The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Blackview Tab 12 Pro and Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) represent compelling options for users seeking affordable Android experiences. Both tablets utilize Unisoc chipsets, but subtle differences in CPU clock speeds and charging capabilities could significantly impact daily usability. This comparison dives deep into the specs to determine which tablet delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a slightly faster processor and faster charging, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) is the better choice. While the Blackview Tab 12 Pro offers a competitive price, the Tab A8’s marginally superior chipset and 15W charging provide a smoother, more responsive experience.
| 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, 40 | 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 | 2023, March 24 | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 238.5 x 157.5 x 7.4 mm (9.39 x 6.20 x 0.29 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 | 430 g (15.17 oz) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~78.7% 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 (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 12, DokeOS_P 3.0 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | 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 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | - |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.06" | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0" | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | 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, GALILEO, 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, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity (accessories only) | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 6580 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Twilight Blue, Lunar Silver, Space Gray | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | - | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
Blackview Tab 12 Pro
- Potentially lower price point
- Acceptable performance for basic tasks
- Likely lightweight design
- Slower processor compared to the Tab A8
- Slower 10W charging
- Potentially less refined software experience
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Faster Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset
- Faster 15W charging
- Samsung’s One UI offers a more polished experience
- May be slightly more expensive
- Battery life could be similar to the Blackview Tab 12 Pro
- Build quality may not be significantly better
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 10.5-inch displays, but detailed display specifications like resolution, panel type (IPS, TFT), and color gamut coverage are not provided. However, the focus should be on the processing power needed to drive the display. Without knowing the display tech, the chipset differences become more critical. Bezels are likely similar given the price points, and color accuracy is expected to be standard for this segment.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Details on camera sensors are missing, but tablets in this price range typically feature basic cameras suitable for video calls and occasional snapshots. Focusing on the chipset’s image signal processor (ISP) capabilities is more relevant, and the T618’s slightly improved processing power may offer marginally better image quality. However, expect similar results in most lighting conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Blackview Tab 12 Pro utilizes the Unisoc T606, while the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) employs the Unisoc Tiger T618. Both are 12nm chips, but the T618 boasts a slightly higher CPU clock speed – 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores versus the T606’s 1.6 GHz. This 0.4 GHz difference, while seemingly small, translates to a noticeable performance boost in app loading times and multitasking. The T618’s higher clock speed will result in quicker processing of tasks, making the Tab A8 more responsive for everyday use. Both utilize an octa-core configuration with the same Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, meaning power consumption under light loads should be comparable.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) has a clear advantage in charging speed with 15W wired charging compared to the Blackview Tab 12 Pro’s 10W. This means the Tab A8 will reach a full charge significantly faster, reducing downtime. While a larger battery capacity on the Blackview Tab 12 Pro could offset the slower charging, the faster charging of the Tab A8 is a more tangible benefit for most users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Blackview Tab 12 Pro if you need a tablet primarily for static content consumption like reading ebooks or watching pre-downloaded videos, and are extremely budget-conscious. Its lower price point makes it an attractive option for those on a tight budget. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) if you prefer a more responsive user experience for multitasking, light gaming, and streaming, and value the convenience of faster charging. The Tab A8 offers a more polished overall experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T618 in the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 handle light gaming like PUBG Mobile?
The Unisoc T618 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at lower graphics settings. However, don't expect a high-framerate experience. The chipset is geared towards everyday tasks and streaming, not demanding gaming. Expect playable performance at medium settings with reduced frame rates.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Blackview Tab 12 Pro noticeably slow in real-world use?
Yes, 10W charging is considerably slower than 15W. Expect a significantly longer time to reach a full charge, potentially taking several hours. This is a major drawback if you frequently use your tablet throughout the day and need quick top-ups.
❓ Does either tablet support expandable storage via microSD card?
While not explicitly stated in the provided specifications, Samsung tablets in this range typically support microSD card expansion. The Blackview Tab 12 Pro likely also offers microSD support, but it's best to confirm with the manufacturer before purchasing if expandable storage is a priority.
