Teclast T60 in review – 12 inch tablet with a huge battery

The Teclast T60 stands out as one of the largest tablets in the Chinese producer’s lineup, featuring a nearly 12-inch diameter screen that provides ample space for activities such as watching movies or editing documents. Priced at less than ~$300, purchasers of the T60 can still enjoy a metal case, a cellular modem, and a substantial battery. However, cost-cutting measures become apparent when examining the charging speed and the SoC specifications in the data sheet.

Let’s delve deeper to determine whether the Teclast T60 remains a worthwhile choice and for whom it might be most suitable. Teclast refers to the T60’s colour as Space Grey, unmistakably drawing inspiration from Apple. The metal case boasts a polished finish, free of sharp edges, providing a comfortable feel in the hand.

The casing shows sturdiness, requiring deliberate effort to leave pressure marks on the liquid crystal screen. A noteworthy detail is the shiny metallic red standby button, adding a touch of flair to an otherwise understated design. At the top edge, a slightly darker plastic strip is incorporated to enhance reception for the tablet’s various antennas.

While there are more compact and lightweight tablets available in this price range, the Teclast T60’s weight of 570 grams is deemed reasonable, particularly when considering its expansive screen size. Without a doubt, the Teclast T60 outperforms many devices in its pricing range in terms of memory. With 8 GB of RAM and an amazing 256 GB eMMC memory for data storage, it surpasses most other devices at comparable prices.

Even though the producer claims to have even more RAM, this is actually accomplished by using a swap file on the data storage. Nevertheless, this is a very slow approach and is unlikely to provide considerable advantages for most programmes given the existing large RAM capacity. Unlike most Teclast tablets that feature a 3.

5 mm audio port, the Teclast T60 opts for exclusivity: audio devices can only be connected via cable through the USB-C port, utilizing an adapter if necessary. It’s important to note that this port supports a maximum USB 2. 0 speed.

The SIM card holder provides the flexibility to insert either 2 nano-SIMs or a combination of a SIM and a microSD for memory expansion. During our testing, we assessed the microSD reader using the Angelbird V60, our designated reference microSD card. The Teclast T60 demonstrated a respectable data transfer rate of just under 30 MB/s, with the reader showcasing performance at a class level in the CPDT benchmark.

It’s worth noting, that the tablet falls short of fully harnessing the memory card’s potential read rates of 260 MB/s during reading and 140 MB/s during writing. Despite achieving decent data transfer speeds, the Teclast T60 does not maximize the capabilities of the microSD card in terms of read and write rates. Teclast advertises Android 14 on its website , but our test device comes pre-installed with Android 13.

However, this suggests a forthcoming update is in the pipeline, even though the manufacturer remains non-committal and is still finalizing an update plan for all devices. On a positive note, the Teclast T60 actively addresses security concerns, featuring up-to-date security patches as of December 2023 on our test device. The device offers a refreshing experience by providing a clean Android interface without any bloatware or intrusive advertising apps.

This approach ensures ample storage space without the need to uninstall unwanted programs. Additionally, Teclast has obtained Widevine L1 certification, allowing users to enjoy high-definition streaming of copy-protected content—an appreciated feature for those who prioritize video streaming quality. The tablet connects to a Wi-Fi network using the Wi-Fi 5 standard.

In our test with the Asus ROG Rapture AXE11000 reference router, it achieved suitable transfer rates ranging from approximately 300 to 370 MBit/s. These transfer rates remained relatively stable over the entire test period. Close to the router, where the signal strength is at its maximum, websites load quickly.

However, at a distance of 10 meters, the signal indicator drops to 50%, and a noticeable delay occurs when loading websites. While there are tablets like the Huawei MatePad 11. 5 , equipped with WiFi 6, enabling better utilization of a gigabit Internet connection, the Teclast T60’s Wi-Fi module still performs well overall.

