Tablet owners often ask questions, is it possible to use a tablet as a phone and make calls from it? Will it be enough to have a SIM card with 3G support in the tablet? Which inexpensive tablets suitable for the role of callers.
To get answers to these questions, take a minute of your time for the article.
Can I make calls using a 3G tablet?
Yes, you can. But not from everyone. To make a regular phone call, in addition to having a SIM card and 3G, the tablet must be equipped with a GSM communication module. In addition, if there are no obstacles at the hardware level and the GSM module is installed, the tablet developer could programmatically disable this feature. Using a different firmware for a device with this limitation may not solve the problem.
To determine if it is possible to make calls from a tablet, review the instructions. If in the characteristics he uses technology cellular communication UMTS (also often referred to as 3GSM to indicate that it belongs to GSM), then the device can be used to make calls. Eg samsung galaxy The Tab E 9.6 has 3G and UMTS and already has a built-in Phone app.
If such an application is missing, but in technical documentation it is indicated that the device can make calls, this means that:
- The installed firmware limits the ability to make calls. Install a custom one instead.
- Official firmware, which is designed for another country, supports the ability to make calls. Therefore, install the appropriate firmware.
The ability to call is present on tablets that run on MTK chips (for example, Lenovo, VastKing), but not all. To make sure that you can make calls, look for information on the Internet specifically for your tablet model.
How to make calls using the Internet?
To make a call to a mobile phone over 3G internet or Wi-Fi, use any voice communication application that supports calls to landlines and mobile numbers. The popular and familiar Skype application has such an opportunity. Calls between Skype subscribers are free, but for phone calls Microsoft charges the following.
- skype;
- viber;
- Hangouts, etc.
Inexpensive calling tablets
To make calls in the GSM network, you can purchase inexpensive devices. Let's take a few models as an example.
| Model | VastKing M783K 3G | Impression ImPAD 9415 | Pixus Touch 8 3G | Lenovo Tab2 A7-30DC |
| Price | 4000 rub. | 4600 rub. | 4600 rub. | 7300 rub. |
| Screen diagonal | 7,85 | 8 | 8 | 7 |
| Screen resolution | 1024×768 | 1280×800 | 1280×800 | 1024×600 |
| Matrix | IPS | IPS | IPS | IPS |
| Storage device | 8 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB | 8 GB |
| USB | 1 PC. | 1 PC. | 1 PC. | 1 PC. |
| GPS | There is | There is | There is | There is |
| OS | Android 4.2 | Android 5.1.1 | Android 5.1 | Android 4.4 |
| Battery capacity | 5000 mAh | 4400 mAh | 4000 mAh | 3450 mAh |
| RAM | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB |
| CPU | MediaTek MT8389, 1.2 GHz | Intel Atom x3-C3230RK, 1.2 GHz | MediaTek MTK8382, 1.3GHz | Mediatek MT8382M, 1.3 GHz |
Tablets are slowly but very confidently displacing the famous smartphones from their positions and the days when tablet computers will become universal devices in the world of IT technologies are not far off. But, today more and more owners of touch gadgets are wondering: how to call from a tablet? It seems to be a simple question, but it confuses many users of 7 and 8-inch devices.
Misjudgment
Far from all tablets that are equipped with a 3G module can make calls - this is a common marketing ploy used by many manufacturers, including Lenovo. Most users mistakenly believe that the presence of 3G provides a 100% opportunity to call friends and family from their newly purchased gadget, but this is not so.
3G standard - provides access to the Internet, but for telephone connection responds to the GSM module. Therefore, the skillful manipulation of words allowed the marketer to form a very solid scheme for promoting products. It follows from this that a tablet with a phone function must necessarily be equipped with a GSM module. How to find out? Must read carefully specifications devices and best on the official website.
Ways and methods of making calls
The development of technology does not stand still, something new comes out every day, and it is no wonder that ordinary phone calls can also be made via the Internet. Calling friends or relatives using a multifunctional application is a reality.
