The Wiko T20, an affordable tablet from the French-based smartphone manufacturer Wiko, aims to offer a balanced mix of functionality and budget-friendliness. Its features, such as a large display and decent battery life, make it an appealing option for users seeking a low-cost tablet. However, like most budget devices, the Wiko T20 is not without its share of problems and limitations. In this in-depth article, we’ll explore the most commonly reported issues with the Wiko T20, suggest potential solutions, and provide a final verdict on whether this tablet is a worthy buy.
1. Battery Life and Charging Problems
Battery life is crucial for tablets, especially as they’re often used for streaming, browsing, and other activities that require constant screen-on time. Although the Wiko T20 promises decent battery life for its price range, some users have reported issues with battery drain and slow or inconsistent charging.
Symptoms of Battery Life and Charging Problems:
- Faster-than-expected battery depletion, even during light usage.
- Device heats up while charging or during extended usage.
- The tablet charges slowly, even with the original charger.
- Battery percentage drops abruptly or behaves erratically.
Possible Fixes:
- Enable Power-Saving Mode: Go to Settings > Battery and turn on Power-Saving Mode to conserve battery during low-usage periods. This will reduce background activities and limit app refresh rates.
- Check Battery-Draining Apps: Certain apps running in the background can consume significant battery. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Usage and identify apps using excessive power, then limit or disable them.
- Turn Off Unnecessary Features: Disable features like Bluetooth, GPS, and mobile data when they’re not in use, as these can drain battery even when idle.
- Use the Original Charger: Non-original or low-quality chargers can cause slow charging. Always use the Wiko-supplied charger or a compatible certified charger for optimal performance.
2. Display Quality and Touchscreen Responsiveness Issues
The Wiko T20's display is designed to be visually satisfying for budget users, but some have reported issues such as screen flickering, low brightness, and unresponsive touch in certain scenarios. These issues can affect the user experience, especially when the device is used for extended reading or multimedia consumption.
Common Display Issues:
- Screen Flickering: The screen flickers, especially at lower brightness levels.
- Low Brightness Levels: Even at maximum brightness, the screen may appear dim, especially in bright environments.
- Touchscreen Delays or Unresponsiveness: The screen doesn’t register touch accurately, or there is a noticeable delay.
Possible Fixes:
- Disable Adaptive Brightness: Sometimes, adaptive brightness can cause flickering. Go to Settings > Display and disable Adaptive Brightness to see if this resolves the issue.
- Increase Display Timeout: Go to Settings > Display > Screen Timeout and adjust it to a longer setting if the screen turns off too quickly during use.
- Reboot the Device: Sometimes, touchscreen issues can be resolved by simply restarting the tablet. A reboot clears temporary system glitches.
- Software Updates: Ensure the device has the latest software updates, as these may include patches for display and touchscreen issues. Go to Settings > System > Software Update.
3. Wi-Fi and Connectivity Problems
Connectivity is fundamental for most tablet users, especially for streaming, online browsing, and remote work. Some Wiko T20 users report weak Wi-Fi connections, slow internet speeds, and Bluetooth pairing issues with certain accessories.
Common Connectivity Issues:
- Wi-Fi Disconnects Frequently: The device may drop Wi-Fi connections unexpectedly or have trouble connecting automatically.
- Slow Wi-Fi Speeds: Users experience sluggish internet speeds even when near a strong Wi-Fi signal.
- Bluetooth Issues: Problems connecting or maintaining a stable connection with Bluetooth devices such as headphones or keyboards.
Possible Fixes:
- Forget and Reconnect to Wi-Fi Networks: Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, forget the problematic network, and then reconnect by re-entering the password.
- Reset Network Settings: In Settings > System > Reset Options, select Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile & Bluetooth to refresh all network connections and settings.
- Toggle Airplane Mode: Enabling Airplane Mode for a few seconds and then turning it off can refresh Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Move Closer to the Router: If possible, ensure the tablet is within a reasonable distance of the router, as some budget devices have weaker Wi-Fi receivers.
