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Ainol Novo7 Elf II Android 4.0 Tablet USD $110 Delivered from BuySKU (~AUD$104.50)

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UPDATE: See this comment here, using BACKSCHOOL coupon at BuyInCoins you can get the same Elf II for USD$105.99 delivered.

Cheapest I've seen so far for this dual-core based Android tablet. $110 USD delivered from BuySKU.

  • Amlogic 8726-M6 Dual Core CPU @ 1.5GHz
  • Dual Core Mali400 GPU
  • 1GB DDR3 Memory
  • 8GB Storage + Micro SDHC expansion
  • 7" 1024x600 LCD with capacitive touch screen
  • 2MP front camera

Do note that there's no GPS nor Bluetooth.

BuySKU also sells Ainol Novo7 Aurora II 16GB for $126.99 — similar spec as Elf but for $17 more you get IPS screen + 8GB more storage. HOWEVER, you can get the same Aurora II for $1 cheaper at BuyInCoins (I got this from @foobar's comment here). They are dropping price as Ainol Novo7 Flame became the new flagship tablet — same CPU but with 1280x800 IPS screen.

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closed Comments

  • +1

    Good price.Spend the extra $17.00 for ips and 16GB.

    • +4

      Anyone recommend a good 10" with good battery life?

    • +8

      I'm pretty sure it's called IBS on the Ainol tablets.

      • LOL

        Looks like that one went over everyone else's head.

      • Irritable Bowel Syndrome? lol

  • +2

    Good price for a dual core tablet. Now is the time to buy folks.

    • +2

      Yes, it is. Especially whilst the AUD is $1.05.
      Personally, I'd get this model over Aura2.

      • yes elf 2 is more stable
        I chose this and never regret

  • Nice tablet. These recent price drops are making me excited.

    • Yes at around $105-$110 delivered making those tablets quite an impulse buy, and they are quite good performers as well. Amlogic 8726-MX runs rings around Tegra2 found in many last year's branded tablets.

  • This is slightly tempting because it seems like it is being well received (posted less than half an hour ago and already 8 positives) but I have no idea what I'll use this for.
    Can anyone enlighten me on what a 7" Android tablet would be useful for?

    Previous lesser-known brand Androids posted on ozbargain haven't been so well received - why is this one being so well received? Please pardon my ignorance!

    • +1

      Tablets are primarily consumption devices but there are so many things you can do on it. I personally use mine as an extension of my PC…for rendering web pages, streaming youtube, internet radio, etc. Also playing tablet optimised games and finding new apps/software on the google market is alot of fun. I also plan to use my new tablet for some serious word processing work with a USB add-on keyboard.

    • +2

      why is this one being so well received? Please pardon my ignorance!

      Because lots of people have bought it, reviewed it, and therefore, the product is generally well known (amongst technically-savvy people, at least).

      There is also a lot of community behind it. That's the primary reason why the Ainol series are popular, since it's more likely to get firmware updates and custom ROMS to fix software issues.

      • +1

        Partly because the OP carries a certain level of positive influence, being the creator of this wonderful website and all ;)

        • +13

          All hail the benevolent dictator!

    • +1

      I think Ainol Novo probably represents a new generation of Chinese tablets that are actually well built and performant, and they got quite a bit of community following as well (just google this one). There are also others using new generation dual-core chips such as Amlogic 8726-MX and Rockchip RK3066.

      As of what you can do with a 7" — I think they are great eBook readers. I read more on my 7" Chinese tablet (350g) than my 10.1" Iconia (700+g) simply because of the weight. Kids also like that size more. 10+ inch is still better for watching videos and doing note taking though when you need to use the onscreen keyboard.

      • CPU is one thing, the developer make the software stable is the main thing
        rockchip might be better, but the manufacturer never make it stable become a pain for users

        • id agree with u on the old gen A10 and rk291x chip the A10 allwinner was superior due to compatibtility even though the rk chip had higher clocks and benches, rockchip made the huge leap and right choice by switching to the much better mali400 quad straight out of sgs3 instead of the unheard of vivante gc800(srsly like the only version of it existed) and had poor driver support for games.

