The budget tablet market is heating up, with options like the Cubot Tab 20 and Realme Pad 2 Lite vying for attention. While both aim to deliver an affordable Android experience, they take drastically different approaches to core components, particularly the chipset. This comparison dives deep into the hardware to determine which tablet offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Realme Pad 2 Lite is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio G99 chipset, built on a 6nm process, provides a substantial performance advantage over the Cubot Tab 20’s older Unisoc SC9863A. While the Cubot Tab 20 may be slightly cheaper, the performance gains and efficiency of the Realme Pad 2 Lite justify the price difference.
| 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, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023 | 2024, September 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023 | Available. Released 2024, September 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 241.4 x 160.2 x 8.3 mm (9.50 x 6.31 x 0.33 in) | 258 x 169.5 x 8.3 mm (10.16 x 6.67 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | No |
| Weight | 530 g (1.17 lb) | 525 g (1.16 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~207 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~76.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.95 inches, 347.7 cm2 (~79.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 90Hz, 450 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 for Pad |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | Unspecified |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0 | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | - | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 8300 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Purple | Nebula Purple, Space Grey |
| Models | - | RMP2402 |
| Price | - | About 160 EUR |
Cubot Tab 20
- Potentially lower price point
- May be lighter due to simpler components
- Sufficient for basic tasks
- Significantly weaker performance
- Less power efficient
- Likely slower app loading times
Realme Pad 2 Lite
- Superior performance with Helio G99
- More power efficient 6nm process
- Faster and smoother user experience
- 15W wired charging
- Potentially higher price
- May be slightly heavier
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Realme Pad 2 Lite's positioning, it likely features an IPS LCD panel with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The Cubot Tab 20, being a more budget-oriented device, likely uses a similar panel. The absence of details like peak brightness or color gamut makes it difficult to assess visual quality, but Realme generally focuses on providing decent displays even in their budget offerings. Bezels are likely to be similar on both devices, reflecting their price points.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera sensor details, a meaningful comparison is difficult. Both tablets likely feature basic camera setups geared towards video calls rather than photography. The Realme Pad 2 Lite, benefiting from its more powerful chipset, may offer slightly better image processing capabilities, but the difference will likely be minimal. The absence of information regarding sensor size or aperture makes it impossible to determine which device captures better images.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme Pad 2 Lite’s Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) is a significant upgrade over the Cubot Tab 20’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The 6nm process node of the Helio G99 translates to improved power efficiency and reduced heat generation, allowing for sustained performance. The CPU architecture also favors the Realme Pad 2 Lite: its 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores are considerably more powerful than the 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores in the Cubot Tab 20. The remaining 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores in the G99 further enhance multi-tasking capabilities. This means faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall experience on the Realme Pad 2 Lite. The older Unisoc chip will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device. However, the Realme Pad 2 Lite’s 15W wired charging is a notable feature. The more efficient Helio G99 chipset will likely result in longer battery life compared to the Cubot Tab 20, despite potentially having a similar battery capacity. The 6nm process node reduces power consumption, extending usage time between charges. While 15W isn't fast charging, it's a reasonable charging speed for a budget tablet.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot Tab 20 if you prioritize absolute lowest cost and only need a tablet for very basic tasks like web browsing and light video consumption. Its older chipset is sufficient for these limited workloads. Buy the Realme Pad 2 Lite if you value responsiveness, smoother multitasking, and the ability to handle more demanding apps and games. The Helio G99 offers a significantly better user experience for everyday use and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A in the Cubot Tab 20 struggle with multitasking?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A is a relatively low-powered chipset. While it can handle a few apps simultaneously, expect noticeable slowdowns and lag when switching between multiple applications or running demanding software. The Realme Pad 2 Lite’s Helio G99 is far better equipped for multitasking.
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio G99 in the Realme Pad 2 Lite capable of playing modern mobile games?
The Helio G99 is a capable gaming chip for a budget tablet. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it can handle most popular mobile games at medium settings with playable frame rates. Expect to adjust graphics settings for optimal performance in more demanding titles.
❓ Does the Realme Pad 2 Lite support fast charging beyond 15W?
No, the Realme Pad 2 Lite is officially rated for 15W wired charging. While it might be compatible with chargers that support higher wattages, the device will only draw up to 15W. This is a standard charging speed for tablets in this price range.
