Freelander PH20 Review (cheap Android tablet)

Presentation of the Freelander PH20

In this review, we would like to talk about the 7 inch Android tablet Freelander PH20 that we bought on Dealextreme (sku.166593). We will detail its specs and features later in this review, but for now you should know its price: about $67. Obviously, for this price it is not a top Android tablet, but it performs very well when playing videos or running Android games (continue reading this Freelander PH20 review for details), so consider it as a purchase option.

Besides the Freelander PH20 tablet (SXZ-PH20 - Link-create manufacturer), the package also include the following items:

• 1x Power Supply DC 5V (to recharge).
• 1x USB OTG adapter (micro B male to standard A female).
• 1x USB cable (micro B male to standard A male).
• 1x Start guide (English/Chinese).

Features of the Freelander PH20

Now, to help you know if this Android tablet is worth or not (considering the $67 price), let us describe its main features:

• Android 4.0.4.
• Single core AllWinner A13 SoC (CPU Cortex-A8 1.2GHz and GPU Mali-400).
• 7 inch capacitive screen (5 points) 800x480 of resolution.
• Memory 512MB DDR3 SDRAM.
• WiFi 802.11 b/g/n.
• Front camera 300KP.
• G-Sensor.
• 1x TF card slot (maximum 32GB micro SD).
• 1x 3.5mm earphone jack.
• 1x USB OTG (supports external USB flash drive, hard disk, keyboard, mouse and some other devices). (*)
• Rooted (checked with the app "Root Checker Basic").
• Google Play store already installed.
• 60 OS languages (the list of languages is shown on the overview video below).
• Built-in speaker (good sound quality).
• Built-in microphone.
• Supports external 3G dongles. (**)
• Power/Sleep button.
• Volume up/down buttons.
• Battery capacity 2800 mAh (3.7V Li-ion) about 3 hours of duration with WiFi on and playing YouTube video.
• 19.1cm x 11.6cm x 1.2cm of dimensions.
• 450g of weight.

In our opinion, it is a lot of things for a cheap Android tablet. However, as expected due to its price, it does not have some features that may be important for some. In our opinion, the main missing features are:

• No HDMI output.
• No Bluetooth (so far neither with a Bluetooth dongle).
• No GPS (maybe it is possible to use a USB GPS dongle).
• No official firmwares so far, but keep monitoring this thread. (***)
• No custom firmware (we did not find any so far).

Just to clarify things, watch our overview video below showing some features of the Freelander PH20 tablet:

Freelander PH20 - Video Playback Test

As always when reviewing devices capable of play videos, we made (and recorded) some tests to know the video playback performance of the Freelander PH20 tablet.

The tests were put different (codec/format) video files to play and see how well it goes. Note that the ability to play or not a particular codec/format/subtitle is related to software, so installing a proper Android video player app should solve any problem that you may encounter (we used the native video player app). Our tests was intended knowing how well the system can handle video files (1080p, 720p, MP4, etc.), so it is more related to CPU, GPU and firmware.

Check the results for yourself on the video below:

As you probably saw above, all video files played smoothly on the Freelander PH20 tablet.

The formats/codecs of the videos used on the tests was (listed in order of appearance):

• AVI (AVC/H264) 1280x720 bitrate 4273 Kbps 30 fps.
• M2TS (AVC/H264) 1920x1080 VBR maximum 25000 Kbps 23.976 fps.
• MP4 (AVC/MPEG-4) 1920x816 VBR maximum 40000 Kbps 23.976 fps.
• WMV (VC-1) 1280x720 bitrate 8000 Kbps 29.97 fps.

Freelander PH20 - Gaming Performance Test

Now the part that almost everyone likes: games. For these tests, we chose some free 2D and 3D games available on Google Play (we also used some pre-installed games) to see how well the Freelander PH20 can run them. You can check the gaming performance on the video below:

The games used on the video above are (it runs smoothly if there is no note):

• Dead Trigger (v1.7.0) runs almost perfect with graphics on high.
• Angry Birds Space (v1.2.1) pre-installed.
• Temple Run 2 (v1.0.1.2).
• Jetpack Joyride (v1.3.5).
• Fruit Ninja (v1.5.4) pre-installed.
• AirAttack HD (v1.9) pre-installed.
• Connector Lite (v1.0.3).

