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Chuwi Hi12 Tablet Review

Low-cost Surface alternative. The old Surface Pro 3's screen, aluminum casing, up-to-date Atom and Windows 10 for an affordable price of 232 Euros (~$259) sound tempting. Read where Chuwi had to make cutbacks in the following test report.

For the original German review, see here.

After looking at the small 8-inch tablet by Chuwi called Vi8 Plus, we now dedicate ourselves to the more expensive 12-inch tablet based on a similar hardware configuration. Like the smaller Windows device, the Chuwi Hi12 seems to be made by Hampoo. At least the motherboard is identified as Hampoo Cherry Trail CR (e.g. in HWInfo 32), but Hampoo's website does not list a 12-inch tablet with Cherry Trail. Therefore, it might be a made-to-order production for Chuwi.

The Hi12 will only be available with Windows 10 at first. A dual-boot version with both Android and Windows are to follow at a later date. A keyboard dock is also planned; corresponding ports are already present on the underside. However, Chuwi is likely waiting to see how successful its tablet will be before delivering the keyboard for making the Hi12 a convertible.

Chuwi Hi12
Processor
Intel Atom x5-Z8300 4 x 1.4 - 1.8 GHz, Cherry Trail
Graphics adapter
Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Core: 500 MHz, RAM: 800 MHz, 20.19.15.4331
Memory
4 GB 
, DDR3L
Display
12.00 inch 3:2, 2160 x 1440 pixel, multi-touch, SEC3542, IPS, Samsung 120QL01-001, glossy: yes
Mainboard
Intel Cherry Trail
Storage
Hynix HCG8E 64 GB, 64 GB 
, 42 GB free
Soundcard
Intel SST Audio Device
Connections
2 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 HDMI, Audio Connections: headset, Card Reader: micro-SD card, Sensors: Bosch accelerometer
Networking
Realtek RTL8723BS (b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 4.0
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 9 x 300 x 202 ( = 0.35 x 11.81 x 7.95 in)
Battery
11000 mAh, Battery runtime (according to manufacturer): 8 h
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: front and rear cameras
Primary Camera: 5 MPix
Secondary Camera: 2 MPix
Additional features
Speakers: 2 speakers, 12 Months Warranty, fanless
Released
02/01/2016
Weight
825 g ( = 29.1 oz / 1.82 pounds), Power Supply: 73 g ( = 2.58 oz / 0.16 pounds)
Price
255 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Case & Connectivity

Despite its low price, the aluminum casing of Chuwi's Hi12 convinces with high-quality feel and looks. However, it is also quite susceptible to scratches. The design reminds us of the first iPad with a plastic frame around the display. The stability ranges from good to very good, and it only produces quiet cracking noises under higher pressure. Like the mentioned 1st generation iPad, there is no gap between the glass and the display, which slightly affects the looks.

305.7 mm / 12 in 220.6 mm / 8.69 in 6.9 mm / 0.2717 in 723 g1.594 lbs300 mm / 11.8 in 202 mm / 7.95 in 9 mm / 0.3543 in 825 g1.819 lbs292 mm / 11.5 in 202 mm / 7.95 in 8.5 mm / 0.3346 in 1.1 kg2.35 lbs267 mm / 10.5 in 187 mm / 7.36 in 8.7 mm / 0.3425 in 917 g2.02 lbs240 mm / 9.45 in 169.5 mm / 6.67 in 6.1 mm / 0.2402 in 444 g0.979 lbs297 mm / 11.7 in 210 mm / 8.27 in 1 mm / 0.03937 in 5.7 g0.01257 lbs

The interface diversity is quite impressive for a low-cost tablet: Three USB ports, one of which is a micro-USB that also recharges the device, are not standard in this category. By comparison, the Surface Pro 4 only sports one USB 3.0 port. Our review sample's micro-HDMI jack unfortunately malfunctioned, and it would be graded slightly lower than the frequently incorporated DisplayPort in premium devices even when functioning (keyword, e.g. 4K support). However, the installed Atom processor is also limiting here.

Headset, micro-HDMI, USB 2.0, micro-USB (also for recharging), USB 3.0, micro-SD
Headset, micro-HDMI, USB 2.0, micro-USB (also for recharging), USB 3.0, micro-SD

Communication

Chuwi relies on a Realtek RTL8723BS 802.11n (2.4 GHz only) chip as the Wi-Fi card. It reached a maximum of 5 MB per second in conjunction with a Linksys E4200 router in the test. An old MacBook Pro 13 (2007) achieved the best rate at 10 MB/s in the 2.4 GHz network in a direct comparison. Overall, the Hi12 is situated in the good midfield, and the connection never broke off in the test.

