The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Cubot Tab 40 and Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) represent compelling options for users seeking affordable entertainment and productivity. Both devices leverage Unisoc Tiger chipsets, but subtle differences in CPU clock speeds and features like charging capabilities create distinct user experiences. This comparison dissects these nuances to determine which tablet delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a well-rounded experience and brand reliability, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) is the better choice. While the Cubot Tab 40 offers a similar chipset, the Tab A8’s 15W charging and Samsung’s software optimizations provide a smoother, more polished experience.
| 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 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, September 11 | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, September 18 | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 247.3 x 157.1 x 7.7 mm (9.74 x 6.19 x 0.30 in) | 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 449 g (15.84 oz) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~79.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | 7000 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | - | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
Cubot Tab 40
- Potentially lower price point
- Similar Unisoc T616 chipset to Tab A8
- May offer expandable storage (spec not confirmed)
- Likely slower charging speeds
- Less established brand reputation
- Potentially less refined software experience
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Faster 15W charging
- Samsung’s optimized One UI software
- Stronger brand recognition and support
- Slightly higher price
- Unisoc T618 chipset offers only incremental performance gains
- May include bloatware
Display Comparison
Both tablets are expected to feature 10.5-inch displays, but detailed display specifications like resolution, panel type (IPS vs. TFT), and brightness are not provided. Given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The absence of information regarding peak brightness or color gamut coverage suggests neither tablet will excel in outdoor visibility or color accuracy. Bezels are likely comparable, typical of tablets in this price bracket. Without further data, a clear winner cannot be determined.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Details regarding camera sensors are absent, but budget tablets typically feature low-resolution sensors focused on basic video calls and casual snapshots. The lack of information prevents a meaningful comparison; however, it’s safe to assume neither device will deliver exceptional image quality. Focusing on the chipset and display is more relevant for evaluating these tablets.
Performance
The core difference lies in the Unisoc Tiger chipsets. The Cubot Tab 40 utilizes the T616, featuring a dual-core Cortex-A75 setup clocked at 2.0 GHz, paired with six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) employs the T618, maintaining the dual-core Cortex-A75 at 2.0 GHz but boosting the Cortex-A55 cores to 2.0 GHz. This 0.2 GHz increase in the A55 cores, while seemingly minor, can contribute to slightly improved multi-tasking performance and sustained workloads. Both chipsets are built on a 12nm process, suggesting similar thermal characteristics. The Tab A8’s potentially better software optimization from Samsung could further enhance real-world performance.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the Cubot Tab 40. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) supports 15W wired charging, a significant advantage over potentially slower charging solutions on the Cubot Tab 40. While battery life will depend on usage patterns, the faster charging speed of the Tab A8 translates to less downtime and a more convenient user experience. Without knowing the Cubot Tab 40’s battery capacity, it’s difficult to assess overall endurance, but the Tab A8’s charging advantage is clear.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot Tab 40 if you need a highly affordable tablet for basic tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and light reading, and are comfortable with a potentially less refined software experience. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) if you prefer a more established brand, faster charging, and a generally smoother user interface, even if it means paying a slight premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc Tiger T618 in the Samsung Tab A8 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Unisoc Tiger T618 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. It's not a gaming powerhouse, but it provides a playable experience for casual gamers. The Tab A8’s software optimizations may offer slightly better sustained performance than the Cubot Tab 40.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 support Samsung DeX for a desktop-like experience?
No, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 does not support Samsung DeX. It's a feature reserved for higher-end Samsung tablets. However, the Tab A8’s One UI interface is well-suited for multitasking and productivity tasks within the tablet’s native environment.
❓ Is the Cubot Tab 40 a good choice for video streaming services like Netflix and YouTube?
Yes, the Cubot Tab 40 is suitable for video streaming, assuming it supports the necessary codecs and resolutions. However, the lack of information regarding display brightness and color accuracy suggests the viewing experience may not be optimal in bright environments. The Tab A8 may offer a slightly better viewing experience due to Samsung’s display technology.
