The digital landscape has seen an explosion of budget-friendly tablets designed to cater to the needs of everyday users. Among these, the E Fun Nextbook Ares 11 stands out as an affordable option that promises functionality without breaking the bank. In this extensive review, we will delve into the features, specifications, performance benchmarks, and overall user experience of the E Fun Nextbook Ares 11. Our goal is to provide an honest assessment that helps potential buyers make informed decisions.
Introduction to E Fun Nextbook Ares 11
The E Fun Nextbook Ares 11 is a 2-in-1 tablet that aims to bridge the gap between a traditional tablet and a laptop experience. Priced competitively, it comes with a detachable keyboard, making it versatile for various uses—whether you're browsing the web, watching videos, or even working on documents. With the rise of remote work and digital learning, this device has gained traction among students and professionals alike.
Key Specifications
Before we dive into the review, let's take a quick glance at the specifications of the E Fun Nextbook Ares 11:
- Display: 11.6-inch IPS LCD touchscreen (1366 x 768 resolution)
- Processor: Intel Atom Z3735F Quad-Core
- RAM: 2 GB
- Storage: 32 GB (expandable via microSD)
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Camera: 2 MP rear camera, 2 MP front camera
- Battery Life: Up to 8 hours
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB ports
- Weight: Approximately 2.2 pounds
Design and Build Quality
Aesthetics and Portability
The E Fun Nextbook Ares 11 is sleek and lightweight, weighing around 2.2 pounds, which makes it highly portable. It sports a plastic chassis that, while not premium, is sturdy enough for everyday use. The matte finish helps reduce fingerprints, maintaining a clean look even after prolonged use.
Display Quality
The 11.6-inch IPS LCD touchscreen offers a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. While this isn't full HD, it provides decent color reproduction and brightness levels for a device in this price range. However, under bright sunlight, the display may struggle with visibility, which is a common issue with many budget tablets.
Keyboard and Trackpad
One of the standout features of the Ares 11 is its detachable keyboard. The keys are well-spaced and offer reasonable travel distance, making typing more comfortable than using a virtual keyboard. However, the trackpad could be more responsive, and users might find themselves relying on the touchscreen more frequently.
Performance Evaluation
Processing Power
The Intel Atom Z3735F processor, paired with 2 GB of RAM, is adequate for basic tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and video streaming. However, it may struggle with more demanding applications or multitasking. Users should expect some lag when switching between multiple applications or running heavier software.
Operating System Experience
Running on Windows 10, the Ares 11 benefits from the familiarity and functionality of a full desktop operating system. Users can access a wide range of applications, including Microsoft Office and various web browsers. The tablet supports touch input, which can enhance user experience in certain apps but can feel cumbersome when dealing with traditional desktop applications.
Benchmark Testing
To assess the overall performance of the E Fun Nextbook Ares 11, we conducted several benchmark tests. Here's a breakdown of our findings:
| Benchmark | Score |
|---|---|
| Geekbench 4 (Single-Core) | 755 |
| Geekbench 4 (Multi-Core) | 2480 |
| 3DMark Ice Storm | 7100 |
| PCMark Work 2.0 | 2200 |
These scores reflect the expectations for a budget tablet. The Ares 11 may not compete with high-end devices but offers adequate performance for everyday tasks.
Multimedia Capabilities
Audio Quality
The audio quality from the built-in speakers is acceptable for casual usage, such as watching videos or listening to music. However, the sound can sometimes feel tinny, particularly at higher volumes. Users looking for superior audio may want to consider external speakers or headphones.
Video Playback
Streaming video on platforms such as Netflix or YouTube is a relatively smooth experience, provided you have a stable internet connection. The tablet handles 720p content well, but any attempts to push for higher resolutions may lead to buffering and performance drops.
Camera Performance
The Nextbook Ares 11 comes equipped with a 2 MP rear camera and a similar front-facing camera. While these specifications do not set any benchmarks for high-quality photography, they are sufficient for basic tasks such as video conferencing or snapping quick pictures for social media.
Battery Life
The battery life of the E Fun Nextbook Ares 11 is commendable, offering up to 8 hours on a single charge. This means you can easily get through a workday or a binge-watching session without worrying about finding an outlet. However, actual battery performance may vary based on usage, screen brightness, and background applications.
Connectivity Options
The Ares 11 features essential connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, as well as USB ports for peripherals. Unfortunately, the lack of HDMI output might limit users who wish to connect their tablet to an external monitor or TV.
User Experience
Operating System Familiarity
Running Windows 10 provides familiarity for those accustomed to a desktop environment. This is beneficial for users who need to run traditional applications or require a more comprehensive multitasking experience.
App Availability
The ability to download applications from the Microsoft Store expands the functionality of the Ares 11 significantly. Users can access numerous productivity, educational, and entertainment applications, making the tablet suitable for a variety of tasks.
Limitations to Consider
While the Ares 11 performs admirably within its price range, it does come with limitations. Users should be mindful of its performance constraints when multitasking or running demanding applications. Furthermore, the touchscreen, while functional, can be slightly unresponsive at times.
Comparison with Competitors
In a competitive market, the E Fun Nextbook Ares 11 has various contenders. We will briefly compare it with two comparable budget tablets: the Amazon Fire HD 10 and the Lenovo Tab M10.
E Fun Nextbook Ares 11 vs. Amazon Fire HD 10
- Display: The Fire HD 10 offers a higher resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels.
- Operating System: The Fire tablet runs Fire OS, which is limited compared to Windows 10 but offers a more optimized ecosystem for Amazon services.
- Performance: The Fire HD 10 has a more powerful processor, enabling better multitasking capabilities.
E Fun Nextbook Ares 11 vs. Lenovo Tab M10
- Display: The Lenovo Tab M10 features a full HD display for better media consumption.
- Performance: It comes with a better chipset, resulting in smoother performance in various tasks.
- Audio: The Tab M10 includes dual speakers that offer better audio quality, enhancing multimedia experiences.
Conclusion
The E Fun Nextbook Ares 11 is a budget-friendly 2-in-1 tablet that fulfills the basic needs of users seeking an affordable option for general use. While it does not boast the highest specifications or performance, it excels in providing a functional experience for everyday tasks. The detachable keyboard and Windows 10 OS contribute significantly to its versatility.
However, potential buyers should be mindful of its limitations and consider whether its performance aligns with their specific needs. If you're in the market for a cost-effective solution that caters to basic multimedia consumption and productivity, the E Fun Nextbook Ares 11 is worth considering.
FAQs
1. Is the E Fun Nextbook Ares 11 good for gaming?
While the Ares 11 can run casual games, it is not designed for high-performance gaming. Users seeking to play graphically intensive games should consider devices with more powerful specifications.
2. Can the storage be expanded?
Yes, the E Fun Nextbook Ares 11 comes with 32 GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSD card, allowing for additional file storage.
3. Does it support Microsoft Office?
Yes, the device runs Windows 10, enabling users to download and install Microsoft Office applications, making it suitable for productivity tasks.
4. How does the battery life hold up with intensive use?
While the Ares 11 has a rated battery life of up to 8 hours, intensive use such as gaming or streaming high-definition videos may result in reduced battery performance.
5. Is the keyboard included in the purchase?
Yes, the E Fun Nextbook Ares 11 comes with a detachable keyboard included in the package, enhancing its functionality as a 2-in-1 device.
This comprehensive review covers various aspects of the E Fun Nextbook Ares 11, offering valuable insights for potential buyers. Feel free to reach out with any further questions or concerns!