Traditional calls
As mentioned above, in order to make calls, your tablet must have a GMS module. First of all, of course:
- We check the presence of the specified module;
- Purchase a SIM card or use your own;
- We insert it into the allotted slot and reboot the device.
After turning it on, we find a shortcut with a handset icon, as in the image above. Depending on the android versions and pre-installed shell, the program icon may differ slightly.
Now the user only needs to dial the required number or select a contact from the phone book and make a test call. It is recommended to use headphones for calls, as the phone tablet near the ear looks rather ridiculous.
How to call from a tablet yet - you ask? It's very simple because the World Wide Web opens up incredible opportunities.
Viber is the future?
Undoubtedly rapid development the Android operating system has brought a huge number of positive aspects, for example, the appearance of a functional and very useful program Viber.
The scheme of work is very simple: in order to call another user, the Viber client must be installed on both devices. At the moment it is available for all popular operating systems:
- windows;
- android;
- Windows Phone and others.
Then, using a SIM card, the user logs in to the system, the client checks the phone book and displays information about the contacts that Viber has already installed. Now you just have to select the necessary contact and make a free call.
Additionally, you can send files and exchange messages, the main thing is to be connected to the Internet: Wi-Fi or 3G. Regardless of the manufacturer touch device: Lenovo, Huawei, Samsung - viber will work without failures.
Calls via Skype
Can I make calls from a tablet without a GSM module? Of course, you can, because at the dawn of the rapid development of the Internet, unknown, but very interesting and useful instant messengers break into the lives of users:
- skype;
- Mail Agent and others.
Their main function is a quick exchange of short messages between registered users. But companies do not stop there and go further: the exchange of files, emoticons, video and phone calls on the network have become a decisive link in the emergence of a fundamentally new technology.
Call Options
Now Skype, one of the most popular instant messengers, allows you to make calls to any operators around the world for a fee. It is enough to register on the official website, deposit money into the account and call. Tariffication is carried out in dollars, so prices must be specified in advance.
Free connection
The installed client of the program on the devices of Samsung, Lenovo, Huawei and others allows the owners to communicate with each other via group or personal video communication within the messenger network absolutely free of charge. The program confidently holds the leading position in providing video and phone calls in the world.
Calls via modem
Many Internet users ask: how to call from a tablet when there is no physical slot for a SIM card? Everything is very simple, because in this case help will come external modem, models and configurations, which are now a lot. But, the main problem consists in the correct software that could organize the work of the tablet and an external modem.
I am waiting for a call
Not so long ago, a very interesting application "Waiting for a call" appeared in the PlayMarket online store, the initial functions of which are limited only to sending free USSD requests. However, upon a detailed inspection of the program, it turned out that it is allowed to make a call using an external modem.
Main window
Despite the simple design of the modem, there are very great features hidden in it, which, when used correctly, give very good results. Some manufacturers, such as Huawei, already initially equip their modems with a voice function that allows you to make calls and send SMS messages - you should check with a consultant for the availability of this function before buying.
Main window
The user will only need a free modem, time and a little patience - the results will not be long in coming.
It is worth noting that many modem manufacturers and cellular operators release their own software, which is already tailored for manufactured devices.
The main thing is to try and experiment - they are not afraid of what will not work out: everything is achieved on personal experience and failures.
A small overview of the Fring program
The tablet is one of the most versatile gadgets. A small device contains a whole bunch of functions - watching videos, listening to audio, reading books, various games and entertainment, applications for work and study, the ability to take photos and record videos. In addition, the tablet can also be used as a phone. Some tablets, such as the Lenovo GT7, support GSM technology and allow you to make calls to mobiles and landlines. And from tablets that support 3G and Wi-Fi, for example, Lenovo A3500, you can call through special programs, social networks and instant messengers.
What is GSM and how can you make calls from a tablet using this technology
A few words about GSM technology
GSM (abbreviation for Global System for Mobile Communications, which means "global system mobile communications”) is global, i.e. common for all operators, cellular communication standard. All Cell phones equipped with a special GSM module. This technology is used to transmit voice and text data, i.e. making calls and sending SMS and MMS messages.
