Review of the ONN Surf 7 Inch Android Tablet with Bluetooth Features

Description

Compact Design and Portability

I’ve always been a fan of devices that I can easily toss into my bag without worrying about weight or bulk, and the ONN Surf 7″ Android Tablet fits this bill perfectly. Weighing only 9.6 ounces, it feels incredibly lightweight in my hands. Its 7-inch screen size strikes a nice balance—small enough to be portable but large enough for casual browsing or streaming. The blue finish adds a touch of personality, making it stand out in a world of mostly black or gray tablets.

The compact design does come with tradeoffs, though. The 1024 x 600 resolution isn’t the sharpest display I’ve seen, and while it works fine for basic tasks, don’t expect vibrant, crispy visuals. Nevertheless, for a tablet in this price range, it performs decently. Its dimensions (7.8 x 5.5 x 1.2 inches) make it feel sturdy yet sleek, and it’s easy to hold for extended periods without straining your hands.

Performance and Usability

With its 1.3 GHz quad-core MediaTek processor, this tablet handles light tasks like browsing, streaming, or using social media without much trouble. I tested apps like YouTube, Gmail, and even some lightweight games, and the performance was acceptable. However, the Android 9 Pie (Go Edition) operating system is where things get particularly interesting. Designed for low-powered devices, this stripped-down version of Android keeps things running smoothly, even with only 16GB of flash memory.

That being said, the 4-hour battery life felt like a limitation during my tests. If you’re someone who needs a device for long trips or extensive use, this might fall short. I found myself frequently reaching for the charger, especially when streaming videos or using Bluetooth. Speaking of which, the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (802.11abg) connectivity worked seamlessly, making it easy to pair headphones or connect to the internet.

Camera Capabilities: Not for Photography Enthusiasts

I can’t lie—cameras are not this tablet’s strong suit. The 0.3 MP rear camera is functional at best, and while it’s okay for basic tasks like video calls, don’t expect to capture Instagram-worthy shots. I tried snapping a few pictures, and the resolution left much to be desired. While I didn’t expect DSLR-level quality from a budget tablet, I still found the camera lackluster. It’s clear that this is not where the device shines, but for occasional use like scanning QR codes or casual video chatting, it does the job.

Key Benefits

• Lightweight and portable, perfect for on-the-go use.
• Android 9 Pie (Go Edition) ensures smooth performance for essential apps.
• Affordable compared to many other tablets in the market.
• Bluetooth connectivity makes pairing devices a breeze.

Areas for Improvement

• Short battery life (4 hours) can be limiting for extended use.
• Low-resolution screen (1024 x 600) might not satisfy those looking for sharper visuals.
• Camera performance is subpar, even for a budget device.
• Storage is limited at 16GB unless you expand with a microSD card.

Competing Brands

I couldn’t review this tablet without comparing it to some of its direct competitors, like the Amazon Fire 7 and Lenovo Tab M7. The Fire 7, for instance, offers similar specs but comes with Amazon’s ecosystem baked in, which could be a pro or con depending on your preference. Meanwhile, the Lenovo Tab M7 feels slightly more polished in terms of build quality and offers a similar 7-inch screen but with marginally better resolution. Where the ONN Surf 7″ tablet stands out is its price-to-performance ratio; it’s one of the most affordable tablets that still delivers decent usability for basic tasks. However, its battery life and camera quality fall short compared to these competitors.

True Value

I really think this tablet offers great value for its price, especially if you’re looking for something straightforward and functional. It’s ideal for kids, casual users, or even as a secondary device for quick tasks like checking emails or streaming videos. However, if you need something with a longer battery life or better camera, you might want to explore slightly more expensive alternatives. For someone on a tight budget, though, this tablet is a smart spending choice that gets the job done without breaking the bank.

Additional information