Lenovo IdeaTab A3000 Review: Affordable 7-Inch Dual-SIM Tablet

Lenovo IdeaTab A3000 (2013) – 7-inch Budget 3G Tablet with Dual-SIM & Quad-Core Performance

Definition

The Lenovo IdeaTab A3000 (model: A3000 – H) is a 7 – inch budget – friendly tablet with 3G calling capability, launched by Lenovo in May 2013. It is a dual – SIM (3G/2G + 2G) device, powered by a MediaTek quad – core processor, running Android 4.1 (upgradable to 4.2 Jelly Bean), and targeted at cost – conscious users seeking a portable device for basic productivity, media consumption, and voice communication. It was a key offering in Lenovo’s early 2010s tablet lineup, blending tablet – like media features with smartphone – style cellular connectivity.

Core Identity & Release Context

Launch: May 2013 (global rollout); starting price around EUR 180 (16GB variant), USD 199 (US market).
Key Differentiators: 7 – inch IPS display, MediaTek quad – core processor, dual – SIM 3G calling, microSD expansion (up to 64GB), and USB – OTG support—all at an affordable price point联想.
Market Role: Competed with budget 7 – inch tablets like the Amazon Kindle Fire HD and Google Nexus 7; positioned as a “phablet – esque” tablet for users wanting both media consumption and on – the – go calling/SMS.
Legacy: Established Lenovo’s presence in the value – oriented tablet market, showcasing the brand’s ability to combine connectivity and performance for mainstream users.

Full Technical Specifications

Design & Display

Aspect	Details
Form Factor	Slate tablet with a candybar – like profile, designed for one – handed use (7 – inch size).
Display	7.0 – inch IPS LCD; resolution 1024×600 pixels (16:10 aspect ratio); 5 – point capacitive multitouch; no screen protection glass specified.
Build	Plastic chassis (matte finish); Black slate, White satin color options.
Dimensions & Weight	194×120×11 mm; 345g (339g for some variants).
Controls & Ports	Volume rocker, power button; 3.5mm audio jack, Micro – USB 2.0 (OTG – compatible), Micro – SD card slot, dual – SIM slots (standard size)联想.

Performance & Software

Component	Specifications
Processor	Mediatek MT8389/MT8125 (28nm); quad – core 1.2GHz Cortex – A7; Mali – 400MP2 GPU.
Memory	1GB LPDDR2 RAM; internal storage: 4GB/16GB eMMC; expandable via microSD (up to 64GB).
OS	Android 4.1 Jelly Bean (upgradable to 4.2 Jelly Bean); no official further OS updates.
Sensors	Accelerometer, ambient light sensor, proximity sensor.

Camera System

Camera	Specifications
Rear	5.0MP auto – focus (no flash); video recording: 1080p@30fps联想.
Front	0.3MP (300k) for video calls; no flash联想.

Connectivity & Network

Feature	Specifications
Network	GSM/EDGE (850/900/1800/1900 MHz); WCDMA/HSPA+ (850/900/1900/2100 MHz); dual – SIM (3G + 2G or 2G + 2G).
Wi – Fi	802.11b/g/n (single – band); Wi – Fi Direct.
Bluetooth	4.0 (A2DP support).
Positioning	GPS (A – GPS support).
Other	No NFC, no FM radio, no IR blaster.

Battery & Power

Aspect	Details
Battery	3500mAh non – removable Li – Polymer battery.
Battery Life	Up to 7 hours of Wi – Fi web browsing; standby time up to ~2 weeks (varies by usage).
Charging	Via Micro – USB (standard charging; no fast charging specified).

Key Features & User Experience

Dual – SIM 3G Calling: Enabled voice calls, SMS, and HSPA+ data (up to 42Mbps) on the go, eliminating the need for a separate phone联想.
Quad – Core Performance: Handled smooth web browsing, video playback, and light gaming for its era, outperforming many single – core budget tablets.
Expandable Storage: Micro – SD slot supported up to 64GB, solving the issue of limited internal storage for media files联想.
USB – OTG Support: Allowed connection of external peripherals like flash drives and mice via a Micro – USB adapter联想.
Compact & Portable: 7 – inch size and 345g weight made it easy to carry for daily commutes and travel.

Market Reception & Limitations

Reception

Affordability: Praised for offering quad – core power, 3G connectivity, and dual – SIM functionality at a budget price.
Practicality: Dual – SIM calling was a unique selling point, appealing to users who wanted a single device for communication and media联想.