Some manufacturers equip tablets with a GSM module. It allows you to use the tablet as a mobile phone - in other words, you can insert your SIM card into the tablet and call any mobile or landline phone. The call is charged according to the tariffs of your operator. Not all tablet models support GSM standards.
How to call from a tablet to a mobile phone
Talking about how to call a mobile phone from a tablet, in the list of functions of which the manufacturer initially included the ability to make calls, is not interesting - everything is extremely simple, you need to insert a SIM card into the slot intended for it and use it already installed program dialing. But if the manufacturer, for some reason, made the function of making calls unavailable, but at the same time included the GSM module in the package, you will have to make some efforts to be able to call from the tablet.
For tablets with software or hardware restrictions on calls, a flashing will be required. Certain models of Lenovo, Explay, Samsung, WexlerTab tablets have built-in MTK chips. After flashing from such tablets, you can call phones. Some models require standard firmware, but customized, i.e. specially tailored to the needs and requirements of the user. Sometimes you need to install official firmware for a foreign country. In any of the above cases, it is better to seek help from a specialist, ideally a service center employee.
To make a call, you will need dialer, a dialer app. Some tablets are sold already with the right software; for others, there are several different "dialers" written specifically for tablets with an operating Android system. The most popular dialers include ExDialer, DW Phone, Dialer One, Rocket Dialer, Go Dialer & Contacts. All these applications can be downloaded through Google Play market. There are paid and free programs, as well as software that can be used for free during the trial period.
Using the "dialer" is easy - you just need to open the application and dial phone number interlocutor. Other functions will be available as an option.
How to make a call from a tablet using 3G and Wi-Fi technologies
Do not be upset if your tablet is not equipped with a GSM module and does not support the ability to make phone calls. Always you can make an audio or video call through social networks, instant messengers, special programs . These options are available to all tablets with 3G or 4G support and Wi-Fi. All you need is the tablet itself, an Internet connection and access to the program and / or social networks.
Briefly about 3G and Wi-Fi - what is it and what does it eat with
3G and Wi-Fi are special technologies that provide access to wireless internet. The main difference between these two technologies is that to the point WiFi access can only be connected through a router, while 3G can be used without any additional equipment, provided that the user is in the mobile coverage area. The 3G signal is better than Wi-Fi, but the data transfer speed of Wi-Fi is higher, because. throughput Wi-Fi has more. Typically, tablets support both of these technologies, and the user chooses according to the situation, which is more convenient for him to use.
Programs and social networks that allow you to call from your tablet
Skype
To call another user, you need to click on his name in the contact list located on the left. A chat with this user will open. In the right upper corner you will see small round blue icons. By clicking on the icon with a handset on it, you can make a voice call, and by clicking on the camera icon, a video call will start.
Skype users can create video conferences, communicate with several people at the same time, adding them to the conversation. During the call, you can send files, show your screen.
You can also call from Skype to a mobile or landline phone, but for this you will need to top up the balance. This can be done via email. payment system(WebMoney, LiqPay, etc.); You can also transfer money to your Skype account with bank card. You can call a phone number in any country, the only limitation is the inability to make a video call. To make a call from Skype to your phone, click on the icon with keys in the upper left corner; dial the number in the window that opens.
Tablets have a built-in microphone and webcam, so you don't have to buy additional peripherals.
viber and whatsapp
Viber and WhatsApp are the most popular mobile applications to send messages, share files and, of course, make calls between users. You can call to any country, the main thing is that the person you want to contact has access to the Internet through mobile device(tablet, phone) or PC/laptop. If the Internet connection speed is high enough, you can make video calls, if not, it is better to talk without video, because. the application may "slow down".
To call with whatsapp, open the application, go to the contact list, select the person you want to call, in the window that opens you will see a chat with this interlocutor. In the upper right corner is an image of a handset - click on it to make a call.
