The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Cubot Tab 65 and Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) represent compelling options for users seeking affordable entertainment and productivity. While both leverage Unisoc chipsets, subtle differences in CPU clock speeds and battery endurance create a distinct performance profile. This comparison dissects these nuances to determine which tablet delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing longevity and sustained performance, the Cubot Tab 65 emerges as the winner. Its exceptional 92:02h battery endurance, coupled with a respectable Unisoc T615 chipset, provides a longer-lasting experience. However, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 offers a more established brand reputation and potentially smoother software experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| EDGE | N/A | - |
| GPRS | N/A | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, May | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, May | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 241.4 x 160.2 x 8.3 mm (9.50 x 6.31 x 0.33 in) | 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 530 g (1.17 lb) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 6 | - |
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~76.5% 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 (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T615 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB 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, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | 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 | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | 6200 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | - | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | - | About 230 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 92:02h endurance, 1400 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class E | - |
| Free fall | Class E (52 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class B | - |
Cubot Tab 65
- Exceptional battery life (92:02h endurance)
- Long battery lifespan (1400 cycles)
- Competitive performance with Unisoc T615
- Less established brand reputation
- Potentially less refined software experience
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Well-known Samsung brand
- Slightly faster CPU clock speeds
- 15W fast charging
- Significantly shorter battery life
- Potentially higher price point
Display Comparison
Both tablets are assumed to feature 10.5-inch LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, detailed display specifications like resolution, brightness, and color gamut are unavailable. The focus here shifts to internal performance. The absence of high refresh rate panels is expected, prioritizing battery efficiency over visual fluidity.
Camera Comparison
Given the budget nature of both devices, camera performance is unlikely to be a key differentiator. Detailed camera specifications are unavailable, but it's safe to assume both tablets feature basic camera setups suitable for casual snapshots and video calls. Focusing on camera quality would be a misdirection; the primary use case for these tablets isn't photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Cubot Tab 65 utilizes the Unisoc T615, while the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 employs the Unisoc Tiger T618. Both are 12nm chips with an octa-core configuration (2x Cortex-A75 and 6x Cortex-A55). However, the Tab A8 boasts a slightly higher CPU clock speed – 2.0 GHz versus 1.8 GHz on the A75 cores – potentially offering a marginal performance boost in CPU-intensive tasks. The 2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores on the Tab A8 also contribute to this slight edge. While the difference isn't massive, it could translate to snappier app loading and smoother multitasking. The Tab A8's chipset is likely to offer a small advantage in gaming, but neither tablet is positioned as a high-end gaming device.
Battery Life
This is where the Cubot Tab 65 truly shines. Its reported 92:02h endurance is significantly higher than what's typically achievable with a 7040mAh battery (assumed capacity based on typical tablets in this segment). This suggests excellent power efficiency optimization. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8, with its 15W wired charging, will likely offer a faster initial charge, but the Cubot Tab 65’s longevity will minimize the frequency of needing to charge. The 1400 charge cycles claimed by Cubot also suggest a longer lifespan for the battery itself.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot Tab 65 if you need a tablet that can reliably last through extended travel, long workdays, or frequent media consumption without constantly seeking a power outlet. Its focus is on maximizing uptime. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) if you prefer a tablet from a well-known brand with a potentially more refined user interface and access to Samsung’s ecosystem, even if it means sacrificing some battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Unisoc T615 in the Cubot Tab 65 struggle with demanding games?
While the Unisoc T615 isn't a high-end gaming chipset, it's capable of running many popular mobile games at medium settings. Expect playable frame rates in titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but don't anticipate a flagship-level gaming experience. The focus of this tablet is broader than just gaming.
❓ How does the 15W charging on the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 compare to the charging speed of the Cubot Tab 65?
The Samsung Tab A8's 15W charging will likely result in a faster initial charge from 0%, but the Cubot Tab 65's superior battery endurance means you'll need to charge it less frequently overall. The faster charging speed of the Tab A8 is offset by its shorter battery life.
❓ Is the 1400 charge cycle claim for the Cubot Tab 65 realistic?
While 1400 cycles is a high number, it suggests Cubot has implemented battery health management features to prolong the battery's lifespan. This is a significant advantage, as it indicates the battery will retain a higher capacity over a longer period compared to tablets without such features.
