Jexaa JexTab Evo review

While we managed to install some of these apps through the device’s own market, they didn’t work particularly well. The Google Plus app crashed many times in our testing, while Skype refused to restart if we chose to enable video calling – even though the Evo has a Skype-suitable front-facing camera. Strangely, Google’s Contacts app isn’t installed, although you still can access all your Google and imported contacts via the Search function or through the Talk app.

The Evo’s front-facing camera is of limited use. As we’ve seen, it can’t be used in Skype to make video calls, and to take snaps you’ll have to turn the Evo around, so you can’t use the screen as a viewfinder. In any case, photos taken with the 2-megapixel sensor are low resolution, with heavy compression artefacts. Video was incredibly jerky, and you’ll need to make sure the Evo’s in portrait mode before you start shooting or your video will end up on its side.

We were really keen to see the JexTab do well, but sadly, despite its smart case and up-to-date version of Android, it’s too unstable and quirky to recommend, even at this price. It’s a gamble whether your favourite apps will work on it, and even then there’s no guarantee they won’t crash. The interface is spoiled by unnecessary status bar controls, the front-facing camera can’t be used for video calls, and the quality of its photos is awful. We were glad to see USB OTG, and the Evo’s screen deserves some praise, but overall this is a budget Android tablet that doesn’t have the performance to back up its otherwise interesting specification.