The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Cubot Tab 30 and Nokia T20 represent compelling options for users seeking affordable entertainment and productivity. While both tablets utilize Unisoc chipsets, key differences in display technology and processing power dictate which device is better suited for specific needs. This comparison dives deep into the specs to reveal the winner.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia T20 emerges as the better choice. Its brighter, higher-contrast display significantly enhances the viewing experience, and the slightly more refined CPU architecture offers a smoother overall performance, despite the similar core count. The Cubot Tab 30 remains a viable option for extremely budget-conscious buyers.
| 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 - US, LATAM |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 40, 66 - US, LATAM |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2021, October 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2021, November 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 237.5 x 157.5 x 8 mm (9.35 x 6.20 x 0.31 in) | 247.6 x 157.5 x 7.8 mm (9.75 x 6.20 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 421 g (14.85 oz) | 465 g (Wi-Fi), 470 g (LTE) (1.03 lb) |
| | - | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~79.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~78.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T618 | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS - cellular model only |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, magnetic connector | 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | 6580 mAh | Li-Po 8200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray | Deep Ocean |
| Models | - | TA-1397, TA-1394, TA-1392 |
| Price | - | About 200 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.34 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.35 W/kg (body) |
Cubot Tab 30
- Likely the most affordable option
- Octa-core processor for basic multitasking
- Potential for expandable storage (market segment expectation)
- Inferior display quality (assumed)
- Less efficient processor architecture
- Limited brand recognition and software support
Nokia T20
- Brighter and higher contrast display
- More efficient CPU architecture (Cortex-A75 cores)
- Established brand with potential for software updates
- Slower 15W charging
- Potentially higher price point
- Still a budget device with limitations
Display Comparison
The Nokia T20 boasts a clear advantage in display quality, achieving a measured peak brightness of 422 nits and a 1786:1 contrast ratio. This translates to a more vibrant and readable screen, especially in brightly lit environments. The Cubot Tab 30’s display specifications are not provided, suggesting a lower brightness and contrast level, likely resulting in a less immersive viewing experience. The Nokia T20’s superior contrast ratio will also improve the visibility of dark content.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is positioned as a photography powerhouse, and detailed camera specifications are absent for both. However, given the market segment, it’s safe to assume both will feature basic camera setups suitable for casual snapshots and video calls. Without sensor size or aperture information, a meaningful comparison is impossible. Focusing on the core purpose of these tablets – content consumption and light productivity – the camera is a secondary consideration.
Performance
Both tablets feature octa-core CPUs, but the Nokia T20 utilizes a more nuanced architecture: 2x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 cores paired with 6x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This 'big.LITTLE' design allows the T20 to handle demanding tasks more efficiently by leveraging the powerful A75 cores when needed. The Cubot Tab 30’s Unisoc T618, while also octa-core, lacks this architectural differentiation, relying solely on Cortex-A55 cores. The Nokia T20’s chipset is also fabricated on a 12nm process, while the Cubot Tab 30’s is not specified, potentially indicating a less efficient manufacturing process.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Nokia T20’s 15W wired charging suggests a slower charging speed compared to what might be found on some competing tablets. The Cubot Tab 30’s charging speed is also unknown. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the Nokia T20’s more efficient chipset could potentially offset a smaller battery capacity, offering comparable or even better endurance.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot Tab 30 if you prioritize absolute lowest cost and basic functionality for tasks like ebook reading or simple web browsing. Buy the Nokia T20 if you value a more enjoyable viewing experience with a brighter screen, slightly improved performance for multitasking, and a more established brand reputation for software updates and support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia T20 struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Unisoc T610 is not a gaming powerhouse, the Nokia T20 should be capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. The Cortex-A75 cores provide a performance boost for gaming compared to a purely Cortex-A55 based processor. However, don't expect a flagship-level gaming experience.
❓ Is the Nokia T20 a good choice for reading ebooks and online articles?
Yes, the Nokia T20’s brighter display and higher contrast ratio make it an excellent choice for reading. The increased readability reduces eye strain during extended reading sessions. While the Cubot Tab 30 may be adequate, the Nokia T20 offers a more comfortable and enjoyable reading experience.
❓ How long will software support last on the Cubot Tab 30?
Cubot's track record for long-term software support is less established than Nokia's. Users should expect a shorter lifespan of software updates and security patches compared to the Nokia T20, which benefits from Nokia's commitment to Android updates.
