Huawei MediaPad T2 7.0 Review: Essentials Only

Even if smartphones are continuously becoming bigger and more powerful than ever, such a market still exists for devices called tablets. And while some people see them as just an extra device to carry around, there’s no doubt that some tasks such as watching videos or playing games are just done better on them.

Huawei certainly knows this, so they created the MediaPad T2 7.0, a tablet that aims to be a go to device for those who want something simple to use for entertainment, all without putting a big hole in their wallets. But can it actually fulfill that role? let’s find out in this full review.

Huawei MediaPad T2 7.0 Specs

• 1.5GHz Spreadtrum SC9830I Quad-Core Processor
• 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage expandable via MicroSD Card
• 7-inch IPS Display (600 x 1024 pixels)
• 2MP Fixed Focus Front and Rear Cameras
• 4,100mAh battery
• EMUI 4.0 on top of Android 6.0 Marshmallow
• Accelerometer
• Color: Champagne Gold

A fairly decent display, good build quality

Despite being on the budget category, the MediaPad T2 7.0 actually has some premium flair going on for it, especially when you look at the back, which resembles the likes of the P9 and the P10, minus the dual cams of course.

Apart from that, it’s mostly what you would expect from a device at this price point. You get a 7-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels, or slightly below HD. The screen can go really bright, but you can certainly discern the jagged lines in graphics and text. I wish they put on an HD display at least.

You’re pretty covered as far as essentials go. There’s a headphone jack, a front camera for video calling, and a rear camera for snapping away, just don’t expect stellar quality.

There’s also a slot for a micro SIM card, in case you want to use it as a phone, and also for a microSD card for added storage capacity.

A likeable entertainment machine

Listening through headphones was quite a treat, as the T2 exhibits a balanced sound with sweet clear vocals. Not much bass, but that’s fine with me. Volume is also adequate. The single front-firing speaker is sadly only average with audible distortion in high volume, which isn’t exactly loud to begin with.

The default Video app can even play a 1080p video with only minor delays when skipping to different parts. The screen doesn’t compliment it well, but at least it’s watchable.

Surprisingly, the T2 was able to handle Arena of Valor well, with stutters only in menus, but gameplay was generally smooth.

General performance was decent. You do get occasional stutters and delays when opening or using apps, but not enough to make you throw it away.

Enough for video calling

You really can’t expect much from the T2’s 2MP front and rear cameras. It’s okay for video calling, but don’t even think about using this one as you daily snapper.

Photos taken with the rear camera lack detail, and look blurry.

Basic software, but that’s all you’ll need

The T2 runs on Huawei’s EMUI 4.0 on top of Android 6.0 Marshmallow. It’s quite outdated, but the good news is that it still covers the all the basics. There’s a dedicated app for music, video, and file management, along with the standard security features.

Long Lasting

With a potent 4,100mAh battery, the MediaPad T2 7.0 should last for at least a whole day of light to moderate use before needing a recharge.

Final Verdict

The Huawei MediaPad T2 7.0 isn’t the most capable tablet i’ve used. But it does offer most of what a casual user would need from a device of its class: Decent gaming performance, good sound quality with headphones, solid quality, and outstanding battery life.

Sure, the choice of processor could’ve been better, so does the screen, and the single front-firing speaker. The software is also outdated, and don’t even start about the cameras.

So for PhP7,490, is it still worth getting this device? i’d say, if you just want a basic tablet for watching movies and playing casual games, then yes.

The Good

• Premium design
• Decent gaming performance
• Outstanding battery life
• Expandable memory and cellular capability
• Good sound quality on headphones

The Not So Good

• Could’ve used a better processor
• Below HD display
• Dismal camera perfomance
• Average speaker
• Inconsisten

Emman Tortoza

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Emman has been writing technical and feature articles since 2010. Prior to this, he became one of the instructors at Asia Pacific College in 2008, and eventually landed a job as Business Analyst and Technical Writer at Integrated Open Source Solutions for almost 3 years.