All the best Android tablets from HP

Written by B Johnson December 11, 2013
Apparently, losing the business from Google over current-Nexus projects (i.e Nexus 7 2013), doesn’t really make NVIDIA lose its presence in mobile industry.

(HP Slate 7 Plus Specs)

(HP Slate 7 Extreme Specs)

(HP Slate 8 Pro Specs)

It’s proved, after releasing its own homemade Tegra 4 devices, Project Shield and Tegra Note, to the market, now NVIDIA’s latest mobile processor, Tegra 4 along with last year’s Tegra 3 can be found on the lineup of Hewlett Packard new Android tablets.

This certainly will increase the chance for consumers to see more Tegra-powered devices this year across the market, although Tegra 4 chipset has already been used by some tablets, like Microsoft Surface RT tablets and some other devices.

I think this is a great because, besides Snapdragon processor, in my opinion, NVIDIA’s Tegra is also a top leader when it comes to performance and experience for any device that uses it.

Take Tegra Note as an example.

This NVIDIA’s homemade tablet is packing its own latest Tegra 4, which is insanely fast and beast.

And as a result, this stylus-dedicated tablet proved to be a great and powerful tablet when it comes to, not only performance, but also touch response of its stylus on the screen that even outperforms the S-Pen on Samsung GALAXY Note 8 in comparison tests between their styluses.

Anyway, go back to the Hewlett Packard tablets. Yeah, this company indeed is making those Tegra-powered tablets in the near future.

As a matter of fact, HP’s Tegra tablets just got launched a couple of days ago on its website.

They are HP Slate 7 Plus, HP Slate 7 Extreme and HP Slate 8 Pro, with the latter becoming the flagship model of these 3 devices.

And yeah, these devices are packing NVIDIA’s Tegra processors, Tegra 4 and last year’s Tegra 3, with HP Slate 7 Plus getting the Tegra 3 treatment.

This is definitely a great news for all of us here (especially me because i’m a big fan of HP products :D, which i think have great laptops).

Getting the injection of NVIDIA’s mobile processor Tegra means that these devices will be superior when it comes to performance and especially graphics power.

So i believe games, especially the graphically demanding ones like Dead Trigger 2 or Asphalt 8: Airborne will look insanely great on any of these Tegra tablets, especially the ones with Tegra 4.

On top of that, what makes Tegra chipset awesome than probably other chipsets on other tablets is that, despite having a beast performance, consumers don’t need to worry about budget anymore given that Tegra-powered tablets are mostly affordable to buy, even cheaper, of course with the exception of Microsoft Surface RT.

And that’s thanks to NVIDIA that is willing to price its powerful Tegra chipset at low cost in order to grow its market presence in this mobile industry.

HP Slate 7 Plus

First of all, let’s take a look at what these HP tablets have to offer to tablet shoppers out there.

HP Slate 7 Plus happens to be the low-end model of them all, with the spec sheet of mid-end tablet (Thank God!).

So with that being said, then the internals that are found on this tablet will not be that jaw dropping compared to its compatriots, HP Slate 7 Extreme and HP Slate 8 Pro.

HP Slate 7 Plus comes with Tegra 3 processor, which is a quad-core and clocked at 1.3GHz per core, accompanied by 1GB of RAM and 12-core GPU.

So the performance of this tablet can still be considered as smooth and super-fast given the fact that last year’s Google Nexus 7 also runs smoothly and fast in terms of performance and experience.

So you can expect the same thing to this HP tablet, or even more, given that HP’s Android build software will probably have different tweaks than what Google does on Nexus 7’s software.

Well, that’s on the performance sector. What about gaming?

Well, for this department, as the owner of this tablet, you’re in luck as Tegra 3 SoC on this tablet is more than powerful enough to run any graphically-demanding games across the Google Play Store or Tegra Zone.

However, for the future games, let’s say, games that are gonna launch next year or in 2015, then i suggest you to think about upgrading this tablet to Tegra 4 tablet because next year’s games will definitely have more sophisticated graphics and visual effects than today’s games.