Notably, the tablet is not limited to Wi-Fi connectivity but also supports mobile Internet via a WWAN modem with a maximum 4G standard, allowing for phone calls as well. Although the frequency diversity is somewhat limited, it proves sufficient for US use. Throughout our approximately three-week test, periodic signal strength comparisons with high-end smartphones revealed that the Teclast T60 consistently delivers commendable reception quality.

The Teclast T60 is equipped with a tracking module compatible with all major satellite networks. When stepping outside and waiting a few seconds, the system detects enough satellites to locate you within a 3-meter range. Compared to other devices in the same location, the T60 connects to significantly fewer satellites simultaneously.

This discrepancy becomes evident in our practical test, where we conducted a bike ride with the Garmin Venu 2 smartwatch as a comparison device. Periodically, the T60 places us on incorrect paths parallel to the route, and at times, it records a route that navigates through front gardens and houses. Especially in narrow streets of the old town and when crossing a bridge, the system often loses track entirely.

Consequently, the Teclast tablet is best suited for providing an approximate location. For navigation tasks requiring absolute precision, alternative devices may be more suitable. High-quality camera performance is generally not a strong suit of tablets, and unfortunately, the Teclast T60 is no exception.

It features a relatively simple 13-megapixel rear camera that tends to capture blurry images with limited dynamic range and partially distorted colors. Even in low-light conditions, the camera struggles to produce sharp images, with minimal detail visible in both very bright and very dark areas. Video recording capabilities are limited to a maximum of 1,080p at 30 fps.

The autofocus often requires a slightly longer adjustment phase before achieving a truly sharp image. The front-facing camera, with a resolution of 5 megapixels, also tends to produce somewhat blurred images with a noticeable color cast. In summary, the cameras on the Teclast T60 are more suitable for tasks like document scanning or reading QR codes rather than meeting the expectations of demanding photographers.

Even with studio lighting, the main camera shows to be rather imprecise in the lab, creating blotchy patches and a picture enveloped in a hazy haze. The colour reproduction is also off. The camera only records a few details with only 1 lux lighting, but you can still make out the subject overall.

Teclast provides a charger, a USB cable, and a SIM tool with the tablet. However, a case needs to be purchased separately. Regarding warranty, Teclast offers a 12-month limited warranty.

The producer also pledges to address and resolve issues within a 24-hour timeframe. The touchscreen on the Teclast T60 proves to be reliable, even in the corners and at the edges. The edges of the casing strike a good balance between a modern aesthetic and effective protection against unintentional touchscreen operations while holding the device.

The physical buttons on the tablet work flawlessly, providing a tactile feel and clear pressure points for user convenience. It’s worth noting that the Teclast T60 does not feature a fingerprint sensor. Biometric unlocking is exclusively available through facial recognition.

While the system initially faced challenges registering the user’s face, a second attempt was successful and proved to be a swift process thereafter. Subsequently, the facial recognition system reliably unlocks the tablet after a brief waiting period. With its 11.

97-inch display, the Teclast T60 provides ample screen space in a 5:3 aspect ratio. This aspect ratio proves to be a good choice as it accommodates 16:9 videos with only narrow stripes at the top and bottom, ensuring comfortable viewing. Additionally, documents can be read and edited conveniently on the spacious screen.

The resolution of 2,000 x 1,200 pixels is sufficient to deliver a good display despite the large screen size. However, the maximum brightness of 352 cd/m² is relatively moderate, potentially posing challenges for use in brightly lit environments. In comparison, the Amazon Fire Max 11 offers significantly higher brightness in this regard.

In the test using a spectrophotometer and CalMAN software, it was observed that a fairly accurate color representation can be achieved on the screen when in “Automatic contrast” mode and with a warm white balance. The color accuracy is notable, with only slight distortion in yellow tones, and there is no apparent color cast in the grayscale when viewed with the naked eye. The screen also does not use PWM to reduce the screen brightness so that even sensitive people can use the tablet.