To call with Viber, open the program itself, go to the contact list, click on the contact you want to call. In the window that opens, you will see small purple icons - click on the handset icon to make a call or on the camera icon to make a video call.
Viber also has the Viber out option, which is a service that allows you to call mobiles and landlines. Worldwide. Such calls are charged separately; you must top up your account in advance by transferring a fixed amount of money ($4.99, $9.99 or $24.99 in your national currency) from your bank card through online banking.
QIP, ICQ and Mail.Ru Agent
The good old messengers can also be used for correspondence and calls. You should install one of the messengers on your tablet (there are special versions for Android) and that's it - you can call other users who also have a QIP, ICQ or Mail.ru agent.
To call via QIP, find the person you want to call in the contact list, right-click on his name and select "Call" or "Video call" from the menu.
You can also call via QIP to a mobile or landline phone. To do this, click on the icon with a green handset, which is located in the lower right corner under the contact list. In the window that opens, dial the subscriber's number.
To call via ICQ, open the conversation with the interlocutor and click on the round green icon with the image of a handset. Another way to make a call: find the name of the interlocutor in the contact list, right-click on it and select the "Call computer" option from the context menu.
To call via ICQ to a phone, open the Menu and select the "Call by phone" option. In the window that opens, dial the subscriber's number.
To call via Mail.Ru Agent, find the name of the interlocutor in the contact list, select the option "Call" in the menu and then "Call the computer" or the phone number of this user.
Social media
ABOUT Only the user who is online can make a call. This will require an internet connection. Your interlocutor must also be online to receive the call.
To call via VKontakte, log in and go to the page of the person you want to call. Under the user's profile picture, you will see a blue icon with a video camera - click on it to make a video call.
To call through Odnoklassniki, log in, go to a friend's page. Under his avatar you will see a list of functions, select "Call".
To call via Facebook, open the conversation with the user, in the upper right corner of the chat you will see an icon with a drawn handset / video camera - click on it to make a call / video call.
The tablet is one of the most multifunctional gadgets. A small device contains a whole bunch of functions - watching videos, listening to audio, reading books, various games and entertainment, applications for work and study, the ability to take photos and record videos. In addition, the tablet can also be used as a phone. Some tablets, such as the Lenovo GT7, support GSM technology and allow you to make calls to mobiles and landlines. And from tablets that support 3G and Wi-Fi, for example, Lenovo A3500, you can call through special programs, social networks and instant messengers.
What is GSM and how can you make calls from a tablet using this technology
GSM (an abbreviation for Global System for Mobile Communications, which means “global mobile communications system”) is global, i.e. common for all operators, cellular communication standard. All mobile phones are equipped with a special GSM module. This technology is used to transmit voice and text data, i.e. making calls and sending SMS and MMS messages.
Some manufacturers equip tablets with a GSM module. It makes it possible to use the tablet as a mobile phone - in other words, you can insert your SIM card into the tablet and call any mobile or landline phone. The call is charged according to the tariffs of your operator. Not all tablet models support GSM standards.
How to call from a tablet to a mobile phone
It is not interesting to talk about how to call a mobile phone from a tablet, in the list of functions of which the manufacturer initially included the ability to make calls, everything is extremely simple, you need to insert a SIM card into the slot intended for it and use the already installed dialer. But if the manufacturer, for some reason, made the function of making calls unavailable, but at the same time included the GSM module in the package, you will have to make some efforts to be able to call from the tablet.
For tablets with software or hardware restrictions on calls, a flashing will be required. Certain models of Lenovo, Explay, Samsung, WexlerTab tablets have built-in MTK chips. After flashing from such tablets, you can call phones. Some models do not require standard firmware, but customized, i.e. specially tailored to the needs and requirements of the user. Sometimes it is required to install official firmware for a foreign country. In any of the above cases, it is better to seek help from a specialist, ideally a service center employee.
