The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Doogee T20mini and Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) represent compelling options for users seeking affordability without completely sacrificing functionality. Both tablets utilize Unisoc chipsets, but subtle differences in CPU clock speeds and charging capabilities create distinct user experiences. This comparison dives deep into these nuances to determine which tablet offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing slightly faster performance and quicker charging, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) is the better choice. While the Doogee T20mini offers a competitive price, the Tab A8’s marginally more powerful chipset and 15W charging provide a smoother, more convenient experience.
| 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, August 04 | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, August | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 202.5 x 125.8 x 7.4 mm (7.97 x 4.95 x 0.29 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 | 330 g (11.64 oz) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.4 inches, 204.6 cm2 (~80.3% 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 | Moonlit Purple, Mint Green, Midnight Black | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | - | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
Doogee T20mini
- More affordable price point
- Compact and portable design
- Acceptable performance for basic tasks
- Slower processor compared to Tab A8
- Slower 10W charging
- Limited performance for demanding apps
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Faster Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset
- Faster 15W charging
- Smoother multitasking experience
- Slightly higher price
- May not offer significantly better battery life
- Still a budget-oriented device with limitations
Display Comparison
Neither Doogee nor Samsung provide detailed display specifications beyond the 10.5-inch size. However, given the price points, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The real difference lies in the processing power driving the display. While both are 12nm, the Tab A8’s chipset is more capable of handling graphically intensive tasks, potentially resulting in smoother animations and video playback. Bezels are expected to be similar on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning. Color accuracy is likely standard for this segment, prioritizing cost over professional-grade fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for buyers in this segment. Both tablets likely feature basic camera setups geared towards video calls and casual snapshots. Detailed specifications are scarce, but it’s safe to assume both will include a primary rear camera and a front-facing camera for video conferencing. Focusing on megapixel counts would be misleading; image quality will be heavily influenced by software processing and sensor size, neither of which are detailed in the provided data. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests limited low-light performance.
Performance
The core difference between these tablets lies in their chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 features the Unisoc Tiger T618, boasting a CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz on its Cortex-A75 cores, compared to the Doogee T20mini’s Unisoc T606 with 1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 cores. This 0.4 GHz difference, while seemingly small, translates to a noticeable performance boost in the Tab A8, particularly in app launch times and multitasking. Both utilize the same Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, but the higher clock speed of the A75 cores in the Tab A8 provides a clear advantage. RAM configurations are not specified, but the Tab A8 is often found with 3GB or 4GB, which, combined with the faster chipset, will offer a more fluid user experience.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, but both are likely in the 6000-7000 mAh range, typical for 10-inch tablets. The key differentiator is charging speed. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 supports 15W wired charging, while the Doogee T20mini is limited to 10W. This means the Tab A8 will charge significantly faster, reducing downtime and improving overall usability. While a larger battery capacity is desirable, the faster charging of the Tab A8 effectively mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Doogee T20mini if you need an extremely affordable tablet for basic tasks like reading ebooks, light web browsing, and occasional video playback, and are willing to accept slower charging speeds. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) if you prefer a slightly more responsive experience for multitasking, streaming, and light gaming, and value the convenience of faster 15W charging. The Tab A8 is also a better choice for users already invested in the Samsung ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T618 in the Tab A8 handle light gaming like PUBG Mobile?
The Unisoc Tiger T618 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at lower settings. Expect playable frame rates at medium graphics with a balanced frame rate setting. However, it's not designed for demanding, high-graphics gaming. The T606 in the Doogee T20mini will struggle more with this title.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Doogee T20mini with its 10W charging?
Given the likely battery capacity (6000-7000 mAh) and the 10W charging rate, expect a full charge to take approximately 3.5 to 5 hours. This is significantly slower than the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8’s 15W charging.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 a good choice for video streaming?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is well-suited for video streaming. The Unisoc T618 chipset provides sufficient power for smooth playback of HD content on platforms like YouTube and Netflix. The 10.5-inch display offers a comfortable viewing experience.
❓ Can I expand the storage on either of these tablets?
While not explicitly stated in the provided data, most tablets in this price range include a microSD card slot for expandable storage. It's highly likely both the Doogee T20mini and Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 offer this functionality, allowing you to add more storage for media and files.
