Chuwi AuPad Mini: 8-inch tablet with 4G LTE and GPS costs just $88

The Chuwi AuPad Mini enters the budget tablet market with an aggressive $88 price tag while packing features rarely seen at this price point: 4G LTE connectivity and GPS functionality. This 8.7-inch Android tablet positions itself as an ultra-affordable option for specific use cases, though significant hardware compromises accompany its standout features. Measuring under 14 ounces (approximately 397 grams), the device prioritizes portability, making it potentially suitable as a secondary device or navigation tool.

At the core of the AuPad Mini lies the Unisoc T615 chipset, featuring an octa-core configuration with two Cortex-A75 performance cores and six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores. While this architecture handles basic tasks adequately, performance bottlenecks emerge during multitasking or more demanding applications. Memory specifications warrant particular attention: despite advertising 16GB RAM, only 4GB is physical memory with 12GB allocated through virtual RAM expansion. This implementation typically uses storage space as swap memory, which may result in noticeable performance degradation when memory pressure increases.

Storage presents a brighter spot with 128GB of internal space, expandable via microSD card - a generous allocation considering the price bracket. The 8.7-inch IPS display outputs at 1340×800 resolution (178 PPI) with 350 nits peak brightness. While sufficient for indoor viewing, outdoor visibility proves challenging under direct sunlight. Imaging capabilities remain minimal with a 5MP rear camera and 2MP front-facing camera, positioning the device firmly in the "basic documentation" rather than photography category.

The 5,500mAh battery supports 10W charging, requiring approximately 3 hours for full replenishment. Real-world endurance varies significantly based on usage patterns, with cellular connectivity and GPS being notable power consumers. Software-wise, the tablet ships with Android 15 and Widevine L1 certification, enabling HD streaming from platforms like Netflix - an unusual inclusion for devices in this segment.

Comparing the AuPad Mini against competitors reveals its unique positioning. The Lenovo Tab One, available through retailers like Amazon, typically commands a higher price but offers superior build quality and potentially more consistent performance. However, Chuwi's offering undercuts most alternatives by including cellular connectivity - a feature often reserved for premium tablets. This makes the AuPad Mini one of the most accessible LTE-enabled tablets available today.

Performance expectations require careful calibration. The Unisoc T615 chipset delivers approximately 30% lower CPU performance than entry-level Qualcomm alternatives like the Snapdragon 680. Gaming capabilities remain limited to casual titles; graphically intensive games exhibit significant frame drops. The virtual RAM implementation helps maintain background app availability but doesn't enhance actual processing speed.

Practical applications align with the hardware limitations:

• Educational tool: Pre-installed parental controls and the durable form factor suit children's learning applications
• Navigation device: GPS functionality and LTE connectivity create a capable car navigation alternative
• Media consumption: Widevine L1 support enables HD video streaming despite display limitations
• Secondary device: Lightweight design suits as a companion for messaging and light browsing

The Chuwi AuPad Mini exemplifies how budget constraints shape device capabilities. At $88, it delivers unexpected cellular and GPS functionality while accepting compromises in processing power, display quality, and camera performance. For users prioritizing connectivity over performance, especially parents seeking controlled devices for children or travelers needing basic navigation, Chuwi's offering presents a compelling value proposition unavailable elsewhere at this price point.