Chuwi Hi8 Review
The last review was on the Chuwi Hi8 Pro, this review, however, would be the younger sibling – the Chuwi Hi8 tablet PC.
The Chuwi Hi8 is pretty much similar to the Pro version in a lot of ways, albeit with some little differences. The tablet still comes with the same 8.0-inch screen, 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. The differences are in the processor type, the display resolution, pixel density, the lack of a type C USB port, etc.
Design
The design is also similar, but the weight of the Hi8 is a little lighter the Hi8 Pro due to the battery used. This tablet PC is thicker than its elder sibling at 9.8mm and lighter. Just like the Pro version, the Hi8 also has the volume rockers and power button on the right side. However, there is no micro HDMI port in this version. The build of the device allows for one hand operation (though you need to have large hands).
Memory and Storage
The RAM and ROM remain unchanged here, as they are still 2GB and 32GB respectively. The storage can be expanded through a microSD up to 64GB. Due to the fact that the device runs on two OSes, the storage is limited. While running Windows, you only have access to 10GB of free storage. Also running Android reduces the free storage space to a measly 6.67GB. From an expert opinion, it is recommended that dual boot devices should come with at least 64GB of storage.
Operating System
Like the Hi8 Pro, the Chuwi Hi8 comes with a dual OS. However, there is a subtle difference as the Android OS version used here is Android 4.4.4 KitKat compared to the Android 5.1 Lollipop employed in the Pro version. Also, the Windows OS version used is Windows 8.1, unlike the Hi8 Pro that comes with Windows 10. However, you can still upgrade to Windows 10 if you want.
Processor
The Chuwi Hi8 uses an Intel Atom Z3736F Bay Trail CPU clocked at 1.33GHz but can burst up to 2.16GHz. The GPU used is the Intel HD 7th generation graphics processor.
Display
The 8.0-inch display is retained here. The screen resolution remains the same at 1920 x 1200 pixels and a pixel density of 283PPI.
Camera
Here, while the rear camera remains the same at 2MP, the front snapper was bumped to 0.3MP. So, you can have a hard time getting good images when you use the selfie camera.
Battery
Users are also provided with the same 4000mAh battery as the Hi8 Pro. You can use the Hi8 for up to 4 hours – which is a bit longer than the Hi8 Pro – on a single complete charge.
Specs At A Glance
| Model name | Chuwi Hi8 |
| Screen size | 8.0 inches |
| Display resolution | 1920 x 1200 pixels |
| Processor speed | 1.33GHz (Quad core) |
| RAM | 2GB |
| ROM | 32GB |
| Camera | 2MP front, 2MP back |
| Dimensions | 211.2 x 123.2 x 9.3 mm |
| Weight | 304g |
| Battery | 4000mAh |
| Others | G-Sensor, microUSB, microSD card slot |
Summary
The Chuwi Hi8 is a budget tablet PC no doubt, but some essential features like a micro HDMI port are missing. You can switch between OSes at the tap of a button and can also upgrade to Windows 10. The Chuwi Hi8 is certainly not the device for you if you are a heavy gamer or a “photophile” (if there’s a word like that), but it sure delivers on the basic needs of a tablet PC.