Connecting a wireless keyboard or mouse via Bluetooth (max. 4.0 supported) functioned impeccably and without interference in the test.

Accessories

Only a USB-to-micro-USB charger with 5 volts and 2.5 amperes is included. We recommend using it with caution: The similar power adapter included for Chuwi's Vi8 Plus (see test) broke down when we disconnected it, and there was an acute risk of electrocution.

A keyboard dock is planned for the future; a proprietary docking port for it is already found on the underside. The keyboard is not yet available, and photos have not yet been publicized, either.

Maintenance

Four Torx screws fix the casing, and Chuwi warns about loss of warranty when opening the casing. However, only battery replacement is noteworthy as a maintenance option due to the fanless design.

Warranty

GearBest includes the standard 12-month warranty for Chuwi's Hi12 (as for all products).

Cameras

Like in the small Vi8 Plus, the Hi12 does not really feature high-quality cameras. The front-facing camera is sufficient for undemanding video chats, and the rear-facing 5MP sensor is not convincing even in good light conditions. It will likely only suffice for photographing invoices or documents.

Rear-facing camera
Rear-facing camera
Rear-facing camera
Rear-facing camera
Rear-facing camera
Rear-facing camera
Rear-facing camera
Rear-facing camera
Rear-facing camera
Front-facing camera
Front-facing camera
Front-facing camera

Input Devices

Keyboard

Chuwi relies on the unmodified Windows 10 on-screen keyboard. It is comfortable to use thanks to the large screen.

Touchscreen

The large touchscreen exhibited good accuracy in sketching and good response times in handling. Misinterpretations were seldom during use (they, however, might have been due to an overloaded processor). All ten fingers were also detected impeccably in the test. A dedicated pen with pressure level detection is not supported (unlike the Surface devices).

The YouTube video above shows prolonged interaction with the touchscreen as well as "finger-painting" via Paint to illustrate the accuracy and responsiveness and/or latency while using the device.

Display

The highlight of Chuwi's Hi12 is unquestionably the 12-inch screen from the Surface Pro 3 (SEC3542 panel). Its unusual 3:2 aspect ratio and resolution of 2160x1440 pixels make it perfect for tablet use. However, the unit in the Hi12 does not quite accomplish the 350 cd/m² that we measured in the Surface 3 Pro, and it unfortunately dims even further in battery mode. On the other hand, both illumination and contrast are comparable - despite the additional screen protector that the Hi12 is delivered with.

