Yoga Tablet 2 Pro Review: Battery Life & Pico Projector
Lenovo Tablet 2 Pro: A Comprehensive Review
The Lenovo Tablet 2 Pro represents a compelling fusion of powerful components. It combines a large, high-resolution display, robust processing capabilities, an extended-life battery, and an integrated pico projector.
Key Features and Design
This device aims to satisfy users seeking a versatile tablet experience. But does this combination of desired hardware and features truly meet expectations? A detailed evaluation follows.
We subjected this uniquely designed Android tablet to a series of rigorous tests to assess its performance and usability.
Performance Evaluation
The tablet’s large screen is designed for immersive viewing. Its powerful hardware ensures smooth operation even with demanding applications.
Furthermore, the substantial battery capacity promises prolonged usage. The inclusion of a built-in video projector adds a distinctive dimension to its functionality.
Our assessment will determine if the Lenovo Tablet 2 Pro successfully delivers on its ambitious promises.
Introducing the Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 Pro
The Yoga Tablet 2 Pro, priced at $499, represents Lenovo’s latest innovation in the tablet space. It boasts a comprehensive feature set housed within a uniquely designed form factor.
Functioning as a tablet, media hub, and even a projector, the Yoga Tablet 2 Pro aims to blend productivity with entertainment. This device is essentially a tablet-laptop hybrid, powered by an Intel Atom quad-core processor and running a customized version of Android 4.4.
It includes 32GB of internal storage, expandable up to 64GB through the use of a MicroSD card.
Distinctive Design and Form Factor
In contrast to the typically sleek and minimalist design of conventional tablets, the Yoga Tablet 2 Pro exhibits a broader and more contoured shape.
This difference is due to the integration of a pico projector, a substantial hinge stand, and a cylindrical grip section that accommodates these components.
Before delving into the key functionalities, a closer examination of the device’s physical design is warranted.
Examining the Physical Design
A defining characteristic of the Yoga Tablet 2 Pro is immediately noticeable upon inspection. The tablet’s chassis incorporates an elongated cylindrical component extending along its base and left side. Within this cylinder are housed a substantial 9,600 mAh non-removable battery, the power button at one extremity, and the pico projector lens at the opposing end.
Beyond the substantial cylinder, the tablet itself maintains a slim profile, exhibiting a subtly tapered form.
The cylinder’s core also contains a robust hinge mechanism, enabling the tablet to function as a stand in both vertical, monitor-like orientation and horizontal projector mode.
The tablet’s front panel presents a conventional appearance—a screen surrounded by a black bezel, a front-facing camera integrated into the bezel, and silver accents—but notably includes visible speaker grilles along the front surface of the cylinder.
The rear of the device features an additional speaker grille, a small button for releasing the stand, and a rear-facing camera. A small panel providing access to the SD card expansion slot is located behind the stand.
In general, the tablet demonstrates solid construction. The metallic enclosure feels durable, the stand is remarkably stable and offers satisfying resistance (unlike the flimsy plastic kickstands found on some budget tablets and smartphones), and the cylinder provides a functional hand grip.
Although its weight of 2.1lbs—over twice that of an iPad Air—is considerable, it doesn't feel cumbersome unless attempting prolonged one-handed use without supporting the tablet against a surface.
Exploring Core Features and Hardware Specifications
Beyond physical design, the differentiating factors between Android tablets lie in their features and underlying hardware. A consumer evaluating tablets, such as the Yoga Tablet 2 Pro, would likely consider these aspects. We will examine these features in a manner mirroring that evaluation process.
Display Technology and Resolution
The Yoga Tablet 2 Pro boasts a 13.3-inch, 2560x1440 resolution display. This large screen size and high resolution contribute to an immersive viewing experience. It’s particularly well-suited for media consumption and productivity tasks.
Processor and Performance
Powering the device is an Intel Atom Z3745 processor. This quad-core processor, coupled with 2GB of RAM, delivers adequate performance for everyday tasks. However, it may struggle with more demanding applications or heavy multitasking.
Storage Capacity and Expandability
The tablet comes equipped with 32GB of internal storage. This provides sufficient space for apps, files, and media. Furthermore, storage can be expanded via a microSD card slot, offering increased flexibility.
Camera Capabilities
The Yoga Tablet 2 Pro features an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera. These cameras are suitable for casual photography and video conferencing. They aren't intended for professional-grade image capture.
Battery Life and Power Management
A substantial 10,200mAh battery powers the tablet. This large capacity translates to extended battery life, allowing for hours of usage on a single charge. Efficient power management further enhances its longevity.
Unique Features: The Kickstand and Projector
One of the most distinctive features of the Yoga Tablet 2 Pro is its integrated kickstand. This allows for hands-free viewing and versatile positioning. Additionally, the built-in projector enables users to share content on a larger surface.
