The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Blackview Tab 6 and Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) represent compelling options for users seeking affordable Android experiences. Both tablets aim to deliver essential functionality without breaking the bank, but key differences in their chipsets and feature sets dictate which one is the better fit for your needs. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to reveal the true winner.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) offers a more balanced experience. While the Blackview Tab 6 is a viable option, the Tab A8’s octa-core Unisoc Tiger T618 processor provides a noticeable performance advantage for multitasking and demanding applications, justifying its slightly higher price.
| 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, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 15 | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 207.6 x 124 x 9.5 mm (8.17 x 4.88 x 0.37 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 | 365 g (12.87 oz) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Innolux Glass | - |
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core (1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T310 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC | - |
| 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) | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 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 | 5580 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Gold, Blue | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | - | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
Blackview Tab 6
- Potentially lower price point
- Acceptable for basic tasks
- Lightweight and portable
- Significantly weaker processor
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Potentially slower software updates
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- More powerful octa-core processor
- Smoother multitasking experience
- Samsung brand reputation and software support
- 15W fast charging
- Slightly higher price
- May not be significantly better for extremely basic tasks
- Still a budget device with limitations
Display Comparison
Neither Blackview nor Samsung provide detailed display specifications beyond the 10.5-inch size. However, given the market positioning, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The key difference lies under the hood. The Tab A8’s processor has the headroom to drive a potentially higher resolution display more smoothly. While both are likely 1920x1200, the T618’s GPU will handle graphics rendering with less strain. Bezels are expected to be similar on both, reflecting their budget nature. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong point on either device, but Samsung’s software typically includes some level of color calibration.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are positioned as budget devices, and image quality will reflect that. Details on sensor size and aperture are unavailable, but it’s safe to assume both feature basic camera setups. Focusing on the processor’s image signal processing (ISP) capabilities, the T618 in the Tab A8 will likely offer slightly better image processing, resulting in marginally improved photos and videos. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device means low-light performance will be limited.
Performance
The core differentiator here is the chipset. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8’s Unisoc Tiger T618, with its octa-core configuration (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55), significantly outperforms the Blackview Tab 6’s Unisoc Tiger T310 (Quad-core, 1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55). The doubling of Cortex-A55 cores on the T618 provides a substantial boost to multi-threaded performance, making a noticeable difference in app loading times and multitasking. While both chips are built on a 12nm process, the T618’s architecture is more efficient. The Tab A8 will handle more demanding apps and games with greater fluidity. RAM configurations are not specified, but the T618’s superior processing power will be more effectively utilized with adequate RAM.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 includes 15W wired charging, which is a slight advantage. While a larger battery capacity on the Blackview Tab 6 could offset the slower charging, the T618’s more efficient architecture in the Tab A8 will likely result in comparable or even better battery life in real-world usage. The 15W charging on the Tab A8 will allow for quicker top-ups when needed, reducing downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the Blackview Tab 6 if you prioritize absolute affordability and primarily need a tablet for basic tasks like web browsing, video playback, and light reading. It’s a good choice for users on a very tight budget. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) if you value smoother multitasking, a more responsive user experience, and the brand recognition and software support that Samsung provides. It’s ideal for students, families, and anyone who wants a tablet that can handle a wider range of applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc Tiger T618 in the Tab A8 handle light gaming like Asphalt 9 or Call of Duty Mobile?
Yes, the Unisoc Tiger T618 is capable of running light to medium-weight games like Asphalt 9 and Call of Duty Mobile at moderate settings. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it provides a playable experience that the Blackview Tab 6’s T310 would struggle with.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 a good choice for video conferencing and online classes?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is well-suited for video conferencing and online classes. The T618 processor provides sufficient power for smooth video calls, and the 10.5-inch display offers a comfortable viewing experience. The Samsung ecosystem also offers optimized apps for these use cases.
❓ Does the Blackview Tab 6 support expandable storage via microSD card?
While not explicitly stated in the provided specifications, most budget tablets, including the Blackview Tab 6, typically include a microSD card slot for expandable storage. This is crucial for users who plan to store a large number of files or apps.
❓ How does Samsung’s software support compare to Blackview’s for these tablets?
Samsung generally provides longer and more consistent software updates for its tablets compared to Blackview. This means the Tab A8 is more likely to receive security patches and potentially even Android version updates, extending its lifespan and ensuring a more secure user experience.
