Blackview's Tab series continues to offer affordable Android tablets, but the jump from the Tab 8 to the Tab 9 isn't just a generational bump in numbering. A key change lies within the silicon: the Tab 9 moves to a newer Unisoc T610 chipset, promising improved performance. This comparison dissects the differences between these two tablets, focusing on how the chipset upgrade translates to real-world usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Blackview Tab 9 is the better choice. While both tablets share the same 10W charging, the Tab 9’s Unisoc T610 chipset, built on a smaller 12nm process, delivers a noticeable performance boost over the Tab 8’s SC9863A, making it more suitable for multitasking and demanding applications.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | CDMA 800 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 21. Released 2020, July | 2021, March 24 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, April |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 243.6 x 162.4 x 8.9 mm (9.59 x 6.39 x 0.35 in) | 243.7 x 162.5 x 8.5 mm (9.59 x 6.40 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 600 g (1.32 lb) | 570 g (1.26 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Asahi Glass | Asahi Glass |
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~74.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~74.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.4, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | No |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 6580 mAh | 7480 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Gold | Gray, Gold |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Blackview Tab 8
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly slower performance
- Less efficient chipset
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Blackview Tab 9
- Faster and more responsive performance
- More power-efficient chipset
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Likely slightly higher price
- Still limited to 10W charging
- Camera performance likely similar to Tab 8
Display Comparison
Neither Blackview provides display specifications beyond size. Assuming similar LCD panels, the difference in visual experience will be minimal. However, the improved GPU in the Tab 9 *could* translate to slightly smoother scrolling and animations, even if the panel itself is identical. Bezels are likely comparable, given the similar target price points. Color accuracy is expected to be standard for this segment, leaning towards acceptable rather than exceptional.
Camera Comparison
Given Blackview’s positioning, camera performance is unlikely to be a key differentiator. Both tablets likely feature similar sensor configurations, potentially with a primary sensor around 8MP. Without specific aperture or sensor size data, it’s safe to assume image quality will be adequate for casual snapshots but not competitive with dedicated cameras. The T610’s slightly improved ISP *might* offer marginally better image processing, but the impact will be minimal.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Blackview Tab 8’s Unisoc SC9863A, fabricated on a 28nm process, features an octa-core configuration split between 1.6GHz and 1.2GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Tab 9’s Unisoc T610, built on a more efficient 12nm process, boasts a more powerful configuration: two 1.8GHz Cortex-A75 cores paired with six 1.8GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This architectural shift, particularly the inclusion of the Cortex-A75 cores, provides a significant uplift in single-core and multi-core performance. The T610 will handle multitasking and app launches noticeably faster. While RAM details are missing, the chipset is the primary bottleneck.
Battery Life
Both tablets are limited to 10W wired charging, meaning charge times will be relatively slow. Without knowing the battery capacity of either device, it’s difficult to definitively say which offers better battery life. However, the Unisoc T610’s 12nm process is more power-efficient than the SC9863A’s 28nm process. This means the Tab 9 is likely to achieve comparable or slightly better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity, due to reduced power consumption during operation.
Buying Guide
Buy the Blackview Tab 8 if you prioritize extreme budget-friendliness and only need a tablet for very basic tasks like web browsing and video playback. It's a functional device for minimal usage. Buy the Blackview Tab 9 if you value smoother multitasking, a more responsive user experience, and the ability to handle slightly more demanding apps – even light gaming – without significant slowdown. The Tab 9 offers a better long-term investment for most users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Blackview Tab 9 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Tab 9’s Unisoc T610 is an improvement, it’s not a gaming powerhouse. You’ll likely be able to play PUBG Mobile at lower settings and frame rates. Expect some stuttering and frame drops during intense action. It's suitable for casual gaming, but not for competitive play.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Tab 8 and Tab 9 noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and email?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Tab 9’s faster processor and more efficient architecture result in snappier app launches, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall user experience. Web pages will load faster, and multitasking will be significantly less frustrating.
❓ Does the Tab 9 support any form of fast charging, or is it limited to 10W?
Unfortunately, both the Tab 8 and Tab 9 are limited to 10W wired charging. This means charging from 0% to 100% will take a considerable amount of time – likely several hours. Don't expect quick top-ups with either device.
❓ What kind of storage options are available for the Tab 9, and is it expandable?
Storage details are not provided in the context data. However, based on Blackview’s typical offerings, the Tab 9 likely comes in 32GB or 64GB configurations. It's highly probable that storage is expandable via a microSD card slot, but this needs to be verified with official specifications.
