The tablet market is booming, and budget options are increasingly appealing. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Blackview Tab 16 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021). Both promise affordability, but which delivers the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 offers a more polished experience thanks to Samsung's software optimization and brand reputation. While the Blackview Tab 16 is a budget-friendly alternative, the A8's slightly better performance, display, and software support make it the 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 | 2023, February 28 | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 20 | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 260.1 x 164.7 x 8 mm (10.24 x 6.48 x 0.31 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 | 533 g (1.18 lb) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~212 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.0 inches, 344.4 cm2 (~80.4% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | 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, 256GB 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 | No | 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, 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 | - | 15W wired |
| Type | 7680 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Meteorite Gray, Twilight Blue, Mint Green | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | - | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
Blackview Tab 16
- Very affordable
- Decent screen size
- Basic functionality
- Lower performance
- Less polished software
- Limited software updates
- Potentially lower display quality
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Smoother performance
- Better software experience
- Samsung's ecosystem
- Longer software support
- 15W Charging
- More expensive than Tab 16
- Camera quality is average
- Not a flagship device
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 10.5-inch displays, but the Galaxy Tab A8 likely boasts better color accuracy and brightness due to Samsung's display technology. The Tab 16's display is likely adequate but may lack the vibrancy and viewing angles of the A8.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality is typically not a strong point for budget tablets. The Galaxy Tab A8 likely has a slightly better camera setup, but neither tablet is expected to deliver exceptional photo quality. Both will suffice for basic video calls and occasional snapshots.
Performance
The Galaxy Tab A8's T618 chipset offers a slight edge over the Tab 16's T616. While both are Unisoc chips, the T618's slightly faster Cortex-A55 cores contribute to smoother multitasking and app loading. Expect the A8 to handle demanding apps a bit better.
Battery Life
Battery life is comparable, with both tablets likely offering around 8-10 hours of typical usage. The Galaxy Tab A8's 15W charging is a slight advantage over the Tab 16, allowing for faster top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Blackview Tab 16 is ideal for users on a very tight budget who prioritize basic functionality like web browsing and media consumption. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is a better choice for those seeking a smoother, more reliable tablet experience with access to Samsung's ecosystem and longer software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Blackview Tab 16 good for gaming?
The Blackview Tab 16 is suitable for casual games, but demanding titles may experience lag or stuttering due to its chipset.
❓ How long will Samsung support the Galaxy Tab A8 with software updates?
Samsung typically provides several years of software updates for its tablets, offering better security and feature enhancements compared to lesser-known brands like Blackview.
