Orbic takes on Apple with its budget tablet in Australia | Tech Reddy

Orbic promises to deliver technology with a difference, but can it make an impact on the Australian market?

In the world of consumer technology, it’s hard to make a gesture, but that’s what Orbic is trying to do.

Its range of phones, wearables, tablets and laptops is a growing success story in the US. Now he’s bringing his own unique approach to technology Down Under.

Is this brand worth all the hype? Or is it just another company in a long line of companies that have tried and failed to keep up with the Apples and Samsungs of the world?

About Orbic

Orbic’s technology range differentiates itself in several ways.

Orbic’s mission is to “enable 24/7 affordable connectivity to enable consumers to enjoy a shared experience using devices that deliver the features and benefits they need.”

This means budget products. Orbic’s flagship smartphone, the Orbic Myra 5G, starts at $349.99. Meanwhile, the Orbic Wonder 4G costs just $99.99.

It’s not just smartphones that are cheap. The 5G-capable Orbic AirSurf laptop starts at $699.99. The 4G Orbic Chromebook is only $329.99.

Even when you factor in currency conversion, GST and the dreaded ‘Australia Tax’, these products should be very affordable in Australia.

Sustainability and responsibility are also at the core of Orbic’s work. The brand claims that its products use ethically sourced, conflict-free materials and certified renewable/recyclable packaging.

We all know the impact of consumerism on the environment and our people, so it’s refreshing to see a new company committed to doing things right.

Orbic Tab8 4G and Tab10R 4G

Which brings us to Orbic’s first foray into the Australian market with the launch of the Tab8 and Tab10R tablets. The Tab8 will be available from November 29, while the Tab10R will be released in December.

The Tab8 4G is only available as a prepaid purchase from Telstra. In the US, many of Orbic’s products are locked to telecom carrier Verizon, so expect to see more locked products from the brand.

Priced at $149, the 8-inch device uses a Qualcomm 600 chipset and a 4,300 mAh battery.

Notably, this is the only tablet to offer voice support and Wi-Fi and SIM connectivity. It also has a 13 MP rear camera and a 5 MP front camera.

Orbic’s premium offering is the Tab10R. Made in collaboration with Smartmatic, it’s more of a multimedia machine, designed with content creation in mind.

This 10-inch tablet has a rugged design that includes IP65 dust and waterproofing. It includes a stylus and you can buy an accompanying kickstand for $29.95.

The Orbic Tab10R retails for $429 at Mobileciti.

More Orbic products

Please note that as we continue to expand across Orbic Australia, we cannot say exactly which products we will see, but we can confirm that there will be more to come.

Speaking to Danny Adamopoulos, EVP of global strategy and operations at Orbic, Finder was able to reveal that the next product from Orbic’s catalog to hit Australia will be headphones. Orbic headphones should land in Q1 2023. We’re also sure there’s a bundle with headphones, and tablets could also be on the cards.

Elsewhere, we can check out what’s sold in the US for some teasers.

Orbic Myra 5G uses ultra-wideband technology for incredibly fast connectivity. It offers a 6.78-inch HD LCD screen and a 16MP triple rear camera, along with a full day of battery life.

Overall, this is a very impressive device at an affordable price.

Also using Orbic AirSurf 5G UW technology. Using a laptop on the go usually requires using your phone’s personal hotspot or scanning for public Wi-Fi.

AirSurf’s 5G functionality eliminates this, along with an Intel i3 processor and a 2-in-1 convertible design to maximize portability.

Then there’s the Orbic SmartWrist. Available for just US$199.99 (US$295.57), it packs premium features you’ll find on smartwatches costing twice the price. This emergency service includes SOS and fall detection with automatic dialing and a stunning AMOLED display.

We can continue. The bottom line is that Orbic has an impressive back catalog of technology that could play an interesting role in the Australian market.

Verdict

When it comes to competition in consumer technology, we say merrier.

If you believe that brands like Apple are getting too convenient (see iPhone 14 slightly modified iPhone 13), Orbic’s arrival in Australia is good news.

It’s too early to consider them serious contenders, but an abundance of affordable but premium technology could be just what’s needed to keep the major players in the space.

Best tech deals November 2022

While we wait for Orbic products to become more widely available in Australia, take a look at the best deals on tech products you can buy right now.