The sub-$200 Android tablet market is fiercely competitive. Both the Blackview Tab 8E and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite aim to deliver a functional tablet experience without breaking the bank. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily in their chipset choices and resulting performance characteristics. This comparison will dissect those differences to determine which tablet offers the best value for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing overall responsiveness and efficiency, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio P22T, built on a smaller 12nm process, delivers noticeably smoother performance than the Blackview Tab 8E’s Unisoc SC9863A, despite similar core counts. While the Tab 8E is a viable option, the A7 Lite’s refinement and software optimization give it a clear edge.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 66 |
| EDGE | N/A | - |
| GPRS | N/A | - |
| Speed | N/A | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, January 06 | 2021, May 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, January | Available. Released 2021, June 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame, plastic ends |
| Dimensions | 243.6 x 162.4 x 8.9 mm (9.59 x 6.39 x 0.35 in) | 212.5 x 124.7 x 8 mm (8.37 x 4.91 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 600 g (1.32 lb) | 366 g (Wi-Fi), 371 g (LTE) (12.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Asahi Glass | - |
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~179 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~74.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.7 inches, 214.9 cm2 (~81.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 2 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 6580 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Gold | Gray, Silver |
| Models | - | SM-T225, SM-T220, SM-T225N, SM-T227U |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.68 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.64 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Blackview Tab 8E
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Acceptable for reading and static content
- Less powerful chipset
- Slower charging speed
- Likely lower build quality
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
- More efficient chipset (Helio P22T)
- Faster 15W charging
- Better software optimization
- Slightly higher price
- Still an entry-level tablet
- Display quality is basic
Display Comparison
Neither tablet boasts a particularly impressive display. Specifics like brightness nits and color accuracy are unavailable, but both likely target the entry-level segment. The focus here is on usability, not visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their price point. The lack of high refresh rate panels is standard for this category, prioritizing battery life over visual smoothness.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are equipped with basic camera setups geared towards video calls and occasional snapshots. Details on sensor sizes and apertures are scarce, but expectations should be tempered. The focus should be on functionality, not image quality. Any claims of exceptional camera performance should be viewed with skepticism.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite’s Mediatek Helio P22T (12nm) is fabricated on a smaller process node than the Blackview Tab 8E’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). This translates to better power efficiency and, crucially, less thermal throttling under sustained load. While both are octa-core CPUs, the A7 Lite’s Cortex-A53 cores clock higher (2.3 GHz vs 1.6 GHz), providing a tangible performance advantage in everyday tasks and app loading times. The A7 Lite will handle multitasking and light gaming more gracefully. The larger process node of the Unisoc chip in the Tab 8E suggests it will struggle more with demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While specific mAh capacities are not provided, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite’s 15W charging offers a faster replenishment rate than the Blackview Tab 8E’s 10W charging. This means less time tethered to a power outlet. The more efficient Mediatek Helio P22T in the A7 Lite will also contribute to longer runtimes, even with a potentially similar battery capacity. The faster charging is a significant convenience factor.
Buying Guide
Buy the Blackview Tab 8E if you need a tablet primarily for static tasks like reading ebooks or displaying information, and are highly budget-constrained. Its lower price point makes it an accessible entry point. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite if you prefer a more responsive experience for multitasking, light gaming, and streaming, and value Samsung’s software ecosystem and generally better build quality. The A7 Lite offers a smoother, more polished experience for a modest price premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A in the Blackview Tab 8E struggle with multiple apps open simultaneously?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A, with its larger manufacturing process and lower clock speeds, is likely to exhibit noticeable slowdowns when multitasking with several apps open. The Tab 8E is best suited for running one app at a time.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite significantly faster than the 10W charging on the Blackview Tab 8E?
Yes, 15W charging will noticeably reduce the time it takes to fully charge the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite compared to the Tab 8E. Expect a roughly 30-50% faster charging time, depending on battery capacity.
❓ Can either of these tablets handle popular mobile games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
While both tablets *can* run these games, performance will be limited to low settings and potentially unstable frame rates. The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite will offer a slightly smoother experience due to its more capable chipset, but neither is designed for serious mobile gaming.
❓ Which tablet is better for streaming video content like Netflix or YouTube?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is better suited for streaming due to its more efficient processor. This will result in smoother playback and less potential for overheating during extended viewing sessions.
