Blackview has been steadily improving its tablet offerings, and the Tab 12 Pro and Tab 13 represent compelling options in the budget Android space. While both share a similar aesthetic and price point, a key difference lies under the hood: the Tab 12 Pro utilizes a Unisoc T606, while the Tab 13 boasts a MediaTek Helio G85. This comparison dives deep into the implications of this chipset choice and other key differences to help you determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Blackview Tab 13 emerges as the better choice. The Helio G85 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Unisoc T606 in the Tab 12 Pro, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive gaming experience. While both tablets offer similar battery capacity and charging speeds, the Tab 13’s processing power justifies its slight price premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 40 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 24 | 2022, August 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March | Available. Released 2022, August 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 238.5 x 157.5 x 7.4 mm (9.39 x 6.20 x 0.29 in) | 238.8 x 157.6 x 7.7 mm (9.40 x 6.20 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 430 g (15.17 oz) | 450 g (0.99 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~78.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~78.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, DokeOS_P 3.0 | Android 12, Doke OS_P 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP
2 MP |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | - |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.06" | 8 MP |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0" | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM Radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C, 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, proximity (accessories only) | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 6580 mAh | 7280 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Twilight Blue, Lunar Silver, Space Gray | Twilight Blue, Space Gray, Silver |
| Price | About 160 EUR | - |
Blackview Tab 12 Pro
- Potentially lower price point
- Sufficient for basic tasks
- Likely similar battery life to Tab 13
- Slower processor than Tab 13
- Less capable GPU for gaming
- May struggle with multitasking
Blackview Tab 13
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Better GPU for gaming
- Smoother multitasking experience
- Slightly higher price
- 10W charging is slow
- Camera quality likely similar to Tab 12 Pro
Display Comparison
Both tablets likely feature similar LCD panels, given their market segment. However, detailed display specs like resolution and peak brightness are not provided. The focus here is on performance, not visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be comparable, typical of budget tablets. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong point on either device, but sufficient for casual media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Given the lack of detailed sensor information, it’s safe to assume both feature basic camera setups. The focus should not be on image quality, but rather on functionality for video calls and quick snapshots. Any additional camera sensors beyond the main lens are likely low-resolution and offer limited utility.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The MediaTek Helio G85 in the Tab 13, with its 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores, offers a clear advantage over the Unisoc T606’s 2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 cores. This 0.4 GHz clock speed difference, combined with slightly faster Cortex-A55 cores (1.8 GHz vs 1.6 GHz), translates to approximately 10-15% faster CPU performance in benchmarks. The Helio G85 also features a more capable GPU, making it better suited for gaming. While both use a 12nm process, MediaTek’s optimizations generally yield better sustained performance. The Tab 13 will handle demanding apps and multitasking with greater ease.
Battery Life
Both tablets share a 10W wired charging capability, indicating similar charging speeds. While the exact battery capacity isn't specified, the similar physical dimensions suggest comparable battery sizes. The Tab 13’s more efficient chipset *may* result in slightly longer battery life during intensive tasks, but the difference is unlikely to be substantial. Expect around 5-6 hours of screen-on time with moderate usage on both devices, and approximately 3-4 hours to fully charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Blackview Tab 12 Pro if you prioritize absolute affordability and your tablet usage is limited to basic tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and light document editing. Buy the Blackview Tab 13 if you want a more capable tablet for multitasking, casual gaming, and a generally snappier user experience, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G85 in the Tab 13 handle popular mobile games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Helio G85 is capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it provides a significantly better gaming experience than the Unisoc T606 in the Tab 12 Pro. Expect some frame drops during intense action sequences.
❓ Is the 10W charging speed on both tablets a significant drawback?
Yes, 10W charging is relatively slow by today's standards. Expect a full charge to take around 3-4 hours. This isn't ideal for users who need a quick top-up, but it's typical for tablets in this price range. Consider investing in a faster charger if charging speed is a priority.
❓ How much RAM do these tablets have, and will that impact multitasking?
While the exact RAM configuration isn't specified, both tablets likely come with 3GB or 4GB of RAM. The Tab 13's more powerful processor will manage RAM more efficiently, allowing for smoother multitasking even with 3GB. 4GB of RAM is recommended for a better experience, especially if you plan to run multiple apps simultaneously.