4. Performance Lag and Freezing Issues
With its limited hardware specifications, the Wiko T20 is not built for heavy multitasking. However, some users experience unexpected lag, freezing, and delays even with standard tasks. These issues are often exacerbated when multiple apps are open or during multimedia usage.
Symptoms of Performance Problems:
- Sluggish response when switching between apps or accessing the home screen.
- Apps freezing or crashing, particularly during prolonged use.
- Delayed response when opening certain apps or performing actions.
Possible Fixes:
- Clear Cached Data: Cache buildup can slow down performance. Go to Settings > Storage and clear cached data.
- Limit Background Processes: Go to Settings > Developer Options (enable Developer Options by tapping Build Number several times) and reduce background processes.
- Uninstall Unnecessary Apps: The Wiko T20 has limited RAM, so uninstall any unused or unnecessary apps that may be occupying resources.
- Restart Regularly: Rebooting the tablet every few days can help clear temporary files and boost performance.
5. Audio and Speaker Quality Issues
The Wiko T20’s speakers are serviceable for a budget tablet, but some users experience low audio volume, sound distortion, and uneven speaker output. These issues can be frustrating, especially when watching videos or listening to music without headphones.
Common Audio Issues:
- Low Maximum Volume: The sound may be too quiet, even when set to maximum volume.
- Distorted Audio at High Volumes: Audio quality suffers or distorts when the volume is turned up.
- Uneven Speaker Output: One speaker may be louder than the other, or audio may cut in and out.
Possible Fixes:
- Adjust Sound Settings: Go to Settings > Sound and try adjusting sound profiles to see if there’s any improvement.
- Avoid Blocking the Speakers: Make sure your hands or case aren’t covering the speakers, as this can muffle sound.
- Use Headphones or External Speakers: For better audio quality, consider pairing the tablet with quality headphones or Bluetooth speakers.
- Update Firmware: Software updates may contain fixes for audio issues. Go to Settings > System > Software Update to check for any pending updates.
6. Camera Quality and App Performance
As with most budget tablets, the Wiko T20 camera quality is basic and may not be suitable for photography enthusiasts. Users report slow camera performance, low resolution, and blurred images when using the camera for photos or video calls.
Common Camera Issues:
- Slow Shutter Response: There’s a delay between pressing the shutter button and capturing the image.
- Blurry or Low-Quality Images: Images lack sharpness, especially in low-light conditions.
- Video Call Issues: The camera struggles to deliver clear video during calls.
Possible Fixes:
- Clean the Camera Lens: Ensure the lens is free from smudges or dust, which can blur images.
- Use Good Lighting: Cameras on budget tablets typically perform better in well-lit conditions.
- Switch to a Third-Party Camera App: Some third-party apps may have additional settings or stabilization features that improve photo quality.
- Keep the Device Steady: Hold the tablet steady for a few seconds after taking the photo to avoid blurring.
7. Software Bugs and Stability Concerns
The Wiko T20 runs on a basic Android OS setup, but users occasionally report app crashes, system glitches, and UI freezes. These stability issues, while minor, can disrupt the user experience, especially when using essential apps or during multitasking.
Common Software Problems:
- Apps crash or close unexpectedly.
- The system UI occasionally freezes, requiring a restart.
- Minor glitches with animations or transitions in the interface.
Possible Fixes:
- Clear App Cache and Data: For frequently crashing apps, go to Settings > Apps, select the problematic app, and clear its cache and data.
- Disable Unnecessary Animations: Go to Developer Options and reduce or disable animations to make the interface more responsive.
- Factory Reset as a Last Resort: If stability issues persist, a factory reset may help. Be sure to back up your data first. Go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Factory Reset.
Conclusion: Is the Wiko T20 Worth Buying?
The Wiko T20 offers a solid range of features for a budget tablet, with its large display, adequate battery life, and basic functionality. However, it also comes with some notable limitations, including average performance, connectivity issues, and limited camera quality. For those seeking a tablet for light tasks such as web browsing, reading, or casual video watching, the Wiko T20 may be a good choice due to its affordability. However, users with higher performance or multimedia needs may want to consider alternative options in a slightly higher price range for a more reliable experience.