Freelander PH20 - External Devices Test

Since this Android tablet has a USB OTG, you can plug in a USB flash drive (will be mounted at "/mnt/usbhost1"), as you probably saw on the video playback test above, and some other devices. The other ones that we tested was a mouse, a USB 3.0 flash drive (works as USB 2.0), a regular keyboard and a keyboard with a leather case for tablets. All of them worked fine.

We also tried to connect a Bluetooth dongle, just as we did with the Dropad A8, but no success. Maybe it will work in some future firmware (original or custom).

Freelander PH20 - Benchmark Test (AnTuTu, Quadrant and others)

Finally, we tested the Freelander PH20 tablet using some popular Android benchmark apps to see how it scores (points or fps). You can check the Android benchmark apps and the results below or check the detailed benchmark tablet scores on the image gallery at the beginning of this Freelander PH20 review.

• AnTuTu Benchmark (v3.2.1): 3772.
• Quadrant Standard Edition (v2.1.1): 2109.
• Vellamo Mobile Benchmark (v2.0.2): 538 in HTML5 and 187 in METAL.
• Neocore (v1.9.41): 57.3 fps.
• NenaMark2 (v2.4): 31.5 fps.

Where can I buy this Freelander PH20?

This cheap Android tablet is for sale at Dealextreme for about $67, more specifically in this link.

Note 1: There may be some incompatible devices.

Note 2: The list of compatible 3G dongles is in one image at the gallery above.

Note 3: It seems there are 3 (three) versions of this tablet: PH20W, PH20L and PH20. You can check the version on the back of the tablet (that code on the corner). We received the PH20L (check image gallery above), which currently do not have firmware updates.

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Suction Camera Mount for Car Review

Presentation of the Suction Camera Mount for Car

In this review, we would like to present a suction camera mount for car (also know as suction cup holder) that we received from Tmart (SKU:85002811).

If you do not know, this device was designed to adhere to most of smooth surfaces (specially glasses) and hold a digital camera (or similar device). This one that we receive is mainly to be used as a suction camera mount for car, so you can attach it to your car windshield (or wherever you want) and hold, for instance, a camcorder to record your road trips while driving (check our overview video below in this review).

Its specifications are:

• Material: Plastic.
• Vacuum Base Diameter: 7cm / 2.76".
• Vertical Length of Trestle: 8cm / 3.15".
• Weight: 70g.

Suction Camera Mount for Car Features

Following is the list of features of this suction camera mount for car:

• Suction cup type (sucker).
• Lock lever for easy release and secure mount.
• 360º Swivel head (to rotate the camera).
• Tilt action.
• Compatible with devices having the thread size 1/4-20 (most of digital cameras, camcorders, fishing lamps, binoculars and others).
• Maybe it can be useful for DIY enthusiasts (see it disassembled in the images above).

Also, check our video showing how this suction camera mount for car works.

Testing the Suction Camera Car Mount

To test this camera mounting device, we made two types of test: adherence and strength (load).

Testing the Adherence of the Suction Cup

To test the adherence for long periods of time, we just made this simple test: attach a digital camera (with batteries) to the suction camera mount, then attach it to a window glass and wait for a long period of time to see if the suction camera car mount can hold a camera well. The weights of the artifacts are:

• 2x AA battery: 60g (2 x ~30g each battery).
• Digital camera: 124g.
• Suction Camera Car Mount: 70g.

After 12 hours, the suction camera mount was still adhered to the window glass, so it probably will serve to your road trip recording without let your camera fall.

Testing the Strength of the Suction Cup (load test)

Since the suction cup will just hold a digital camera, or a similar weight device, strength it is not too much required, but just for curiosity we made the following test: attach the suction cup to a barebone PC (with CPU, motherboard, etc.) and lift them up. For our surprise, we managed to lift them up, however it is not that comfortable to hold this camera mounting device with your hands.

Where can I buy this Suction Camera Mount for Car?

If after reading this camera mounting review you want to buy it, know that this cheap suction camera mount for car is on sale for about $4 and can be bought at Tmart, more specifically in this link.

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Universal Power Adapter + USB AC Adapter Review (Android shape)

Presentation of the Universal Power Adapter + USB AC Adapter

This review is mainly for those who travel to different countries and need an universal power adapter to turn a AC device on or need a USB AC adapter to charge a USB powered device, such as a cell phone, tablet or MP3. It is universal because it has four power plugs for different electrical outlet types: European, UK, USA and Australia. You can find the list of countries by electrical outlet types at the end of this power adapter review.

