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Huawei Ideos S7 Tablet a Cheap Alternative to Galaxy Tab

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If Samsung’s Galaxy Tab, which has proven successful with sales of 600,000 units in the first 30 days of a global launch (compared to the iPad’s 1 million sold in the same period), is too expensive for your budget, you may want to consider the Huawei Ideos S7 tablet, which also boasts a 7-inch screen and plenty of connectivity options for your budget. Compared to the $600 Galaxy Tab’s unsubsidized price, a $300 Ideos S7 may seem like a bargain, but there are a few caveats to the model, most notably the use of a resistive touchscreen rather than a capacitive touchscreen to keep costs down.

The device does include a stylus, which makes use of the resistive touchscreen, or you can apply a little bit of pressure and use your fingers instead. Also included is a kickstand so you can use it as a photo frame or video viewer. The Ideos S7 is also available in white to contrast with the black Galaxy Tab slate. Another draw back is the 2-megapixel rear camera and no front camera–the Galaxy Tab has a front camera and 3-megapixel rear camera.

Moreover, while the Best Buy site lists the unit with WiFi, the unit that I had seen in the store also had a “No SIM” warning on the display and a red and green phone button next to the trackpad on the right hand side, implying that the unit has phone functionality though that feature was notably absent from Best Buy’s specs listing for the Ideos S7. Various user reviews have indicated that a number of users have gotten the phone feature to work, but some say that their AT&T SIM card does not work with the unit, perhaps lending reason to why Best Buy isn’t advertising this as a tablet with phone or 3G capabilities, though your luck may vary. If you do purchase this slate, be sure to check the return policy at Best Buy if you intend on attempting to get 3G mobile broadband data, like the Galaxy Tab, and/or phone functionality.

Also, a third drawback of this unit is that it only runs Android 2.1, not the latest Android 2.2. The Galaxy Tab has Android 2.2, which adds the ability to display Adobe Flash content.

If you need an inexpensive browsing device, YouTube display, or a reader, the Ideos S7 may still be a great device for you, especially since it’s only $300 sans any contract and will come, presumably, with phone and mobile broadband data support if you drop in your SIM–if you go this route, be sure to check specs and ask your Best Buy salesperson as we’ve mentioned.

Via: AndroidSPIN

45 Comments

45 Comments

  1. Rodfather

    11/23/2010 at 12:03 am

    I took a look at it at Best Buy. The resistive screen is a deal killer. You really need to use your nail to navigate around the screen. The viewing angle is bad and the pixels are a bit big at 800×480 at 7″. It does have an underclocked Snapdragon, so flash support with 2.2 is possible in the future.

    • Felicianopa

      11/27/2010 at 8:46 pm

      I am a Computer Guru, and Capacitive, resistive screen alike it’s all what you like.. Purchased my
      Unit at best buy, they had a selection of IPAD, SAMSUNG GALAXY, and the Ideos S7.
      I must say that I was sold on the Ideos S7 for many reasons, The large screen, it’s built solid, you can replace the battery, you have a front and a back camera, plenty of room, a stylus, and don’t forget
      when you calibrate the system to run for your fingers based on pressure.
      This unit is awesome, so much better then the IPAD, AND GALAXY put together.
      I really put it to the test and it passed with flying colors in all aspects.
      Email, Browser, Market Place, Games, Video, Pictures, camera! this unit is FANTASTIC, and I have no problems, issues or concerns with the navigation screen.
      With this Unit I don’t need to take my laptop, PDA or netbook with me.

      Hector

      • Rodfather

        11/30/2010 at 12:21 am

        Fair enough. I don’t like resistive screens on touch screen tablets anymore. The advantage of using a stylus is not worth it anymore, for me. One of main disadvantages is losing out on multi-touch with a resistive screen. Typing on a multi-touch keyboard is so much nicer than pecking with your nail.

        • Westygw

          12/25/2010 at 11:02 am

          Resistive touch-screens are just as capable of multitouch as capacitive..
          ..just nobody does that for whatever reason.

      • Rams

        12/29/2010 at 6:23 pm

        SIR
        The Battery does not last even for a day without using it. Where can I buy a better replacement battery. Is it possible to upgrade from 2.1 to 2.2?

