The allure of a remarkably cheap gadget often sparks curiosity, promising a world of functionality without the hefty price tag. But does an ultra-affordable device truly deliver, or does its low cost come with significant compromises? In the video above, Lou dives deep into the reality of a $40 Android tablet, specifically the I Rulu model, to answer the pivotal question: “Does it suck?”
The quest for a truly affordable Android tablet is common among budget-conscious consumers and those seeking a secondary device for light tasks. However, as Lou’s candid review highlights, the chasm between expectation and reality can be vast when dealing with devices at the extreme lower end of the pricing spectrum. Understanding the technical limitations and user experience drawbacks of such an entry-level tablet is crucial before making a purchasing decision.
Unboxing the I Rulu: First Impressions and Peculiarities
The initial interaction with any new device sets the tone, and for the I Rulu $40 Android tablet, it was far from premium. Lou noted the stark simplicity of the “cardboard box for the unboxing experience,” immediately signaling a focus on cost-cutting over presentation. Inside, a user manual with quirky English offered an early glimpse into the product’s likely origins and target market, emphasizing affordability over refined user communication.
Physically, the tablet arrives wrapped in bubble wrap and a sleeve, hinting at some care despite the minimalist packaging. The orange hue of the specific unit reviewed is a stylistic choice, but practical elements like the placement of a “well-placed serial number sticker” and a “satisfying click” from the volume buttons suggest a basic level of assembly. However, the mention of “glue on here” and “stickers there that have been peeled off” raises immediate questions about manufacturing quality control and potential refurbishment, common issues with some extremely low-cost electronics.
Connectivity and Charging: Beyond the Standard
When assessing a budget Android tablet, connectivity options are always a key factor. The I Rulu tablet features a DC 5V charging port, a micro USB port, a microphone, a rear-facing camera, a speaker, and a headphone jack. Crucially, it includes a “TF card” slot, which Lou correctly identified as a micro SD slot for expandable storage—a significant plus for any tablet, especially one with minimal internal storage. This allows users to augment the device’s capacity for media files, apps, and documents, extending its utility.
However, the charging solution presents a notable peculiarity. While a micro USB port is present, the device primarily uses a separate DC 5V charging port with a non-proprietary, yet uncommon, cable. This means users cannot simply rely on standard micro USB chargers they might have for other devices. The included cable needs to connect to a USB charger, adding an extra component to manage. More concerning are the explicit instructions for initial charging: a full 10 hours for the first use, followed by 7 hours for subsequent charges. This prolonged charging time is indicative of older, less efficient battery technology or charging circuits, vastly different from the rapid charging standards of modern mobile devices. Such instructions also suggest a specific, sensitive charging regimen is required to “not got problem with charging and battery life,” implying potential issues if not followed precisely.
The Display Dilemma: A Major Compromise for Cheap Android Tablets
Perhaps the most critical aspect of any tablet experience is its screen, and this is where the I Rulu cheap Android tablet truly falters. Lou’s struggle to even see the screen in well-lit conditions due to intense reflection is a severe handicap. Even at full brightness, the display remained faint, a tell-tale sign of a low-quality panel with insufficient backlight strength and poor anti-reflective properties. The specified resolution of 1020×600 pixels on what appears to be a 7-inch or 8-inch panel translates to a low pixel density, resulting in visible pixelation and a lack of sharpness. This resolution is considerably below the 720p (1280×720) or 1080p (1920×1080) standards common even on many budget smartphones, impacting the clarity of text, images, and videos.
Further exacerbating the display issues, Lou observed “black bars on each side” when playing video, indicating an unusual aspect ratio that doesn’t conform to standard video formats. The most damning indictment came with the observation of “fingers in the back of the display,” suggesting a lack of proper lamination between the display panel and the touch screen, or an extremely thin and flimsy panel. Such manufacturing shortcuts result in poor contrast, washed-out colors, limited viewing angles, and a generally subpar visual experience, rendering the device unsuitable for media consumption, reading, or even basic web browsing.
Camera Performance and Overall User Experience
In the realm of imaging, the I Rulu tablet’s specifications are equally disappointing. Featuring a 0.3-megapixel front-facing camera, it falls drastically short of modern expectations. For context, 0.3 megapixels is equivalent to VGA resolution (640×480 pixels), a standard from the early 2000s. As Lou aptly demonstrated, images from this sensor appear “kind of like I’m underwater” and “quite washed out,” struggling significantly with exposure and detail. This makes the camera practically unusable for anything beyond highly pixelated video calls in perfect lighting conditions, or as a mere placeholder feature. Modern smartphones typically feature front cameras ranging from 5MP to 20MP, showcasing the vast difference in image capture capabilities.
Beyond the hardware, the overall user experience of this low-cost Android tablet felt “incredibly unpolished.” This likely points to outdated Android firmware, a lack of optimization, and potentially a sluggish processor or insufficient RAM. Features like “two different sound toggles” in the tray without stereo speakers highlight a disjointed software experience, potentially indicating generic, poorly integrated software. The pre-installed “I Rulu game” and “different game collections satisfy different players” branding further suggests bloatware or a curated, non-standard app environment. Such issues contribute to a frustrating user journey characterized by slow navigation, app crashes, and a general lack of fluidity, reinforcing the perception of a device that “sucks” rather than delights.
Is There a Better Value Proposition?
Lou’s final verdict is unequivocal: this particular $40 Android tablet “sucks.” Its fundamental flaws in display quality, camera performance, and the general unpolished user experience make it a poor investment, even at its incredibly low price point. The issues identified—from bizarre charging requirements to a virtually unusable screen—outweigh any perceived savings.
While the I Rulu tablet does offer micro SD card expansion, a notable advantage, this single positive cannot redeem its multitude of drawbacks. For those seeking an entry-level device, Lou suggests that “there’s something better out there for not too much more.” This sentiment is critical. Often, spending an additional $20, $50, or $100 can unlock a significantly improved user experience with tablets from more established brands or even refurbished previous-generation models. These alternatives typically offer better screens, more reliable performance, clearer cameras, and consistent software support, providing true value that extends beyond the initial purchase price of an extremely cheap Android tablet like the I Rulu.
