The tablet market offers a wide range of options, but finding a balance between affordability and performance can be tricky. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Blackview Tab 12 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021). Let's dive in to see which one comes out on top.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 offers a smoother experience thanks to its more efficient chipset and better software support. While the Blackview Tab 12 is a budget-friendly option, the A8's superior performance and brand recognition make it the overall winner 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 |
| 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 | 2022, May 15 | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 31 | 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 |
|---|
| Protection | Asahi Glass | - |
| 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 (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB 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 |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | - |
| 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 | 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, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 6580 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue, Silver | 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
- More powerful chipset
- Better software support
- More established brand
- Slightly better display quality
- Faster charging (15W)
- Higher price point
- Camera quality is still basic
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Very affordable
- Decent display for the price
- Large screen for media consumption
- Slower performance
- Less efficient chipset
- Limited software updates
- Slower charging (10W)
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 12's display is adequate for the price, but may lack the vibrancy and clarity of the A8.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality is generally not a priority on budget tablets. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 likely has slightly better camera sensors and image processing, but neither tablet is expected to deliver exceptional photo quality. Both will suffice for basic video calls and occasional snapshots.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8's Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset, built on a 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Blackview Tab 12's 28nm Unisoc SC9863A. The A8's CPU architecture (with Cortex-A75 cores) is also more efficient, resulting in smoother multitasking and better app responsiveness. Expect some lag on the Tab 12 with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Battery life is comparable, with both tablets offering around 8-10 hours of typical usage. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8's more efficient chipset might give it a slight edge in real-world battery performance.
Buying Guide
The Blackview Tab 12 is ideal for users on a very tight budget who primarily need a tablet for basic tasks like browsing and media consumption. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is a better choice for those who want a more responsive tablet for gaming, multitasking, and enjoy longer software support and a more polished user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Blackview Tab 12 good for gaming?
The Blackview Tab 12 is suitable for very light gaming, but don't expect to play demanding titles smoothly. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 offers a significantly better gaming experience.
❓ How long will Samsung provide software updates for the Galaxy Tab A8?
Samsung typically provides longer software support for its tablets compared to lesser-known brands like Blackview. Expect at least a few years of security updates and potentially one major Android version upgrade for the Tab A8.