To make a call, you will need a dialer - a dialer app. Some tablets are sold already with the right software; for others, there are several different "dialers" written specifically for Android tablets. The most popular dialers include ExDialer, DW Phone, Dialer One, Rocket Dialer, Go Dialer & Contacts. All these applications can be downloaded from the Google Play Market. There are paid and free programs available, as well as software that can be used for free during the trial period.
Using the "dialer" is easy - you just need to open the application and dial the phone number of the interlocutor. Other functions will be available as an option.
How to make a call from a tablet using 3G and Wi-Fi technologies
Do not be upset if your tablet is not equipped with a GSM module and does not support the ability to make phone calls. Always you can make an audio or video call through social networks, instant messengers, special programs. These options are available to all tablets with 3G or 4G support and Wi-Fi. All you need is the tablet itself, an Internet connection and access to the program and / or social networks.
Briefly about 3G and Wi-Fi - what is it and what does it eat with
3G and Wi-Fi are special technologies that provide access to wireless Internet. The main difference between these two technologies is that you can only connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot through a router, while 3G can be used without any additional equipment, provided that the user is within a mobile coverage area. The 3G signal is better than Wi-Fi, but the data transfer speed of Wi-Fi is higher, because. WiFi has more bandwidth. Typically, tablets support both of these technologies, and the user chooses according to the situation, which is more convenient for him to use.
Programs and social networks that allow you to call from your tablet
Skype
To call another user, you need to click on his name in the contact list located on the left. A chat with this user will open. In the upper right corner you will see small round blue icons. By clicking on the icon with the handset on it, you can make a voice call, and by clicking on the camera icon, you will start a video call.
Skype users can create video conferences, communicate with several people at the same time, adding them to the conversation. During the call, you can send files, show your screen.
You can also call from Skype to a mobile or landline phone, but for this you will need to top up the balance. This can be done through an electronic payment system (WebMoney, LiqPay, etc.); you can also transfer money to your Skype account from a bank card. You can call a phone number in any country, the only limitation is the inability to make a video call. To make a call from Skype to your phone, click on the icon with keys in the upper left corner; dial the number in the window that opens.
Tablets have a built-in microphone and webcam, so you don't have to buy additional peripherals.
viber and whatsapp
Viber and WhatsApp are the most popular mobile apps for sending messages, sharing files and, of course, making calls between users. You can call to any country, as long as the person you want to contact has access to the Internet through a mobile device (tablet, phone) or PC / laptop. If the Internet connection speed is high enough, you can make video calls, if not, it is better to talk without video, because. the application may "slow down".
To call with whatsapp, open the application, go to the contact list, select the person you want to call, in the window that opens you will see a chat with this interlocutor. In the upper right corner is an image of a handset - click on it to make a call.
To call with Viber, open the program itself, go to the contact list, click on the contact you want to call. In the window that opens, you will see small purple icons - click on the handset icon to make a call or on the camera icon to make a video call.
Viber also has the Viber out option, which is a service that allows you to call mobiles and landlines. Worldwide. Such calls are charged separately; you must top up your account in advance by transferring a fixed amount of money ($4.99, $9.99 or $24.99 in your national currency) from your bank card through online banking.
QIP, ICQ and Mail.Ru Agent
The good old messengers can also be used for correspondence and calls. You should install one of the messengers on your tablet (there are special versions for Android) and that's it - you can call other users who also have a QIP, ICQ or Mail.ru agent.
To call via QIP, find the person you want to call in the contact list, right-click on his name and select "Call" or "Video call" from the menu.
You can also call via QIP to a mobile or landline phone. To do this, click on the icon with a green handset, which is located in the lower right corner under the contact list. In the window that opens, dial the subscriber's number.
To call via ICQ, open the conversation with the interlocutor and click on the round green icon with the image of a handset. Another way to make a call: find the name of the interlocutor in the contact list, right-click on it and select the "Call computer" option from the context menu.
To call via ICQ to a phone, open the Menu and select the "Call by phone" option. In the window that opens, dial the subscriber's number.
