Onda Vi40 Elite Android 4.0 ICS Tablet Review - Merimobiles.com - 9.7" IPS Allwinner A10 ColonelZap

[AuntyM66]

Impressive

[BOROZ28]

Hi I will buy Onda Vi40 or Cube U9GT2 for my three year old son, I already own an IPAD2.

Which is faster or better performance, can you add a GPS dongle.

How behind are they after IPAD2....and are they compatible as plug and play with win 7 64 bit. If you can answer would be nice.

[EmreDecdeli]

Perfect review with nice music, you are a pro my friend.

[SchlumpfiHB]

@EmreDecdeli Thank you, I do my best :-)

[reyprank123]

does it have 3G bulit in ?

[mrEbraheem]

I mean will it run all the games without any lag?

[SchlumpfiHB]

@mrEbraheem It's "o.k." but if you want REAL gaming power, I guess you need a faster CPU, like a Tegra 2 device.

[mrEbraheem]

Is this tablet good for gaming?:)

[ZeYoung3D]

Is the back of the tablet metal?

and what do the physical buttons do?



[BOROZ28]

Hey can you help, I am thinking on spending 200USD to300USD can you give me three suggestions. I have a problem there is so much on the market...

[mrEbraheem]

BTW why is it lagging so much? :(

[mrEbraheem]

Hello there I finally decide to buy ONDA Vi40 can you tell me if it is any good? better than Ainol? Also what is the diffrent between INDA Vi40 and elite your using? thanks Schl :)

[ROBiNATORRR]

which tablet do you prefer that one or the cube u9gt2 ?

[LalaRanj1]

PLZZZ PLZZZ PLZZZ some body help..i want to buy this tablet...does it good? does it have GPS and how is battery life please?? please where can i buy it send me a site plzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[LalaRanj1]

@LalaRanj1 why no body answering me :(((

[mrEbraheem]

I am so confused I still don't know what to take!!! can you advice me to a tablet that is the BEST FOR GAMING and WITH BLUETOOTH (Sorry cap'd but I hate when Ainol has no bluetooth in it) so please answer me Schl. :)

Also can you link me to the site I could buy from it? tyvm :)

[1mashpop]

apart for the size, are there other differences between this and the aurora? which one is better and more responsive?

[SchlumpfiHB]

@1mashpop Sorry, I can't tell you, I never had the Aurora.

[1mashpop]

@SchlumpfiHB oh well, thanks for answering both times! are you going to get one and make a video (and a video of the advanced II) ?

[SchlumpfiHB]

@1mashpop I'm hoping to get my hands on an Aurora and if I do, then of course I'll make a video :-) I think the Aurora looks very promising, from what I've seen so far :-)

[exgabriel]

@SchlumpfiHB Does it support external 3G dongle?

[vsachin1975]

@1mashpop Aurora does not have G-sensor(GPS). Also the CPU is slower than Onda. The camera is low res. compare to Onda.

[woainikmban123]

i saw girls i wanna sex with them ...受不了了啊啊 。。

[SchlumpfiHB]

@woainikmban123 You can not stand it? ;-)

[woainikmban123]

@SchlumpfiHB  trust me ..i can ..

[woainikmban123]

haha !  made in china...哎 中国造的。。。

[sur0x]

Which one is better? aurora or this one? I've saw that onda can be overclocked ro 1.5ghz aurora not.... and the battery is almost the double of the capacity...I'm in doubt!

[AXooooXA]

Hey is the battery good?

[raz23tube]

what about the cameras? you didnt test the 1.3 mp front camera and the 5 mp back camera.and which device seems to be better by build quality and system smoothness u9gt2 or vi40? which one would you advice in reference to all aspects like pricing, hardware and software quality, user experience and design (which feels better in your hands)? Thank you in advance.

[SchlumpfiHB]

@raz23tube The cameras always suck on every tablet I had so far. To me, Vi40 vs U9GT2, the U9GT2 wins. It runs smoother, performance is pretty much identical to the Vi40 (benchmarks), build qualitiy of the U9GT2 "feels" better.

