The tablet market offers a surprising range of options, even on a budget. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Blackview Tab 6 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019). Both promise affordability, but which delivers the better experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) edges out the Blackview Tab 6 thanks to its more refined software, better brand reputation, and slightly more consistent performance. However, the Blackview Tab 6 offers a compelling alternative for those prioritizing a larger screen and potentially lower price point.
| 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 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 15 | 2019, July 05. Released 2019, July |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 207.6 x 124 x 9.5 mm (8.17 x 4.88 x 0.37 in) | 210 x 124.4 x 8 mm (8.27 x 4.90 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 365 g (12.87 oz) | 345g (Wi-Fi), 347g (LTE) (12.24 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 (~71.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core (1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T310 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM429 Snapdragon 429 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | Adreno 504 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 2 MP |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 5580 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Gold, Blue | Carbon Black, Silver Gray |
| Models | - | SM-T290, SM-T295 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.75 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) |
Blackview Tab 6
- Larger screen (potentially)
- Potentially lower price
- Decent for media consumption
- Less powerful processor
- Less established brand
- Software may be less refined
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019)
- More reliable performance
- Samsung brand reputation
- Better software optimization
- Smoother user experience
- Smaller screen
- Potentially higher price
- Basic camera quality
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 8-inch displays, but the Samsung likely has better color accuracy and brightness. The Blackview Tab 6 may offer slightly higher resolution, but panel quality is key. Expect the Samsung to have a more pleasant viewing experience overall.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in camera quality. Expect basic, usable cameras for video calls, but don't expect stunning photos. The Samsung might have slightly better image processing due to its more mature software.
Performance
The Samsung's Snapdragon 429 generally outperforms the Unisoc Tiger T310 in real-world usage. While both have quad-core CPUs, the Samsung's Cortex-A53 cores are more efficient and the Snapdragon chipset benefits from Qualcomm's optimization. Expect smoother multitasking and app loading on the Samsung.
Battery Life
Battery life is likely comparable, both offering around 8-10 hours of typical usage. The Samsung's more efficient processor could give it a slight edge in longevity.
Buying Guide
The Blackview Tab 6 is ideal for users seeking a large-screen tablet for media consumption and basic tasks, particularly those comfortable with less-established brands. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) is a better choice for users prioritizing a smooth, reliable experience, brand recognition, and access to Samsung's ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which tablet is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful processor and smoother performance.
❓ Is the Blackview Tab 6 a reputable brand?
Blackview is a lesser-known brand compared to Samsung. While they offer affordable devices, support and software updates may be less consistent.
❓ Which tablet has better software support?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) will likely receive more frequent and longer-lasting software updates than the Blackview Tab 6.