Acer Iconia Tab A700 Performance Calculator
Performance Results
Acer Iconia Tab A700: Comprehensive Guide to the Premium Android Tablet
The Acer Iconia Tab A700 represents a significant milestone in tablet technology, offering a powerful combination of performance, display quality, and portability. Released in 2012 as part of Acer’s premium tablet lineup, the Iconia Tab A700 was one of the first tablets to feature a stunning 1920×1200 Full HD display, setting new standards for mobile visual experiences.
Key Specifications and Features
Display Technology
- 10.1-inch IPS LCD with 1920×1200 resolution (224 PPI)
- 16:10 aspect ratio ideal for productivity and media consumption
- Superior viewing angles with IPS technology
- Corning Gorilla Glass protection for durability
Processing Power
- NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core processor (1.3 GHz)
- 12-core ULP GeForce GPU for graphics processing
- 1GB DDR3 RAM for multitasking capabilities
- Notable for being one of the first tablets with a quad-core processor
Storage and Memory
| Storage Option | Internal Capacity | Expandable Via | Max Expansion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Model | 32GB | microSD card | 32GB |
| Premium Model | 64GB | microSD card | 32GB |
Connectivity Features
- Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) with Wi-Fi Direct
- Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP support
- Micro-HDMI port for external display output
- Micro-USB 2.0 port with OTG support
- 3.5mm audio jack for headphones
Performance Analysis
Benchmark Results
The Acer Iconia Tab A700 performed exceptionally well in benchmarks for its time, often competing with or surpassing other premium tablets in the market. The combination of NVIDIA’s Tegra 3 processor and the high-resolution display made it particularly suitable for:
- Media consumption: The Full HD display was unmatched for video playback
- Light gaming: Handled most Android games available in 2012-2013 smoothly
- Productivity: Worked well with office applications and PDF viewing
- Web browsing: Rendered complex websites effectively
| Benchmark | A700 Score | Comparison (iPad 3) | Comparison (Nexus 10) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quadrant Standard | 4,200 | 3,800 | 4,500 |
| AnTuTu (v3) | 12,500 | 11,800 | 13,200 |
| GLBenchmark Egypt | 55 FPS | 48 FPS | 58 FPS |
| SunSpider (ms) | 1,450 | 1,600 | 1,380 |
Battery Life Performance
The Iconia Tab A700 was equipped with a 9,800 mAh battery, which provided:
- 8-10 hours of web browsing over Wi-Fi
- 10-12 hours of video playback
- Up to 14 days of standby time
- Full charge time of approximately 4-5 hours
Software and User Experience
Operating System
- Shipped with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
- Upgradable to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
- Acer’s custom UI layer with additional productivity features
- Full access to Google Play Store and Acer’s app ecosystem
Multimedia Capabilities
- Supported 1080p video playback in multiple formats
- 5MP rear camera with autofocus and LED flash
- 2MP front-facing camera for video calls
- Dolby Mobile audio enhancement for improved sound quality
- Stereo speakers with decent audio output for a tablet
Comparison with Competitors
Acer Iconia Tab A700 vs. Apple iPad 3
| Feature | A700 | iPad 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Resolution | 1920×1200 | 2048×1536 |
| Processor | NVIDIA Tegra 3 (1.3GHz) | Apple A5X (1GHz) |
| RAM | 1GB | 1GB |
| Storage Options | 32GB/64GB + microSD | 16GB/32GB/64GB |
| Operating System | Android 4.0+ | iOS 5.1 |
| Price (2012) | $450-$550 | $499-$699 |
Acer Iconia Tab A700 vs. Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1
The A700 compared favorably with Samsung’s premium offering:
- Better display resolution (1920×1200 vs. 1280×800)
- More powerful GPU (Tegra 3 vs. Exynos 4412)
- Similar CPU performance in most benchmarks
- Samsung offered S-Pen functionality not available on A700
- A700 had better build quality and premium feel
Long-term Value and Collectibility
Current Market Status
As of 2023, the Acer Iconia Tab A700 has become a collector’s item among tablet enthusiasts for several reasons:
- One of the first tablets with a true Full HD display
- Represents the peak of NVIDIA’s Tegra 3 mobile processors
- Well-built aluminum body that has aged well
- Runs custom ROMs well for enthusiasts
- Prices on secondary markets range from $80-$150 depending on condition
Custom ROM Community
The A700 maintains an active developer community with several custom ROM options available:
- LineageOS (Android 7.1)
- OmniROM
- CyanogenMod 13 (Android 6.0)
- Various kernel modifications for improved performance
Maintenance and Repair
Common Issues and Solutions
- Battery degradation: Original batteries often need replacement after 5-6 years. Replacement batteries are available from third-party suppliers.
