Archos 705 WiFi 160GB Tablet Review
The Archos 705 WiFi 160GB tablet, released several years ago, holds a unique place in the history of budget-friendly tablets. It aimed to provide a substantial amount of storage at a competitive price point. This review delves deep into its features, performance, and overall user experience, examining whether it still holds up against modern standards. We’ll explore its strengths and weaknesses to help you determine if it’s a worthwhile purchase in today’s market.
Design and Build Quality
The Archos 705 WiFi 160GB boasts a rather simple design. Its plastic construction feels lightweight, yet surprisingly sturdy for its price range. The 7-inch screen dominates the front, flanked by relatively sizable bezels by today’s standards; While not premium, the build quality is acceptable, and it doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy. The device is easily held in one hand for extended periods, and the buttons are responsive and well-placed. However, its plastic back is prone to scratches and fingerprints, a common issue with budget-friendly devices of this era.
Display and Multimedia
The 7-inch capacitive touchscreen offered decent responsiveness for its time, though it falls short of modern display standards. The resolution was relatively low, resulting in slightly pixelated visuals. Viewing angles were also limited; colors appeared washed out when viewed from extreme angles. However, for casual web browsing, video streaming (within its resolution limitations), and playing less graphically demanding games, the display was adequate. The internal speakers were surprisingly loud, but lacked bass and clarity, producing a tinny sound at higher volumes. Headphone use greatly improved the audio experience.
Performance and Software
Powered by a relatively low-powered processor, the Archos 705 WiFi 160GB’s performance was adequate for basic tasks. Web browsing was generally smooth, but more demanding applications could lead to noticeable lag. Multitasking was also a challenge, as the device struggled to handle multiple apps simultaneously. The 160GB of internal storage was a significant advantage for its time, providing ample space for apps, media files, and documents. This large storage capacity was a major selling point and differentiated it from many competitors. The operating system, likely an older version of Android, was functional, but updates were limited, ultimately hindering its long-term lifespan and security.
Gaming Capabilities
Due to its modest processor, gaming on the Archos 705 WiFi 160GB was limited to less demanding titles. While some simple games ran smoothly, more graphically intensive games experienced significant lag and slowdown. The touchscreen responsiveness was generally adequate for gaming, but the low resolution did affect the overall visual experience. For casual gamers, it could suffice, but serious gamers would certainly find its capabilities lacking.
Connectivity and Battery Life
The Archos 705 WiFi 160GB offered WiFi connectivity, allowing for internet access via wireless networks. It lacked cellular connectivity, restricting its usage to areas with available WiFi. The battery life was reasonably good for its time, providing several hours of continuous use on a single charge. However, heavy usage, such as gaming or video streaming, would significantly reduce battery life. Charging time was relatively long compared to modern tablets.
Camera Performance
The Archos 705 WiFi 160GB featured a low-resolution camera, producing images with limited detail and poor color accuracy. The camera was primarily useful for basic snapshots, and its performance was not suitable for photography enthusiasts or those seeking high-quality images. Low light performance was especially poor, resulting in grainy and noisy images. Video recording capabilities were also quite basic, with limited resolution and frame rate options.
Storage and Expandability
The 160GB of internal storage was a key selling point. This was significantly more than many competitors offered at the time, providing ample space for apps, music, videos, and other files. The lack of expandable storage via microSD card was a limitation, however. This meant that users were restricted to the 160GB provided, which, while substantial for the era, could eventually fill up depending on usage.
User Experience
The user experience on the Archos 705 WiFi 160GB was largely dictated by its limitations. While simple tasks were generally manageable, more demanding tasks led to frustration due to lag and slow performance. The older Android version limited access to newer apps and features. Navigating the interface was intuitive enough, but the overall experience lacked the fluidity and responsiveness of modern tablets.
Comparison to Modern Tablets
Compared to modern tablets, the Archos 705 WiFi 160GB is significantly outclassed in almost every aspect. The display resolution, processing power, camera quality, and software are all far behind contemporary devices. However, its legacy lies in its substantial storage capacity for its time. The device remains a relic of an earlier technological era, showcasing the rapid advancements in mobile technology;
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Large internal storage (160GB), relatively sturdy build, surprisingly loud speakers, decent battery life (for its time).
- Cons: Low-resolution display, limited processing power, poor camera quality, lack of expandable storage, outdated software, limited gaming capabilities.
Who is this tablet for?
Given its age and limitations, the Archos 705 WiFi 160GB is not recommended for most users today. Unless you are a collector of older technology or require a very inexpensive device solely for basic tasks with plenty of storage, there are far better options available in the current market. Its large storage capacity might appeal to someone needing a low-cost device primarily for storing files, but even then, modern alternatives offer better performance and features.
- Users seeking a primary tablet for gaming, media consumption, or productivity.
- Users who require a high-resolution display and modern features.
- Users prioritizing speed and multitasking capabilities.
