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Lenovo Tab 2 A8 is a basic tablet for a bargain price (pictures)

If you're being a scrooge about spending money on a tablet, the Lenovo Tab 2 A8 is all right, but don't expect more than basic functionality.

Xiomara Blanco
Xiomara Blanco is an associate editor for CNET Reviews. She's a Bay Area native with a knack for tech that makes life easier and more enjoyable. So, don't expect her to review printers anytime soon.
Xiomara Blanco
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1 of 8Josh Miller/CNET

Meet the Lenovo Tab 2 A8

If you only have $129 to spend on a tablet,  the selection isn't great --nor is the quality. Knowing that, the Lenovo Tab 2 A8 is one of the better choices, albeit a pretty simple one.

Click through this slideshow for a closer look at the 8-inch tablet, and read the full review for more details.

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2 of 8Josh Miller/CNET

Blue back

The plastic back panel of the Tab 2 A8 is smooth with a matte finish in dark blue. It feels nice against your fingertips, but it doesn't provide any grip support.

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3 of 8Josh Miller/CNET

MicroSD card slot

With only 16GB of internal storage loaded in, you're going to want to take advantage of the microSD card expansion slot on the top-left corner of the tablet.

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4 of 8Josh Miller/CNET

Thick and heavy

Like most budget tablets, the Lenovo Tab 2 A8 rocks a rather homely build. It's design is girthy, and for a small tablet, it's pretty heavy.

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5 of 8Josh Miller/CNET

Simple is as simple does

One of the best features of the Tab 2 A8 is the front-facing speakers. When used with the built-in Dolby app, movies become more immersive, thanks to crisp dialogue and the sound that travels between the speakers.

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6 of 8Josh Miller/CNET

Disappointing rear camera

Cameras on tablets are standard, however most tend to disappoint when it comes to quality. The rear cam on the Lenovo tablet is no different.

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7 of 8Josh Miller/CNET

Top edge

You'll find both the Micro-USB port and headphone jack on the top edge of the tablet.

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8 of 8Josh Miller/CNET

All right for a budget buy

If you're trying to not break the bank, the Lenovo Tab 2 A8 works fine for casual use, like checking email, surfing the Web, and streaming video. If you want a tablet with more horsepower or a slimmer design, expect to spend at least double this amount for a better model.

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