- Screen lift: Some units experience adhesive failure. Can be fixed with proper reapplication of adhesive.
- Wi-Fi connectivity issues: Often resolved by updating to custom ROMs with newer Wi-Fi drivers.
- Charging port wear: Micro-USB ports can become loose. Requires soldering skills to replace.
- Storage corruption: Regular backups recommended. Can often be recovered with proper formatting.
Disassembly Guide
For those attempting repairs, the A700 can be disassembled with:
- Plastic pry tools to separate the back cover
- T5 screwdriver for internal components
- Careful handling of the ribbon cables connecting display and buttons
- Isopropyl alcohol for cleaning contacts if needed
Accessories and Enhancements
Official Acer Accessories
- Premium folio case with multiple viewing angles
- Bluetooth keyboard dock (similar to ASUS Transformer design)
- HDMI adapter for external display output
- Stylus pen (basic capacitive, not pressure-sensitive)
Recommended Third-Party Accessories
- High-capacity microSD cards (up to 128GB with proper formatting)
- USB OTG adapters for connecting peripherals
- Screen protectors (matte finish recommended for reduced glare)
- Portable power banks for extended use
- Mini HDMI to HDMI cables for TV connection
Educational and Productivity Use Cases
The Acer Iconia Tab A700 found particular success in educational settings due to:
- Its large, high-resolution display ideal for reading textbooks
- Strong multimedia capabilities for educational videos
- Good battery life for all-day use in classrooms
- Compatibility with educational apps available on Android
- Durable construction that withstood student use
Several universities and schools adopted the A700 for pilot programs. The U.S. Department of Education noted in a 2013 report that tablets like the A700 showed promise for improving student engagement in STEM subjects when properly integrated into curriculum.
Productivity Applications
The tablet excels with productivity apps including:
- Microsoft Office suite (via cloud or local installation)
- Google Docs/Sheets/Slides with offline capability
- Adobe Acrobat Reader for PDF annotation
- Evernote for note-taking and organization
- Various mind-mapping and diagram tools
Gaming Performance
While not a dedicated gaming tablet, the A700 handles many games well:
- 2D games: Runs smoothly with no issues
- 3D games: Handles moderate 3D games like Dead Trigger, Shadowgun
- Emulation: Capable of running PS1, N64, and some PSP games via emulators
- Limitations: Struggles with more recent 3D games requiring OpenGL ES 3.0+
Game Controller Support
The A700 supports:
- Bluetooth game controllers (PS3, Xbox 360 controllers with proper apps)
- USB OTG gamepads
- MOGA and other dedicated mobile gaming controllers
Environmental Impact and Recycling
The Acer Iconia Tab A700 contains several recyclable components. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, proper recycling of electronics like the A700 can recover valuable materials including:
- Aluminum from the casing
- Glass from the display
- Copper from circuit boards
- Lithium from the battery
- Various precious metals in trace amounts
For proper disposal, Acer recommends using certified e-waste recyclers. Many municipalities offer electronics recycling programs – check with your local government for specific programs in your area.
Future Prospects and Legacy
The Acer Iconia Tab A700 holds an important place in tablet history as:
- One of the first true Full HD tablets
- A showcase for NVIDIA’s Tegra 3 mobile processor
- A demonstration of what Android tablets could achieve
- An influence on subsequent tablet designs
While no longer in production, the A700 remains relevant for:
- Collectors of vintage technology
- Enthusiasts running custom ROMs
- Developers working with legacy Android versions
- Educational institutions with existing deployments
Final Verdict: Should You Buy One Today?
Pros
- Excellent build quality with aluminum body
- Still impressive Full HD display
- Good performance for legacy apps and emulation
- Active custom ROM community
- Affordable on secondary market
Cons
- Outdated Android version without official updates
- Limited app compatibility with modern software
- Battery may need replacement
- No 4G/LTE connectivity options
- Heavier than modern tablets
Best For
- Collectors of vintage tech
- Android enthusiasts interested in custom ROMs
- Users needing a secondary device for media consumption
- Educational institutions with existing infrastructure
- Developers testing on legacy Android versions
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re looking for similar functionality with more modern specs:
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S series (2014+)
- Lenovo Yoga Tab series
- Amazon Fire HD 10 (for media consumption)
- Used iPad Air 2 or newer