295
cd/m²
271
cd/m²
283
cd/m²
276
cd/m²
293
cd/m²
273
cd/m²
262
cd/m²
274
cd/m²
269
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
SEC3542 tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 295 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 277.3 cd/m² Minimum: 9 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 89 %
Center on Battery: 238 cd/m²
Contrast: 1145:1 (Black: 0.256 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 5.2 | 0.5-29.43 Ø4.91
ΔE Greyscale 8.5 | 0.5-98 Ø5.2
95.2% sRGB (Calman 2D)
82.5% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
62% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
68.1% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
95.3% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
66% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.21
Display
Display P3 Coverage (sort by value)
Chuwi Hi12
66 %
Apple iPad Pro 12.9
91.2 % +38%
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
67.5 % +2%
Microsoft Surface 3
68.8 % +4%
Microsoft Surface Pro 3
63.6 % -4%
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
57.3 % -13%
sRGB Coverage (sort by value)
Chuwi Hi12
95.3 %
Apple iPad Pro 12.9
98.1 % +3%
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
96.6 % +1%
Microsoft Surface 3
98.7 % +4%
Microsoft Surface Pro 3
88.8 % -7%
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
78.1 % -18%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage (sort by value)
Chuwi Hi12
68.1 %
Apple iPad Pro 12.9
79.3 % +16%
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
69 % +1%
Microsoft Surface 3
70.4 % +3%
Microsoft Surface Pro 3
65.6 % -4%
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
57.8 % -15%
Response Times
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% (sort by value)
Chuwi Hi12 (11.6, 16.4)
28 ms *
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3 (17.2, 28.8)
46 ms * -64%
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519) (24, 26)
50 ms * -79%
Response Time Black / White (sort by value)
Chuwi Hi12 (5.2, 10.8)
16 ms *
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3 (6, 25.2)
31 ms * -94%
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519) (14, 10.4)
24.4 ms * -53%
PWM Frequency (sort by value)
Chuwi Hi12
0 Hz
Apple iPad Pro 12.9
0 Hz
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3 (50)
50 Hz
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519) (50, 120)
50 Hz
Screen
Brightness middle (sort by value)
Chuwi Hi12
293 cd/m²
Apple iPad Pro 12.9
399 cd/m²
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
389.2 cd/m²
Microsoft Surface 3
399 cd/m²
Microsoft Surface Pro 3
355.3 cd/m²
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
234 cd/m²
Brightness (sort by value)
Chuwi Hi12
277 cd/m²
Apple iPad Pro 12.9
393 cd/m²
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
392 cd/m²
Microsoft Surface 3
380 cd/m²
Microsoft Surface Pro 3
338 cd/m²
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
229 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution (sort by value)
Chuwi Hi12
89 %
Apple iPad Pro 12.9
92 %
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
92 %
Microsoft Surface 3
90 %
Microsoft Surface Pro 3
91 %
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
89 %
Black Level (sort by value)
Chuwi Hi12
0.256 cd/m² *
Apple iPad Pro 12.9
0.22 cd/m² *
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
0.27 cd/m² *
Microsoft Surface 3
0.49 cd/m² *
Microsoft Surface Pro 3
0.33 cd/m² *
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
0.22 cd/m² *
Contrast (sort by value)
Chuwi Hi12
1145 :1
Apple iPad Pro 12.9
1814 :1
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
1441 :1
Microsoft Surface 3
814 :1
Microsoft Surface Pro 3
1077 :1
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
1064 :1
Colorchecker dE 2000 (sort by value)
Chuwi Hi12
5.2 *
Apple iPad Pro 12.9
2.96 *
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
3.61 *
Microsoft Surface 3
1.66 *
Microsoft Surface Pro 3
4.72 *
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
6.2 *
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. (sort by value)
Chuwi Hi12
11.4 *
Microsoft Surface 3
3.24 *
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
17.5 *
Greyscale dE 2000 (sort by value)
Chuwi Hi12
8.5 *
Apple iPad Pro 12.9
3 *
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
3.8 *
Microsoft Surface 3
2.75 *
Microsoft Surface Pro 3
6.53 *
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
5.9 *
Gamma (sort by value)
Chuwi Hi12
2.21
Apple iPad Pro 12.9
2.21
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
2.16
Microsoft Surface 3
2.22
Microsoft Surface Pro 3
2.17
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
2.53
CCT (sort by value)
Chuwi Hi12
7048
Apple iPad Pro 12.9
7049
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
5969
Microsoft Surface 3
6358
Microsoft Surface Pro 3
6707
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
7678
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998) (sort by value)
Chuwi Hi12
62 %
Apple iPad Pro 12.9
71.15 %
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
63 %
Microsoft Surface 3
64.4 %
Microsoft Surface Pro 3
59.37 %
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
51 %
Color Space (Percent of sRGB) (sort by value)
Chuwi Hi12
82.5 %
Apple iPad Pro 12.9
97.87 %
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
97 %
Microsoft Surface 3
98.8 %
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
77.7 %

Legend

 
Chuwi Hi12 Intel Atom x5-Z8300, Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Hynix HCG8E 64 GB
 
Apple iPad Pro 12.9 Apple A9X, Apple A9X / PowerVR Series 7XT, Apple 128 GB (iPad Pro 12.9 NVMe)
 
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3 Intel Core m3-6Y30, Intel HD Graphics 515, Samsung MZFLV128 NVMe
 
Microsoft Surface 3 Intel Atom x7-Z8700, Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 128 GB eMMC Flash
 
Microsoft Surface Pro 3 Intel Core i5-4300U, Intel HD Graphics 4400, Hynix HFS128G3MNM
 
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519) Intel Atom x5-Z8300, Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 32 GB eMMC Flash

* ... smaller is better

Like the Surface 3 Pro, Chuwi's Hi12 also presents good color accuracy out of the box. The results are first rate post calibration, and should even satisfy demanding photographers (in the sRGB color space).

Good yet not outstanding color accuracy.
Good yet not outstanding color accuracy.
An excellent accuracy is achieved post calibration, and even peaks with a dE2000 of 2.7 are agreeably accurate.
An excellent accuracy is achieved post calibration, and even peaks with a dE2000 of 2.7 are agreeably accurate.
In particular the grayscale levels exhibit a light greenish tint.
In particular the grayscale levels exhibit a light greenish tint.
The sRGB color space coverage is good.
The sRGB color space coverage is good.