      • Princessjoydiaz

        05/06/2011 at 5:23 am

        I would like to asked if your USB is working?And how can I transfer my file from my computer to my tablet using USB?Because it seems like mine is not working :(

  2. Munnkyman

    11/23/2010 at 7:33 am

    I have had one for a week. I am typeing this message right now on it. the screen works fine and it does have a front facing camera. i heard its getting 2. 2 In early 2011 lets hope thats true

    • Billyanddanielle

      02/17/2011 at 10:07 pm

      if you go to there site i beleive you can up grade to 2.2 try it.

  3. Attention

    12/03/2010 at 10:17 pm

    Front and back camera? I thought it was front only…

    • Sokoloff

      01/26/2011 at 1:36 pm

      No, the review is incorrect. It has a 2.0 mp camera in the front and the back. When in camera mode, press the ‘menu’ button and you can switch from one to another…I just tried and it works just fine.

  4. Louise Louguet

    12/05/2010 at 2:20 am

    can someone please tell me how the hell to get phone service with this thing. I have AT&T mobile service. I put the sim card in and, no matter what, no contacts, no service, no nothing. I have brought it to AT&T dealers, no help. I bring it back to Best Buy and the sales rep sends out a mass email to the entire eastern region and no one can help. I contact Huawei direct and they won’t even respond….what a piece of crap…..email [email protected] if you can help me

    • alfonsoxii

      12/06/2010 at 4:56 am

      I’ve had no trouble using the phone service with my TMobile SIM card. Don’t blame Huawei. Blame AT&T! As noted in many of the comments above – the Ideos 7 is a great device for $300. I’m very pleased with the performance of my unit.

      • Chrisja

        12/12/2010 at 7:33 pm

        You shouldn’t blame AT&T for lack of knowledge in setting up the device, I have an S7 and through research I was able to manually enter the apn settings and get the device working on AT&T’s network.

      • Chrisja

        12/12/2010 at 7:33 pm

        You shouldn’t blame AT&T for lack of knowledge in setting up the device, I have an S7 and through research I was able to manually enter the apn settings and get the device working on AT&T’s network.

    • Machoman

      12/30/2010 at 2:21 am

      well try accomodate the sim card around the spot where its located like pushing foward in to the slot with the device on and open cover, I think it’s because it’s not making contact properly, that’s what happened to me and worked, so try it, it’s a beautiful device.

    • Machoman

      12/30/2010 at 2:21 am

      well try accomodate the sim card around the spot where its located like pushing foward in to the slot with the device on and open cover, I think it’s because it’s not making contact properly, that’s what happened to me and worked, so try it, it’s a beautiful device.

    • Hayabusa205

      01/03/2011 at 3:21 pm

      The following is the APN setting for ATT network that I need to mannually put onto S7-104.
      For T-mobile network, put a SIM card, and the network will automatically configure it for the device.
      —————————————-
      AT&T APN setting
      APN Name: ATT ( The APN name must be exactly like this)
      APN: wap.cingular
      Proxy: [Leave Blank]
      Port: [Leave Blank]
      Username: [Leave Blank]
      Password: [Leave Blank]
      Server: [Leave Blank]
      MMSC: https://mmsc.cingular.com
      MMS Proxy: wireless.cingular.com
      MMS Port: 80
      MMS Protocol: [Leave Blank]
      MCC: [Keep whatever you have]
      MNC: [Keep whatever you have]
      ————————————————-
      Instruction to create the ATT APN:
      The device appears having mobile broadband disabled by default. To access the mobile data network, you need to enable the mobile broadband feature on the android device. You can simply use the “Data Service” toggle button in the Communications sub-menu to complete the task. or you can do the setting below:
      Setting -> Wireless Network-> Mobile networks ->Data service
      You can then create a new APN by the launch the Setting app and follow the path below, you must put the ATT SIM card (with data plan) into the device before you start to do the configuration. Otherwise, the system won’t let you save the setting.
      Setting -> Wireless Network-> Mobile networks ->GSM/UMTS Options ->Access Point Names
      Press the middle Hardware key (Android MENU key) in the left side under HOME key, a menu will pop up in the bottom of the screen, press the “New APN” soft key, and it will lead you to a list.
      In the list, enter all the “AT&T APN setting” config info shown above.
      To save the setting it’s a little tricky, you need to press the Android MENU key again (middle Hardware key in the left) and in the pop-up menu, press the “save”. Only in this way the setting will be saved.
      After put in the ATT SIM card and power cycle the device, you should see the icon with “H” letter on the top indicator menu. That indicates your device connects to the HSPA network now.
      Note that If you have both WIFI connection and mobile broadband connection ready, the device always first takes WIFI connection by default. So the best way to try the mobile broadband is to disable WIFI connection.

