The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Cubot Tab 10 and Nokia T10 represent compelling options for users seeking an affordable Android experience. Both tablets leverage Unisoc chipsets, but significant architectural differences and feature sets separate them. This comparison will dissect these differences to determine which tablet delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing overall performance and a slightly more refined experience, the Nokia T10 is the better choice. Its newer Unisoc T606 chipset, built on a 12nm process, offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Cubot Tab 10’s older 28nm SC9863A, despite both being octa-core CPUs.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021 | 2022, July 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021 | Available. Released 2022, August 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 243.5 x 164 x 8.8 mm (9.59 x 6.46 x 0.35 in) | 208 x 123.2 x 9 mm (8.19 x 4.85 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 575 g (1.27 lb) | 375 g (13.23 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~74.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~72.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 360 nits (typ), 450 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 8 MP, 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | Yes | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP, 1/5.0", 1.65µm |
| Video | Yes | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5250 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray | Ocean Blue |
| Models | - | TA-1503, TA-1472, TA-1462, TA-1457 |
| Price | - | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.27 W/kg (head) 1.57 W/kg (body) |
Cubot Tab 10
- Potentially lower price point
- May offer larger battery capacity (speculation)
- Simple and straightforward Android experience
- Older, less efficient Unisoc SC9863A chipset
- Slower overall performance
- Unknown charging speed
Nokia T10
- More powerful Unisoc T606 chipset
- 12nm process for better efficiency
- 10W wired charging for predictable charging times
- May have a smaller battery capacity
- Slightly higher price point
- 10W charging is relatively slow
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, details like resolution and peak brightness are missing. The key difference lies under the hood: processing power impacts UI smoothness. While display specs are absent, the Nokia T10’s more capable chipset will contribute to a more fluid visual experience, even if the panels themselves are similar.
Camera Comparison
Given the price point, camera performance isn't a primary focus. Details on camera sensors are unavailable, but it's safe to assume both tablets feature basic camera setups. Expect limited low-light performance and average image quality. Any differences will likely stem from software processing rather than superior hardware. Focusing on the chipset's image signal processor (ISP) capabilities, the T606 likely offers slightly better image processing than the SC9863A, but the impact will be minimal.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Cubot Tab 10 utilizes the Unisoc SC9863A, a 28nm chip with a split core configuration of 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55. The Nokia T10, conversely, features the Unisoc T606, fabricated on a more efficient 12nm process. Crucially, the T606 incorporates 2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 cores alongside 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The A75 cores are significantly more powerful than the A55 cores found exclusively in the Cubot Tab 10, resulting in faster application loading and improved multitasking. This architectural advantage translates to a more responsive user experience on the Nokia T10.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, the Nokia T10 includes 10W wired charging, while the Cubot Tab 10’s charging speed is unknown. The 12nm process of the T606’s chipset contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting a smaller battery capacity compared to the Tab 10. The 10W charging on the Nokia T10, while slow by modern standards, provides a defined charging timeframe, whereas the Cubot Tab 10’s unknown charging speed adds uncertainty.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot Tab 10 if you need a tablet primarily for very basic tasks like reading ebooks or light web browsing and are on an extremely tight budget. Its lower price point makes it accessible, but expect compromises in performance. Buy the Nokia T10 if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday tasks, streaming video, and light multitasking, and value the slightly more modern chipset and build quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia T10 struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Nokia T10 isn't a gaming powerhouse, the Unisoc T606 chipset should allow for playable frame rates on medium settings. Expect some frame drops during intense action, but it's capable of handling less graphically intensive games without issue. The Cubot Tab 10 will likely struggle even more with demanding titles.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Nokia T10 significantly slow compared to other tablets?
Yes, 10W charging is relatively slow compared to the 18W or 20W charging found on many modern tablets. Expect a full charge to take several hours. However, the efficiency of the Unisoc T606 chipset means you may not need to charge as frequently.
❓ Can either tablet be used for video conferencing effectively?
Both tablets should be adequate for basic video conferencing using apps like Zoom or Google Meet. However, the Nokia T10’s more responsive chipset will provide a smoother experience, particularly when multitasking between video conferencing and other apps.
