Looking for an affordable Android tablet? Blackview offers several options, and the Tab 12 and Tab 16 are two popular contenders. But which one delivers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Blackview Tab 16 is the clear winner. Its more modern Unisoc Tiger T616 chipset, smaller 12nm process, and faster CPU cores offer a significant performance boost over the Tab 12's older SC9863A. While both are budget options, the Tab 16 provides a smoother, more responsive experience.
| 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 | 2022, May 15 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 31 | Available. Released 2023, March 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 238.5 x 157.5 x 7.4 mm (9.39 x 6.20 x 0.29 in) | 260.1 x 164.7 x 8 mm (10.24 x 6.48 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 430 g (15.17 oz) | 533 g (1.18 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Asahi Glass | - |
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~212 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~78.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 344.4 cm2 (~80.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, Doke OS_P 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 13 MP |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | 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, 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 | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 6580 mAh | 7680 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue, Silver | Meteorite Gray, Twilight Blue, Mint Green |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Blackview Tab 12
- Very affordable
- Decent for basic tasks
- Large screen for media consumption
- Slow performance
- Outdated chipset
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Slow charging (10W)
Blackview Tab 16
- Better performance than Tab 12
- More efficient chipset
- Smoother user experience
- Likely better software support
- Still a budget tablet (limited features)
- Camera quality is average
- 10W charging
Display Comparison
Both tablets likely feature similar display technology (likely IPS LCD) and resolution (likely around 1280x800). The Tab 16 might have slightly better color accuracy or brightness due to its newer design, but the difference will be minimal. Screen size is likely to be similar, around 10.1 inches.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality on budget tablets is rarely impressive. Both devices likely have modest rear and front-facing cameras, suitable for basic video calls and occasional snapshots. Don't expect exceptional image quality from either device. The Tab 16 *might* have a slightly improved sensor, but the difference will be negligible.
Performance
This is where the Tab 16 shines. The Unisoc Tiger T616's 12nm process and Cortex-A75 cores provide a substantial performance advantage over the Tab 12's 28nm SC9863A and Cortex-A55 cores. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better overall responsiveness on the Tab 16. The Tab 12 will feel noticeably slower, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is likely similar between the two tablets, around 5000-6000 mAh. However, the Tab 16's more efficient chipset could translate to slightly better battery life in real-world usage, despite the similar capacity. The Tab 12's slower processor will likely consume more power.
Buying Guide
The Blackview Tab 12 is a good choice for users on a very tight budget who primarily need a tablet for basic tasks like web browsing and media consumption. The Tab 16 is ideal for those who want a slightly more capable tablet for light gaming, multitasking, and a generally smoother user experience, without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Blackview Tab 16 worth the extra money compared to the Tab 12?
Yes, the Tab 16's improved performance makes it a worthwhile upgrade, especially if you plan to use your tablet for more than just basic tasks.
❓ What kind of games can I play on the Blackview Tab 16?
The Tab 16 can handle less demanding games smoothly. More graphically intensive titles may require lower settings or experience frame rate drops.