The release of the new Mi Pad tablet became a catalyst for other brands. Following Xiaomi, Huawei and Teclast announced new products, which have not shown updated compact tablet computers in the mid-segment for a long time.
This is exactly what Teclast M89 became - budget enough to recommend even to a schoolchild, but powerful, and, what no less important, with a high-quality screen, thanks to which the new product can compete even with devices Apple.
Let's take a closer look at how the Teclast M89 behaves in real work, and evaluate whether an 8.9-inch tablet is needed in 2018.
Recognizable design in a convenient form
Teclast has long been familiar to Russian buyers. The brand is budget but respected.
Therefore, the kit includes a normal Russian charger, neat packaging so that it arrives to us in good condition, and the tablet itself.
The engineers did not invent something fundamentally new, using the classic design of the iPad/Mi Pad. However, it is hardly possible to find a more convenient solution: a flat, thin metal body, rounded edges, and traditional placement of controls.
All of them are grouped on the upper part of the right side - both the volume rocker and the power button. Opposite is a slot for microSD memory cards.
The front side is completely covered with protected Gorilla Glass, the only hole in which is intended for the front camera. By the way, like the Mi Pad, the main camera is located in the right corner - this makes it much more convenient to point the lens than with a central location.
The tablet connectors look interesting. The fact is that on the Teclast M89, everything on the bottom edge remained clean, while the 2 speaker grilles, the USB-C charging connector, miniHDMI and the traditional mini-jack for headphones moved to the top edge.
It looks somewhat unexpected and unusual. But in real life it turns out to be much more convenient, since the size of the tablet allows you to carry it in the breast pocket of a jacket or jacket. And in a backpack, the general position turns out to be more convenient - it’s easier to throw the wire to the external battery, and connect to the monitor without taking out the tablet.
There are no gaps, the assembly of Teclast M89 is very good. And the device feels great in your hands. A well-thought-out form factor plays a decisive role in this. An additional pleasure comes from the anodized coating of the metal case: it is rough and does not allow it to slip out of your hands.
A good screen is the key to everything
The main advantage of Teclast M89 is its excellent IPS screen. It is completely hidden behind protected glass and is made using OGS technology without an air gap, which minimizes glare, maximizes viewing angles and improves screen quality.
The resolution of the 7.9-inch display is 2048x1536 pixels with an aspect ratio of 4:3. The most convenient format for compact tablets, in my opinion.
The prohibitive number of pixels per inch stops the panel in absolute clarity. The image is excellent, bright enough even for bright summer sun.
Equally important is color rendering, which can be adjusted to your taste in the system settings. However, why, if everything is correct out of the box?
Smart power for long-lasting performance
The heart of the Teclast M89 is the six-core MediaTek MT8176 processor, which is still not very popular in China, operating at a frequency of 2.1 GHz. Computing performance is enough for all tablet tasks, especially since it is supported by the excellent PowerVR GX6250 graphics subsystem.
Of course, not Snapdragon - but according to the results of synthetic tests, Teclast M89 is catching up with last year's Mi Pad. And, therefore, it will be able to digest any game or application available for download in the Google Store or another store.
RAM - 3 GB. The built-in storage is only 32 GB, but can be expanded using a memory card. Any microSD up to 128 GB is supported.
We tested the tablet using Asphalt 8 and Tomb Rider. They work at maximum, without lags or brakes. However, like heavy office files.
Since Teclas M89 runs Android 7.0 Nougat without unnecessary applications, there are also no system microlags when flipping through desktops. The system is extremely debugged and works like a clock.
Periphery and everything, everything, everything
Unlike its colleagues, Teclast M89 can be used not only as a device for consumption of content, but also as a completely professional gadget: work as a car companion and for many other tasks.
The secret is simple - a large set of peripheral ports and interfaces. So, the hardware connectors are presented:
- USB-C for charging and data transfer, USB 3.0 controller is used;
- microHDMI for audio and video output;
- 3.5 mm audio output for connecting headphones or external speakers, the power of which is sufficient even for “tight” monitor headphones.
Wireless interfaces include Wi-Fi 802.11n, GPS, Bluetooth 4.0 modules. Not very modern, but Teclast M89 can do everything you need.
A tablet without a camera is a waste of money
Another pleasant difference between the Teclast M89 and cheap Chinese tablets is its good cameras.
The main one is equipped with a high-quality lens and is based on an 8-megapixel sensor. The photos come out very good.
The front 5-megapixel camera is suitable not only for video chats, but also for taking selfies.
Instead of conclusions: a new competitor to the iPad and Mi Pad
The Teclast M89 is one of the last representatives of a dying class of compact tablets with a 4:3 screen ratio, like the iPad. A competitor from Cupertino took a leading position, so many brands refused to release similar, but cheaper devices.
Teclast took a chance - and they were not mistaken. The M89 turned out to be an extremely successful tablet: it fits in your pocket, fits comfortably in your hands, and is suitable for both work and entertainment. The ports on the top edge are a real godsend for designers!
The performance is sufficient, and the number of peripheral communications will help in any situation. The only drawback is the lack of a 4G modem. But looking at the price, you agree to use Wi-Fi or give it away from your smartphone.
The fact is that the cost of Teclast M89 is only $150. The price is valid from July 10 to July 15, 2018 in honor of the release of the new product, after which it will increase by $20. On the other hand, the closest competitor, Mi Pad 4 from Xiaomi in the same configuration, already costs $200. It’s worth thinking about - why pay more for a less convenient device?
