Rugged tablets are built for tough environments, offering durability and functionality where standard tablets fall short. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the budget-friendly Blackview Tab 5 and the established Samsung Galaxy Tab Active. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which one comes out on top.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active wins overall due to its superior performance, more robust build quality, and wider software support. While the Blackview Tab 5 offers a compelling price point, the Active's Snapdragon processor and Samsung's reputation for durability make it the better choice for demanding users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | - |
| 4G bands | N/A | - |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 03 | 2014, September. Released 2014, December |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 211.2 x 126.2 x 9.7 mm (8.31 x 4.97 x 0.38 in) | 213.1 x 126.2 x 9.7 mm (8.39 x 4.97 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | No |
| Weight | 355 g (12.52 oz) | 393 g (13.86 oz) |
| | - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 mins)
Stylus |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~69.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~69.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Rockchip RK3326S | Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 305 |
| OS | Android 12, Doke OS Go 3.0 | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat), upgradable to Android 5.1.1, TouchWiz UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 1.5GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 3.15 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 0.3 MP | 1.2 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | No | Accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 5580 mAh | Li-Ion 4450 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Twilight Blue, Space Gray | Titanium Green |
| Models | - | SM-T360 |
| Price | - | About 300 EUR |
Blackview Tab 5
- Affordable price
- Rugged design
- Decent screen size
- Android OS
- Lower performance
- Less robust build quality compared to Active
- Limited software updates
- Less responsive UI
Samsung Galaxy Tab Active
- Superior performance (Snapdragon 400)
- More durable build
- Better software support (Samsung updates)
- Active Pen support (often)
- Water and dust resistant (IP68)
- Higher price
- Can still be bulky
- Basic camera quality
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active typically features a brighter and more color-accurate display, often with better outdoor visibility. The Blackview Tab 5's display is adequate but may lack the vibrancy and clarity of the Active. Resolution is likely similar, but the Active's panel technology is generally superior.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality is generally not a primary concern for rugged tablets, but the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active usually offers slightly better image quality and features. Both devices likely have basic cameras suitable for quick snapshots, but don't expect flagship-level performance.
Performance
Here's where the Galaxy Tab Active shines. The Snapdragon 400 processor provides significantly better performance than the Rockchip RK3326S in the Blackview Tab 5. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better overall responsiveness on the Active. The Active's CPU architecture (Cortex-A7) is also more efficient for sustained performance.
Battery Life
Both tablets offer decent battery life, but the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active often has a slightly larger battery capacity and more efficient processor, potentially leading to longer usage times. Ruggedness also often includes better battery protection.
Buying Guide
The Blackview Tab 5 is ideal for users on a tight budget who need a basic rugged tablet for light tasks like browsing, media consumption, and simple productivity. The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active is perfect for professionals in fields like construction, logistics, or outdoor work who require a reliable, durable device for demanding applications and harsh conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Blackview Tab 5 waterproof?
The Blackview Tab 5 offers some level of water resistance, but it's not as robust as the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active's IP68 rating. It's best to avoid prolonged exposure to water.
❓ Can I use the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active outdoors?
Yes, the Galaxy Tab Active is designed for outdoor use with its rugged build, bright display, and water/dust resistance. It's a much better choice for harsh environments.
