The tablet market offers a wide range of options, but finding the right one for your needs and budget can be tricky. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the budget-friendly Blackview Tab 11 and the popular Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021). Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to see which tablet comes out on top.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) edges out the Blackview Tab 11 due to its superior software support, brand reputation, and slightly faster CPU core speeds. While both share the same chipset, Samsung's optimizations and longer software updates provide a more polished and reliable user experience. However, the Blackview offers a compelling alternative for budget-conscious buyers.
| 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 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 15 | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 247 x 156.7 x 8.1 mm (9.72 x 6.17 x 0.32 in) | 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 460 g (1.01 lb) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Asahi Glass | - |
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~225 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.36 inches, 305.5 cm2 (~78.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali G52 MP2 | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
other unspecified camera | - |
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 6580 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Green, Silver | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | - | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | About 210 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
Blackview Tab 11
- Very affordable
- Decent performance for basic tasks
- Large display for media consumption
- Expandable storage via microSD
- Lower screen quality compared to Samsung
- Slower charging
- Less software support
- Cameras are average
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Better screen quality
- Faster charging
- Longer software support
- More reliable brand
- Slightly better performance
- More expensive than Blackview Tab 11
- Still uses a Unisoc chipset
- Cameras are not exceptional
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature a 10.5-inch display, but the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 typically boasts a slightly better panel with more accurate colors and potentially higher brightness. The Blackview Tab 11's display is adequate for the price, but may lack the vibrancy and viewing angles of the Samsung.
Camera Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 generally has better camera quality, both front and rear. The Blackview Tab 11's cameras are functional but don't offer exceptional image quality. Don't expect either tablet to be a photography powerhouse.
Performance
While both utilize the Unisoc Tiger T618, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 benefits from Samsung's software optimization. The slightly faster Cortex-A55 cores (2.0 GHz vs 1.8 GHz on the Blackview) contribute to a marginally smoother experience, especially when multitasking. Expect similar performance for basic tasks, but the Samsung might handle more demanding apps slightly better.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 has a larger battery capacity (7040 mAh vs Blackview Tab 11's 5500 mAh) and faster charging (15W vs 10W), resulting in longer battery life and quicker recharge times. This is a significant advantage for the Samsung.
Buying Guide
The Blackview Tab 11 is ideal for users seeking a very affordable tablet for basic tasks like browsing, streaming, and light gaming. It's a great option for students or those needing a secondary device. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) is better suited for users who want a more premium experience with longer software support, a smoother user interface, and a more reliable brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Blackview Tab 11 good for gaming?
The Blackview Tab 11 can handle basic games, but don't expect to play demanding titles smoothly. It's better suited for casual games and browsing.
❓ How long does the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 battery last?
With moderate usage, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 can easily last a full day. Heavy users may need to charge it before the end of the day.
❓ Does the Blackview Tab 11 get software updates?
Blackview's software update support is limited compared to Samsung. Expect fewer updates and potentially longer wait times.