[mu4everlove]

Hi, ist es wirklich nur 5,4mm dicht?

[SchlumpfiHB]

@mu4everlove Nein, an der dünnsten Stelle vielleicht, aber insgesamt ist es dicker.

[zekigpr]

I do a lot of websurfing. How robust is the Browser that comes with Android 4.X. How does it compare with a standard desktop browser like Firefox or Chrome? How well does it takes an external mouse? What about an external keyboard. The idea is to be able to put the tablet on a stand, add an external keyboard and mouse and use it to do heavy, intensive web surfing and writing.

[Krazhich]

@SchlumpfiHB Which material the screen is made from?Glass or plastic?

[SchlumpfiHB]

@Krazhich I can't tell you, it came with a screen protector pre-installed.

[infamouskid1]

hey colonelzap,

i am having a really hard time deciding between the onda Vi40 Elite, Bmorn v99 and the Cube U9GT 2. from your personal hands on experience which of the 3 stuck out the most to you and why? i watched all of your reviews and i still cannot make up my mind. thanks for the videos and keep up the great work.

[SchlumpfiHB]

@infamouskid1 My favorite one is still the U9GT2. Unless you REALLY want the HDMI-out, then I'd go with the Vi40.

[infamouskid1]

@SchlumpfiHB what about for 7 inch models? 

[fbanmail]

@SchlumpfiHB U9GT2 has HDMI out ,what do you mean " Unless you REALLY want the HDMI-out, then I'd go with the Vi40."

[SchlumpfiHB]

@fbanmail The U9GT2 does not have HDMI out. 

[fbanmail]

@SchlumpfiHB thanks for the information

[soundeuphoria]

@SchlumpfiHB I'm not all that into tablets but this one looks nice. Is it worth the money and does it come with that scratch resistant screen like iphone?

Thanks for you're answer and cheers from Croatia. :)

[ZthaIncredible]

Hi ColonelZAP, first thank you for your awesome reviews, you really help us consumers with the knowledge you provide. I have a video request if its possible, could you run the U9GT2 and the VI40 side by side on similar apps to see whether there one has an advantage in terms of speed or less lag? I was going to purchase the U9GT2 but the VI40 has made me think twice.

If thats not possible, which is better? I realise Onda VI40 needs more updates

[SchlumpfiHB]

@ZthaIncredible I can try :-) My problem is my camera, it only focuses with a 30cm range and two tablets won't fit into that small picture :-(

[Aurouse]

Verzeih*

[Aurouse]

Es ist das neues Jahr fur die chinesische. Verzeir mir, mein deutsch ist nicht so gut :(

[SchlumpfiHB]

@Aurouse We can speak English, that's not a problem :-)

[mu4everlove]

Wahnsinn! Ich hab diesen Tablet vor 2 Wochen bestellt und bekomm es immer noch nicht.

[frostholic]

hah, I saw SNSD's Genie MV :) quick question, is this tablet worth the money? should I buy it cuz I'm a studen so money is a big problem :)

[toly75]

According to Onda's firmware upgrade site, there are 2 versions already of vi40 (v1 and v3).

Which did you benchmark?

[SchlumpfiHB]

@toly75 v1 and v3? The only update I could find was a V.06 released on 2012-01-18.

[SchlumpfiHB]

@toly75 Sorry, I know what you mean :-) There seems to be two different HARDWARE versions out there, a V1 and a V3. I flashed both, one of them did not work on MY hardware, but the firmwares are both a V06 versions.

[toly75]

@SchlumpfiHB

Yes these are Hardware versions, and the firmware upgrade has the same functionalities for both.

In Onda's website they say that you can check your version:

"check the version number, check the back of the fuselage of the first SN code 8,9 position"

Which did you benchmark?

[SchlumpfiHB]

@toly75 In THIS video I still have the original Android V4.0.1 version on my tablet but I am uploading a videos right now showing the Go Launcher EX (as requested) and in that video I have the V4.0.3 running.