The Hi12 is not very suitable for outdoor use. The reduced brightness in battery mode and intense reflections caused by the gap between glass and display do not result in an ideal combination.

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
16 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 5.2 ms rise
↘ 10.8 ms fall
The screen shows good response rates in our tests, but may be too slow for competitive gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 33 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (20.9 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
28 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 11.6 ms rise
↘ 16.4 ms fall
The screen shows relatively slow response rates in our tests and may be too slow for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.165 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 34 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (32.8 ms).

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM not detected

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 8705 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 343500) Hz was measured.

PWM is apparently not used to dim the screen. However, we could measure minor brightness fluctuations in AC mode. That might be due to lack of shielding. This assumption seems logical since the headset jack in not static-free.

Thanks to the IPS panel, the viewing angles are very good; the intense reflections are more distracting than color deviations.

Performance

Like Chuwi's little Vi8 Plus, the Hi12 is furnished with the latest Atom x5-Z8300 SoC alongside an integrated HD Graphics card. However, a highlight is the 4 GB of DDR3L RAM that are installed as the working memory. That is a bit of a surprise since Intel specifies a maximum of 2 GB for the Z8300. Only the higher priced Cherry Trail models, such as the x5-Z8500, actually support 4 GB.

Processor

Compared with the Satellite Click 10 that is also available with an x5-Z8300, Chuwi's Hi12 fares well in our processor benchmarks. The Click 10 only manages 87% of the Hi12's performance particularly in the single-core test of Cinebench R15. However, the stronger Z8500 is at least 13% faster in our tests. The Surface devices (especially the Pro) have a considerable lead thanks to their faster SoCs.

Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
1987
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
2934
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
950
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
31 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
99 Points
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
9.82 fps
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
98 %
Help
Chuwi Hi12
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8300, Hynix HCG8E 64 GB
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8300, 32 GB eMMC Flash
Microsoft Surface 3
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8700, 128 GB eMMC Flash
Microsoft Surface Pro 3
HD Graphics 4400, 4300U, Hynix HFS128G3MNM
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Samsung MZFLV128 NVMe
Asus Transformer Book T300FA-FE001H
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y10, SanDisk DF4128
Lenovo Yoga 300-11IBR
HD Graphics (Braswell), N3050, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
Fujitsu Stylistic Q665
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y31, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
HP Stream 11 X360
HD Graphics (Bay Trail), N2840, 32 GB eMMC Flash
Cinebench R10
-3%
39%
214%
192%
148%
-10%
155%
Rendering Single 32Bit
950
885
-7%
1225
29%
3675
287%
3286
246%
3102
227%
1068
12%
3123
229%
Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
2934
2964
1%
4356
48%
7067
141%
6994
138%
4966
69%
1999
-32%
5280
80%

System Performance

4K YouTube playback
4K YouTube playback

Chuwi's Hi12 has to accept some losses in system performance. The high-resolution screen takes its toll on the weak Atom processor. The Hi12 lags behind Chuwi's smaller Vi8 Plus (+35% in PCMark Home) despite 4 GB of RAM. Thus, it places itself at the lower end of older Atom Z37xx tablets, such as Lenovo's Yoga 2-1051F. The more expensive Surface Pro 4 with a Core m3 is more than twice as fast with 233%.

The fairly weak performance is seen in occasional stutters and lags during routine use. However, that is not always the case as the video embedded above illustrates well. The system does not have many reserves, and it can sometimes get slower when, for example, an update is being installed in the background.

Videos are no challenge for the hardware decoder. Even 4K YouTube videos ran smoothly without frame drops (see embedded video).

PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
1039 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
1008 points
Help
PCMark 8
Home Score Accelerated v2
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Samsung MZFLV128 NVMe
2426 Points +133%
Microsoft Surface 3
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8700, 128 GB eMMC Flash
1677 Points +61%
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8300, 32 GB eMMC Flash
1394 Points +34%
HP Pro Tablet 10 EE G1
HD Graphics (Bay Trail), Z3735F, 32 GB eMMC Flash
1106 Points +6%
Chuwi Hi12
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8300, Hynix HCG8E 64 GB
1039 Points
Work Score Accelerated v2
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Samsung MZFLV128 NVMe
3186 Points +216%
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8300, 32 GB eMMC Flash
1202 Points +19%
HP Pro Tablet 10 EE G1
HD Graphics (Bay Trail), Z3735F, 32 GB eMMC Flash
1161 Points +15%
Chuwi Hi12
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8300, Hynix HCG8E 64 GB
1008 Points

Storage Device

The integrated eMMC storage of 64 GB is relatively generous for this price range. It is touted with 150 MB/s, which it also achieved as the maximum read performance in the ATTO benchmark. A read rate of just 141 MB/s was recorded in CrystalDiskMark. The storage device is not the fastest in write. The AS SSD benchmark unfortunately reproducibly crashed like in Chuwi's Vi8 Plus.

