Chuwi Hi8 Rocks Windows 8.1 and Android on a Budget

Chuwi Hi8 Dual-OS Tablet 01

Ever since Microsoft made Windows 8.1 with Bing free for devices with a display, tablets running this OS (either alone, or in combination with Android) have started springing up like mushrooms after the rain. Chuwi Hi8 is one of the most affordable tablets to run both of these operating systems.

Not so long ago, finding Windows and Android on the same device would have sounded like an impossible idea. However, with the emergence of Intel’s Bay Trail CPUs, getting these two operating systems to cohabit became a reality. Chinese manufacturers couldn’t miss this chance, and started producing a plethora of dual-OS tablets at different price points, depending on the features they have.

Chuwi Hi8 relies on a quad-core Intel Atom Z3736F clocked at up to 2.16Ghz and a 7th-gen Intel HD GPU to run these operating systems and their respective apps. For multitasking, the tablet comes with 2GB of RAM (which are detected as such in Windows 8.1 with Bing, but only seen as 1.87GB on Android). As far as storage is concerned, Win8.1 will show 14GB of ROM, out of the 32GB featured by the tablet, and 6.78GB in Android. That surely doesn’t sound like much, but microSD cards of up to 64GB can be used to expand that.

For an 8-inch display, Chuwi Hi8 has a pretty impressive resolution, especially considering the price. A 1920×1200 IPS MagicColor Panel was used, and the pixel density of 283PPI should make everything look crystal clear.

To stay connected, this tablet relies on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antennas, as well as USB OTG. In fact, an USB OTG cable is provided in the box, along with the charger and the data cable. The 4,000mAh battery shouldn’t take long to charge, provided that the charger is rated at 5V/2A. According to the manufacturer, that capacity should be just enough for up to 5 hours of video playback. In any case, it wouldn’t be such a bad idea to carry a power bank with you, while on the go.

GearBest currently carries Chuwi Hi8 at $92.59, which really is an impressive price, considering the specs and the ability to run both Windows and Android. Sure, the tablet lacks many features, such as a SIM slot for 3G or 4G connectivity, a GPS sensor or an HDMI port, but these can be found in more expensive models. For someone looking for a basic tablet that’s friendly on the wallet, Chuwi Hi8 may be exactly what they need.

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