The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Honor Pad 5 8 and Nokia T20 represent compelling options for users seeking affordable Android slates. While both aim to deliver a functional tablet experience without breaking the bank, they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dives deep into their specifications and performance to determine which tablet offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia T20 emerges as the better choice. Its brighter display with a 1786:1 contrast ratio significantly enhances media consumption, and the newer Cortex-A75 cores in its CPU provide a noticeable performance edge over the Honor Pad 5 8’s older Kirin 710, despite both being 12nm chips.
| 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 - US, LATAM |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 40, 66 - US, LATAM |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, June. Released 2019, July | 2021, October 06 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, November 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 204.2 x 122.2 x 8.2 mm (8.04 x 4.81 x 0.32 in) | 247.6 x 157.5 x 7.8 mm (9.75 x 6.20 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | - | 465 g (Wi-Fi), 470 g (LTE) (1.03 lb) |
| | - | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~283 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~74.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~78.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Kirin 710 (12 nm) | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Mali-G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Magic 2.0 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | - | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only | GPS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Stand-by | Up to 816 h (2G) / Up to 696 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 46 h (2G) / Up to 18 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 8200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Champagne Gold, Dark Gray, Glacial Blue | Deep Ocean |
| Models | JDN2-AL00HN | TA-1397, TA-1394, TA-1392 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.34 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.35 W/kg (body) |
Honor Pad 5 8
- Potentially lower price point
- Familiar Honor UI (for existing users)
- May offer expandable storage (depending on variant)
- Older Kirin 710 chipset
- Likely inferior display quality
- Limited information on battery capacity
Nokia T20
- More modern Unisoc T610 chipset with Cortex-A75 cores
- Brighter and higher contrast display (422 nits, 1786:1)
- Nokia’s commitment to software updates
- 15W charging is relatively slow
- Unisoc chipset may have limited software optimization
- Build quality may not match premium tablets
Display Comparison
The Nokia T20 boasts a clear advantage in display quality. While the Honor Pad 5 8’s display specifications are unavailable, the Nokia T20’s measured 422 nits of peak brightness and 1786:1 contrast ratio ensure a more vibrant and readable experience, especially outdoors or in brightly lit environments. This is crucial for users who intend to use the tablet for extended media viewing or reading. The lack of detailed display specs for the Honor Pad 5 8 suggests it likely falls behind in both brightness and contrast.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is positioned as a photography powerhouse, and detailed camera specifications are limited. Without specific sensor details for the Honor Pad 5 8, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. However, given the budget nature of both devices, image quality will likely be similar – adequate for casual snapshots but not competitive with smartphones. Focusing on camera performance for either tablet would be a misallocation of expectations.
Performance
Under the hood, the Nokia T20’s Unisoc T610 and its CPU configuration of 2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores represent a more modern architecture than the Honor Pad 5 8’s Kirin 710 (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53). While both are 12nm chips, the Cortex-A75 cores offer improved single-core performance compared to the older Cortex-A73, translating to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The Kirin 710, while capable, is showing its age, and the Nokia T20 will likely provide a more responsive user experience.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details for the Honor Pad 5 8 are unavailable. The Nokia T20 features 15W wired charging. While not particularly fast, it’s sufficient for topping up the battery overnight. The real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the Nokia T20’s more efficient processor architecture may contribute to slightly longer runtimes compared to the Honor Pad 5 8, assuming similar battery capacities. Without knowing the Honor Pad 5 8’s battery size, a definitive statement is impossible.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Pad 5 8 if you prioritize a familiar Honor ecosystem and can find it at a significantly lower price point. It’s a reasonable option for basic tasks and light media consumption. Buy the Nokia T20 if you value a more modern processor architecture, a superior display for viewing content, and the promise of longer software support from Nokia, making it ideal for students or those who rely on their tablet for daily entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc T610 in the Nokia T20 powerful enough for multitasking?
The Unisoc T610, with its Cortex-A75 cores, is capable of handling moderate multitasking. While it won't compete with flagship processors, it provides a smoother experience than the older Kirin 710 in the Honor Pad 5 8, allowing you to switch between apps and browse the web without significant lag.
❓ Does the Nokia T20 support video playback of popular streaming services in high definition?
Yes, the Nokia T20 supports playback of popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube in high definition (typically 1080p). The brighter display enhances the viewing experience, making it a suitable device for media consumption.
❓ How long can I expect the Nokia T20 to last on a single charge with typical usage?
With typical usage (web browsing, video streaming, social media), the Nokia T20 should last between 8-10 hours on a single charge. However, demanding tasks like gaming will reduce battery life. The Honor Pad 5 8's battery life is unknown, but likely comparable or slightly less due to the older processor.
❓ Will the Nokia T20 receive Android updates in the future?
Nokia has a reputation for providing timely software updates, even for its budget devices. The Nokia T20 is guaranteed to receive at least two major Android OS upgrades, ensuring it remains secure and up-to-date for a longer period than many other tablets in this price range.
