The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the HMD T21 and Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) represent compelling options for users seeking affordable Android experiences. Both leverage Unisoc Tiger chipsets, but subtle differences in CPU clock speeds and charging capabilities create distinct advantages for specific user profiles. This comparison dives deep into these nuances to determine which tablet delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing faster charging and potentially slightly better sustained performance, the HMD T21 is the better choice. Its 18W PD3.0 charging offers a quicker top-up than the Tab A8’s 15W, and the marginally higher CPU clock speeds in the T21 could translate to smoother multitasking.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 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 | 2024, May 15 | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, May 15 | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back | - |
| Dimensions | 247.5 x 157.3 x 7.5 mm (9.74 x 6.19 x 0.30 in) | 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 467 g (1.03 lb) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | - |
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~225 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.36 inches, 305.5 cm2 (~78.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 360 nits (typ) | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 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 | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 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 | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, 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, proximity (accessories only) | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, PD3.0 | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 8200 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black Steel | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | - | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
HMD T21
- Faster 18W PD3.0 charging
- Slightly higher CPU clock speed (T612)
- Potentially better sustained performance
- Less established brand recognition
- Software updates may be less frequent
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Strong brand reputation (Samsung)
- Potentially more refined software experience
- Wider availability
- Slower 15W charging
- Lower CPU clock speed (T618)
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. Both are likely utilizing IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. Detailed specs like resolution and peak brightness are missing, but the focus here is on performance. Bezels are expected to be relatively substantial on both, contributing to a larger overall footprint. Color accuracy will likely be adequate for general use, but not suitable for professional color-critical work.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both will likely feature basic camera setups geared towards video calls and casual snapshots. Detailed sensor information is unavailable, but it’s safe to assume both will include a primary camera and a front-facing camera. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device would be largely inconsequential due to its limited resolution and image quality. Image processing will likely be basic, prioritizing speed over detail.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the HMD T21 features the Unisoc Tiger T612, while the Tab A8 uses the T618. Both are octa-core CPUs with the same core configuration (2x Cortex-A75 and 6x Cortex-A55), but the T618 boasts a 2.0 GHz clock speed compared to the T612’s 1.8 GHz. This 0.2 GHz difference, while seemingly small, can result in a noticeable performance boost in CPU-intensive tasks. However, the real-world impact will be limited by the shared 12nm manufacturing process and likely similar RAM configurations. Thermal management is also a key factor; the slightly faster T618 *could* generate more heat, potentially leading to throttling under sustained load, though this is speculative without testing.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, making a direct comparison difficult. However, the HMD T21’s 18W wired charging with PD3.0 support provides a significant advantage over the Tab A8’s 15W charging. PD3.0 allows for more efficient power delivery, potentially reducing charging times. While a larger battery capacity on the Tab A8 could offset the slower charging, the HMD T21’s faster charging is more beneficial for users who frequently need to top up their device quickly.
Buying Guide
Buy the HMD T21 if you need a tablet that charges quickly and you frequently use it on the go, or if you anticipate demanding multitasking. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) if you prioritize brand recognition and a potentially more refined software experience, and if charging speed is not a critical factor. Both are excellent choices for media consumption and light productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc Tiger T612 in the HMD T21 struggle with demanding games?
The Unisoc Tiger T612 is a capable chipset for casual gaming, but it won't deliver a flagship-level experience. Expect to play most Android games at medium settings. The slightly lower clock speed compared to the T618 might result in slightly lower frame rates in graphically intensive titles, but the difference is unlikely to be substantial.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) support Samsung DeX?
No, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) does not support Samsung DeX. DeX is typically reserved for higher-end Samsung tablets and smartphones. This means you won't be able to connect the Tab A8 to an external display and use it as a desktop-like experience.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the Tab A8 slow compared to modern smartphones?
Yes, 15W charging is relatively slow compared to the 25W or faster charging found on many modern smartphones. While it's sufficient for overnight charging, it will take considerably longer to top up the battery quickly. The HMD T21's 18W PD3.0 charging offers a noticeable improvement in charging speed.
