Cherry Mobile last month launched three new Intel-powered devices – the 4-inch Maia Fone i4 smartphone, the 7-inch Maia Pad tablet and the 8-inch Maia Smart Tab. While all three devices promise decent performance at reasonable prices, the Cherry Mobile MAIA Smart Tab brings more to the table – the ability to run both Windows and Android OS. At Php 4,999, is Cherry Mobile’s dual-boot tablet worth your bucks? Find out on our review below.
Design and Construction
The Cherry Mobile MAIA Smart Tab is clad in plastic with a matte finish back and glossy front panel. While the bezels, especially the top and bottom that houses the camera and the Windows button are thick, its contoured sides and curved back makes holding the device easier even with just one hand. The Maia Smart Tab also feels lighter on the hand compared to other tablets in its category.
On top of the 8-inch display are the camera and the indicator light. Only one physical button can be found below – a distinct silver Windows button that also doubles as Home button when using the tablet in Android mode.
On the right side are the power and volume buttons, also made of hard plastic. On top are the audio jack and the micro-USB/charging port.
At the back are the camera, the MAIA, Cherry Mobile and Intel inscriptions and the speaker. Also located at the back, on the top right is the microSD card slot.
Display and Multimedia
The Cherry Mobile MAIA Smart Tab’s display is equipped with a 1280×800 WXGA resolution similarly employed by other 8-inch tablets including the Acer Iconia W4 and Galaxy Tab 4. Cherry Mobile failed to mention the display technology of the Maia Smart Tab; nonetheless, it delivers bright, accurate colors with wide viewing angles. The tablet also uses Intel Smart Video to further enhance the quality of the videos. The bundled screen protector however easily catches glare, especially when outdoors.
Audio quality is average but could have been better if the speakers were placed elsewhere. Overall, the Maia Smart Tab offers just the right screen size for browsing, watching videos and playing games.