        • actually i think (or i feel by comparison) AMlogic is worse than allwinner in terms of movie playing….. but for game support, this AMlogic is better (old one is crap).

          so depends on usage each has pro and cons

    • +1

      according to some news and survey Android has 4 vs 1 to apple now…….
      but the profit is the same.

      Apple ripping consumers off!

      I still remember early 2011, one interview with apple "is android a threat to apple smartphone"
      answer is "no" they only 8% market share vs iphone of 42%, it won't be a threat for the next 3-5 years.
      end of last year android was 32% vs 34% iphone. and apple refuse to comment.

      • +1

        just thought I should point out — this being a tablet, your comparison ought to be with an iPad, not an iPhone. whilst Apple might have sold a lot of iPhones over the last decade (many times more than any single model of any other manufacturer), and their iPad will likely follow this trend to a degree, it is unfair to compare them with any of the hundreds of Android phones or the hundreds of tablet models available today. the fact is consumers prefer Android for now, either for price/value/design/features/etc it's hard to know.

        Apple IS gouging the consumer, and pays its workers, suppliers, staff pretty poorly too, but I doubt you will find a vastly different scenario with any of it competitors.

        Apple's market share is sliding downwards, and once Windows 8 tablets and phones start shipping in quantity, Apple will slide ever faster — hence the desperate rush to get the next iPhone/iPad/iOS out first…

  • +1

    If this keeps up I'll be popping a few in the kids Christmas stockings this year!

  • Whats the battery life on these no brand tablets?

    • 5-7 hours
      depends on ur usage

  • Remember the Ainol Novo 7" Flame or/and Burning is coming this month and around $170.

    • It's $180 plus $15.50 shipping. Better than Nexus 7, and worth the extra $70+ imo.

    • +1

      Not entirely true. The current crop of Chinese tablets are more than powerful enough in terms of their hardware, although when it comes to software and support still leave little to be desired. It really depends on the kind of end-user experience you expect and your ability and inclination to 'tinker' and customise it how you fancy.

    • +4

      Spend a little bit more money

      You mean, a lot more money? A "branded" tablet such as a Toshiba tab or Nexus 7 would cost an extra 100 to 150% more.

      Some (in fact MOST) people aren't prepared to put down $200+ for a tablet that they're only going to use for media consumption. A tab that can already do videos/games for a mere $110 is pretty darn good value.

      • +1

        I would say software support is quite important, and sometimes people tend to forget about that and just look at specs. I have a motorola phone and after that I swore not to get another phone from them. Thumbs up for this product though as it gets good reviews.

    • +6

      +I like that these support expandable storage (microSD). Generics for the win!

      • +8

        Only Apple does this crap. And with the Nexus it was a disappointment and will hurt Google's sales of an otherwise stellar product.

    • +2

      These Chinese tablets do represent good value for money for IT people (more advanced users).

      However, for general users, there are issues with these tablets. Google Play does not treat these lesser known brand tablets at the same level as the branded ones. A lot of apps won't install. Plus, with only 1GB or thereabout of true internal memory space on the hardware and OS level (the rest of the 16GB goes to an "internal sd"), you end up need to move apps/games to SD.

      For 1080p mkv streaming, Web browsing, reading e-Books, these tablets will do fine for even general users. But if you want to play decent 3D games on these, some hacking will be required. It is all fine for IT people… but for other people, those issues become really annoying.

      • Really? Games would be one of my uses of this tablet, especially if they're games that aren't available for Nokia Symbian OS (i still love my N8, and don't have an android or apple device).
        What sort of hacking?
        Can i play all the games from the Android Market?

        Shame it doesn't have bluetooth, to use a portable bluetooth keyboard with it.