      • Takeitgreezy

        02/21/2011 at 3:21 am

        thanks so much. i was troubleshooting getting my sim card to go online with the tablet and this worked. the sim was already installed. i followed instructions and powered off then on and it worked. thanks again

  5. Edgardosantiago

    12/11/2010 at 9:26 pm

    i have a at&t services i dont have problem with the huawei. is good very good. i liket. can make call, tex message everithing

    • Artistonhpvs (Richard)

      02/20/2012 at 4:50 pm

      I like the mic to text if u are short and clear…then type the rest…i should try the hands free when blue tooth not so good…

  6. Gbass442

    12/25/2010 at 8:49 pm

    Can you download Apps without having a sim card or mobile contract???

    • Sokoloff

      01/26/2011 at 1:43 pm

      On the WiFi, yes. I don’t know over the network but would assume so.

      • Artistonhpvs (Richard)

        02/20/2012 at 4:52 pm

        wifi is super great & fast…but depends how the wifi U pick up is. My tethering is super fast testing to a friend being my personal wifi..

  7. Cmd12609

    12/28/2010 at 9:51 pm

    I’ve learned a lot from everyones comments.
    You all have helped me decide what tablet to get. thanks :)
    S7 !!!!

  8. Troy Kelly

    01/01/2011 at 10:18 pm

    If the Huawei S7 was sub $100 then it might be a great device to buy, but for $300 it is a complete waste of money. Save the extra cash and buy a real functioning device. I have used both – and the poorly hacked together OS changes on the S7 make the device almost impossible to use.
    More details about it’s shortcomings at https://tk.cm/3V

  9. Biketouristpodcast

    01/28/2011 at 7:40 pm

    Does it has Bluetooth?

  10. ELIZA

    01/28/2011 at 10:25 pm

    I just bought and S7 and it is great. I just haven’t been able to connect the cellphone service to it. Does this work with Verizon service?

    • Jay Don111

      02/11/2011 at 1:56 pm

      No its ussualy locked to telstra Android costs 150 to unlock

  11. Martin

    01/30/2011 at 3:15 am

    The S7 is now $250 at BestBuy.

  12. Bguida

    01/31/2011 at 4:00 pm

    I just picked up this tablet from best buy over the weekend. The UI works just fine. There are 8 or 10 home screens ( 2 under each heading :Home, Web, Communications, Favorites — I think there s one other but don’t have he device in front of me) This is more screens than you can get on the Galaxy. You can set the same widgets as you can on either device. The only con with the UI is that the home screens remain landscape view. I was able to insert my AT&T SIM card and it was a fully functioning smart phone. I did not need to enter anything to make the phone work. it integrates with Google apps without a hitch.

    For have the price of the Galaxy you can not go wrong.

  13. J Lommer

    02/08/2011 at 10:37 am

    Im typing this from my ideos tablet. I traded my iphone 3g for it. I put my sim card in and i can call and text but no internet. Wifi seems to disconnect on its own sometimes. Battery life is about 6 hours with continued use. Stylus and kickstand come in handy when using the net. Screen is almost unscratchable. Today the clock on my main screen is stuck on the time it got turned on. Weather date and time are all frozen. All in all you get what you pay for. Im just glad i didnt buy it. Save your money for what you really want. You wont be sorry you missed out on this. Lol

