Cherry Mobile recently launched a trio of Intel-powered devices from their new MAIA lineup. Of those three devices, the MAIA Tab is arguably the best choice as an entry level device for most buyers. It’s a compact 7 inch Android tablet that also happens to let you make calls and texts, not to mention access the internet. Then again, it is just a Php2,999 tablet. There had to be some corners that were cut to get it in at this price range, right? True, but is it enough to justify going elsewhere with your money? Find out in my full review.
What’s in the Box?
The Cherry Mobile MAIA Pad comes in a new silver-gray box design that will probably end up being the uniform color scheme and overall look for the MAIA lineup of devices. It’s pretty much no-nonsense and bears the name of the MAIA Pad, as well as the Cherry Mobile and Intel Inside branding. Inside the box, you’ll find the following:
- MAIA Pad
- Headset
- 2A wall charger
- Micro USB transfer cable
- USB OTG cable
- User Manual
Most of the items are pretty much standard, although it’s a pleasant surprise that they included a headset since many tablets forgo this simple accessory. It’s also nice that Cherry Mobile included a wall charger with faster 2A output instead of the usual 1A chargers their devices come with.
Design and Aesthetics
There isn’t much about that can be said about the Cherry Mobile MAIA Pad in terms of physical aesthetics. It’s mostly a generic black slate, although the camera bump on the back does lend it some character. Surprisingly, it’s quite compact, which makes it easier to hold it in one hand. This is especially an advantage in case you need to make or take a call without a headset.
Hardware
The Cherry Mobile MAIA Pad is equipped with a 7 inch WSVGA TN display. The color reproduction can be a bit washed out, especially when viewed from off-center. Still, it’s sharp enough that you won’t have to squint or zoom in except on the smallest of text.
The tablet is powered by a 64-bit 1GHz Intel Atom X3 SoFIA dual core processor and comes with 1GB RAM and 8GB of internal storage. Also, thanks to SoFIA, the MAIA Pad has built-in 3G/HSPA+ radio, as well as WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS.
While the specs may be modest, the Cherry Mobile MAIA Pad doesn’t cut too many corners where it matters most, specifically RAM and storage, not to mention you’re still getting a full suite of wireless connectivity options, sans 4G. Just the GPS functionality alone makes the MAIA Pad an extremely affordable navigation solution for the car.
Software and UI
The MAIA Pad runs Android 4.4 KitKat out of the box, and for the most part, it looks to be mostly stock. Aside from the Cherry Mobile wallpapers, there doesn’t appear to be any other aesthetic liberties with the UI that we’ve seen from the local brand’s other recent devices.
The UI has been optimized for tablets, so the navigation buttons are oriented a little differently than it is on phones. There’s also a convenient onscreen screenshot button so you don’t have to fumble with the physical “volume (-)” and the “power/lock” button combination.
Performance
While the Cherry Mobile MAIA Pad is an entry level tablet, it still performs adequately well in most cases. Navigating through the UI is surprisingly fast considering the dual core CPU and GPU. It also runs most apps and casual games well enough. Where you’ll start to notice the limitations of the system is when you try to multitask, such as switching between different apps on the fly. It can also be slow to launch apps as well. Still, it should be able to handle anything you can install from Google Play, save for the heaviest games.
So Should You Buy the Cherry Mobile MAIA Pad?
If you can get over the sub-par screen, the Cherry Mobile MAIA Pad is an awesome value. It can run most apps well enough and will even allow you to call and text through up to 2 networks simultaneously thanks to its dual SIM support. Heck, just for its GPS functionality alone, I’d already use it as an inexpensive navigation system. Of course, it can do so much more than that, being a full-fledged Android tablet, and all for just Php2,999.
Cherry Mobile MAIA Pad Specs
- 7″ WSVGA TN display (600 x 1024 resolution, 170ppi)
- 64-bit 1GHz Intel SoFIA Atom X3 dual core processor
- Mali 400 GPU
- Android 4.4 KitKat
- 1GB RAM
- 8GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 32GB
- 2mp rear camera
- VGA front camera
- 3.75G/HSPA+
- WiFi
- Bluetooth
- GPS
- 2,800mAh battery
- Price: Php2,999
Can we play coc on it?
How can I turning off power on sounds on maia pad plus? Answer po pls. ASAP. I don’t know what to do.