        It's got a pretty large border around the 7" screen. How would pronounce this brand? "Ay-nole", sounds like "Anal"… ~_~

      • Regarding Google Play, this is a non-issue if you know a bit about modding. Dark Elf mod solves this by allowing the tab to be recognised as an SGS2. I've got GTA3 on my Elf 2

      • Thats the primary reason why I wont buy these. If I have to hack my way to being able to play games and get apps and updates via Google Play, its not worth it. I dont have the time, patience or knowledge to hack my way through ROMs to see what works and what doesnt. I'd rather fork out the extra money for a better Android tablet (which Im still waiting for - hopefully the next N7 will have expandable memory then I'll buy it).

  • +4
  • Would you get this over an iPod touch for a toddler? I'm a little over him constantly stealing our phones :)

    • +16

      An iPod touch is $188. This tab is $110. Go figure :)
      I personally wouldn't buy a tablet for a toddler. Let them play with toys and keep the gadgets until at least they understand how to use it.

      • Agreed. So easy to break one of these or crack the screen. They don't take much to bust them up. What about a specialized, durable "learning laptop" made for children?

        • Leapfrog LeapPad for toddlers - they love em.

        • +1

          Im sorry, but that is overpriced, slow, expensive apps = rubbish,

        • +1

          They're terrible and if a kid is one that breaks things, it's going to break regardless. They're also hideously expensive :(

      • +1

        You know, at lot of his toys are similar. I mean, he has blocks and cars, and a play kitchen etc, but a lot of his toys with the sounds and lights are merely 'touch this button and something will happen'. He knows how to use a tablet. He knows how to unlock a screen and navigate to the appropriate apps to play. He knows how to find videos and change the volume, the screen size, and fast forward to the bits he likes. He knows how to break the toddler lock :p And he's 20 months old and this is not abnormal for his age.

        It's basically the VCR of our times :)

        I'm mainly thinking of getting one to distract him while I'm breastfeeding the newborn about to arrive and can't give him my attention.

        • +2

          LOL. We all know it is really going to be used by The Man of the household, but first he needs to make a believable excuse along the lines of that it's for his "son's educational development" to justify the purchase. Hope it works out alright with the missus.

        • +4

          But wickedcherub IS the missus. See mention of breastfeeding.

        • +2

          I know what you mean — we temporarily have two 10in tablets, two iPhones and a computer for use, and our three young kids are always fighting each other for the tablets, although the iPhones are popular anytime we leave the house. the problem being, 3 kids does not into 2 go, so next few birthdays will involve buying several more (very fragile) devices. they have each a learning laptop (which followed on from Leapster and other little-used overpriced devices), but the display is rubbish and the games are simplistic and don't hold their attention. ABCs reading eggs website was infinitely more successful and far better value than buying the learning laptops and game units.

          I think as an educational tool for kids the tablet is an unprecedented success, and incredibly engaging doe them, unlike the electronic crap you find in most toy departments.

          the downside is when you want to use it yourself — so you may need a spare tablet if you're inclined to use it when the children are doing the same. also, keep it locked down, control what apps are installed, (never give them the app store password), and unlink your credit card from the account (most games now have in-game stores where the user can purchase bonuses, extras, credits, boosters, etc using REAL money from your card account), and encourage them to spend time on educational apps and games, for music, reading, drawing, etc.

        • +3

          I wonder what the next generation of kids after Gen Z would be like. Eyes forever glued to TV screens, laptop screens, tablet screes, mobile phones etc. Maybe even have Google Glasses implanted right into their craniums.

          I think a fitting name for them would be Generation "I" (Internet)

    • Yeah, definately. I'm buying another Aurora 2 - it also includes an OTG which my first buy did not.

  • +1

    I was going to upgrade my phone but figured out how to root.
    So now i can get an Ainol.

    • 7" as a phone?

