The sub-$200 tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Doogee T20mini Kid and Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) are two strong contenders. While both aim to deliver an affordable Android experience, they differ in their internal hardware and target audiences. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which tablet offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) is the better choice. Its slightly more powerful Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset and faster 15W charging provide a smoother experience and quicker top-ups, justifying the often modest price difference. However, the Doogee T20mini Kid 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 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 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 | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, September | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 202.5 x 125.8 x 12.4 mm (7.97 x 4.95 x 0.49 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 | 499 g (1.10 lb) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1820 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.4 inches, 209.2 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 350 nits | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (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 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 | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 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, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 5060 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Yellow | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | - | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | - | About 230 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
Doogee T20mini Kid
- Lower price point makes it very accessible.
- Compact and lightweight design for portability.
- Sufficient for basic tasks like reading and browsing.
- Slower processor limits multitasking and gaming.
- Slower 10W charging takes longer to replenish the battery.
- Camera quality is likely subpar.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- More powerful Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset for smoother performance.
- Faster 15W charging reduces downtime.
- Established brand reputation and software support.
- Slightly higher price compared to the Doogee T20mini Kid.
- Still not ideal for demanding games or applications.
- Camera quality remains basic.
Display Comparison
Neither tablet boasts a particularly impressive display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The key difference lies in processing power, not display technology. We can assume similar resolutions (around 1920x1200) given the 10.5-inch screen size of the Tab A8. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both devices, as manufacturers cut costs here. Color accuracy and peak brightness are likely comparable, leaning towards acceptable for indoor use but underwhelming in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality is not a strong suit for either tablet. Both are likely equipped with basic camera sensors primarily intended for video calls and occasional snapshots. Details on sensor size and aperture are unavailable, but expectations should be tempered. The focus here isn't photography; it's functionality. Any claims of high-resolution cameras should be viewed skeptically, as image quality will be heavily dependent on software processing and lighting conditions.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 holds a slight edge in performance thanks to its Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset. While both chips are based on a 12nm process and feature an octa-core configuration with 2x Cortex-A75 and 6x Cortex-A55 cores, the T618 clocks higher at 2.0 GHz versus the T606’s 1.6 GHz. This 20% clock speed increase translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience. The T618’s GPU is also likely slightly more capable, offering a marginal improvement in gaming performance. Both tablets will struggle with demanding titles, but the Tab A8 will handle lighter games and everyday tasks more efficiently.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While specific battery capacities are not provided, both tablets should offer around 7-8 hours of moderate use. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 benefits from 15W wired charging, allowing for a faster 0-100% charge compared to the Doogee T20mini Kid’s slower 10W charging. This faster charging is a significant convenience factor, especially for users who rely on their tablet throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Doogee T20mini Kid if you need an ultra-affordable tablet primarily for basic tasks like reading ebooks, light web browsing, and simple video playback, and are willing to accept slightly slower performance. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) if you prioritize a more responsive user experience, faster charging, and a more established brand reputation, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T606 in the Doogee T20mini Kid struggle with multiple apps open simultaneously?
Yes, the Unisoc T606 is a budget-focused chipset. While capable of handling basic multitasking, opening several apps concurrently will likely result in noticeable slowdowns and app reloading. The limited RAM (spec not provided, but likely 3-4GB) further exacerbates this issue.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 a significant improvement over the Doogee T20mini Kid's 10W charging?
Absolutely. While not a revolutionary difference, 15W charging will noticeably reduce the time it takes to fully charge the Tab A8. Expect a roughly 30-50% faster charging time, which is a considerable convenience for daily use.
❓ Are either of these tablets suitable for playing graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile?
Neither tablet is ideally suited for demanding games like PUBG Mobile. While you might be able to run them at the lowest settings, expect significant frame rate drops and a less-than-optimal gaming experience. The Unisoc T618 in the Tab A8 will perform slightly better, but it's still not a gaming-focused device.
❓ What kind of storage options are typically available for these tablets, and can it be expanded?
Both tablets likely come in 32GB or 64GB storage configurations. Crucially, both support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add up to 512GB or 1TB of additional storage for apps, photos, and videos. This is highly recommended, as the base storage fills up quickly.
