Blackview Tab 90 (2025) Challenges iPad Pro in Media Performance — A Surprising Contender
The $99 Blackview Tab 90 (2025) has emerged as an unexpected media powerhouse, outperforming expectations in video playback and app responsiveness despite its budget price. While not a direct rival to the iPad Pro in raw power, its Android 14 optimization and display quality make it a compelling alternative for casual users.
Blackview Tab 90 (2025) Challenges iPad Pro in Media Performance — A Surprising Contender
At first glance, the $99 Blackview Tab 90 (2025) appears to be another entry-level Android tablet — a budget device destined for basic web browsing and light streaming. Yet, recent user reviews and hands-on evaluations reveal a device that defies its price tag, delivering a media experience that rivals far more expensive competitors like the iPad Pro. With a crisp 11-inch 2K display, a MediaTek Helio G99 processor, and Android 14 out of the box, the Tab 90 has quietly become a dark horse in the tablet market.
According to Google’s Android Help documentation, Android 14 introduces significant improvements in media codec support, background process optimization, and display calibration — all of which benefit low-cost devices like the Blackview Tab 90. These enhancements, combined with Blackview’s minimal bloatware approach, result in a fluid user experience that prioritizes media consumption over unnecessary features. Unlike many budget tablets that struggle with video buffering or app lag, the Tab 90 handles 4K YouTube streams and Netflix HDR content with remarkable stability, thanks to its hardware-accelerated video decoding and efficient thermal management.
Comparatively, Apple’s 13-inch iPad Pro remains the gold standard for professional creatives and power users, offering ProMotion displays, M-series chips, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. However, as noted in a recent comparison by MSN Technology, the iPad Pro’s premium pricing ($799 and up) and focus on productivity tools make it overkill for users whose primary need is media consumption. The Blackview Tab 90, by contrast, offers 90% of the media experience — vibrant colors, stereo speakers, and responsive touch — at just 12% of the cost.
One of the most surprising aspects of the Tab 90 is its software maturity. Google’s guidelines for Android device manufacturers emphasize consistent updates and security patches, and Blackview has delivered on this front with a promised two-year update cycle. This is a marked improvement over many budget brands that abandon devices after six months. Users who follow Google’s recommended steps to check and update their Android version — as outlined in the official Android Help guide — can ensure their Tab 90 remains secure and optimized for peak performance.
Additionally, the Tab 90’s 8,000mAh battery supports up to 12 hours of continuous video playback, outlasting many similarly priced tablets. Its USB-C port supports fast charging, and the inclusion of a stylus (sold separately) adds versatility for note-taking or sketching, further bridging the gap between budget and premium.
While the iPad Pro still dominates in multitasking, app ecosystem depth, and professional software support, the Blackview Tab 90 demonstrates that Android’s maturity has leveled the playing field for everyday media use. For students, travelers, or families seeking an affordable secondary device, the Tab 90 is no longer just a bargain — it’s a legitimate contender.
As the tablet market continues to fragment, the Tab 90 signals a broader trend: Android’s ability to deliver premium experiences at disruptive prices. With Android 14’s refinements and manufacturers like Blackview embracing clean software, the era of the $1,000 tablet may be entering its twilight — at least for those who simply want to watch, read, and stream.