[toly75]

@SchlumpfiHB

I did not explain myselfy thoroughly :)

I mean Which Hardware version do you have: v1 or v2?

Not the android version :)

"check the version number, check the back of the fuselage of the first SN code 8,9 position"

[SchlumpfiHB]

@toly75 My SN: VI408C1V1A0009

So, you tell me? Does it really matter? I am guessing they simply replaced whatever components in a new production batch, that doesn't make the "old" or the "new" hardware any better than the other ;-)

[toly75]

@SchlumpfiHB

I sent you a reply in you BLOG, since I can't send web-links (of the Hardware enhancement review)...

[sparkwilliam1]

i really respect your advise

thnx

[sparkwilliam1]

Has any one tested the Onda VI40 Elite for graphivcs heavy games or any FPShooter or Car racing Games

i have used Novo 7 advanced so i know what should be the performance.

I want to Buy one choice is between Aurora/advanced2 and Onda VI40 Elite.

what you say and what what would you suggest

2What is the difference between processors used in Onda and Elf or Aurora or Advanced 2

[dltndnja]

oh I just remembered, there is an ICS launcher called Nova Launcher where you can download from xda forum. google nova launcher..when its possible, please try that launcher as well, and let us know.. thx!

[SchlumpfiHB]

@dltndnja I tested the Nova Launcher, it's working but totally "boring", you might as well use the stock launcher, the Nova Launcher isn't any better.

[JaxsonNZ]

That's a very good performance score, quite a bit better than the Ainol units which supposedly all have the same hardware. Thanks for doing the video!

[davy1010]

The new 4.0.3 firmware is out maybe you can give it a spin, you can find it on the onda website.

[SchlumpfiHB]

@davy1010 I flashed it, I really can't see much of an improvement?

[davy1010]

How would you compare the battery time between the Onda VI40 and the U9GT2?

As a lot of other people I'm also having trouble deciding between the Onda VI40 and the U9GT2, maybe you can do a side by side comparison.

[prillylizard]

how good is the video playback whilst browsing as i have had a china tablet before and video in internet browsing was very jumpy.

[dltndnja]

@SchlumpfiHB ah..okay that's fine :-) will be waiting for the go launcher ex video still. Thanks!

[NyceImages]

Does this model have bluetooth? Cant decide on Vi40 or U9GT2

[SchlumpfiHB]

@NyceImages They both don't have bluetooth.

[NyceImages]

@SchlumpfiHB Would a USB Bluetooth adapter work?

[dltndnja]

@SchlumpfiHB Okay, so what is the average time do you think yours run for? just your estimation. I don't do much gaming, I do a lot of web surfing and YouTube app. moderate amount if services run in the background such as weather and Facebook..hope its at least 8 hours with half brightness. do you think its possible?

[SchlumpfiHB]

@dltndnja I wish I could tell you but I honestly don't have the slightest clue :-( I only had this thing for a couple of days now and I used it maybe 1 hour TOPS. The battery needs to go through a bunch a charging cycles before reaches it's potential, so I am absolutely clueless :-(

[dltndnja]

my current tablet iconia tab a500 with about half brightness, and a lot of web browsing, some YouTube lasts about 10hours. iconia has about 6520 mah battery. so any word on ACTUAL battery life for VI40? thanks!

[dltndnja]

I just have one more question that's really really important. the battery is 6000mah, right? I just don't understand how the battery can last about 5 to 6 hours, according to every websites..is that with FULL brightness all the time?

[SchlumpfiHB]

@dltndnja I can also only take the specs for granted, I haven't opened the tablet, so I have no idea if the 6000mAh are correct?

MY experience from all my other tablets is that the hours can vary VERY much, depending on a MILLION things. The brightness of course but also factors like how strong or week the wifi signal is, how many apps are constanty running in the background, what kind of things you are doing (3D gaming, surfing, e-book reading or whatever).

