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Vizio Tablet review

5.5/10 AVG.
RATING
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Vizio Tablet
Vizio Tablet
Vizio Tablet
Vizio Tablet
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5.5/10
Informr score
The Vizio Tablet currently has an Informr score of 5.5 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 11 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

Vizio’s take on the Android tablet isn’t fit to go up against the best of the best in its class or price range, but it certaintly holds its own when viewed from the first-time-tablet-buyer’s standpoint. The Vizio Tablet is definitely not the most advanced Android tablet there is in the market. However, while it may feature entry-level specs, it’s also good for entry-level users, who are perhaps unfamiliar with Android and want to learn what it feels like to use the Android software first-hand.

The highlights include an 8-inch 1024x768 pixel resolution multi-touch color display, built-in VGA camera, 1GHz single-core processor, 4GB of onboard storage, HDMI-out, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and microSD card support. It certainly does not have the most impressive list of specs, but its hardware features can at least be put to good use with the help of the pre-installed software. Android 2.3 Gingerbread comes pre-loaded on the Vizio Tablet, and it can be modified to your heart’s desire if you have a little knowledge of rooting.

Because of the fact that it uses a single-core processor and doesn’t have battery hungry features such as 4G LTE network support, it manages to last over 10 hours of use per full charge. That’s definitely going to be enough for an entire day of heavy use, with more juice left than necessary to get to a nearby USB port to recharge. And speaking of the USB port, it can function as a host, enabling users to use peripherals like keyboards or even a USB mouse with the tablet on Android 2.3.

It’s easy to see how this Vizio Tablet might be an attractive choice for those who want a no-frills Android mobile computer. And due to the fact that its retail price is in the neighborhood of $200, it offers a lot of bang for the buck. For someone who needs an Android computer that’s as easy to use as it is affordable, this should deliver.

Need To Know: Vizio Tablet

1. Use of single-core processor makes 10+ hour battery life possible. (The Good)

2. Price is very affordable for the overall feature-set. (The Good)

3. Pre-installed software is outdated and can only be upgraded officially up to Android 3.2 Honeycomb. (The Bad)

4. Most of the Vizio Tablet’s hardware features pale in comparison with the specs on some of its similarly-priced competitors. (The Bad)


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1 GHz
Processor
Processor
1 GHz
8"
Screen Size
Screen Size
8"
Yes
Camera
Camera
Yes
Unknown
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Computer Shopper
Computer Shopper

Overall, the Vizio 8" Tablet is an attractive entry-level alternative to the more mainstream Honeycomb tablets, especially compared with what's available today. It's even more attractive when you look at it from the perspective of Vizio's plans to create its own V.I.A. Plus platform and its future i...

- William Harrel, Computer Shopper
Gizmodo
Gizmodo

It's cheap, for an Android tablet. $300! Unfortunately, there's just a lot of better stuff out there. The upcoming Kindle Fire is going to be only $200 and well, it's going to be way better. If you reeeeally wanted a tablet with remote control features, the Sony Tablet S has the same IR blaster but...

- Brent Rose, Gizmodo
PC Magazine
PC Magazine

The Vizio Tablet gets big points for being something different, and for adding functionality—a universal remote—that’s legitimately unique in the tablet space. But the tablet simply doesn’t perform well enough to measure up to its tablet competitors.

- David Pierce, PC Magazine
Laptop Mag
Laptop Mag

Among Android tablets, Vizio's 8-Inch Tablet is worth a look if you want a slate that can control your home theater. However, the design and performance of this device leave something to be desired. It's a little more money, but we prefer the Acer Iconia Tab A100, which offers better performance, An...

- Brian Oliver Bennett , Laptop Mag
PCWorld
PCWorld

The Vizio VTAB1008 is neither sleek nor cutting edge, but it is usable. The universal remote feature, while not best implementation I've seen of this feature, is a compelling extra not found on most rival tablets. If you're constrained by a tight budget, like the idea of a universal remote, and want...

- Melissa J. Perenson, PCWorld


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Quick view

Screen Size
8"

The Vizio Tablet's screen size is 8 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1 GHz

There is a 1 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The tablet runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
Yes
There is a front-facing camera with VGA (640 x 480) resolution.
Storage
4 GB

Internal memory is 4 GB. An external, MicroSD (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
Unknown
Vizio's performance ratings are 1 days standby time, 10 hours Wi-Fi surfing.

Vizio Tablet Specs

Overview
Release Date July 22, 2011
Regions Available USA
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor 1 GHz
Internal Storage 4 GB
RAM 512 MB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
SAR Unknown
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included Data Cable, USB Power Adapter
Cellular
Networks
Mobile / Cellular Data
No (Option available)
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
No
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared Yes
Bluetooth Yes
Bluetooth Profiles No
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD (up to 32 GB)
NFC No
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
Zoom
Yes
Flash
No
Additional Main Camera Info
No
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
VGA (640 x 480)+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel density Unknown
Size 8 inches
Sensors Ambient Light, Motion / Accelerometer
Backlit Illumination Yes
Zoom / Magnification Yes
Screen Orientation Lock Yes
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive Touchscreen
Power & Battery
Battery Capacity No
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging
Fast Charging No
Battery Charge Time 2 hours
Video Playback Time Up to 10 hours
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 10 hours
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Standby Time Up to 1 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Material Plastic
Colors Black
Dimensions [H x W x D] 20.6 x 16.8 x 1.2 cm (8.1 x 6.6 x 0.5 in)
Weight 544 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Stereo
Input / Navigation
Touchscreen Yes
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key Yes
Physical keyboard No
Text-to-Speech No
Screen Reader No
Keypad/Screen Lock Yes
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Graphics: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Screen Orientation Lock: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Email address, Other fields
Contact Groups: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP
PC Synchronization: Yes
TV Out Info: HDMI
Audio Formats: MP3
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Viewable document types: BMP, GIF, JPG
Games: Yes
Apps: Yes
Included Software / Apps: -
Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Calculator, Weather, Stocks, Maps

Other Names (AKA): Vizio VTAB1008, Vizio Via, Vizio 8 Tablet
Related Links Quick Start Guide (PDF)
Vizio Tablet Reviews
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