  14. J Lommer

    02/08/2011 at 10:37 am

    Im typing this from my ideos tablet. I traded my iphone 3g for it. I put my sim card in and i can call and text but no internet. Wifi seems to disconnect on its own sometimes. Battery life is about 6 hours with continued use. Stylus and kickstand come in handy when using the net. Screen is almost unscratchable. Today the clock on my main screen is stuck on the time it got turned on. Weather date and time are all frozen. All in all you get what you pay for. Im just glad i didnt buy it. Save your money for what you really want. You wont be sorry you missed out on this. Lol

  15. Shaycando

    02/13/2011 at 8:39 am

    ok so i have had the s7 for about 4 days now and i think its worth the 300 the front and rear cams the 3g ( witch works great with t mobile ) its a good tablet the only real downfall is NO MULTI TOUCH witch is a bummer and it being on 2.1 but its a fairly new tablet so hopefully 2.2 comes out for it soon the tablet is very well built it doesn’t feel cheap the only tablet i rather have than the s7 would have to be the archos 70 for $275.00 witch does have 2.2 and multi touch witha mini hdmi port but no 3g

  16. Nanotek2711

    06/05/2011 at 8:14 am

    there is a front facing camera >.<

  17. Azmanlong

    10/09/2011 at 6:25 pm

    Forget the ipad and galaxy tab, Huawei S7 really kick ass. I can do my work, play games, communicate seamlessly share content you name it, S7 Slim got it. And for the price it is unbelievable.

  18. Greaggg10

    01/20/2012 at 2:25 pm

    بصراحة اكبر مقلب خدته  ف حياتى لانى اشتريت اوسخ جهاز تابلت  هواوى بكل اسف

  19. Kwaseem85

    01/24/2012 at 12:53 pm

    hows internet speed for GPRS AND EDGE service, is it working fine??

  20. Artistonhpvs (Richard)

    02/20/2012 at 1:04 pm

    I am more for this tablet than against. I agree with some negatives but get used to them as touchscreen but I can’t compare with any other tablet as this is the 1st I got at $250 for sale. My phone works great but blue tooth not always connects. Wifi is powerful and using tablet now for tethering. Battery life not great but I plug it in at home but would be nice for a second battery. 
    I have the 3g iphone but had to repair it for info as I lost 3gs and not elligable for 4 nor 4s. I prefer android now over apple but both have their strengths/weaknesses…android speed for wifi quicker and fido just reset for me. I now have a fantastic android phone is the Motorola Razr is the best phone ever for me so far for everything and blue tooth never fails and tethering is snap of finger. tethering for Motorola is weaker than IDEOS. I have a problem with latitude/maps satelite but i can drop off where I got this tablet and they will fix it. I hate it has no flash nor java but I thought androids had a better/easier way…
    last, my iphones had more disconnections and i do not appreciate the itunes update but at least any info lost can get it ALL back…like I said strengths and weaknesses but I’m impressed with the Razr and was able to get my Yahoo mail though I already use gmail. need learn about chat and vid cam…
    I’m considering convincing my friend to seek one too but also recommend maybe the Galaxy Q or 1 or other…because he’s on my bill and is new to all this….he needs credit like myself and my personal hotspot (tablet) test for him lightning fast wifi compared with free building wifi…

    Thanks…

  21. Abdullatif R Mshana

    02/21/2012 at 3:30 pm

    I really like it but i don’t that i can afford to buy coz its too expensive but i really like gadget especially tablets…

  22. achtung

    02/27/2012 at 1:33 am

    How about video playback? not crappy little 3-4 minute vids i mean movies and stuff ? 

  23. Troy nall

    05/26/2012 at 9:10 pm

    I picked up a ideas slim s7 for 79.81 (with shipping!!!) from cow boom dot com
    It did not have instructions. But came with everything else.
    I slapped my tmobile sim in and it works flawlessly.

    I have an ipad(1 gen) but prefer the slim s7 over it.
    I like the oversized phone capabilities. I fits in my pocket(with case).
    It like an oversized wallet. No problems.

    Screw apple. Android rocks the house!!!

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    07/14/2012 at 4:52 pm

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  25. Molefi

    07/19/2012 at 8:27 am

    This is a cheap tablet compared to the Galaxy which is too expensive in South Africa.
    At present I’m using a small HTC Wildfire S and u
    Wud like to know if its worth it to buy this S7???

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