To call via Mail.Ru Agent, find the name of the interlocutor in the contact list, select the "Call" option in the menu and then "Call the computer" or the phone number of this user.
Social media
ABOUT Only the user who is online can make a call. This will require an internet connection. Your interlocutor must also be online to receive the call.
To call via VKontakte, log in and go to the page of the person you want to call. Under the user's profile picture, you will see a blue icon with a video camera - click on it to make a video call.
To call through Odnoklassniki, log in, go to a friend's page. Under his avatar you will see a list of functions, select "Call".
To call via Facebook, open the conversation with the user, in the upper right corner of the chat you will see an icon with a drawn handset / video camera - click on it to make a call / video call.
A tablet is a miniature version of a computer that combines the functions of a smartphone and a laptop. This device is great for internet surfing. Today we will talk about how to make a call from a tablet.
general information
electronics stores and household appliances offers the widest selection tablet computers. They differ from each other in cost, country of origin, design and functional set. Many buyers are sure that if the tablet has a slot for SIM-cards, then you can make calls from it. However, this is a big misconception. The main purpose of the SIM card slot is to provide the device with access to the Internet.
How to call from a tablet is a secondary issue. Before buying a device, you need to ask the seller if he has a mobile communication module. If it is, then you can really make calls from such a tablet. It remains only to choose a profitable tariff plan. 
Buying such an expensive device can be called a good investment. After all, you get a real entertainment center. Now you can watch movies and videos in HD format, listen to your favorite tracks at full volume and share high-quality photos with friends from social networks. Not everyone knows that the iPad is used to make calls.
First you need to go to the nearest Megafon office and purchase SIM cards called Multifon. What does she give? First, you will be able to call your friends and family directly from your iPad. Secondly, the device will stably access the Internet even in places where there is no Wi-Fi.
Calls from the iPad are made using IP-telephony. You can get in touch with the right person in one of the following ways:
1. Through Skype. A special modification of the program was released for iPad owners. Using it, the subscriber can communicate in text and voice formats, arrange video chats and teleconferences.
2. Through the Viber application. No registration required. Instead of a nickname, we indicate the phone number by which friends, colleagues and relatives will call you. This service is easy to contact with social networks.
3. Through the FaceTime program. It does not need to be searched on the Internet and downloaded. It's already built into the iPad. Its only disadvantage is that you can only communicate with owners of Apple devices.
If you still have problems with Wi-Fi, then you should purchase a 3G router to solve the problem.
Many major manufacturers electronics and household appliances produce tablets. Among them are Lenovo. Its products are widely represented in our country. In this regard, the question arises: “How to make a call from a Lenovo tablet?” We are ready to provide the necessary information to the owners of these devices.
You can make calls from a Lenovo tablet in the same way as from other brands of tablets. But even here there are nuances. Firstly, you can make calls to the phones of popular mobile operators (MTS, Beeline, and so on). Secondly, you need to understand that you still have a tablet in front of you, and not a smartphone or a regular phone.
You can make calls from such devices only if you have a GSM module. Direct connection with subscribers of cellular networks will not work. Only special programs, which include Skype.
Information for Android tablet owners
You can communicate with friends and family not only by phone. But how to call from an Android tablet? The device has a slot for a SIM card, but there is no GSM module. This means that you will have to call from it without using cellular network. We select a tariff plan only for Internet access.
But still, how to make a call from an Android tablet? You can do this with Skype programs. It allows you to make calls to landline and mobile phone numbers. The program is suitable for different operating systems. There is a special modification for Russian-speaking users.
We go to Google Play and install Skype through the Android Market. Then we register and fill out the profile (upload your photo, indicate personal data). We check the connection by dialing the phone number of a friend or one of the relatives.
Finally
We hope that you have received an exhaustive answer to the question: "How to call from a tablet?" The article contains recommendations for owners of devices of various types.