      • +1

        No i am keeping my old phone because it's like new after rooting and installing a new rom.
        So i will tether the Ainol for the web.

    • +11

      You rooted an ainol?

    • +3

      Mate, if that's they way you like it, go for it.

  • Is this a good choice for an ereader?

    • +4

      yes, it works well. but if you will ONLY use it as an ereader, get a dedicated ereader with e-ink (kindle style).

  • +5

    I have something from them on 26/7, paid extra $10 for express delivery and I still haven't got it yet.
    Numerous emails to them, responded my every third email or so after 2 to 3 days and all they said is please wait patiently.
    What a joke. Bad customer service and HIGHLY DISCOURAGE anyone to anything to do with them.
    +ve for price, double -ve for this mob selling this.

    • A great price for the specs, but Buysku ?, you are BOUND to have such issues…

      • -3

        You should not pay for express

        • the whole point of paying for express is to get it quickly, FAIL… lolz

    • +2

      Just open a dispute next time. That usually wakes them up from their coma.

  • Does the 16G worth the addition ~20 bucks?
    http://www.buysku.com/wholesale/ainol-novo7-elf-ii-cortex-a9…

  • do any tabs come with 3G capability or are they all pretty much limited to WIFI only.. also do these tablets have usb ports? i dont kno if i shud be posting this here but i want to buy a tab so just wondering if this is "the" one?

    • +1

      3G - technically yes, but not internally. you need a 3G dongle connected by USB, but dongle compatibility is limited. you'll need to research. check what frequencies the dongles support - most are 2100mhz only.

      USB - yes, but for what purpose you want? yes you can put a USB stick in them (via OTG adapter included)

      • +1

        Would a generic $1 bluetooth dongle work with the OTG (connect headsets & game controllers, wiimote for emu.)?

  • +3

    First, buysku.com provides good service. Orders get processed reasonably quickly (2-3 days) and generally takes 2 weeks to arrive after they despatch it.

    However, on the Chinese tablets (and to some extent, buying one of those tablets from an overseas seller):

    • Yes, these dual core tablets with ICS are fast, but quite a lot of applications on Google Play will not install.
    • If you get a dead pixel on the IPS or LCD screen, do you plan to return it? How about a small patch of pixels not displaying colour quite right?
    • Battery life on these tablets, esp. 7 inch can be rather poor.
    • (Note this one please) these so called 16GB tablet is configured to be 1GB (some might be 1.5 to 2GB) on internal memory, and the rest is internal sd. That is not how you want an ICS tablet to be setup. It is not a software issue, but more 2 different flash ROMs are being used. Yes, you can use move2SD or even link2SD if you want, but that's not how it should be done (well it is cost cutting).

    I bought Window N70 dual core from buysku.com. If I had a chance again, I wouldn't have bought it. It is not worthwhile for me to return it. Window N70 dual core has poor quality control (esp. on the IPS screen), I hope this one isn't like that.

    You do get what you paid for. If you REALLY want to try these cheap tablets, please make sure you get it for a bargain price. Be prepared to root the tablet and do a bit of hacking/customisation or put a custom firmware on it.

    • you can install on full 16 gig on this one (even the old advance version can install full on 8 gig). battery life is good.

      It is a software/ format issue. the rom is single rom. if you know how to modify the kernel then you can adjust it. happen on MSI windpad, ZTE mytab etc……

      and yes, the old ainol version is better off using custom firmware, i intend to keep the official firmware for this one.

      • Hm… okay, will try custom firmware and see how it goes. My mate told me his tablet had the same issue (the ROM split) and he is using cm9.

        Hopefully, it is just Window brand has quality control issue. The one I have has a pretty bad IPS screen (dead pixel, one area where the black displayed as dark grey). Looks like they put in a rejected IPS in there.

