The tablet market offers a surprising number of options, even on a budget. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Blackview Tab 12 and the Nokia T20. Both promise affordability, but which one delivers the best overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia T20 edges out the Blackview Tab 12 thanks to its superior chipset, brighter display, and slightly better software support. While the Blackview offers a competitive price, the Nokia's overall refinement and future-proofing make it the better choice for most users.
| 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 Cat4 150/50 Mbps - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, May 15 | 2021, October 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 31 | Available. Released 2021, November 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 238.5 x 157.5 x 7.4 mm (9.39 x 6.20 x 0.29 in) | 247.6 x 157.5 x 7.8 mm (9.75 x 6.20 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 430 g (15.17 oz) | 465 g (Wi-Fi), 470 g (LTE) (1.03 lb) |
| | - | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Asahi Glass | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~78.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~78.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 6580 mAh | Li-Po 8200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue, Silver | Deep Ocean |
| Models | - | TA-1397, TA-1394, TA-1392 |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.34 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.35 W/kg (body) |
Blackview Tab 12
- Very affordable
- Decent for basic tasks
- Large display (likely 10.1 inch)
- Lower performance chipset
- Unspecified display brightness
- Potentially shorter software support
- Slower charging (10W)
Nokia T20
- Brighter and higher contrast display
- More powerful and efficient chipset
- Longer software support (Nokia's promise)
- Faster charging (15W)
- Slightly more expensive
- Camera performance is still basic
Display Comparison
The Nokia T20 boasts a significantly brighter display (422 nits vs unspecified for Tab 12) and a high 1786:1 contrast ratio, resulting in more vibrant colors and better visibility in bright conditions. While both likely use IPS panels, the Nokia's display is noticeably superior. Resolution is likely similar, around 1200x800.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is likely to excel in camera performance. Both will likely feature basic 8MP rear cameras and 5MP front cameras. Image quality will be adequate for video calls but not impressive for photography. Expect similar results from both.
Performance
Here, the Nokia T20 takes a clear lead. Its Unisoc T610 chipset (12nm) is more efficient and powerful than the Blackview Tab 12's Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The Nokia's CPU configuration (2x Cortex-A75 + 6x Cortex-A55) offers a better balance of performance and efficiency compared to the Tab 12's all-Cortex-A55 setup. Expect smoother multitasking and app loading on the Nokia.
Battery Life
Both tablets likely feature around 5000mAh batteries. The Nokia T20's more efficient chipset should translate to slightly better battery life, though real-world usage will vary.
Buying Guide
The Blackview Tab 12 is ideal for users prioritizing the absolute lowest price and basic tasks like web browsing and media consumption. The Nokia T20 is a better fit for those seeking a smoother experience, a brighter screen, and longer software support, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What Android version do these tablets run?
The Nokia T20 launched with Android 11 and is promised updates to Android 12 and 13. The Blackview Tab 12 likely runs Android 10 or 11, but software support is less certain.
❓ Are these tablets suitable for gaming?
Neither tablet is ideal for demanding games. The Nokia T20 handles lighter games better due to its more powerful chipset. The Blackview Tab 12 is best suited for casual games only.
