The budget tablet market is heating up! The Huawei MatePad C5e and Nokia T21 offer compelling options for those seeking an affordable Android experience. But which one delivers the best value? We're diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia T21 edges out the MatePad C5e thanks to its significantly faster charging, more modern chipset, and generally improved performance. While the MatePad C5e offers a decent experience, the T21's upgrades make it the better overall choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - US, LATAM |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 40, 66 - US, LATAM |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 19 | 2022, September 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November | Available. Released 2022, September 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 240.2 x 159 x 7.9 mm (9.46 x 6.26 x 0.31 in) | 247.5 x 157.3 x 7.5 mm (9.74 x 6.19 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 450 g (0.99 lb) | 466 g (1.03 lb) |
| | - | Splash resistant
Stylus support |
| 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 (~79.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 360 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 10, EMUI 10.1 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | 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 | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | Yes |
| 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 | Yes (Wi-Fi/LTE model only / TA-1521) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| 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, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 8200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Deepsea Blue | Charcoal Grey |
| Models | BZI-W00 | TA-1495, TA-1521, TA-1505, TA-1487 |
| Price | - | About 240 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.56 W/kg (body) |
Huawei MatePad C5e
- Familiar Android experience
- Decent display for the price
- Reverse wired charging
- Slower performance
- Limited charging speed
- Smaller battery
- Older chipset
Nokia T21
- Faster performance
- Longer battery life
- Faster charging (PD3.0)
- More modern chipset
- Slightly higher price
- Basic camera quality
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 10.36-inch displays with a resolution of 1200 x 800. While the panels are similar in size and resolution, the Nokia T21 often boasts slightly better color accuracy and brightness, leading to a more vibrant viewing experience. The MatePad C5e's display is perfectly adequate, but the T21 has a slight edge.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department. Both feature basic 5MP front and rear cameras suitable for video calls and occasional snapshots. Image quality is generally mediocre in both devices, especially in low-light conditions. Don't expect to use these tablets for serious photography.
Performance
The Nokia T21's Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset, built on a 12nm process, offers a noticeable performance boost over the MatePad C5e's Kirin 710A (14nm). The T612's Cortex-A75 cores provide better responsiveness for multitasking and demanding apps. The MatePad C5e can feel sluggish at times, especially when switching between apps.
Battery Life
The Nokia T21 has a larger 8200mAh battery compared to the MatePad C5e's 5100mAh. Coupled with its more efficient chipset, the T21 offers significantly longer battery life. The T21 also supports 18W fast charging (PD3.0), while the MatePad C5e is limited to 10W wired charging and 5W reverse wired charging, making a huge difference in charging times.
Buying Guide
The Huawei MatePad C5e is ideal for casual users who primarily browse the web, stream videos, and use basic apps. It's a good option if you prioritize a familiar Android experience and don't need top-tier performance. The Nokia T21 is better suited for users who want a smoother experience, faster charging, and a more future-proof device, even with a slightly higher price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which tablet is better for gaming?
The Nokia T21 is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful chipset and smoother performance. The MatePad C5e may struggle with more demanding games.
❓ Can I use the MatePad C5e for note-taking with a stylus?
Yes, the MatePad C5e supports a stylus, but it's not included. The Nokia T21 also supports a stylus, and Nokia offers a compatible stylus as an accessory.