Now, going back to the universal power adapter review, we receive this universal power adapter (Android shape), which is also a "USB AC adapter" (two products in one), from Tmart.com (SKU:88008169).

Following are its specifications:

• Model: CH-139.
• Input: 100V-240V, 50Hz/60Hz and 0.1A.
• Output: USB 5.0V and 1000mA.
• Dimensions: 10.5cm x 8cm x 5cm / 4.13" x 3.15" x 1.97" (L x W x H).
• Weight: 5.54oz / 157g.

The Universal Power Adapter (and USB AC adapter) Features

Since it is two products in one (travel plug adapter + USB AC adapter) and it costs about $13, we think it is a cool adapter that will fit your needs, but it will be better if you check the adapter features below:

• Two products in one (universal power adapter + USB AC adapter).
• 4 power plugs for different socket-outlet types: European, UK, USA and Australia.
• Covers more than 150 countries (*)
• When the robot's head is plugged, the product works as a "USB AC Adapter" (4 plug input types and DC output).
• When the head is removed, the product works as a "Universal Power Adapter" (4 plug input types, 4 output outlet types and AC output).
• Google Android robot shape.
• Removable robot head.
• Removable bottom cover.
• Rotatable robot arms (just garnish).
• It is easy to carry it without damaging it.

If you are curious, check the video below to understand how this adapter works.

As you probably saw in the video above, it works like this: push the front button and push one back selector backwards to activate a power plug. When the robot's head is plugged, it works as a USB AC adapter. When the head is removed, it works as an universal power adapter.

By the way, another product that you may be looking for is an universal USB charging cable (not covered in this review) to use while in USB AC adapter function.

List of Countries by Electrical Outlet Types (** and ***)

Europe Power Plug/Outlet

Albania, Algeria, Angolo, Argentina, Austria, Azores, Balearic, Islands, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Channel Islands, Chile, Comoros, Congo, Croatia, Dam. Rep. of Congo (Zaire), Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Cyprus, Denmark, Djibouti, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Finland, France, Gabon, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Guadeoupe, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, South Korea, Laos, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Madeira, Mali, Martinique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Monaco, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, Niger, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Somalia, Spain, Sudan, Surthame, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay, Vietnam and Zambia.

United Kingdom Power Plug/Outlet

Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belize, Botswana, Brunei, Cameroon, Channel Islands, China, Cyprus, Dominica, El Salvador, Garabia, Ghana, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong, Iraq, Ireland, Isle of Man, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Macau, Malawi, Malaysia, Mladives, Malta, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, Seychelies, Sierra Leone, Singagote, Tanzania, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Australia Power Plug/Outlet

American Samoa, Australia, China, El Salvador, Guatemala, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Okinawa, Panama, Papua New Guinea, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Tajikistan, Toriga and Uruguay.

USA Power Plug/Outlet

American Samoa, Anguiloa, Aetigua, Aruba, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbodos, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Cayman Islands, China (****), Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guam, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Japan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Maldives, Mexico, Micronesia, Montserrat, Netherlands Antilles (*****), Nicaragua, Niger, Okinawa, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, Tahiti, Taiwan, Thailand, United States, Venezuela, Vietnam, U.S. Virgin Islands and Yemen.

Where can I buy this 2 in 1 Power Adapter?

This product is on sale at Tmart, more specifically in this link.

Note 1: According to the user manual.

Note 2: You can find more information about this topic in this link.

Note 3: Use the Ctrl+F function to help you find a specific country.

Note 4: "Without holes in blades and slightly shorter blades" (according to the user manual).

Note 5: It was a country, but now it has been dissolved.

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7 Inch Digital Photo Frame Review (Flower Decorated)

Presentation of the 7 inch Digital Photo Frame (Black)

In this review we would like to present to you a 7 inch digital photo frame (flower decorated) that we receive from Tmart.com (SKU:BDC00716).

If you do not know what is a digital photo frame, know that it is a device capable of play in its LCD screen your digital photos stored in a USB flash drive or memory card. Also, there are digital photo frames capable of play music and video files, which is the case of the DPF in the current review.

