The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the HMD T21 and Motorola Moto Tab G70 represent compelling options for users seeking affordable entertainment and productivity. This comparison dives deep into their core specifications, focusing on the chipset differences and charging capabilities to determine which tablet offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Motorola Moto Tab G70 emerges as the stronger choice. Its MediaTek Helio G90T chipset, featuring Cortex-A76 cores, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the HMD T21’s Unisoc Tiger T612, making it better suited for gaming and demanding applications. The 20W charging also offers a quicker top-up.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, May 15 | 2022, January 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, May 15 | Available. Released 2022, January 13 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 247.5 x 157.3 x 7.5 mm (9.74 x 6.19 x 0.30 in) | 258.4 x 163 x 7.5 mm (10.17 x 6.42 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 467 g (1.03 lb) | 500 g (1.10 lb) |
| | - | Water repellent design |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | - |
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~225 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~212 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.36 inches, 305.5 cm2 (~78.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 344.4 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 360 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 | Mali-G76 MC4 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| 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 | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity (accessories only) | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, PD3.0 | 20W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 8200 mAh | Li-Po 7700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black Steel | Modernist Teal, Blue |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 380 EUR |
HMD T21
- Potentially lower price point (depending on retailer)
- Clean and simple Android experience
- PD3.0 charging support
- Less powerful Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset
- Slower charging speed (18W)
- Likely less responsive user interface
Motorola Moto Tab G70
- More powerful MediaTek Helio G90T chipset
- Faster 20W charging
- Better performance for gaming and multitasking
- Potentially higher price point
- Motorola’s software skin (may include bloatware)
- No specific display details available
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given their price points, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The user experience will likely hinge on resolution and color calibration, which are currently unknown. Bezels are expected to be relatively substantial on both models, typical for this segment. Without specific data, it’s reasonable to assume similar viewing angles and color reproduction capabilities.
Camera Comparison
Without camera specifications beyond the chipsets, a detailed comparison is impossible. It’s safe to assume both tablets feature modest camera setups geared towards casual use. Image processing will likely be handled by the ISP within each chipset, with the G90T potentially offering slightly better image quality due to its more powerful processing capabilities. The absence of details suggests neither tablet is positioned as a photography powerhouse.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Motorola Moto Tab G70’s MediaTek Helio G90T (12nm) boasts two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.05 GHz, paired with six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz. This architecture is demonstrably more powerful than the HMD T21’s Unisoc Tiger T612 (12nm), which uses two Cortex-A75 cores at 1.8 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores also at 1.8 GHz. The A76 cores in the G90T offer superior single-core performance, translating to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. While both are 12nm chips, the architectural advantage of the G90T will result in a more responsive user experience, particularly in graphically intensive tasks. The G90T also benefits from a more mature GPU, further enhancing gaming performance.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Motorola Moto Tab G70’s 20W wired charging with support for PD3.0 provides a clear advantage over the HMD T21’s 18W charging. This means the G70 will recharge faster, minimizing downtime. While a larger battery capacity on the HMD T21 could offset this, the faster charging speed of the G70 is a significant convenience factor. PD3.0 compatibility on the G70 also allows for wider charger compatibility and potentially faster charging with compatible power adapters.
Buying Guide
Buy the HMD T21 if you prioritize a simple, streamlined Android experience and are primarily focused on basic tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and light productivity. It’s a solid option for users who don’t need raw processing power. Buy the Motorola Moto Tab G70 if you value performance for gaming, multitasking, or running more demanding apps. The faster charging and slightly more powerful processor make it a better investment for power users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Motorola Moto Tab G70 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Helio G90T chipset in the Moto Tab G70 is specifically designed for gaming. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it should be capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with acceptable frame rates. The HMD T21’s Unisoc Tiger T612 will likely struggle with the same settings, requiring lower graphics options.
❓ Does the HMD T21 support fast charging, and how long does it take to fully charge?
The HMD T21 supports 18W wired charging with PD3.0. Without knowing the battery capacity, it’s difficult to estimate the exact charging time. However, it will likely take longer to fully charge compared to the Moto Tab G70’s 20W charging. Expect a full charge to take between 2.5 to 4 hours depending on the charger used.
❓ Is the software experience significantly different between the two tablets?
Yes. HMD typically offers a near-stock Android experience with minimal bloatware, focusing on simplicity and timely updates. Motorola, on the other hand, includes its own software customizations, which may include pre-installed apps and features. Some users prefer Motorola’s additions, while others prefer the cleaner approach of HMD.
