The tablet market is brimming with options, but finding a great deal can be tricky. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the budget-friendly Blackview Tab 6 and the aging but still relevant Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0. Let's see which one offers the best bang for your buck.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Blackview Tab 6 boasts a significantly more modern chipset and likely better software support. However, the Galaxy Tab 3 8.0's Samsung brand recognition and potentially more refined software experience might appeal to some. Overall, the Tab 6 offers better performance for the price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SM-T3110, SM-T315 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - SM-T311, SM-T315 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - SM-T315 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 15 | 2013, June. Released 2013, July |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 207.6 x 124 x 9.5 mm (8.17 x 4.88 x 0.37 in) | 209.8 x 123.8 x 7.4 mm (8.26 x 4.87 x 0.29 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 365 g (12.87 oz) | 314 g (11.08 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Innolux Glass | - |
| 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 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core (1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Dual-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A9 |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T310 (12 nm) | Exynos 4212 Dual |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | Mali-400MP4 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 1.5GB RAM, 32GB 1.5GB RAM |
| | eMMC | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 1.3 MP |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.0, A2DP |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | microUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out), OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, compass, proximity (3G/LTE models only) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 96 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 11 h (multimedia) |
| Type | 5580 mAh | Li-Ion 4450 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Gold, Blue | White, Gold |
| Models | - | SM-T311, SM-T310, SM-T315 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 270 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.82 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.55 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -91.4dB / Crosstalk -91.0dB |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 989 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 71dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB
|
Blackview Tab 6
- Modern Chipset
- Better Performance
- Likely Better Software Support
- More Affordable
- Unknown Brand Reputation
- Potentially Less Refined Software
- Camera Quality Not Exceptional
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0
- Samsung Brand Recognition
- Potentially More Polished Software (though older)
- Decent Battery Life (potentially)
- Outdated Chipset
- Lower Performance
- Limited Software Updates
- Older Technology
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 8-inch displays, but the Tab 6 likely has a higher resolution and potentially better color accuracy. The Tab 3 8.0's contrast ratio is listed as 989, which is nominal and doesn't tell the whole story. Expect the Tab 6 to offer a more modern viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality on both devices is likely to be unremarkable. The Tab 3 8.0's camera is quite dated. The Tab 6's camera, while not exceptional, will likely offer slightly better image quality due to more modern sensor technology. Don't expect either to replace your smartphone camera.
Performance
This is where the Blackview Tab 6 shines. Its Unisoc Tiger T310 chipset with a Cortex-A75 core provides a noticeable performance boost over the Tab 3 8.0's older Exynos 4212 Dual with its dual Cortex-A9 cores. Expect smoother multitasking and faster app loading on the Tab 6.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 likely has a slightly larger battery capacity (around 4000mAh), but the Blackview Tab 6's more efficient chipset could result in comparable or even better battery life in real-world usage. Expect around 6-8 hours of moderate use on both devices.
Buying Guide
The Blackview Tab 6 is ideal for users seeking a budget-friendly tablet for basic tasks like browsing, streaming, and light gaming. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 is a decent option for those who prioritize brand familiarity and a potentially more polished (though older) Android experience, but understand its limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Blackview Tab 6 a reputable brand?
Blackview is a lesser-known brand, so research user reviews and warranty information before purchasing. While they offer competitive pricing, support might not be as readily available as with Samsung.
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 receive Android updates?
No, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 is no longer receiving official Android updates. It's running an older version of Android, which poses security risks.