Compared with the smaller Vi8 Plus, the Hi12 is considerably faster. However, its read and write speeds are only middling when compared with the multiple Bay Trail devices in our database.

Hynix HCG8E 64 GB
Sequential Read: 141 MB/s
Sequential Write: 50 MB/s
512K Read: 132 MB/s
512K Write: 44.8 MB/s
4K Read: 17.9 MB/s
4K Write: 11.4 MB/s
4K QD32 Read: 35.3 MB/s
4K QD32 Write: 12.1 MB/s

Graphics Card

The graphics core stably clocked at only 400 MHz in a load scenario (e.g. FurMark). The TDP and temperature ceiling limits that. Chuwi's Vi8 Plus achieved roughly the same level in the 3DMark GPU benchmark tests. The Satellite Click 10 is only on par in Cloud Gate. It is approximately 15% fast in the 3DMark 11 and Firestrike tests.

Old devices with a Bay Trail Atom, such as the Z3745, only achieve 53 - 67% of the performance in the 3DMark 11 GPU test. Core M devices are much faster. The slowest model in the test (HP Spectre x2 12) accomplishes 333% of the performance with 996 points.

3DMark 06 Standard Score
2595 points
3DMark 11 Performance
344 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
1488 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
174 points
Help
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Samsung MZFLV128 NVMe
1206 Points +303%
Microsoft Surface Pro 3
HD Graphics 4400, 4300U, Hynix HFS128G3MNM
791 Points +165%
Microsoft Surface 3
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8700, 128 GB eMMC Flash
494 Points +65%
Chuwi Hi12
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8300, Hynix HCG8E 64 GB
299 Points
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8300, 32 GB eMMC Flash
292 Points -2%
HP Pro Tablet 10 EE G1
HD Graphics (Bay Trail), Z3735F, 32 GB eMMC Flash
174 Points -42%
3DMark - 1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Graphics
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Samsung MZFLV128 NVMe
6597 Points +282%
Chuwi Hi12
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8300, Hynix HCG8E 64 GB
1727 Points
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8300, 32 GB eMMC Flash
1646 Points -5%
HP Pro Tablet 10 EE G1
HD Graphics (Bay Trail), Z3735F, 32 GB eMMC Flash
1017 Points -41%

Gaming Performance

Chuwi's Hi12 is rather unsuitable for sophisticated 3D games due to the integrated Intel HD Graphics. Even undemanding, up-to-date games, such as "World of Warships" are not playable. Only single, older games like "World of Warcraft" or low requirement games like the preloaded "Candy Crush" could provide diversion.

lowmed.highultra
World of Warcraft (2005) 50.9 18.3
Diablo III (2012) 24.3 16
Dota 2 Reborn (2015) 20 15.2 7.2
World of Warships (2015) 13.9
Farming Simulator 17 (2016) 22.6

Load Clock Rates and Temperatures

All four cores were utilized for browsing in our test. They clocked at the maximum of 1.84 GHz. The GPU also clocked at 400 to 500 MHz in our test. The CPU clock dropped to just over 600 MHz after just a few second of maximum load because the temperature climbed to over 82 °C (179.6 °F). Even the graphics card permanently clocked at just 340 MHz. However, the tablet did not overheat or crash in these extreme load tests.

Clock rates and internal temperatures during full load (Furmark + Prime95)
Clock rates and internal temperatures during full load (Furmark + Prime95)
Clock rates and internal temperatures while browsing
Clock rates and internal temperatures while browsing
Internal rates during Furmark
Internal rates during Furmark

Emissions

System Noise

Chuwi's Hi12 does not produce any noise even during high load thanks to passive cooling.

Temperature

The waste heat of the Atom x5-Z8300 is discharged well thanks to the large aluminum casing. We therefore measured the same low surface temperature as on Chuwi's Vi8 Plus with the same SoC during load. They are absolutely within limits with at most 44 °C (111.2 °F) during full load.

