The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Honor Tab 7 and Nokia T20 represent compelling options for users seeking affordable Android slates. Both aim to deliver a functional tablet experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which tablet offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia T20 emerges as the slightly better choice. While the Honor Tab 7 boasts a marginally faster CPU clock speed, the Nokia T20’s brighter 422-nit display and faster 15W charging provide a more noticeable improvement to the overall user experience, justifying its position as the winner.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 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 | 2021, March 23 | 2021, October 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 27 | Available. Released 2021, November 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 240.2 x 159 x 7.6 mm (9.46 x 6.26 x 0.30 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 | 460 g (1.01 lb) | 465 g (Wi-Fi), 470 g (LTE) (1.03 lb) |
| | - | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~77.4% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8786 | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 10, Magic UI 4.1, no Google Play Services | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.4 | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only | GPS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 8200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mint Green, Space Gray | Deep Ocean |
| Models | AGM3-W09HN | TA-1397, TA-1394, TA-1392 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.34 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.35 W/kg (body) |
Honor Tab 7
- Slightly faster CPU clock speed (2.0 GHz vs 1.8 GHz)
- Mediatek MT8786 chipset may offer a small performance boost
- Potentially lower price point (depending on retailer)
- Slower 10W charging
- Display brightness and contrast data unavailable, likely inferior to Nokia T20
- Unisoc is a less established brand than Mediatek
Nokia T20
- Brighter 422-nit display for better visibility
- Higher 1786:1 contrast ratio for more vibrant images
- Faster 15W wired charging
- Slightly slower CPU clock speed (1.8 GHz)
- Unisoc T610 chipset may offer slightly lower peak performance
- Potentially higher price point
Display Comparison
The Nokia T20 immediately distinguishes itself with a measured peak brightness of 422 nits, a significant advantage over the Honor Tab 7 which lacks published brightness data. This higher brightness translates to better outdoor visibility and a more vibrant viewing experience. The Nokia T20 also boasts a 1786:1 contrast ratio, contributing to deeper blacks and more dynamic images. While both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, the Nokia T20’s superior brightness and contrast make it the clear winner for multimedia viewing.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is positioned as a photography powerhouse, and detailed camera specifications are limited. Given the target market, camera quality is unlikely to be a deciding factor. Both will likely offer adequate performance for video calls and casual snapshots, but should not be considered replacements for dedicated cameras or smartphones.
Performance
Both tablets employ octa-core CPUs with a similar core configuration – two Cortex-A75 performance cores and six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores. However, the Honor Tab 7’s A75 cores are clocked slightly higher at 2.0 GHz compared to the Nokia T20’s 1.8 GHz. This difference, coupled with the Honor Tab 7’s Mediatek MT8786 chipset versus the Nokia T20’s Unisoc T610 (12nm), suggests a marginal performance edge for the Honor Tab 7 in CPU-intensive tasks. However, the Unisoc T610’s 12nm process node may offer better power efficiency. Real-world performance differences are likely to be minimal for everyday tasks.
Battery Life
Battery capacity data is missing for both devices, making a direct comparison difficult. However, the Nokia T20’s 15W wired charging is a notable advantage over the Honor Tab 7’s slower 10W charging. This faster charging speed will significantly reduce the time spent tethered to a power outlet, a crucial benefit for users who rely on their tablets for on-the-go productivity or entertainment. The faster charging partially offsets any potential battery capacity disadvantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Tab 7 if you prioritize raw CPU clock speed and are comfortable with slower charging. This tablet is best suited for light tasks like web browsing and document editing. Buy the Nokia T20 if you value a brighter, more visible display for media consumption and a quicker charging experience, making it ideal for students or anyone who frequently uses their tablet on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc T610 chipset in the Nokia T20 powerful enough for multitasking?
The Unisoc T610, with its octa-core configuration and Cortex-A75 performance cores, is capable of handling moderate multitasking. While it won't match the performance of flagship chipsets, it's sufficient for running multiple apps simultaneously, such as browsing the web, checking email, and streaming music. However, demanding tasks like heavy gaming or video editing may experience some slowdown.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge the Honor Tab 7 with its 10W charging?
Given the 10W charging rate and the lack of battery capacity information, a full charge for the Honor Tab 7 is estimated to take between 3-5 hours. This is considerably slower than the Nokia T20’s 15W charging, making it less convenient for users who need a quick power boost.
❓ Will the Nokia T20’s display be visible in direct sunlight?
The Nokia T20’s 422-nit peak brightness is a significant advantage in outdoor visibility. While not as bright as some high-end tablets, it should be sufficiently bright to remain readable even in direct sunlight, unlike the Honor Tab 7 which lacks published brightness data and is likely dimmer.