[SchlumpfiHB]

@SchlumpfiHB Bottom line: You can drain a battery super fast but it can also last for many, many hours. So, I'm always having a super difficult time judging how long one change will last.

[dltndnja]

thank you so much, I'll be waiting for the brief review with go launcher ex! (YouTube says error when I try to reply directly, so I'm just leaving a comment.) :-)

[dltndnja]

@SchlumpfiHB yes I have iconia tab a500 with unofficial ICS Rom right now and go launcher ex works well. the newest version is optimized for larger screen size. much better than previous versions. please try "cylinder" transition animation for home screen because that one is the most smooth one for my iconia. I want this tablet cause of 4:3 ratio..thanks so much..

[SchlumpfiHB]

@dltndnja I just installed it, it looks very nice (to me). When I find some time, I'll make a short video :-)

[dltndnja]

could you please try go launcher ex? and see if its less laggy? if its much less laggy, then I would like to buy it, but right now, I would NEVER buy that with such horrible lag. please make a video with go launcher ex..thanks

[SchlumpfiHB]

@dltndnja Does the go launcher ex even work with ICS? I can try but since I still don't have the market on this device, it'll take me a while to it on this one.

[hasithachat]

Can you please do a review for ( HK-10K 10inch Android 4.0 Amlogic ) it available in merimobiles site

[SchlumpfiHB]

@hasithachat I can't promise you that and right now there are national holidays in China, nobody is working, so until sometime in February no new reviews from me :-(

[toly75]

A Fantastic Review!

Could you please check support for Hebrew language (it's written as: עברית)?

When you scrolled down to show languages, (in minute 06:00) I saw the word עברית (=Hebrew) at top.

Could you please turn to Hebrew language?

If yes, Is it OK to ask you whether you could show a screenshot or a short video response of a sample of a hebrew web-page?

Thank's, in advance...

[SchlumpfiHB]

@toly75

I can't posts any links here, I'll send you a message :-)

[SchlumpfiHB]

@SchlumpfiHB I can't send you a message you channel is not active? Check on my blog in a few minutes, if you like :-)

[toly75]

@SchlumpfiHB

Thank you very very much for the HEBREW website screenshot, in your BLOG ;)

[SchlumpfiHB]

@toly75 You are welcome :-) BTW, I took the picture if the website when I still had the language set to English :-)

[Princ3Shun]

going to buy 1 and since i am Chinese i can easily buy it from the internet very cheap( around 180usd) i think it should worth it =)

[SuperDivjak]

Im sorry for bothering you but i have one more question.

How did you installed new firmware.I downloaded official updaate from onda site

and all the instructions are in chinese lenguage.

[SchlumpfiHB]

@SuperDivjak Let me try: Start the LiveSuit programm, select the new firmware. Press and hold the menu button, connect the tablet to your pc, then press the power button several times. That should trigger the LiveSuit software to start flashing your tablet. Good luck :-)

[SuperDivjak]

Thanks for quick reply.

Im just wondering how you install all the aps without android market.

[SchlumpfiHB]

@SuperDivjak I have all my apps on my sd-card. You can also try to use different markets like the slideMe market or whatever. There are a bunch of alternatives to the official Android Market out there, some not so leagal ones as well ;-)

[SuperDivjak]

So did you installed new firmware and does it include android market?

Does the other apk files can be installed it?Thanks

[SchlumpfiHB]

@SuperDivjak I just did, it's a 4.0.3 but still no market included :-(

[JaxsonNZ]

U9GT2 is much more expensive, so not really a comparison. The Onda Vi40 sits between the U9TG2 and the smaller but same processor etc Ainol Aurora/Elf offering.

Question really is, should you go for the Aurora with IPS screen or spend a bit more and get the Onda with same specs just more screen real estate?

As with many, I'm torn between the Ainol (hahaha) and the Onda. The Ainol has great support being very popular, butthe Onda seems a great real big iPad style contender for not much more

[SchlumpfiHB]

@JaxsonNZ You are torn between the Ainol? Good one, LOL!!!!! ;-)

I just found a firmware update for the Onda Vi40, I'll test it later today :-)

[mursus66]

Have you tried to enable android market. There are some videos about that.