Max. Load
 44 °C
111 F
29 °C
84 F
26 °C
79 F
 
 36 °C
97 F
30 °C
86 F
27 °C
81 F
 
 31 °C
88 F
31 °C
88 F
28 °C
82 F
 
Maximum: 44 °C = 111 F
Average: 31.3 °C = 88 F
28 °C
82 F
34 °C
93 F
37 °C
99 F
27 °C
81 F
32 °C
90 F
34 °C
93 F
27 °C
81 F
30 °C
86 F
31 °C
88 F
Maximum: 37 °C = 99 F
Average: 31.1 °C = 88 F
Room Temperature 20 °C = 68 F | Fluke 62 Mini
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 31.3 °C / 88 F, compared to the average of 30 °C / 86 F for the devices in the class Tablet.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 44 °C / 111 F, compared to the average of 33.7 °C / 93 F, ranging from 20.7 to 53.2 °C for the class Tablet.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 37 °C / 99 F, compared to the average of 33.2 °C / 92 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 29 °C / 84 F, compared to the device average of 30 °C / 86 F.

Speakers

Two stereo speakers are situated on the edges of Chuwi's Hi12. They have a middling volume (for a tablet) of 77 dB(A), and are thus considerably louder than those in the small Vi8 Plus. However, they do not provide splendid music enjoyment in any way.

Pink Noise is uneven and not balanced; volume of 77 dB(A) reasonably loud
Pink Noise is uneven and not balanced; volume of 77 dB(A) reasonably loud

Energy Management

Power Consumption

The device's power consumption in a shutdown state or during standby is exemplary. The idle power consumption also stays within limits and is on par with Chuwi's little Vi8 Plus despite the bigger screen. The power supply even drained a bit less energy during load.

An interesting detail: We did not ascertain any significant changes in power consumption when altering the brightness (using the included power supply).

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.07 / 0.7 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 1.7 / 1.7 / 3.3 Watt
Load midlight 7.9 / 10.8 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy

Battery Runtime

The determined battery life of almost 7 hours in Wi-Fi browsing at 150 cd/m² is quite handy, but slightly below the average of all tablets we have tested (8 h). It comes close to the average when looking at the convertible category (7 h). The Surface 3, for example, only lasted 8% longer in our test.

Battery Runtime - WiFi Websurfing
Apple iPad Pro 12.9
695 min +72%
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core m3
488 min +20%
Microsoft Surface 3
437 min +8%
Chuwi Hi12
405 min
Chuwi Vi8 Plus (CWI519)
214 min -47%
Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing
6h 45min

Pros

+ very good screen post calibration
+ low price
+ unusual 4 GB of RAM and Windows 10 64 bit

Cons

- annoying battery state LED
- charging electronics not ideal
- poor cameras
- noise-heavy audio out

Verdict

In review: Chuwi Hi12. Test model provided by GearBest.
In review: Chuwi Hi12. Test model provided by GearBest.

Chuwi's Hi12 was very compelling in our test. The high-quality screen's handling was particularly appealing to us. Unfortunately, it dims considerably in battery mode, making outdoor use in sunlight difficult.

The modern Atom processor is relatively fast thanks to the unusual 4 GB of RAM. It, however, struggles with the screen's high resolution. The performance is nevertheless enough for undemanding applications (see our video above).

The poor screening of the audio jack (static noise) as well as the power-in (measurable brightness fluctuations in AC mode) is noticed unfavorably.

Despite the relatively low weight of 825 grams (~1.8 lb), the big dimensions of the device make it somewhat awkward to use as a tablet. It would only really make sense with a detachable keyboard that we still have to wait for. Only then would it be competition for the Microsoft's Surface 3.

Chuwi's Hi12 is presently available for 231.60 Euros (~$259) including shipping at Gearbest.

Chuwi Hi12 - 03/21/2016 v5 (old)
Klaus Hinum

Chassis
82%
Keyboard
70 / 80 → 88%
Pointing Device
83%
Connectivity
43 / 65 → 67%
Weight
78 / 40-88 → 79%
Battery
88%
Display
81%
Games Performance
31 / 68 → 45%
Application Performance
35 / 76 → 46%
Temperature
91%
Noise
100%
Audio
41 / 91 → 45%
Camera
24 / 85 → 28%
Average
65%
78%
Tablet - Weighted Average

Price comparison

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Klaus Hinum, 2016-03-27 (Update: 2024-08-15)