Is this $99 Android tablet better than my iPad Pro? Here's what caught me off guard
Source: ZDNet
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Blackview’s 11‑inch Tab 90 is available now for $99.
- It punches well above its price point in terms of hardware, making for a solid media tablet.
- Expanded memory does need to be pushed to the max to get the best performance.
Blackview, a brand primarily recognized for its rugged smartphones, has also ventured into the tablet market, offering devices that strike an impressive balance between performance and affordability.
Also: Need a rugged Android tablet for your business? I tested one that looks great and lasts all day
The updated Blackview Tab 90 Wi‑Fi (2025) is an 11‑inch tablet that delivers solid features at a budget‑friendly price. Its screen is Widevine L1 certified, enabling high‑definition streaming from platforms like Netflix, HBO, and Amazon Prime. While not the most advanced display on the market, it offers vivid colors, bright whites, and deep blacks—more than adequate for everyday use. The tablet measures just 9.5 mm thick, giving the impression of a super‑thin device (though an iPad is still noticeably thicker).
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Specifications
- Processor: Unisoc UMS9230 (octa‑core, 1.6 GHz) – an upgrade over the previous Tiger T606, with modest efficiency gains.
- RAM: 4 GB (expandable to 8 GB).
- Storage: 128 GB internal, plus a microSD slot supporting up to 1 TB.
- Cameras: 13 MP rear, 8 MP front.
- Battery: 8,200 mAh, up to ~10 hours of general use. Supports 10 W fast charging (≈1 hour to reach 30 %, ~4 hours for a full charge).
- OS: Android 15, bringing a more streamlined and responsive experience, especially when paired with the full 8 GB of expanded RAM.
- Additional features: Handwriting recognition, smooth multitasking, and Widevine L1 certification for HD streaming.
You get a lot of tablet for the price. – Adrian Kingsley‑Hughes/ZDNET
Battery & Charging
The 8,200 mAh battery provides up to 10 hours of general use, which is sufficient for most users. The 10 W fast‑charging support is modest; it takes about an hour to reach 30 % and nearly four hours for a full charge. While not “fast” by premium standards, it is acceptable for a device in this price range.
Operating System & Features
The standout feature of the Tab 90 Wi‑Fi is its inclusion of Android 15, which significantly enhances performance and usability. The OS feels streamlined and responsive, especially when the RAM is expanded to the full 8 GB. Features such as handwriting recognition and multitasking run smoothly, giving the tablet a more premium feel than its price suggests.
ZDNET’s buying advice
At its regular price of $150, the Blackview Tab 90 Wi‑Fi is already a great deal. (At the time of writing, it’s discounted to around $99 with an Amazon coupon.) This makes it an excellent choice for students, professionals, or anyone needing a reliable tablet for environments like workshops or kitchens, where pricier devices like iPads might be at higher risk of damage.
Even as an iPad Pro owner, I found myself reaching for the Tab 90 Wi‑Fi more often. It delivers everything I need from a tablet at a fraction of the cost. While it’s undeniably a budget device, its combination of features, performance, and price makes it a compelling option for anyone looking for a capable, affordable tablet.