The mid-range Android tablet market is fiercely competitive, with the Huawei MatePad 10.4 and Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) vying for attention. Both offer a 10-inch display and Android experience, but significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate their performance and suitability for different users. This comparison dives deep into the core specs to reveal which tablet delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and efficiency, the Huawei MatePad 10.4 is the better choice. Its Kirin 810 chipset, built on a 7nm process, provides a noticeable advantage over the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8’s 12nm Unisoc Tiger T618, translating to smoother multitasking and gaming. However, the Tab A8 remains a viable option for basic tasks and media consumption.
| 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, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, April 23. Released 2020, April 28 | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 245.2 x 155 x 7.4 mm (9.65 x 6.10 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 (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 450 g (0.99 lb) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| | Stylus support | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.27 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x1.88 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Kirin 810 (7 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MP6 | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 10, EMUI 10, no Google Play Services | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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, HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| | Tuned by Harman Kardon | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, BDS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7250 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Gray | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | BAH3-W09, BAH3-AL00, BAH3-L09, BAH3-W59 | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
Huawei MatePad 10.4
- More powerful and efficient Kirin 810 chipset
- Faster 18W charging
- Potentially better sustained performance
- Huawei ecosystem limitations (potential app availability issues)
- May be slightly more expensive
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- More affordable price point
- Samsung’s established ecosystem and software support
- Widely available
- Less powerful Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset
- Slower 15W charging
- Lower performance under sustained load
Display Comparison
While both tablets feature 10.4 and 10.5-inch displays respectively, the provided data doesn't detail panel technology (IPS, TFT) or resolution. However, the difference in chipset power suggests the MatePad 10.4 is more likely to support higher refresh rates or more advanced display features if available in its specific configuration. Bezels are likely comparable given the price points, and without specific color accuracy data, it's reasonable to assume both offer standard color reproduction for media consumption. The slight size difference is unlikely to be a major factor for most users.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is positioned as a photography powerhouse. Without detailed camera specifications, it’s safe to assume both feature basic camera setups suitable for video calls and occasional snapshots. The absence of information regarding sensor size or optical image stabilization (OIS) suggests neither will excel in low-light conditions. Any differences in image quality will likely be minimal and driven by software processing rather than hardware capabilities.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Huawei MatePad 10.4’s Kirin 810 (7nm) boasts a more modern architecture – Cortex-A76 cores – compared to the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8’s Unisoc Tiger T618 (12nm) with Cortex-A75 cores. The 7nm fabrication process is significantly more efficient, meaning the Kirin 810 generates less heat and consumes less power for the same level of performance. This translates to better sustained performance under load and potentially longer battery life. While both are octa-core CPUs, the Kirin 810’s architecture provides a clear advantage in CPU-intensive tasks. The Unisoc T618 will handle everyday tasks adequately, but will likely struggle with demanding games or heavy multitasking.
Battery Life
The Huawei MatePad 10.4 supports 18W wired charging, while the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 is limited to 15W. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Kirin 810’s superior power efficiency means the MatePad 10.4 is likely to achieve comparable or better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity battery. The faster charging speed on the MatePad 10.4 also means less time tethered to a wall outlet.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei MatePad 10.4 if you need a tablet capable of handling demanding applications, moderate gaming, and multitasking without significant slowdowns. Its more powerful chipset and efficient architecture make it ideal for students or professionals. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) if you prioritize affordability and primarily use your tablet for basic tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and light productivity. It’s a solid choice for casual users who don’t require high-end performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc Tiger T618 in the Galaxy Tab A8 struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG?
Yes, the Unisoc Tiger T618 is a budget-oriented chipset. While it can run PUBG, you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings significantly to achieve a playable frame rate. Expect occasional stuttering and frame drops, especially during intense action sequences. The Kirin 810 in the MatePad 10.4 will provide a much smoother gaming experience.
❓ Does the Huawei MatePad 10.4 suffer from the same app compatibility issues as some other Huawei devices due to the lack of Google Mobile Services?
Huawei has made significant strides in mitigating app compatibility issues with its AppGallery and Huawei Mobile Services (HMS). While some Google apps may not be directly available, many popular apps have been ported to HMS, and workarounds exist for others. However, it's still possible to encounter compatibility issues with certain niche apps or services.
❓ How much of a real-world difference will the 7nm vs 12nm process node make in everyday use?
The difference is most noticeable during sustained workloads. The 7nm Kirin 810 will run cooler and more efficiently, preventing performance throttling during extended gaming sessions or multitasking. The 12nm Unisoc T618 will likely throttle sooner, leading to reduced performance over time. For basic tasks like browsing and video playback, the difference will be less apparent.