Audio System and Connectivity
The tablet incorporates Dolby Atmos enhanced speakers. This delivers a rich and immersive audio experience. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a micro-USB port, ensuring seamless integration with other devices.
Operating System and Software
The Yoga Tablet 2 Pro runs on Android. This provides access to a vast ecosystem of apps and services. The user interface is generally intuitive and customizable.
Summarizing Key Hardware Components
In essence, the Yoga Tablet 2 Pro combines a large, high-resolution display with a capable processor and ample storage. Its unique features, such as the kickstand and projector, set it apart from conventional tablets. These elements collectively contribute to a versatile and engaging user experience.
Integrated Pico Projection Technology
The defining characteristic of the Yoga Tablet 2 Pro, setting it apart from comparable tablets, is undoubtedly its integrated pico projector. While this compact projection capability may not be universally desired in a tablet, it was a primary factor in our evaluation of the Yoga Tablet 2 Pro. We anticipate that consumers evaluating numerous tablet options will also find this feature noteworthy.
Let's address this directly: the pico projector is genuinely impressive. However, it’s also important to acknowledge that impressive doesn’t automatically equate to flawless implementation or widespread utility. Incorporating a functional projector into a device smaller than a typical thumb presents significant challenges, and this projector isn't yet suited for professional-grade applications.
The most significant limitation wasn't the image brightness or overall quality. Although the projected resolution is considerably lower than the tablet’s main display – specifically 854x480 pixels – it remains adequate for most viewing scenarios, excluding perhaps the critical viewing of high-definition Blu-ray content. Furthermore, the projector’s brightness is surprisingly effective given its diminutive size.
The photograph above was captured in a partially darkened home theater environment. Despite sufficient ambient light for reading, the pico projector successfully illuminated the projection screen without issue.
The projector’s primary drawback lies in its manual focus slider. Located directly below the lens, this small slider controls the projector’s focus. Its limited range of motion and considerable stiffness made achieving a perfectly sharp projected image exceedingly difficult. Throughout the review process, we found ourselves repeatedly adjusting – and becoming increasingly frustrated with – this simple slider.
The focus issue was less problematic when viewing videos from platforms like YouTube. However, when projecting content containing small text – such as web pages or presentation slides – the focus imperfections became immediately apparent. As illustrated in the projection image above, even with our best efforts, a slight fuzziness in the lettering was unavoidable.
Therefore, if your interest in the pico projector stems from the novelty of projecting YouTube videos or engaging in similar recreational activities, you will likely be satisfied. However, if you require a reliable tool for presentations or business meetings, the difficulty in adjusting the manual focus may prove unacceptable.
Despite these limitations, we thoroughly enjoyed experimenting with a tablet equipped with a projector, primarily due to its futuristic appeal. We sincerely hope that the seemingly tepid response to pico projection doesn't discourage Lenovo – or other manufacturers – from further developing this technology. We believe that future smartphones and tablets incorporating combined LED flashlights and projectors would be truly innovative.
Screen Quality Assessment
While the projected image may appear somewhat lacking in sharpness and resolution, the integrated screen of the Yoga Tablet 2 Pro delivers a bright and clear visual experience. The primary display utilizes an IPS panel with a resolution of 2560x1440 pixels, offering a notably sharp picture.
Although not the highest resolution available among tablet screens, the difference becomes negligible without specialized testing equipment. Beyond a certain point, discerning finer details is difficult for the average user.
Display Performance
Capturing the true quality of the screen in photographs proves challenging. However, we were favorably impressed with the display’s performance. Having a large IPS screen readily available for gaming or movie viewing is a significant benefit.
A single drawback concerns Lenovo’s software implementation, rather than the screen hardware itself. The tablet includes a feature termed "Lenovo Smart Switch."
This feature is designed to automatically optimize screen brightness and color temperature based on surrounding ambient light, aiming for an ideal viewing experience. However, our testing revealed a tendency for the display to exhibit a noticeable yellowish or orange hue.
This observation is not isolated, as Lenovo provides a support document acknowledging the issue and detailing how to disable the Smart Switch feature. Like the concerns with the pico projector, we believe refinement, rather than removal, is the optimal solution.
With the automatic adjustment tool deactivated, the screen proved to be visually pleasing, and no further issues were encountered. The overall screen quality was excellent.
Battery Performance
The Yoga Tablet Pro 2 delivers exceptional battery longevity, attributable to its substantial 9,600 mAh battery integrated within the handle. Prolonged usage for everyday web browsing was achievable for multiple days without requiring a recharge.
Even under demanding conditions, encompassing browsing and streaming services like Netflix, the tablet consistently lasted throughout an entire day. Charging was only necessary after extended periods of media playback.
