We got a quick first look at the new Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 a couple of weeks back at the grand launch event in London. Press launches are never, ever, the best place to get to know a new device properly so we've got one in for review to spend some quality time with it. We've got the 10-inch version here, so no projector to play with, but that and the QHD display aside it's pretty much identical to the bigger Yoga 2 Pro.
So it's time to break it out and take a closer look.
A reminder of the specs:
| Category | Features |
|---|---|
| OS | Android 4.4 KitKat |
| Chipset | Quad-core Intel Atom Z3745 (up to 1.86GHz) |
| RAM | 2GB |
| Display Size | 8- or 10-inches IPS |
| Display Resolution | 1920x1200 |
| Cameras | 8MP f2.2 Rear1.6MP Front |
| Internal Storage | 16GB |
| External Storage | microSD |
| Connectivity | 802.11b/g/n Dual-Band Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz) , Optional 4G (in select countries, not US): WCDMA (900/2100 MHz), GSM/EDGE (900/1800/1900 MHz), Integrated Bluetooth® 4.0 |
| Weight | 419g (8-inch), 619g (10-inch) |
| Battery | Upto 18 hours on a single charge |
| Audio | 2x front large-chamber speakers, Dolby® Audio, Wolfson® Master Hi-FiTM |
Lenovo has given us two previous attempts at the Yoga – though 1 was a hardware improved version of the original – and this time around the hardware has again been given a bump. The design remains the same, but with added functionality coming out of the stand, and once again the front facing speakers are pretty fantastic.
The software has been refined a little compared to previous efforts, and though it's Android 4.4.2 KitKat underneath, Lenovo's own customizations over the top hide much of it. There's no app drawer, just all your apps on an endless run of home screens, but there are some nice touches like a 4-app multi window mode and a pop up control center that gives you quick access to many frequently needed functions.
And a quick note on the camera, because there is one, whatever your thoughts on tablet photography. The 8MP, f2.2 shooter on the back of the Yoga 2 is in a really awkward place being located on the hump at the bottom. It actually works best by flipping the tablet upside down. And as far as tablet cameras go it's not bad. The app is simple to use and the images produced don't actually look that bad.
The full review will be coming in due course, but for now check out the walkthrough video up top.