        • yeah the ROM thing can be tricky, under google requirement, manufacturer need to release the kernel openly, the those who knows how can alter it ……

          my understanding (working in electronic manufacturing field)
          all unbranded stuff using AAA (one or two quater die dead - only someone who knows what to see will realise it), AA (one or two half die dead), A (one full die dead) even C grade (2 in 2x2 matrix die dead )LG panel
          AAA - still a reject for branded stuff…….
          they have FA, FFA etc…… pass, superior quality

          that was 10 years ago, they might have change the rating, or improve? doubt so…..
          that's why i got the elf II without LG IPS…….

        • Checked the custom firmware info. It only managed to push the internal memory to 2GB (by doing some cleanup of the ROM I presume). This indicates that for the Window tablet, it may not be possible to get all 16GB. Anyway, if I can be bothered, I will hack it and clean up the ROM a bit myself.

          Well, after getting the tablet, I agree with you that they use lower grade IPS screens.

    • +1

      I experienced most of these things you mention when I got the Novo 7 Aurora (IPS screen).

      Dead pixels irked me. Build quality was so-so: the side of my tablet had a gap between the front bezel and the casing. Found that it got uncomfortably hot in the hand too.

      They look attractive and are good value for throwaway tablets for kids but if you want something that lasts, I'd pay more.

      • Thanks for this. I thought this brand might be better, but probably more or less the same. It is frustrating to pay more for IPS, but ended up getting a rejected IPS screen. My one also feels warm after a bit of use, battery life is pretty bad (even on standby). Put it this way, even on standby, I have to charge it every day.

        I will stick with main stream branded ones. The time I wasted on this tablet… I dunno whether it is worth it.

  • Can't wait till these tabs get some cm10 jelly bean goodness…

  • how do these compare with the kogan 10" been looking at buying one soon.

    • kogan got bad software support, simple as that….

    • +1

      My mate is returning his Kogan 10". Shocking battery life (quoted 8 hours, but he can get at most 3.5 hours out of it). The 1GB internal memory + 13-14 GB internal SD setup. The one he bought is only single core CPU.

      However, assuming Kogan lets him return it and gives him a full refund, he will actually be better off than me. I actually want to return my dodgy Window N70 back to buysku.

      • +1

        buysku sucks AFAIK, great priced products but no after sales support….
        YGWYPF - (You Get What You Pay For)…, FACT !

  • With these cheap tablets, can I drag files to and from via my computer? My fiancé is traveling to Perth and wants to watch Breaking Bad eps, and I won't let her use my iPad. Does it get done via software or just through explorer?

    • +1

      Yep. Simple drag and drop..no need for iTunes or similar software.

      For those who are addicted to iTunes though, can use Doubletwist (Windows software) as a way of managing or synching media files on any Android device.

  • I have the ZTE V9 with CM7.1 atm and although I am moving apps to the SD card its still filling up the internal memory quick which is a pain in the arse.
    That purchase was to dip my toe in the water and I think its served me well and still working fine.
    I play the odd basic game on it, browse the web and listen to ebooks. (need a timer app that turns it off after a set time)

    Should I get the Ainol NOVO7 Aurora II or is it not going to do much more than what I have now?
    Are there external battery packs available to recharge these and can they be recharged on flights or is it via pwr only?

  • other than the new flame version coming next month, is there any other tablet that has a 5000 mAh battery?

  • I will buy this, and try and sell my Kaiser Baas digital photo frame and media player which i bought for $58 the other week. The Kaiser Baas does have an HD screen, but otherwise this Ainol Elf is worth the extra i think, and i can access Android Market.
    It's got the HDMI port too, which i would have liked on the Kaiser Baas.
    The KB does have an SD card slot, which is good for digital cameras. Otherwise i need to have the OTG cable, and the camera's usb cable… That is a downside of the Ainol.

  • When registering it states:-

    "Please Submit a valid email address and confirm it for gaining 500 points (USD$0.50)"

    When purchasing it says:-

    "Products in the Cart DO NOT enjoy discounts."

    Fail.

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