for daily use! This one focuses on our experience, but we’ve ditched the usual benchmarks like Antutu since these are already available in tech blogs.
For the past few days, I’ve been switching between my mobile phone and the Huawei MediaPad T3 8”, which is already available in the Philippines. I’ve used tablets before, but I’ve never tried anything like this that has a unique speaker placement, clear display, and affordable price. It’s not exactly the best ot the best, but it’s promising for daily basic use. With 4,800mAh and acting just as a secondary screen mainly for reading, light gaming, and watching a couple of videos after work hours, the MediaPad lasted for almost 3 days in my bag. Here’s what I’ve learned so far:
NOTABLE FEATURES
Kids Corner
A built-in app that is way too colorful and noisy to be used by an adult. The Kids Corner is password-protected so kids won’t be able to switch to any other app that isn’t mom/dad-approved. It comes with Parental Controls so only specific apps can be added to the kid’s homescreen.
Smart App Access
To prevent nosy people from prying around our files without our consent, specific apps can be locked for safety. So that’s double security – a pin/pattern lockscreen and an app pin. This may also serve as a reminder to focus during times when we get the urge to open specific apps again and again.
Smart Eye Protection
Four-eyed people like me really benefit from this feature. To prevent our eyes from getting further damage, the Huawei MediaPad T3 8 supports smart-eye protection modes that are certified by TÜV Rheinland, a company that inspects and tests the quality of products. This mode protects a user’s eyes from blue-light emissions, which can potentially damage our eyes’ retina.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Huawei MediaPad T3 8” | |
| Material | Metal |
| Size | Height: 211.07 mm; Width: 124.65 mm; Depth: 7.95 mm |
| Weight | Approx 350g (including battery) |
| Color | Space Grey |
| Display | 8.0 IPS Display w/ 1280 x 800 HD Resolution |
| CPU | Qualcomm MSM8917, quad-core A53, 4 x 1.4 GHz |
| OS | EMUI 5.1 (Based on Android 7.0) |
| Storage | 2GB+16GB |
| Rear Camera | 5MP with auto focus |
| Front Camera | 2MP with fixed focus |
| Security | Pin, Pattern Lock |
| Sensor | Gravity Sensor |
| Location | Support GPS |
| Battery | 4,800mAh |
| GPS | Supports GPS, GLONASSS, and BDS |
| NFC | N/A |
| In the Box | Charger, USB data cable, Eject tool, Quick Start Guide, Warranty Card |
| SRP | PHP 6,490 |
BUILD AND DISPLAY
The Huawei MediaPad T3 8” is a lightweight tablet that only comes in Space Grey color, but its not much of an issue because of its smooth finish – a breath of fresh air from tablets that are tacky due to its glossy look. The back portion is fingerprint-proof so that’s one less thing to worry about.
At the sides of the device, you’ll find the volume control buttons, microSD and SIM slot, audio jack, and microUSB port in their usual spots. In front, you’ll find the selfie camera on the upper right portion of the screen, just beside the speaker.
When it comes to display, the Huawei MediaPad T3 8” has an IPS Display with 1280 x 800 HD resolution – something that makes colors look close to its actual look in person. That’s if you’re watching videos or browsing photos from another device. Those taken from the MediaPad’s camera is a different discussion.
AUDIO
One of my favorites in this device! Having a speaker at the top bezel of the MediaPad T3, I can clearly hear the audio while watching something from the screen. This addresses my usual issue of unintentionally covering the speaker – which is usually at the bottom of the device, resulting to muffled audio. Quality of audio is also okay and suitable for binge-watching!
CAMERA
With a 5MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera, these features only seem like a nice-to-have for the MediaPad T3 8”. I won’t recommend taking social media photos in this device as the output may seem a bit grainy or too soft – with or without Beauty Mode. I’ve tested this under bright light, low light, and moving objects, but your mobile phone might be able to do these things better. When shooting under low light in selfie mode, the screen automatically provides extra lighting (like a flash) for illumination. You can find sample photos below. I’ll let you be the judge:
As for videos, it’s handy if you just want a keepsake. Output is very shaky since it doesn’t have video stabilization.
SECURITY
As someone who values privacy very much, I love how the MediaPad T3 has a customizable app lock on top of the usual pin/pattern code. Despite not having facial recognition features, these basic security measures are enough for me at its price point.
BATTERY
As someone who uses other devices (aside from my mobile phone and laptop) as needed only, the Huawei MediaPad T3 8” battery was more than enough for almost 3 days of use. 4,800mAh was enough for watching videos at nearly max volume, browsing, taking sample photos, light gaming, and doodling while on WiFi and around 70% brightness. If you’re going to use it non-stop for a whole day, I highly suggest that you charge it overnight since it takes over 3 hours to make it reach over 80%.
OVERALL
The Huawei MediaPad T3 8” is still great for casual use, despite being a bit laggy for games like Mobile Legends and the low camera specs. It can survive basic use (e.g. social media updates, emails, light gaming, reading, sketching, watching videos) but it also heats up a bit faster than expected. I try to let it cool down a bit by not using the MediaPad for long hours.
For the price of P6,490, I’d recommend it for parents who need a handy entertainment device for kids wherever they go. People who need bigger screens and a lightweight device can also benefit from this. Binge-watching is now more enjoyable and easier, at least for me! Its 2GB of RAM is good enough if you don’t have a lot of apps running in the background.
However, take note that the Huawei MediaPad T3 8” still isn’t at par with what a laptop or mid-range mobile phone can offer. Just leaving this here if ever you’re thinking of replacing one with the other.
Overall, it’s a good add-on on top of your usual daily device!
Got technical questions? Let us know by leaving a message on Manila Millennial‘s Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram page and we’ll try to help you out!