Outdoor use of the Teclast T60 may be challenging due to the highly reflective screen and the relatively low maximum brightness. The Teclast T60’s screen has excellent viewing angle stability, allowing for visual clarity of the content even at extremely flat viewing angles. When it comes to graphics performance, it’s obvious that the SoC cannot compete with other similarly priced tablets.

Only very simple benchmarks are sufficient for a smooth display in the native resolution of the screen. When it comes to internet browser speed testing, the tablet merely performs in the midfield. Webpages load quite rapidly, and browsing across images requires little waiting time.

So, speed-wise, daily browsing on the Teclast T60’s big screen is quite enjoyable. Despite having ample mass storage, the Teclast T60 is comparatively slow in terms of access rates. Even when compared to other tablets with eMMC flash, the tablet registers very low access rates and falls behind devices like the Huawei MatePad 11.

5 , which uses UFS 2. 2 memory. Users may experience longer loading times and slower data transfers.

In the gaming tests conducted on the tablet, it’s noted that Teclast’s devices do not work with the benchmark software from GameBench , preventing specific frame rates. Nevertheless, from the observed game settings, it’s evident that high performance should not be expected. In games like PUBG Mobile, selecting frame rates of more than 40 fps is not possible even at very low settings.

Genshin Impact allows for a maximum of 60 fps, but achieving smooth performance at this level seems challenging based on occasional jerky behavior. Consequently, the Teclast T60 is better suited for gamers with lower power demands and those who primarily engage in casual gaming. Even under prolonged load, the case of the Teclast T60 only heats up to a maximum of 33.

8 °C (92. 84 °F). While this temperature is slightly noticeable, it is by no means unpleasant.

Additionally, the 3DMark stress tests reveal very even curves, indicating that throttling should not be a concern even during extended periods of heavy usage. The tablet includes four speakers, according to the supplier. The maximum volume is sufficient, although it may be a little too quiet in large settings.

When the volume is turned all the way up, it’s noted that the treble can sometimes sound unpleasantly overemphasized, but overall, both videos and music can be played on the tablet in good quality. For those seeking the finest sound quality, the Teclast T60 allows the option to connect headphones or external speakers via USB-C or Bluetooth 5. 0.

The tablet supports major wireless audio codecs, and users can enjoy Hi-Res music in appealing quality with support for LDAC and aptX HD. The Teclast T60 comes with a large 8,000 mAh battery. It outperforms numerous related devices in terms of runtimes: For example, users can surf the internet continuously for 18 hours and 16 minutes before the device has to be plugged in.

Furthermore, with a runtime of 19 hours and 5 minutes, one can also watch numerous movies stored on the tablet before the power runs out. Additionally, for gaming enthusiasts, the tablet provides just over 4 hours of gaming fun before requiring a charge. Indeed, our comprehensive test reveals that the Teclast T60 excels in various aspects: The nearly 12-inch screen is generously sized, providing enough space for viewing.

The tablet boasts more storage capacity compared to similar devices, and its battery offers substantial energy capacity, leading to above-average runtimes. Several small details contribute to the tablet’s positive performance in these areas. The modern screen design with narrow edges results in a compact device housing a large display.

The absence of bloatware and advertising software ensures users have ample space for their own files. Additionally, the tablet’s low power consumption contributes to its impressive endurance. However, there are also drawbacks.

The screen falls short in brightness compared to other tablets, the cameras are best suited for snapshots or QR codes, and the overall system performance is at best mediocre. The tracking accuracy is also less than optimal. The Teclast T60 is a notable addition to any home office or living space.

Despite featuring a cellular modem, it is less suitable for outdoor use due to its dark screen and inaccuracies in location tracking. Alternatives to consider are the notably faster Huawei MatePad 11. 5 , although it comes with software limitations due to the absence of Google services.

Another option is the Amazon Fire Max 11 , which provides a bright display but comes with the trade-off of limited Amazon software. The Teclast T60 is officially priced at $269. .