Acer Iconia B1 budget tablet announced – Specs, pricing and more

For most manufacturers these days, budget tablets are where it’s at. Even Indian manufacturers have come out with so many budget tablets, it’s become hard to differentiate between them (we’re looking at you, Micromax). But then again, budget tablets are usually associated with slow processors, inadequate RAM and old OS versions. Other than the excellent Nexus 7 which really shouldn’t be considered a budget tablet, there isn’t a tablet that gives you a lot for a low price. That’s all set to change with the Acer Iconia B1 budget tablet, which will feature specs similar to a certain older 7 inch tablet which launched at 159$.

The Acer Iconia B1 budget tablet is the Taiwanese company’s attempt to make headway into the low budget game and with their reputation for combining good build quality and specs at a reasonable price, it could turn out to be a winner. Featuring specs similar to the Kindle Fire which retails for 159$, the Acer Iconia B1 budget tablet is rumored to cost just 99$! This puts it in direct contention with the rumored 99$ Nexus tablet from Asus which is supposed to make it’s debut in CES 2013. Made specifically for emerging markets, the Acer Iconia B1 budget tablet will release in South East Asia, South America, China and some parts of Europe as well in early 2013. If Acer manages to actually sell the tablet for this price, local players like Karbonn and Micromax might have a thing to worry about. Even after conversions and taxes if the Acer Iconia B1 budget tablet goes for under Rs. 7000 it will be a good deal. Here’s the specs:

Acer Iconia B1 budget tablet specs:

• SoC: MediaTek MT6577
• CPU: 1.2 GHz dual-core
• GPU: PowerVR SGX 531
• RAM: 512 MB RAM
• Storage: 8 GB, expandable upto 32 GB via MicroSD
• Screen: 7 inches TFT LCD, 1024 x 600 px (169 ppi)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth v4.0, Wi-fi, GPS, MicroUSB 2.0 slot
• Camera: 1.3 MP
• OS: Android 4.1.2
• Battery: N/A
• Price: 99$

Although the battery capacity hasn’t been mentioned yet, the above specs aren’t particularly power hungry. Sure they’re not cutting edge, but they will do the job. It wasn’t too long ago that these were standard specs for new tablets, so for this price we can’t really complain. Drop us a line and let us know what you think about the new offering from Acer, yay or nay?