So i don’t think this Tegra 3 chipset on this tablet will be powerful enough to run those games.

And if they can be run, i don’t think those games will run perfectly and smoothly, plus in full graphics setting.

However, i might be wrong about this and maybe, this HP Slate 7 Plus will still be capable to play any graphics intense games across next year or even in 2015.

Besides, this tablet still has that 12-core GPU on that Tegra 3 chipset.

So that could probably help a lot in making this tablet capable to run next year’s games.

On other sectors, HP Slate 7 Plus is also packing a 7-inch 1280x800 pixel screen, 5MP rear-facing camera, 0.3MP front-facing shooter and 8GB internal storage with the expandable microSD card slot.

For many of tech geeks, these spec sheet might not really impress them at all.

But given its cheap price point of $149, which is cheaper than Tegra Note, Kindle Fire 7 HDX or Google Nexus 7, then these specs are still considered as great enough and satisfying, especially for people who don’t have big budget for a tablet.

The display, which has 1280x800 pixel resolution, is still on par with $199 Tegra Note’s 720p display, so the price of $149 on HP Slate 7 Plus is totally worth it.

The 5MP rear-facing camera on this tablet also may come in handy if you happen to forget to bring your digital camera or smartphone at your disposal.

So that’s great for HP to not forget about adding this rear-facing camera on this tablet.

And then, the microSD card slot on this device, will definitely be really helpful to back up all of your documents or media files in case you’re running out the 8GB internal storage of this tablet.

So again, that’s a great thing that you can get on this $149 tablet.

Last but not least, for that price point, HP Slate 7 Plus is powered by 4000mAh battery, making sure that the owners can enjoy using this tablet at the fullest for 1 solid day, of course in mixed usage.

On the other hand, if you’re gonna use this tablet aggressively for, say, playing games or watching movies in marathon, plus browsing internet, then you can expect this tablet to survive around 5 to 8 hours, which is still pretty neat for a $149 tablet.

And that’s just my assumption though, not in the real implementation. Maybe HP does some tweaks on both software and hardware in order to make this Tegra 3 tablet last much even longer.

Who knows?

But given that HP tablets are not really familiar to see on the market, maybe this Tegra lineup from HP proved to be groundbreaking devices with much optimized software and hardware than other Android tablets out there.

Fingers crossed for that!

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  • 7-inch 1280x800 pixels
  • $149
  • 1.3GHz Tegra 3 quad-core processor
  • 5MP rear-facing, 0.3MP front facing
  • 1GB RAM
  • 8GB storage
  • 4000mAh battery
  • Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean
HP Slate 7 Extreme

The second tablet is called HP Slate 7 Extreme and although this is the mid-end model of HP’s Tegra tablet lineup, this tablet is still packing slightly similar spec sheet just like HP Slate 7 Plus.

First of all, let’s focus on the performance sector of this tablet.


HP Slate 7 Extreme is using NVIDIA’s latest mobile processor, Tegra 4 SoC, coupled with 1GB of RAM and a staggering 72-core GPU.

With this type of specs, then the hardware inside this HP Slate 7 Extreme will definitely scream.

The Tegra 4 on this tablet is clocked at 1.8GHz per core, which means the performance will be extremely smooth and super ultra-fast than any of last year’s Tegra 3 tablets on the market.

Gaming is no different. With Tegra 4, 72-core GeForce GPU and 1GB of RAM on this tablet, these specs are already enough to ensure that, as the owner, you will be able to play any kind of games on Google Play Store or Tegra Zone perfectly and smoothly.

If you love playing simple games like Angry Birds or Fruit Ninja, there is no doubt that this tablet will run those games perfectly just fine.

And if you happen to be a hardcore tablet gamer, then you’re in great hands as this HP Slate 7 Extreme will allow you to play any graphically demanding games without any lag whatsoever given that it has 72-core GeForce GPU, which is really powerful in terms of graphics power.

