Ekotek’s Ekotab Encore D Review

The Ekotab Encore D is Ekotek’s 7 inch entry level tablet. I spent some time with the device to see how it will hold up against an already crowded market. Review is up.

Ekotab Encore D key specs:

• 7-inch display (800 x 480)
• 1GHz dual core Rockchip RK3026 CPU
• 512MB RAM
• 4GB storage (+microSD)
• 0.3 megapixel rear and front cameras
• WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
• DC-in
• 2,400mAh battery
• Android 4.2.2 Jellybean
• P2,799

THE REVIEW:

The Ekotab Encore D features an all plastic design. The build quality is around average or a bit lower. It has large bezels for better holding the tablet, and the back has a dotted pattern similar to that of the Nexus 7, but without the rubbery feel. Here you will also find the camera and the speaker. Judging from how the logo is oriented, I’m guessing the tablet is meant to be used in landscape mode.

Please don’t mind the word “DEMO” on the screen. For some reason, it popped up after a few days of using it.

At the top of the device you will see the microUSB port, a 3.5mm audio port, the power button, volume keys and the microSD slot. The device charges via the DC-in port (which is also on top), not via the microUSB.

The screen is bright and the colors are okay, if not lacking in contrast. One drawback is you have to look at it straight on. Viewing angles are okay, even though moving or tilting the tablet lessens the screen’s contrast. Legibility under direct sunlight is not great.

The Ekotab Encore D is fast and responsive. Swiping between screens are quick. I noticed that the device lags sometimes, but not enough to ruin the experience. Most might not even notice it. Performance is okay for a tablet at this price range.

I ran some benchmarks for those who like numbers. I still think that these are not indicative of user experience, but some readers do like to know the scores. Antutu score is a solid 11,072. It also scored a 4,825 in Quadrant.

   

The Encore D has a 0.3MP front and back camera. I’m still not crazy about using tablets to take photos, but it seems like everyone else is doing it. That being said, the images were not sharp and the colors are a bit faded. It’s okay for Facebook and other social media, but not enough for print. Here are some sample photos I took so you can judge the quality for yourself. You can click on the images to view a larger file.

  

THE VERDICT:

All in all, the Ekotab Encore D is a capable entry level 7 inch tablet for P P2,799. It’s a good “first tablet” to get you going and help you decide if a tablet of this size is really for you before you move on to more expensive options.

The Ekotab Encore D is available in SM Megamall Cyberzone Ekotek kiosk, SM Megamall Cyberzone Xsite Mobile shop, all Shopwise branches, select Puregold branches (Valenzuela, Monumento, Libertad, Shaw, and Taguig), and in select SM Hypermarket branches (MOA, SM North, Cash and Carry). You can also purchase it online here.

For more information, you can visit their website at www.ekotek.com.ph, follow them on facebook (facebook.com/ekotekgadgets), twitter (@ekotekgadgets) and instagram (@ekotekgadgets).