The Chuwi Hi10 Max brings back affordable Windows tablets to the forefront, rekindling Chuwi’s reputation for offering budget-friendly devices with surprising functionality. This 2-in-1 Windows 11 tablet is packed with features and optional accessories that make it an appealing choice for those seeking versatility without breaking the bank. Here’s an in-depth review of the device, its performance, design, and overall value.
Design and Build Quality
The Hi10 Max sports a 12.96-inch fully laminated IPS display with a resolution of 2880 x 1920 pixels. The screen offers excellent clarity with 10 touch points, ensuring responsive interaction for both casual and professional users. While the design echoes the vintage Microsoft Surface Pro 3, it maintains a modern aesthetic with its space gray alloy finish. However, the rear is adorned with some branding stickers that could be an eyesore for some.
Weighing 780 grams for the tablet alone and 1.4 kilograms with the type cover and kickstand, the Hi10 Max strikes a balance between portability and functionality. Its 9mm thickness adds to its sleek profile, while the active cooling mechanism and strategically placed vents ensure thermal management.
Optional Accessories
The Hi10 Max thrives on its modularity with two standout optional extras:
- Hi S Pen Stylus:
With 496 pressure sensitivity levels, the stylus is ideal for note-taking and light sketching. Chuwi includes a replaceable nib and a quadruple-A battery in the box, making it ready to use out of the package. While functional, the niche battery type could be inconvenient to replace. - Type Cover Keyboard:
The type cover is reminiscent of earlier Surface keyboards, offering backlit keys with decent travel and minimal bounce. The touchpad, though functional, feels slightly cramped and could benefit from improved sensitivity. The keyboard magnetically attaches to the tablet, providing ergonomic typing angles despite some minor instability in elevated positions.
Performance
Under the hood, the Hi10 Max is powered by the Intel N100 quad-core processor, which clocks up to 3.4 GHz. While this chipset isn’t built for intensive workloads, it suffices for basic productivity tasks like web browsing, video playback, and document editing. Paired with 12GB of single-channel RAM and 512GB PCIe 3.0 storage, the tablet offers sufficient multitasking capabilities and storage speed for its price range.
The 35W battery provides adequate longevity for casual use, though it isn’t groundbreaking. The 36W USB-C charger ensures relatively quick recharges.
Connectivity and Ports
The Hi10 Max impresses with its array of ports, including:
- 2 USB-C ports supporting video output, power delivery, and data transfer.
- 1 USB-A 3.1 port for legacy devices.
- Micro HDMI 1.4 for connecting to external displays.
- 3.5mm headphone jack for audio output.
This versatile connectivity makes it suitable for both work and entertainment setups.
Display Performance
The IPS screen delivers vibrant visuals with 98% sRGB coverage and 70% NTSC gamut, making it a great choice for general multimedia use. However, out-of-the-box calibration exhibits a slight blue tint, which can be corrected using tools like the SpyderX Pro. The 60Hz refresh rate suffices for non-gaming scenarios, while touch accuracy and responsiveness are commendable.
Camera and Audio
The Hi10 Max features an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front-facing camera. While the rear camera is sufficient for capturing whiteboards or documents, the image quality pales compared to modern smartphones. The front camera, supported by dual microphones, works adequately for video calls, albeit with room for improvement in audio clarity.
The dual 1-watt speakers are underwhelming, providing passable audio for casual listening but lacking depth and volume.
Upgradeability and Maintenance
The tablet houses a replaceable 2242-sized SSD, offering users an opportunity to expand storage. However, accessing it requires prying open the device, which risks damaging clips and affecting the structural integrity of the tablet.
Conclusion
The Chuwi Hi10 Max offers excellent value for its price, combining a sharp display, decent build quality, and productivity-enhancing accessories. While it won’t replace high-performance laptops or tablets, it caters well to students, remote workers, and casual users looking for a budget-friendly, versatile Windows device.
Pros:
- Affordable price point.
- Vibrant display with good color accuracy.
- Backlit keyboard and functional stylus.
- Wide array of connectivity options.
Cons:
- Limited performance for demanding tasks.
- Mediocre speakers and camera quality.
- Slightly inconvenient stylus battery replacement.
For those seeking a reliable 2-in-1 Windows tablet without breaking the bank, the Hi10 Max is a solid contender.