The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Cubot Tab 40 and Blackview Tab 13 are two contenders vying for your attention. Both aim to deliver a functional Android experience without breaking the bank, but they achieve this with different chipsets. This comparison dives deep into the nuances of the Unisoc Tiger T616 in the Cubot Tab 40 and the MediaTek Helio G85 in the Blackview Tab 13 to determine which tablet offers the best overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a slightly more refined experience, the Blackview Tab 13 emerges as the winner. While both tablets share the same CPU core configuration, the Helio G85 generally demonstrates better GPU performance, making it more suitable for light gaming and smoother multitasking. However, the Cubot Tab 40 remains a viable option for basic tasks.
| 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, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, September 11 | 2022, August 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, September 18 | Available. Released 2022, August 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 247.3 x 157.1 x 7.7 mm (9.74 x 6.19 x 0.30 in) | 238.8 x 157.6 x 7.7 mm (9.40 x 6.20 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 449 g (15.84 oz) | 450 g (0.99 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~79.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~78.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 12, Doke OS_P 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP
2 MP |
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM Radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C, OTG |
| 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, compass | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 7000 mAh | 7280 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray | Twilight Blue, Space Gray, Silver |
| Price | About 150 EUR | - |
Cubot Tab 40
- Potentially lower price point
- Sufficient for basic tasks
- Unisoc chipset offers decent efficiency
- Less powerful GPU for gaming
- Likely slower app loading times
- May exhibit more lag during multitasking
Blackview Tab 13
- More powerful GPU for gaming and graphics
- Smoother multitasking experience
- Generally better performance overall
- Potentially higher price
- May have slightly shorter battery life under heavy load
- MediaTek chipset can sometimes run warmer
Display Comparison
Neither Cubot nor Blackview provide detailed display specifications beyond the tablet's size. Assuming both utilize IPS LCD panels – common in this price bracket – the visual experience will likely be similar. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO suggests both are geared towards content consumption rather than visually demanding tasks. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both devices, contributing to a more utilitarian aesthetic. Color accuracy will likely be standard for budget tablets, requiring calibration for professional use.
Camera Comparison
Given the budget nature of these tablets, camera performance is unlikely to be a key differentiator. Detailed camera specs are unavailable, but it's safe to assume both feature basic rear and front-facing cameras suitable for casual snapshots and video calls. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is almost certain. Focusing on megapixel counts alone is misleading; image quality will be more heavily influenced by sensor size and image processing algorithms, neither of which are specified. Expect adequate performance in well-lit conditions, but struggles in low light.
Performance
Both the Cubot Tab 40 and Blackview Tab 13 are equipped with octa-core CPUs featuring the same core configuration: 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55. However, the chipset difference – Unisoc Tiger T616 versus MediaTek Helio G85 – is crucial. The Helio G85 generally boasts a more powerful GPU (Mali-G52 MC2 vs. Mali-G52 MC1 in the T616), translating to better graphics performance. This means the Blackview Tab 13 will handle games and graphically intensive apps with greater fluidity. While both likely feature similar RAM configurations, the G85's superior GPU provides a tangible advantage for users who occasionally engage in gaming or video editing. Thermal management is likely passive on both, meaning sustained performance will depend on the chassis's ability to dissipate heat.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, considering their similar size and target market, they likely house batteries in the 5000-7000 mAh range. Charging wattage is also unknown. The real-world battery life will depend on usage patterns, but the more efficient Helio G85 in the Blackview Tab 13 *could* offer slightly longer runtimes under similar workloads. Without knowing the charging wattage, it's difficult to estimate 0-100% charging times, but expect several hours for a full charge on both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot Tab 40 if you need a tablet primarily for static tasks like reading ebooks, browsing the web, or watching videos, and are on a very tight budget. Its Unisoc T616 chipset is sufficient for these workloads. Buy the Blackview Tab 13 if you prefer a tablet capable of handling light gaming, smoother app switching, and a more responsive user interface, even if it means spending a little more. The Helio G85 provides a noticeable performance edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Blackview Tab 13 handle popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Helio G85 in the Blackview Tab 13 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a playable frame rate. Don't expect a flagship gaming experience, but it's certainly more capable than the Cubot Tab 40.
❓ Is the Unisoc Tiger T616 in the Cubot Tab 40 sufficient for streaming video from services like Netflix or YouTube?
Yes, the Unisoc Tiger T616 is perfectly adequate for streaming video from services like Netflix and YouTube. It can handle 1080p content without issue. However, it may struggle with higher resolutions or demanding streaming apps.
❓ Can either of these tablets be used with a keyboard and mouse for productivity tasks?
Both tablets support Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect a keyboard and mouse. However, the Android tablet experience isn't always optimized for productivity like a laptop or desktop. Expect some limitations with app compatibility and multitasking.
