The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Huawei MatePad C5e and Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) represent compelling options for users seeking affordable entertainment and productivity. This comparison dives deep into their specifications, performance, and features to determine which tablet delivers the most value for your money, focusing on the trade-offs between Huawei’s more traditional Android experience and Amazon’s ecosystem-focused approach.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a cleaner Android experience and potential for broader app compatibility, the Huawei MatePad C5e edges out the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021). While the Fire HD 10 Plus boasts the convenience of wireless charging, the MatePad C5e’s slightly more efficient chipset and standard Android interface offer a more versatile experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | - |
| 4G bands | N/A | - |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 19 | 2021, April 27. Released 2021, May 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 240.2 x 159 x 7.9 mm (9.46 x 6.26 x 0.31 in) | 247 x 166 x 9.2 mm (9.72 x 6.54 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 450 g (0.99 lb) | 468 g (1.03 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Aluminosilicate glass |
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~77.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 10, EMUI 10.1 | Android 9.0 (Pie), Fire OS 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, AF | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.4 | 2 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | 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 | No |
| Radio | No | 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| | - | Text-to-Speech English-language content reader |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Ion |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Deepsea Blue | Slate |
| Models | BZI-W00 | T76N2P |
| Price | - | About 150 EUR |
Huawei MatePad C5e
- Standard Android experience with full Google Play Store access.
- Reverse wired charging capability.
- Slightly more efficient chipset (potentially better thermal management).
- More open ecosystem for app sideloading and customization.
- Lacks wireless charging.
- 14nm chipset is less efficient than the Fire HD 10 Plus’s 12nm process.
Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021)
- Wireless charging support for added convenience.
- Slightly faster Cortex-A53 core clock speed.
- Deep integration with Amazon’s ecosystem (Prime Video, Kindle, Alexa).
- 12nm process node offers a marginal efficiency advantage.
- Amazon’s Fire OS is a heavily customized Android experience with limited app compatibility.
- Reliance on Amazon’s ecosystem may be restrictive for some users.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, given their price points. However, the core difference lies in the chipsets powering them. The Fire HD 10 Plus’s Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T, fabricated on a 12nm process, is slightly more advanced than the MatePad C5e’s Kirin 710A (14nm). While this doesn’t directly translate to display quality, the more efficient process node of the Helio P60T *could* allow for slightly better sustained brightness levels. Both tablets likely feature similar resolutions, around 1920x1200, but detailed color accuracy and peak brightness data are unavailable, making a definitive judgment impossible. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, typical of this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are equipped with basic camera setups geared towards video calls and casual snapshots. Detailed camera specifications are unavailable, but given the price point, expectations should be tempered. The focus should be on video conferencing capabilities rather than photographic quality. Any claims of advanced features like HDR or night mode should be viewed with skepticism.
Performance
The performance gap between these tablets is subtle but present. Both utilize an octa-core CPU configuration with the same Cortex-A73 (2.0 GHz) and Cortex-A53 cores. However, the Fire HD 10 Plus’s Helio P60T features Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, compared to the MatePad C5e’s 1.7 GHz. This higher clock speed on the efficiency cores of the Fire HD 10 Plus could provide a minor boost in multi-tasking scenarios. The 12nm process of the Helio P60T also offers a slight efficiency advantage over the Kirin 710A’s 14nm node, potentially leading to marginally better thermal management during prolonged use. Neither tablet is designed for demanding gaming, but the Fire HD 10 Plus may handle graphically intensive tasks slightly better.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While specific battery capacities are not provided, the Fire HD 10 Plus distinguishes itself with wireless charging support, a feature absent on the MatePad C5e. The MatePad C5e, however, offers 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to act as a power bank for smaller devices – a niche but potentially useful feature. The 10W wired charging on the MatePad C5e is standard for this class, while the wireless charging on the Fire HD 10 Plus offers convenience but is likely slower than the wired option. The slightly more efficient Helio P60T in the Fire HD 10 Plus *could* translate to marginally longer battery life under similar workloads.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei MatePad C5e if you need a tablet that runs a standard, unadulterated version of Android, allowing for full Google Play Store access and a wider range of app compatibility. This is ideal for users who rely on specific Android apps or prefer a more customizable experience. Buy the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) if you are deeply embedded in the Amazon ecosystem – Prime Video, Kindle, and Alexa integration are key strengths – and prioritize wireless charging convenience over a fully open Android environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus’s Fire OS limit my app choices compared to the Huawei MatePad C5e?
Yes, Fire OS is a heavily customized version of Android that primarily directs users to the Amazon Appstore. While many popular apps are available, you may encounter compatibility issues with apps not offered through Amazon. The MatePad C5e, running a standard Android build, provides access to the full Google Play Store and allows for sideloading apps, offering significantly greater flexibility.
❓ How much faster is the wireless charging on the Fire HD 10 Plus compared to the wired charging on the MatePad C5e?
Wireless charging on the Fire HD 10 Plus is convenient, but generally slower than wired charging. The MatePad C5e’s 10W wired charging will likely provide a faster 0-100% charge time than the Fire HD 10 Plus’s wireless charging. However, the convenience of simply placing the Fire HD 10 Plus on a charging pad may outweigh the speed difference for some users.
❓ Can I use Google apps like Gmail and YouTube on the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus?
While not pre-installed, you can sideload Google apps like Gmail and YouTube onto the Fire HD 10 Plus. However, the process is not straightforward and may require enabling apps from unknown sources. The experience may also be less optimized compared to running these apps on a device with full Google Play Services support, like the Huawei MatePad C5e.
