This was my first ukulele. I got it as a birthday present. Having never played ukulele before, this thing did the trick to help me learn. With basic Aquila soprano strings, I thought it sounded fine. The Aquilas will really brighten it up. First position chords shouldn't be a problem, but beyond those, the intonation isn't that great.
At the price, you really shouldn't expect any more than that.
I soon after got a better ukulele (once I knew I'd keep playing), but I still get this one out regularly. It is just hard to not like any ukulele for me, especially my first one.
You are correct about the strings it comes with, though. The Aquilas will make a world of difference.