Almost all tablet owners sooner or later ask themselves the question “is it possible to make calls from a tablet?” or “how to call from a tablet?”. This is especially true for 3G versions of tablet models. “They also have a slot for a SIM card, which means you can call from them in any way!” - thinks the majority. In this article, we will deal with everything with you.
Why is it not possible to call from every tablet?
Understand the most important thing - if the tablet has a place to insert a SIM card, this does not mean that it can call by default. The fact is that in addition to the SIM slot, you also need a cellular module that provides voice calls and SMS. Your favorite 3G version has a 3G module that provides you with the Internet, and it's not a fact that it also has a cellular module. In fact, everything is a little more complicated, I simply told it so that it would be clear to everyone.
Do you understand what I mean? If you want to make calls and all that through the tablet, then this moment had to be thought out in advance, and take a tablet with such an opportunity right away, since there is plenty to choose from.
Here is a link to Yandex.Market especially for you, where you can see a catalog of tablets from which you can make calls via cellular networks. You can find out if you can call from your device on the same site. Write its model in the search from above and in the characteristics look for the line "work in mode cell phone". If it is, then it is possible; if not, then it is not.
Programs for calling from a tablet
In all tablets, where the ability to make calls is provided, the application for making calls should already be preinstalled (see screenshots). If you can't find it, try updating the firmware, the manufacturer must have added a dialer to the latest firmware version. You can search in the app store
Tablet owners often ask questions, is it possible to use a tablet as a phone and make calls from it? Will it be enough to have a SIM card with 3G support in the tablet? What inexpensive tablets are suitable for the role of dialers.
To get answers to these questions, take a minute of your time for the article.
Can I make calls using a 3G tablet?
Yes, you can. But not from everyone. To make a regular phone call, in addition to having a SIM card and 3G, the tablet must be equipped with a GSM communication module. In addition, if there are no obstacles at the hardware level and the GSM module is installed, the tablet developer could programmatically disable this feature. Using a different firmware for a device with this limitation may not solve the problem.
To determine if it is possible to make calls from a tablet, review the instructions. If in the characteristics it uses UMTS cellular communication technologies (also often called 3GSM to emphasize belonging to GSM), then the device can be used for calls. For example, the Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6 has 3G and UMTS and already has a built-in Phone app.
If there is no such application, but the technical documentation indicates that the device can make calls, this means that:
- The installed firmware limits the ability to make calls. Install a custom one instead.
- Official firmware, which is designed for another country, supports the ability to make calls. Therefore, install the appropriate firmware.
The ability to call is present on tablets that run on MTK chips (for example, Lenovo, VastKing), but not all. To make sure that you can make calls, look for information on the Internet specifically for your tablet model.
How to make calls using the Internet?
To make a call to a mobile phone over 3G internet or Wi-Fi, use any voice communication application that supports calls to landline and mobile numbers. The popular and familiar Skype application has such an opportunity. Skype-to-Skype calls are free, but Microsoft charges the following for phone calls.
- skype;
- viber;
- Hangouts, etc.
Inexpensive calling tablets
To make calls in the GSM network, you can purchase inexpensive devices. Let's take a few models as an example.
| Model | VastKing M783K 3G | Impression ImPAD 9415 | Pixus Touch 8 3G | Lenovo Tab2 A7-30DC |
| Price | 4000 rub. | 4600 rub. | 4600 rub. | 7300 rub. |
| Screen diagonal | 7,85 | 8 | 8 | 7 |
| Screen resolution | 1024×768 | 1280×800 | 1280×800 | 1024×600 |
| Matrix | IPS | IPS | IPS | IPS |
| Storage device | 8 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB | 8 GB |
| USB | 1 PC. | 1 PC. | 1 PC. | 1 PC. |
| GPS | There is | There is | There is | There is |
| OS | Android 4.2 | Android 5.1.1 | Android 5.1 | Android 4.4 |
| Battery capacity | 5000 mAh | 4400 mAh | 4000 mAh | 3450 mAh |
| RAM | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB |
| CPU | MediaTek MT8389, 1.2 GHz | Intel Atom x3-C3230RK, 1.2 GHz | MediaTek MTK8382, 1.3GHz | Mediatek MT8382M, 1.3 GHz |
Initially, the tablet was intended for nothing more than surfing the web, listening to music, watching movies and reading books. Although the first devices had a small number of built-in applications, the era of shops came much later. However, today there is a more pressing question - is it possible to call from a tablet?
