The tablet market is booming, but finding the right one for your needs and budget can be tricky. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Blackview Tab 15 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021). Both offer compelling features at accessible price points, but which one comes out on top?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 offers a more polished experience with a slightly better chipset and Samsung's reliable software support. However, the Blackview Tab 15 provides a competitive alternative, especially for those prioritizing affordability and a larger screen. Ultimately, the A8 is the safer, more well-rounded choice.
| 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, October 26 | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 26 | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 246.4 x 161.5 x 7.3 mm (9.70 x 6.36 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 | 525 g (1.16 lb) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.3% 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 (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MP2 | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 12, Doke OS_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 |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 13 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | 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 | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 8280 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Lunar Silver, Twilight Blue, Space Gray | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | - | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
Blackview Tab 15
- Better Performance (T618)
- Samsung Brand Reputation
- Reliable Software Support
- Slightly Better Display Quality
- More Polished User Experience
- Slower Charging (15W)
- Higher Price Point
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- More Affordable
- Larger Screen (potentially)
- Decent Performance for the Price
- Less Powerful Chipset (T610)
- Potentially Lower Display Quality
- Less Established Brand
- Limited Software Updates
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature a 10.5-inch display, but the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 typically boasts slightly better color accuracy and brightness. The Tab 15's display is adequate, but may lack the vibrancy of the A8. Resolution is similar, offering a decent viewing experience for both.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality is generally not a strong point for budget tablets. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 likely offers marginally better image quality, but neither tablet is expected to produce exceptional photos. Expect decent front-facing cameras for video calls on both devices.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8's Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset holds a slight edge over the Blackview Tab 15's T610. The higher clock speeds on the A8 translate to snappier performance in everyday tasks and slightly better gaming capabilities. Both will handle basic apps and streaming without issue, but the A8 feels more responsive.
Battery Life
Battery life is comparable, with both tablets offering around 8-10 hours of typical usage. The Tab 15's larger battery capacity *could* provide slightly longer runtime, but real-world performance will depend on usage patterns.
Buying Guide
The Blackview Tab 15 is ideal for budget-conscious users who need a large screen for media consumption and light tasks. It's a good option for students or those seeking a secondary tablet. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is better suited for users who want a smoother, more reliable experience with access to Samsung's ecosystem and longer software support. It's a great all-around tablet for entertainment and productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which tablet is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8's slightly more powerful chipset makes it a better choice for gaming, although neither tablet is a powerhouse.
❓ How long is the software support for each tablet?
Samsung typically provides longer software update support than Blackview, ensuring a more secure and up-to-date experience on the Galaxy Tab A8.
❓ Is the Blackview Tab 15 worth considering if I'm on a tight budget?
Absolutely! The Blackview Tab 15 offers a large screen and decent performance at a very competitive price point, making it a great value option.