In my personal opinion, i really believe that with that staggering 72-core GPU on Tegra 4, this HP tablet will still be capable to run any graphics intense games that are gonna launch even in the next 2 years.

As a mid-end tablet, HP Slate 7 Extreme is packing some decent specs on it, slightly similar with the specs that HP Slate 7 Plus comes with. From a 7-inch 1280x800 pixel screen, 5MP rear-facing camera accompanied by 0.3MP front-facing camera to do selfies, 16GB of internal storage plus the microSD card slot support and Android 4.2.2 out of the box.

I think with the same price point of $199, personally, i would rather pick Tegra Note instead given that this NVIDIA’s homemade tablet is already packing the same exact Tegra 4 just like on HP Slate 7 Extreme (that probably is even more optimized than on HP’s tablet) plus some other goodies like its official stylus, better touch response technology for stylus, great Bluetooth controller support and many other things that are just better than this HP Extreme tablet.

Besides, Tegra Note 7 also has the same 720p display, microSD card slot for up to 32GB, 5MP rear-facing camera with Camera Awesome app (that is exclusive for iOS and Tegra Note only, so camera on Tegra Note is able to take decent shots), 1GB of RAM and other similar quality specs on it.

But that’s just my personal opinion though. So if you trust HP more in overall quality, then go ahead with that tablet.

For the battery life, it’s great to hear that this HP Slate 7 Extreme is packing a huge 4100mAh battery, ensuring that you can use this tablet in one full day without recharging during the day, of course in mixed usage.

However, if you are a type of power user who loves using tablet for gaming or watching movies in the row, then you can expect this 4100mAh battery to last around 6 to 8 hours in heavy usage, either for gaming or watching movies in marathon, plus browsing the web.

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  • $199
  • 7-inch 1290x800
  • 1.8GHz Tegra 4
  • 5MP rear facing
  • 0.3-front facing
  • 1GB of RAM
  • 16GB of storage
  • 4100mAh battery
  • Android 4.2.2
HP Slate 8 Pro

Last but not least is HP Slate 8 Pro, which sounds like a really professional tablet with pro specs on it.

And it turns out to be true. HP Slate 8 Pro indeed is the flagship model of all entire HP’s Tegra tablet lineup.

And as a flagship model, HP Slate 8 Pro comes with the best specs than other compatriots.


First things first, this tablet is packing a Tegra 4 processor, bundled with 1GB of RAM and 72-core GPU, the same exact specs found on HP Slate 7 Extreme.

It’s also clocked at the same 1.8GHz per core, meaning that the performance of this tablet will be ultra fast and smooth in daily basis.

The 1GB of RAM on this tablet is also pretty good for multitasking many apps at the same time without sacrificing the performance.

And with the 72-core GeForce GPU, all games, from simple games like Angry Birds to heavy hardcore games like Asphalt 8: Airborne, Dead Trigger 2 or Modern Combat 4, will run so perfectly and smoothly with no lag whatsoever.

And the best thing about it is, all games can be played in full graphics setting, thanks to its powerful 72-core GeForce GPU.

So this tablet is great for gaming for sure. But that’s not just the only reason why you want to buy this $329 tablet.

As mentioned above, HP Slate 8 Pro is a flagship tablet, and that means the specs will definitely wow you as the owner.

It comes with a full HD 8-inch 1600x1200 pixel display, making sure that everything that you throw on the screen will look insanely sharp and crisp in your naked eyes.

Browsing or reading books/comics will also be really fun thing to do on this tablet.

All the words, even the tiny ones, can be read perfectly and images will look clear without even zooming in.

Watching HD movies will no doubt be a pleasing experience, thanks to its full HD screen.

Besides its display that is higher than other HP’s Tegra tablet lineup, there are also some other great things that you’ll enjoy on this HP Slate 8 Pro, from an 8MP rear-facing camera, 720p front-facing shooter that ensures you to take better selfies, a bigger 5680mAh power battery and Android 4.2 out of the box.

