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Chinese device maker Hisense is getting ready to launch its first Android tablets in the US. The company’s Hisense Sero 7 Lite tablet hit the FCC last month, and now SlashGear reports that it will be available in the US soon for $99 and up.
Update: It looks like both the Hisense Sero 7 Lite and Pro are already available from some Walmart locations. The Pro model has a Tegra 3 quad-core CPU, while the Lite model has a dual-core processor.
The company will reportedly also offer a $149 model called the Hisense Sero 7 Pro. That version will have a 7 inch, 1280 x 800 pixel IPS display, an NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core processor and 1GB of RAM.
It sounds a lot like the Google Nexus 7, but this tablet has 8GB of storage instead of 16GB. On the bright side, it has a microSD card slot, a mini HDMI port, and a rear camera (as well as a front-facing camera. Those are three things the Nexus 7 lacks… at least for now.
The Hisense Sero 7 Pro is also expected to feature WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, and NFC. It runs Android 4.2 Jelly Bean software.
It’s not clear what sets the Sero 7 Lite and Sero 7 Pro apart, but it seems like a safe bet that the Pro model has a few features which it’s cheaper sibling will lack. But at $149, even the more expensive model sounds like a pretty great deal.
Rooting instructions: https://www.sero7.com/2013/05/updated-instructions-for-rooting-your.html
I bought the lite, but it interferes with my wifi and keeps ALL of my other computers from connecting to the Internet. Im hoping they can fix the issue when I call tomorrow. Otherwise, I’ll return it and go for the nexus.
FCC details for the Pro model: https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/ViewExhibitReport.cfm?mode=Exhibits&RequestTimeout=500&calledFromFrame=N&application_id=357686&fcc_id=W9HPADP0001
barcode for the $149 pro model (dark box). Try using the barcode scanner feature an the Walmart app to check availability. All I get is “availability unknown” for the pro model, but it looks like the $99 lite model will show you real stock status.
Barcode for the lite model (white box).
I scanned it Adam but when I went to wal-mart they did not have it and on the app it said in stock.
which version did they not have Chris?
specs from the back of the $149 model box
Does that Walmart receipt mean you’ve already spotted this in a store?
Spotted and purchased. In stock, but not on display. Durham, NC.
How do you like it so far? Does it feel like its gonna last?
Did you try it yet Adam?
Works fine–feels just like about any other Android tablet (for better and worse). Build quality seems solid and the back has a nice rubbery, slightly bumpy, texture to it. Speakers are mediocre compared to an iPad mini. Screen looks good (I couldn’t pick a winner between the iPad mini and the Hisense, with maybe a slight edge in text sharpness with the Hisense). The rear camera sucks compared to my iPhone 4S, but probably about par for the course for Android tablets.
Running version 4.2.1. No 4.2.2 update showing as of right now.
Is there supposed to be a 4.2.2 update? Well Hisense hasn’t even announced this tablet yet. I still don’t understand how Walmart started selling these early.
They are announcing these in two days. I saw a tweet on their website https://twitter.com/Hisense_USA/status/336833944215511040 and https://www.hisense-usa.com/
Hello Adam, thanks for the photos and feedback, can I ask you if Google Play Store is installed already or is this something that will have to be hacked in?
Google Play Store installed. I’m NOT an android techie, but the only apps I immediately identified as not just plain ol’ Jelly Bean Android are Walmart, Sams Club, and Kingsoft Office. Maybe a couple others that I deleted and can’t recall (but it did let me delete them).
Thanks for the update! I appreciate the info.
Adam:
I’m also in Durham and my old Acer A100 just died. Which store had them?
New Hope Commons. They’re in the back of the display case that holds the other tablets at the front of the electronics counter. When I went in the other morning, the woman working knew just what I was talking about.
Hi Brad. The prices aren’t rumors. I have more info please email me. There might be A 3G version of the Pro as well.
And the box back for the $99 model
Adam, do you have an email address I can contact you at? I also own the Pro version.
adam556223 at gmail.com