Undoubtedly yes! At the same time, it does not matter what kind of device you have and whether there is a slot for a SIM card. You can easily make calls to your friends' mobile phones.
Below we will consider all the ways to call from a tablet. First you need to figure out what technologies allow you to do this:
- 3G (4G-LTE).
- WiFi.
GSM
This is the same module that is in the most common mobile phones. That is, you can use any SIM card of a familiar operator. To do this, the tablet has a slot for a SIM card. The very appearance of this kind of tablets caused a smirk on the faces of both giant manufacturers and users. Mainly due to the fact that these devices were produced by Chinese companies according to low prices and the segment of this market did not seem promising. The fact that the tablet can be used as a phone came to the masses much later. This was facilitated by the fall in the cost of the Internet. It became possible to make video calls and hold conferences very cheaply. Thus, even the giants Apple and Samsung have started to enter the market with GSM and 3-4G solutions.
To make calls, the tablet has standard application with dialer, address book and other functions, like a regular phone. The application itself can be replaced with a better one with more options.
3G (4G-LTE) and Wi-Fi technologies
The essence of these modules is that they provide access to the Internet. With the help of the latter and certain programs you can make calls both between users and to regular landline and mobile numbers. The difference lies in convenience, connection speed and cost. The disadvantage of Wi-Fi is that it is stationary, but at the same time, many portable routers are sold that convert 3G into a radio signal. It follows from this that if the tablet has a slot for a 3G card, then it makes sense to use Wi-Fi only at home, if you have high-speed home Internet.
Today, when tablets are becoming more and more popular, many are wondering if it is possible to make calls from a tablet, and if so, how to do it? This issue is especially relevant for owners of 7 and 8-inch tablets, although with a stretch, they can be used as a phone.
The problem is further complicated by the fact that many, having seen the inscription 3G in the specifications of the tablet, automatically attribute to it the ability to make calls on the cellular network, although this is far from always true. Let's figure out which tablets you can call and which ones you can't.
3G and GSM
Actually, the answer lies in this subheading. The most common misconception is that 3G and GSM are equated to each other, attributing to the 3G tablet module the ability to make calls to cellular operators operating in the GSM network, while this is impossible. This erroneous opinion arises from the fact that both communication standards require a SIM card, the slot for which is equipped with all 3G tablets. From here it follows that in order for the tablet to be able to call, it is necessary that, in addition to the 3G module, it was also equipped with a GSM module. Fortunately, many manufacturers equip their tablets with a GSM module, but not all of them. In order not to “fly by” with the choice of such a tablet, you should definitely check this point with the seller in the store, or even better, check it yourself. The easiest way to find out if the tablet can make calls is to simply turn on the device and look among the programs for the so-called “dialer” - a special application for dialing numbers. If there is one, be sure that this is a tablet from which you can call. It should also be borne in mind that sometimes there are tablets in which the physical ability to call is blocked by software, and in some cases you can unlock it yourself, but this will require minimal knowledge in the field of firmware and “rooting” the device.
Programs for calling from a tablet
If your tablet does not have a GSM module, then the only sure way to make calls from it is to use special programs for Internet calls. Undoubtedly, the most common such program is Skype. In addition, this is the only program that allows you to make calls to mobile and landline phones via the Internet directly from your tablet, although the cost of such calls is somewhat higher than that of mobile operators. In other cases, all that remains for you is the use of Internet messengers with the possibility of audio communication. For example, you can use Google Talk, Fring and other less popular analogues. One of the undoubted advantages of such programs is free calls. However, you should not forget that such calls require a WiFi or 3G connection, and its cost will already depend on tariff plan your provider.