Typically, users can anticipate 8-10 hours of light use and approximately 6-8 hours of video streaming. Remarkably, even with the integrated projector in operation, the battery sustained power for over five hours – sufficient for a double movie viewing.
Standby Efficiency
The device exhibits impressive power conservation in standby mode. Lenovo advertises 15 hours of standby time, however, testing consistently exceeded this benchmark.
Disabling Wi-Fi and minimizing tablet interaction allowed for days of inactivity with minimal battery depletion. Frequent charging is therefore unnecessary, providing users with considerable convenience.
Battery life is a significant strength of the Yoga Tablet Pro 2, offering both endurance and efficiency for a variety of usage scenarios.
User Interface
For Android device purchasers, the user interface can often feel unpredictable. Choosing an iPad or iPhone provides a consistent iOS experience, regardless of personal preference. However, the Android ecosystem is highly fragmented, resulting in a wide range of user experiences – from pure Android to heavily customized versions.
Unfortunately, Lenovo’s customized Android interface and launcher do not deliver a particularly satisfying experience. The standard interface, and the only option without installing a third-party launcher, closely resembles the iOS home screen, but in an awkward manner.
While it may visually mimic an iPad, including the folder system, the execution feels clumsy. It lacks the responsiveness and ease of use one would anticipate from such a comparison. Considering the numerous possibilities for interface design, it’s disappointing that the approach seems to be simply, “iPads are popular; let’s create an interface that looks confusingly similar.”
Another key feature, intended to be a significant advantage, is the multitasking capability. Initial impressions were positive – a large screen seemed ideal for multitasking. However, this enthusiasm quickly faded upon discovering that the feature was restricted to a limited selection of pre-approved applications.
The implementation of this multitasking function is also ill-suited for a tablet screen. While layered, non-tiled windows may work on a desktop monitor, they are inefficient within the constraints of a mobile operating system and its limited screen space.
The unused space around the windows, displaying the home screen background and shortcuts, represents a significant waste of screen real estate. There’s no option to snap windows to the edges for alignment, nor can they be resized beyond full screen or a predetermined size. Even the default window size isn’t a logical fraction of the display, preventing manual tiling for a clean layout.
Camera Performance on the Yoga Tablet 2 Pro
Generally, devices beyond those specifically marketed for their photographic capabilities don't deliver exceptional camera experiences. Expectations for mobile device cameras are typically aligned with their inherent limitations.
The Yoga Tablet 2 Pro’s rear camera, an 8MP sensor, performs in line with other mainstream mobile devices. Image quality is comparable to what is commonly found in average smartphone cameras, exhibiting similar levels of noise and autofocus speed. It doesn’t rival dedicated digital cameras, and that wasn’t the intention.
However, it is perfectly adequate for capturing quick snapshots for sharing with colleagues or archiving in note-taking applications.
The front-facing camera, with a resolution of 1.6MP, provides a standard experience for video calls and casual self-portraits. Its capabilities are consistent with other integrated laptop and tablet webcams.
While functional, the front camera won’t provide a high-definition video conferencing experience; it serves its purpose as a basic communication tool.
Speaker Performance on the Yoga Tablet 2 Pro
The audio quality exhibited by the Yoga Tablet 2 Pro is notably strong for a portable device. Its substantial cylindrical design incorporates dual front-facing speakers, complemented by a small subwoofer situated on the device’s rear panel. This configuration delivers a 2.1 sound system, a feature rarely found in tablets.
Initial assessments raised concerns regarding a somewhat metallic sound quality during playback of bass-rich music. However, further investigation revealed pre-configured sound profiles optimized for various uses, including music and movie viewing.
Sound Profile Settings
Interestingly, the default setting is configured for movie playback, which prioritizes clarity over bass response. Considering that diminished bass is often the first deficiency noticed when evaluating portable speakers, the omission of a music-focused default profile is somewhat unexpected.
The tablet offers several sound profiles to enhance the listening experience.
- Music
- Movie
- Voice
- Custom
Upon adjusting the audio profile to suit the specific application, the speakers of the Yoga Tablet 2 Pro produce a highly satisfying sound. The device’s audio capabilities are significantly improved through proper configuration.
The 2.1 sound system provides a richer and more immersive audio experience than many competing tablets. This is a key advantage for users who frequently consume multimedia content.
Appreciable Details in Design
Often, the most enjoyable aspects of a product are the subtle, thoughtfully implemented features. In this instance, we particularly appreciated the integrated stand and the SD card slot configuration found on the device.
Portable device stands are frequently constructed with inexpensive, fragile materials, discouraging their use due to concerns about breakage. Conversely, the stand incorporated into the Yoga Tablet 2 Pro exhibits remarkable robustness. The release button provides tactile feedback, extending to its lowest setting immediately upon activation.