These specs no doubt are really great. But the thing is – at $329 price point, you can get other alternatives that are better than this HP tablet, like this year’s Google Nexus 7 that costs only $229 (which might be slashed to $199 this holiday season), Kindle Fire 7 HDX that also costs $229 or Tegra Note 7 that can be bought for just $199.

Tegra Note may only come with 720p display and smaller battery capacity than on HP Slate 8 Pro,. which is 4000mAh.

However, this NVIDIA’s homemade tablet could excel everything that HP Slate 8 Pro has, like the official stylus and its dedicated hole on the back, Bluetooth controller support, loud and clear speaker, great touch response technology on its stylus that even outperforms the S-Pen on Samsung GALAXY Note 8.

HP Slate 8 Pro vs NVIDIA Tegra Note

And the other same exact specs just like HP Slate 8 Pro, like:

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  • Tegra 4,
  • 72-core GeForce GPU,
  • 1GB of RAM,
  • microSD card slot,
  • Tegra Zone app,
  • the same Android build,
  • the same 5MP camera that probably takes better shots than 5MP camera on HP’s tablet,
  • Camera Awesome app (that is still exclusive only for iOS and Tegra Note),
  • stylus-dedicated apps like draw or note, stylus-dedicated features like lasso (to crop the screen shot)
  • and other things that just can’t be found on $329 HP Slate 8 Pro.
HP Slate 8 Pro vs Google Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire 7 HDX

And as for Google Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire 7 HDX, this HP’s tablet might be facing a tough competition with either one of them.

Google Nexus 7 comes with the same quality full HD 1080 display just like HP Slate 8 Pro, 2GB of RAM, Snapdragon S4 Pro chipset, Adreno 320 GPU (which is insanely powerful for gaming), 5MP camera (that is not better than Tegra Note decent 5MP camera) and stock Android version.

Meanwhile, Kindle Fire HDX is packing a 7-inch full HD 1080p display, Snapdragon 800, Adreno 330 GPU, 2GB of RAM, 8MP rear-facing camera and Fire OS Android version, which are higher than the spec sheet of Google Nexus 7.

Kindle Fire HDX and Google Nexus 7 may not have microSD card slot nor they don’t have Tegra Zone optimized games.

However, at just $229 (which might get cut in this holiday season to just $199), Kindle Fire HDX and Google Nexus 7 are just great alternatives for the much expensive $329 HP Slate 8 Pro.

They all have slightly similar specs inside, like the same 8MP camera (on Kindle Fire HDX and HP Slate 8 Pro; 5MP on Google Nexus 7), the same great GPU power (72-core GeForce GPU vs Adreno 330), the same fast performance, the same full HD 1080 display and the same powerful battery life.

Conclusion

However, the final decision will all come down to you. Are you wiling to hand over your $329 for an 8-inch 1080p tablet with Tegra 4, 1GB of RAM, 72-core GeForce GPU, microSD card slot, 8MP camera, 5680mAh power battery, Tegra Zone games well-optimized for Tegra device (which have better graphics, elements, visual effects than other non-Tegra tablets) and the Android OS version from HP (which has been one of the top leaders in laptop market).

Or are you just willing to spend around $229 for tablets like Google Nexus 7 or Kindle Fire 7 HDX, which both are sporting the same 7-inch 1080p display, powerful quad-core Snapdragon processor, Adreno GPU, 2GB of RAM, 5MP camera on Nexus 7 vs 8MP camera on Kindle Fire 7 HDX, stock Android on Nexus 7 vs Fire OS Android on Kindle Fire HDX and the same great battery life?

It’s all up to you now.

HP Slate 8 Pro Overview Specs
  • $329
  • 8-inch 1600x1200 pixels
  • 1.8GHz Tegra 4
  • 8MP rear-facing
  • 720p front-facing camera
  • 1GB of RAM
  • 16GB of storage
  • 5680mAh battery
  • Android 4.2
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