The budget tablet market is booming, offering incredible value for those seeking entertainment and productivity on the go. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Blackview Tab 11 SE and the Nokia T21. Both promise affordability, but which one delivers the better experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia T21 edges out the Blackview Tab 11 SE thanks to its slightly faster processor, faster charging (PD3.0), and generally more polished Nokia software experience. While both are budget options, the T21 offers a more refined and future-proof package.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - US, LATAM |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 40, 66 - US, LATAM |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 17 | 2022, September 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 17 | Available. Released 2022, September 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 249 x 156.7 x 8.1 mm (9.80 x 6.17 x 0.32 in) | 247.5 x 157.3 x 7.5 mm (9.74 x 6.19 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 512 g (1.13 lb) | 466 g (1.03 lb) |
| | - | Splash resistant
Stylus support |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~225 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.36 inches, 305.5 cm2 (~78.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~79.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 360 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 12, Doke OS_P 3.0 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (Wi-Fi/LTE model only / TA-1521) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM Radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | 7680 mAh | Li-Po 8200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Gray, Silver | Charcoal Grey |
| Models | - | TA-1495, TA-1521, TA-1505, TA-1487 |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 240 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.56 W/kg (body) |
Blackview Tab 11 SE
- Large 11-inch display
- Affordable price point
- Decent battery life
- Slower processor
- Basic camera quality
- Slower charging
Nokia T21
- Slightly faster processor
- Faster charging (PD3.0)
- Reputable brand
- Clean Android experience
- Slightly higher price
- Basic camera quality
- Not a flagship device
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 11-inch displays, likely with similar resolutions (around 1920x1200). Expect decent viewing angles and brightness for everyday use, but don't expect flagship-level color accuracy or HDR support. The Nokia T21 might have slightly better calibration due to Nokia's focus on software.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is expected to have exceptional cameras. Expect basic 8MP rear cameras and 5MP front cameras suitable for video calls and occasional snapshots. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but don't expect stellar results.
Performance
The Nokia T21's Unisoc Tiger T612 holds a slight advantage over the Tab 11 SE's T606. The higher clock speeds on the T612 (1.8 GHz vs 1.6 GHz) translate to snappier app loading and smoother multitasking. Both will handle basic tasks well, but the T21 will feel more responsive overall.
Battery Life
Both tablets likely feature around 7000mAh batteries, offering all-day battery life for moderate usage. However, the Nokia T21's support for 18W PD3.0 charging provides significantly faster charging speeds compared to the Tab 11 SE's likely slower charging.
Buying Guide
The Blackview Tab 11 SE is ideal for users prioritizing a large screen and basic functionality on a tight budget. The Nokia T21 is a better choice for those who value a smoother performance, faster charging, and a more reliable brand reputation, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What Android version do these tablets run?
Both tablets likely ship with Android 12 or 13, with Nokia promising longer software support for the T21.
❓ Are these tablets suitable for gaming?
Neither tablet is ideal for demanding games. They can handle casual games, but performance will be limited by the processors and integrated graphics.