The package content are:

• 1x 7 inch Digital Photo Frame (TFT-LCD display with screen protector fixed and flower decorated)
• 1x 2GB SD Memory Card
• 1x Remote Control (battery CR2025 included)
• 1x Trestle
• 1x Screw (to attach the trestle in the DPF)
• 1x AC Power Adapter (110V-240V 50/60Hz)
• 1x User Manual (Chinese/English)

The 7 Inch TFT-LCD Digital Photo Frame Features

Considering its price (about $47), this cheap digital photo frame has some good features. Obviously, there are DPF's with more features in the market, but probably they will be much more expensive. So you should consider what you need in a digital photo frame and how much would you pay.

Then, to help you evaluate if this digital photo frame is good for you, we put below its features that we consider important for a digital photo frame.

• Can play photo files.
• Can play music files.
• Can play video files.
• Can play musics + photos as a slideshow (it shows images while playing some background musics).
• One USB 2.0 port.
• One SD / MMC / MS (3 in 1) port.
• Change OSD language (English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch or Russian).
• Set interval time (between two images).
• Rotate images (90, 180 or 270 degrees).
• 16 transition effects (up, down, left and right for cover, uncover, wipe and push).
• Auto-Power (set time to ON or OFF automatically).
• Fast forward and rewind (2x, 4x, 8x, 16x and 32x) while playing video or audio.
• Can be controlled by remote control or by the buttons on the back of the DPF. (*)
• Clock function.
• Alarm function.
• Calendar function
• Repeat function (Off, One, Folder or All).
• Adjustable display options (Brightness, Contrast, TFT Brightness, TFT Contrast, TFT Saturation).
• Auto-Play option (On or Off).
• Editable "Screen Saver" function ("Favorite" option).
• AV out to connect it to a TV (cable not included).
• Built-in stereo speaker.
• Supports folder structure.
• 4 styles of GUI (graphic user interface).
• Black and Flower decorated (there is a white model).

Besides the information in this digital photo frame review, we also made a video showing some features of the 7 inch digital photo frame. Check it below:

Testing the Digital Photo Frame

To check which formats and codecs (image, music and video) this digital photo frame is capable of play, we decided to make for this review some tests by just trying to play a specific format/codec. However, note that we did not tried all the existing formats and codecs, but just those that we consider popular. In some cases we tested more than one codec per format, because the file format is just a container. By the way, if you need a file converter, we recommend the software Format Factory.

Image Test (**)

In our image test this digital photo frame was able to play JPG / JPEG files, however did not played BMP, GIF, ICO, PCX and PNG files.

For the JPG / JPEG, we also tried images with high resolution: 1920x1080, 3840x2160, 7680x4320. It was able to play all the three files, however the third one (7680x4320) was loaded a little slower than normal (expected for a resolution so high).

Music Test (Audio Test)

Now, in our music test, the 7 inch digital photo frame (flower decorated) was able to play MP2, MP3 and WMA music files, but did not played AAC, AMR, FLAC, M4A, M4R, MMF, OGG and WAV.

Video Test

Finally, in this video test, the DPF was able to play the following formats and codecs:

• AVI [XVID 432x240].
• DAT [MPEG1 352x240].
• MPG [MPEG1 352x288].
• MPG [MPEG2 480x576].
• VOB [MPEG2 720x576].

However, it did not played the following formats and codecs:

• AVI [XVID 853x480]. (***)
• AVI [AVC 1136x480].

If you are curious about the video playback quality of this digital photo frame, check the video below:

The Problems

Does not come with the AV out cable to connect it to a TV. (****)

It displays a maximum of 11 characters + last character of the file name (if bigger than 12) while browsing the list of files.

Tmart description says 480x234 of resolution, but that is not 16:9. It probably has 480x270 of resolution (16:9).

Some minor translation mistakes in the English user manual.

It display subtitles, but you can not edit its parameters (color, size or charset encoding).

Where can I buy this 7 inch Digital Photo Frame?

As we already told, this cheap digital photo frame comes with a 2GB SD memory card and it is for sale at Tmart in this link.

Note 1: The digital photo frame back buttons are UP, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT, STOP, MENU and ENTER.

Note 2: We recommend that you use images with 16:9 of aspect ratio.

Note 3: As you probably noticed, there is a resolution limit when trying to play some AVI videos.

Note 4: We did not test the AV out function.

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