Furthermore, the stand maintains its position securely at any angle, requiring deliberate effort to adjust. Both the stand itself – appearing to be a metal alloy – and its adjustment mechanism convey a sense of quality and careful engineering.
An additional benefit is the inclusion of a sizable aperture within the flat section of the stand, enabling complete folding and facilitating suspension of the tablet when desired.
The design of the SD card expansion slot area also impressed us. A small panel safeguards the port and incorporates a recessed area for storing a second SD card.
This arrangement is ideal for maintaining one SD card for everyday tasks – such as expanding storage for photos, applications, and documents – while keeping a separate card pre-loaded with films and television programs for journeys and leisure time.
A Comprehensive Review: The Yoga Tablet 2 Pro
Having extensively tested the Yoga Tablet 2 Pro over a period of approximately one month, including rigorous performance evaluations, detailed settings exploration, gaming sessions, and occasional work tasks, a thorough assessment can now be provided.
Initial Impressions and Usage
The device was subjected to a variety of real-world scenarios to gauge its capabilities and identify both strengths and weaknesses. This involved pushing its limits and observing its behavior under different conditions.
A detailed examination of the tablet’s features and functionalities was undertaken, alongside practical application to determine its overall usability.
Performance Analysis
Throughout the testing period, the Yoga Tablet 2 Pro demonstrated consistent performance across a range of applications. Gaming proved to be a particularly insightful area of evaluation.
The tablet’s ability to handle demanding tasks was assessed, and its responsiveness was carefully monitored. This included evaluating its processing speed and multitasking capabilities.
Key Observations
The evaluation process revealed several noteworthy aspects of the Yoga Tablet 2 Pro. These observations form the basis of the final verdict.
- Build Quality: The device exhibits a robust construction.
- Display: The screen offers vibrant colors and sharp clarity.
- Battery Life: Power efficiency allows for extended usage periods.
Further analysis focused on the tablet’s unique features and how they contribute to the overall user experience. The integrated kickstand, for example, was examined for its practicality and versatility.
Final Assessment
Based on the comprehensive testing and detailed analysis, a conclusive evaluation of the Yoga Tablet 2 Pro can be presented. The device offers a compelling combination of features and performance.
Ultimately, the Yoga Tablet 2 Pro proves to be a versatile and capable device, suitable for a wide range of users. Its strengths outweigh its weaknesses, making it a worthwhile consideration.
Strengths of the Device
The tablet boasts a large, visually striking display that provides an enjoyable user experience.
Its casing has been carefully engineered, incorporating beneficial elements such as a robust stand and integrated SD card storage, alongside a generally durable build quality.
Key Advantages
- Exceptional battery performance is observed, coupled with efficient power management during periods of inactivity.
- A built-in projector is included, representing a forward-thinking feature.
- Despite a $500 price point, the tablet represents significant value considering its size and feature set.
The device offers a compelling combination of display quality, build integrity, and innovative functionality.
Considering the features offered, the cost is remarkably reasonable, making it an attractive option for potential buyers.
Areas for Improvement
The user interface of Lenovo’s customized Android operating system requires refinement. A substantial redesign or the implementation of a new launcher would be beneficial.
Multitasking Limitations
While the potential for effective multitasking exists, its current functionality is severely hampered. This is due to the restrictive whitelist and the limited, fixed dimensions of the multitasking windows.
Projector Focus Challenges
Despite the projector being a highly impressive feature – and it truly is – the manual focus mechanism presents usability issues. Adjusting the focus is proving to be excessively delicate and difficult for users.
Weight Considerations
The device’s substantial weight is a consequence of its large display, high-capacity battery, and integrated projector. However, it’s important to acknowledge that the weight is comparable to that of an ultrabook laptop.
Lenovo needs to address these points to fully realize the potential of this innovative device.
Final Assessment
Our evaluation of the tablet identified several areas for improvement, particularly concerning features crucial for market appeal, such as the integrated pico projector. However, the device demonstrates robust construction overall.
Provided users are prepared to navigate the unconventional user interface decisions implemented by Lenovo – or opt to install a custom launcher – this tablet presents a dependable option.
It boasts a stunning display and the added novelty of a built-in projector. Considering its size, the tablet offers substantial value at a $500 price point, especially for those willing to engage in some Android customization.
Key Considerations
The tablet’s weight is a factor to consider; it isn’t a lightweight, compact model. Acceptance of this, alongside a willingness to experiment with Android settings, unlocks the device’s potential.
The combination of a large screen, pico projector, and a powerful battery makes it a compelling offer.
We encourage Lenovo to continue developing this product line, refining the widescreen tablet-with-projector concept in subsequent iterations.
Despite the current model’s imperfections, the core design and functionality proved genuinely appealing during our testing.