[SchlumpfiHB]

@mursus66 I tried the method I used on the Novo 7 Elf, that did NOT work!!!! I more or less bricked the Onda with it, I was only able to revive it by flashing the original firmware on it again.I haven't looked into any other solutions, yet.

[mursus66]

@SchlumpfiHB on merimobiles support they gave me this video youtube.com/watch?v=r2YcJdxJ24­U. But becouse I don't have my Onda Vi40 yet I can't test it. Did you try this method?

[SchlumpfiHB]

@mursus66 That only works if the market is there in the first place, but it isn't right now, so that will not work.

[sisko7]

@spiderx But the pixels you lose are in width, not in height. Right?

[spiderx]

You lose 48 pixels for the ICS system bar ( the one with the back, home, menu buttons ) - that's why the programs report 1024-48 = 976.

[SchlumpfiHB]

@spiderx That's what I thought but I wasn't sure! Thanks for explaining :-)

[Aurouse]

Yay thanks for the quick reply :)

[SnapbackHaven]

does it support a 3g dongle? also hows the screen feel and since its plastic whats the feel of it, sturdy or flimsy?

[SchlumpfiHB]

@SnapbackHaven I don't have a 3G dongle, so I can't test it. My device came with a screen protector pre-installed, so I have no idea what the actuall screen feels like, all I can feel is the (cheap?) screen protector (and I am not planning on taking it off) ;-)

[SnapbackHaven]

@SchlumpfiHB

Do you belive this is worth it at 220 or should I get the motorola xoom for approx 300 which has warranty, im also looking at the ainol novo 7 elf and aurora. btw im from Australia.

You should post another video about the tablets physical appearence and quality too.

ps is the screen glass or plastic?

tnx

[SchlumpfiHB]

@SnapbackHaven I think if you have the chance to get a Xoom for such a good price, I'd go with the Xoom?

And I don't know if the screen is plastic or glass, it came with a screen protector already on it and I don't want to take it off ;-)

[ktoridesk]

so cube u9gt2 vs onda vi40 elite? android market aside (which i assume will show up sooner or later) which should i pick?

I heard some good and some bad reviews for the cube but it generally appears to have a stronger community and firmware support and an issue with its charger.

1. is u9gt2 (rk2819) faster than onda vi40 (allwinner) ?

2. is the screen better?

3. build quality?

[SchlumpfiHB]

@ktoridesk RIGHT NOW, I still think the U9GT2 is the better choice, unless you really want the HDMI-out that the Onda has.

CPU: Hard to tell, I have the feeling they perform pretty much the same.

Screen: Again, they look pretty much the same but the U9GT2 supports 10-point touch, the Onda only 5 point.

Bulid quality: I like the U9GT2 better, I like the aluminium back, the Onda is all plastic.

[ktoridesk]

@SchlumpfiHB thanks.. convinced, i'm ordering the cube as soon as chinese holidays are over.

[Aurouse]

Do you know if it'll be able to support a keyboard?

[SchlumpfiHB]

@Aurouse I just tested it, it worked :-)

[Aurouse]

Yes finally thank you! :)

[SchlumpfiHB]

@Aurouse Any time, my pleasure :-)

[MrVweelee]

Pré commandez à la place d'une zenithink Zt280,ou d'une ainol novo7...

j'ai hate de l'avoir cette Onda Vi40 :)

Merci pour cette presentation de la tablette,par contre que dit la qualité des photos/videos des cameras ?

Danke

[SchlumpfiHB]

@MrVweelee La qualité photo est assez mauvaise, parce que vous ne devez pas attendre grand-chose.

Google Translate ;-)

[sisko7]

Great review!!

[SchlumpfiHB]

@sisko7 Thanks :-)

[SchlumpfiHB]

Thanks :-)

[SnapbackHaven]

Finally the first proper review on this tablet. Needed this to see if its worth my money.