It's impossible not to smile when recalling all those tablets that promise mountains and wonders but often end up tucked away at the back of a drawer due to not being really useful or enjoyable to use. And then, there are those rare models that arrive unpretentiously but, in their own way, change the daily game. The Blackview Tab 90 is a bit of that unexpected surprise: an 11-inch tablet, made by a Chinese manufacturer we didn't necessarily expect in this market, but which ticks an impressive number of boxes for a price that raises eyebrows. With supplied accessories, 4G connectivity, solid battery life, and versatility to boot, it has everything needed to be a great pick for the family, work, or smart home. Ready to see what it really has inside? Let's dive right into the review of this Blackview Tab 90, the tablet that might make you forget those overpriced models.
Unboxing the Blackview Tab 90
The packaging of the Blackview Tab 90 is rather understated, as we can see:
Fortunately, the inside is much less so! Forget about tablets arriving bare as a worm, the Blackview Tab 90 immediately sets the mood. As soon as the box is opened, you find a tempered glass (ready to take on the daily bumps), a silicone protective cover, a 10W charger, a USB-C cable, and even a small tool for the SIM and microSD card.
It's quite simple, but it feels good: no need to run out and buy accessories, everything is there to get started without the headache. Especially since outside of big brands like Apple or Samsung, it's often hard to find a suitable protective case.
In terms of look, the Blackview Tab 90 doesn't aim for bling-bling but has its charm. Its matte plastic chassis feels good in hand, without slipping, and its 540 grams for 9.5 mm thickness make it pleasant to handle, even with one hand.
The 11-inch screen (28 cm diagonal, for those who like math) is not borderless, but the reasonable bezels prevent accidental touches.
On the back, there's a 13-megapixel camera (Samsung), on the front, an 8-megapixel module for selfies or video calls, and along the edges, all the classic buttons (power, volume, USB-C port, 3.5 mm jack, SIM/microSD slot).
Ah, and the stereo sound really comes from both sides, unlike those tablets that cheat with two speakers on the same side.
Already, you can tell that Blackview has thought of those who want something practical and solid, without unnecessary frills. And honestly, at that price (often under €140), it’s already quite a feat.
Configuration and Discovery: Power, Flexibility, and Android 14
Under the hood, the Blackview Tab 90 houses a Unisoc Tiger T606 processor, an octa-core that doesn’t work miracles but ensures the essentials with nice fluidity. The RAM is 8 GB natively, but Blackview offers a virtual expansion up to 24 GB (thanks to dynamic RAM, although it’s not as effective as real RAM, it helps with multitasking and resource-intensive apps).
For storage, we get 128 GB internal, expandable up to 1 TB via microSD. Let's just say you would really have to try to saturate the memory. Connectivity is comprehensive: Wi-Fi 5 GHz, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, dual SIM 4G (or one SIM + one microSD), 3.5 mm jack port, USB-C.
The 11-inch IPS screen displays a HD+ resolution (1280 x 800), with Widevine L1 certification: Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and YouTube run in 1080p without issue. The colors are accurate, the brightness acceptable, even if we’re not talking about high-end. The two stereo speakers deliver powerful and well-spatialized sound, perfect for binge-watching or gaming without headphones.
On the software side, Android 14 is here, with a light custom layer (Doke OS_P 4.0), which remains very discreet. You get to enjoy the latest Google features, profile management, PC mode (to turn the tablet into a pseudo-computer with keyboard/mouse), reading mode, night mode, face unlock… Basically, everything you need for a modern and customizable experience.
User Feedback: The Tab 90 in Daily Use, Work, Relaxation, and Mobility
So, how does the Blackview Tab 90 perform in use? Spoiler: it does more than just hold its own, it even pleasantly surprises.
For office tasks and web browsing, it’s a real pleasure. Office apps run without a hitch, multitasking is smooth (thanks to the expandable RAM), and typing with a Bluetooth keyboard is very comfortable. I even tested document editing, email management, note-taking during meetings: nothing to report, the tablet keeps up without a hitch. For professionals or students, it's a reliable companion that goes the distance.
On the multimedia side, it’s a blast: Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video in 1080p, punchy stereo sound, solid battery life (up to 5 hours of video, 4.5 hours of gaming, 7 hours of browsing, over 15 hours in audio, and more than 400 hours on standby!). I binge-watched episodes of series, watched movies with the kids, and even connected the tablet to a Bluetooth speaker, without latency or dropouts. A small detail that puts a smile on your face: the 3.5 mm jack is still there for those who love to plug in an old headset or wired speaker (yes, there are still some!).
For gaming, the Blackview Tab 90 holds up very well with titles like Brawl Stars, Call of Duty Mobile, Asphalt, or Clash Royale. The graphics are decent, the fluidity is there, even if we don't reach the performance of a premium tablet. My 13-year-old son approved it for his gaming sessions, and believe me, he is not gentle with equipment.
In terms of mobility, the presence of 4G (dual SIM) changes the game: you can take the Tab 90 anywhere, work on the train, stream in the car (as a passenger, of course!), or use it as a control screen for a smart home installation (my colleague from Domo Blog tested it with Home Assistant, the tablet makes a perfect wall dashboard).
For photo/video, don't expect too much: the 13 MP rear sensor gets the job done outside, with good light, but the shots lack sharpness and vibrant colors. Indoors or in low light, it's quickly blurry and noisy. The same goes for the selfie camera: sufficient for video calls but not for capturing your next vacation memories. It works well for scanning QR codes or troubleshooting during a video call, but don’t expect to replace your smartphone. But honestly, who uses their tablet to shoot memories?
In terms of battery life, the 8200 mAh battery lives up to its promises: a full day under heavy use, several days under moderate use, and a charge from 0 to 30% in an hour thanks to the 10W charger (not ultra-fast, but enough to tide you over between two meetings).
Not everything is perfect, of course. The HD+ screen lacks a bit of finesse for purists, and the brightness could be better in direct sunlight. No fingerprint reader, no NFC, and the software overlay, even discreet, may confuse those who prefer “pure” Android.
Conclusion: The Blackview Tab 90, the Tablet That Checks (Almost) All the Boxes
It's hard not to recommend the Blackview Tab 90 to anyone looking for a complete, versatile, solid, and affordable tablet. For less than €140, you get a product that does everything you expect from a modern tablet: work, entertain, game, control your smart home, and even go on the go thanks to 4G. The battery life is there, the build quality is serious, and the bundled accessories are a real plus.
Of course, it won’t challenge the iPad Pro or Galaxy Tab S in terms of raw power or ultra-high definition display. But for everyday, family, professional, or student use, it’s a smart choice, with no unpleasant surprises.
In short, the Blackview Tab 90 is a bit like the “Swiss army knife” of tablets at the moment: it may not dazzle on paper, but it does everything you ask of it, and it does it well. And that, honestly, is rare at this price point.
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