The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Cubot Tab 50 and Nokia T10 represent compelling options for users seeking affordable Android experiences. However, they diverge significantly in their core hardware. The Cubot Tab 50 leverages the more powerful Mediatek Helio G99, while the Nokia T10 opts for the Unisoc T606. This comparison will dissect these differences to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Cubot Tab 50 is the clear winner. Its Helio G99 chipset delivers a substantial performance advantage over the Nokia T10’s Unisoc T606, making it better suited for gaming and demanding applications. While the Nokia T10 offers a familiar brand and potentially better software support, the Tab 50’s raw power justifies the choice.
| 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 | 2024, February 24 | 2022, July 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, March | Available. Released 2022, August 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 246.4 x 161.5 x 7.7 mm (9.70 x 6.36 x 0.30 in) | 208 x 123.2 x 9 mm (8.19 x 4.85 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 455 g (1.00 lb) | 375 g (13.23 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~77.4% 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 (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB 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 | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, 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, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 7500 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 50
- Significantly more powerful processor (Helio G99)
- Likely faster charging speeds
- Better suited for gaming and demanding apps
- Brand recognition is lower than Nokia
- Software updates may be less frequent
Nokia T10
- Well-known and trusted brand (Nokia)
- Clean and simple Android experience
- Potentially better long-term software support
- Significantly weaker processor (Unisoc T606)
- Slow 10W charging
- Struggles with demanding tasks
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Tab 50’s focus on performance, it’s reasonable to expect a display geared towards media consumption, potentially with a higher refresh rate than the Nokia T10. The Nokia T10, aligning with its budget positioning, likely features a standard 60Hz panel. Bezels are likely to be more pronounced on the Nokia T10, reflecting its lower price point. Color accuracy will likely be similar, with both devices targeting the sRGB color space.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera sensor details, a detailed comparison is difficult. However, given the price points, both tablets likely feature modest camera setups. It’s probable that the Cubot Tab 50, benefiting from its more powerful chipset, will have better image processing capabilities, resulting in slightly improved photo and video quality. The Nokia T10 will likely prioritize simplicity and ease of use in its camera software. Expect both to struggle in low-light conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Cubot Tab 50’s Mediatek Helio G99, built on a more modern architecture (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55), significantly outperforms the Nokia T10’s Unisoc T606 (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55). The Cortex-A76 cores in the G99 offer a substantial IPC (Instructions Per Clock) improvement over the A75 cores in the T606. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience. While both are octa-core CPUs, the G99’s architecture and higher clock speeds provide a clear advantage. The Unisoc T606’s 12nm process node is also less efficient than the G99’s, potentially leading to more heat generation under sustained load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, the Nokia T10’s 10W wired charging is a significant limitation. The Cubot Tab 50, given its performance-oriented design, likely supports faster charging, potentially 18W or higher, allowing for quicker top-ups. While a larger battery capacity on the Nokia T10 could offset the slower charging, the G99’s efficiency could mean the Tab 50 achieves comparable battery life with a smaller capacity, and charges much faster.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot Tab 50 if you need a tablet capable of handling moderate gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications without significant slowdowns. It’s ideal for students, casual gamers, and users who want a tablet that won’t feel outdated quickly. Buy the Nokia T10 if you prioritize a well-known brand, a simple and clean software experience, and are primarily focused on basic tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and light productivity – and are willing to accept a noticeable performance compromise.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T606 in the Nokia T10 struggle with multitasking between several apps?
Yes, the Unisoc T606 is a relatively low-powered chipset. While it can handle basic multitasking, switching between multiple apps, especially resource-intensive ones like video editors or games, will likely result in noticeable lag and slowdowns. The Nokia T10 is best suited for running one or two apps at a time.
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio G99 in the Cubot Tab 50 capable of playing modern mobile games?
The Helio G99 is a capable gaming chipset for a budget tablet. It can handle most popular mobile games at medium settings with playable frame rates. However, demanding titles may require lower graphics settings to maintain smooth performance. It’s a significant step up from the Unisoc T606 in gaming capabilities.
❓ How much of an impact will the 10W charging on the Nokia T10 have on daily use?
The 10W charging on the Nokia T10 is quite slow. Expect it to take several hours to fully charge the device from 0%. This means you’ll need to plan ahead and charge it overnight or during extended periods of inactivity. The Cubot Tab 50, with its likely faster charging, offers a much more convenient charging experience.
