The sub-$150 tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the itel Pad One and Nokia T10 are two contenders vying for your attention. Both aim to deliver an affordable Android experience, but significant differences in their core hardware – specifically the chipsets – dictate their strengths and weaknesses. This comparison dives deep into those differences to determine which tablet offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia T10 emerges as the better choice. Its Unisoc T606 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the itel Pad One’s SC9863A1. While both offer similar 10W charging, the T10’s superior CPU architecture translates to a smoother overall experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | - | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023 | 2022, July 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023 | Available. Released 2022, August 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 241.4 x 160.2 x 8.2 mm (9.50 x 6.31 x 0.32 in) | 208 x 123.2 x 9 mm (8.19 x 4.85 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 375 g (13.23 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~76.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~72.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS | IPS LCD, 360 nits (typ), 450 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, (wide), AF | 8 MP, 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 2 MP, 1/5.0", 1.65µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5250 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Light Blue, Deep Grey | Ocean Blue |
| Models | - | TA-1503, TA-1472, TA-1462, TA-1457 |
| Price | - | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.27 W/kg (head) 1.57 W/kg (body) |
itel Pad One
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Acceptable for light usage
- Less powerful chipset
- Older, less efficient manufacturing process
- Likely slower app loading times
Nokia T10
- More powerful Unisoc T606 chipset
- More efficient 12nm process
- Smoother multitasking experience
- Better CPU architecture for responsiveness
- Slightly higher price
- Still limited by 10W charging
- Camera performance likely similar to itel Pad One
Display Comparison
Neither itel nor Nokia provide detailed display specifications beyond resolution. However, the display is likely to be the least differentiating factor. Both will likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO is expected. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a budget-friendly form factor. Color accuracy will likely be standard for this segment, prioritizing power efficiency over color fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Given the price point, camera performance is unlikely to be a key differentiator. Both tablets will likely feature basic camera setups focused on video calls and casual snapshots. Detailed camera specs are unavailable, but it's safe to assume both will prioritize affordability over image quality. Expect limited low-light performance and a reliance on software processing to enhance images. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is almost certain on both devices.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nokia T10’s Unisoc T606 (12nm) features a more modern CPU configuration with 2x 1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This contrasts with the itel Pad One’s Unisoc SC9863A1 (22nm), which utilizes 4x 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x 1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The A75 cores in the T10 provide a significant uplift in single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. The 12nm fabrication process of the T606 also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially leading to longer battery life under load. The SC9863A1’s 22nm process is older and less efficient, meaning it will likely generate more heat and throttle performance sooner during sustained tasks.
Battery Life
Both the itel Pad One and Nokia T10 support 10W wired charging. This is a relatively slow charging speed, meaning a full charge will take several hours. While battery capacity isn't specified, the more efficient Unisoc T606 in the Nokia T10 will likely translate to longer real-world battery life, even if the Pad One has a slightly larger capacity. The T606’s power efficiency means less energy is wasted during typical usage, extending the time between charges.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel Pad One if you prioritize absolute affordability and your usage is limited to very basic tasks like web browsing and light video playback. It’s a functional device for those on the tightest of budgets. Buy the Nokia T10 if you value a more responsive user experience, plan to multitask, or occasionally play less demanding games. The T10’s chipset offers a tangible performance boost that justifies the slight price premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia T10 handle light gaming like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers without significant lag?
Yes, the Unisoc T606 in the Nokia T10 is capable of handling casual games like Candy Crush and Subway Surfers without significant lag. The Cortex-A75 cores provide a performance boost over the itel Pad One’s chipset, ensuring a smoother gaming experience, though don't expect high frame rates in more demanding titles.
❓ Is the 10W charging speed on either tablet a major drawback for daily use?
The 10W charging speed is a limitation on both tablets. It means a full charge will take several hours. However, given the likely moderate battery capacities and typical usage patterns (streaming, browsing) for these devices, it’s manageable. Overnight charging is recommended.
❓ Can the itel Pad One reliably handle video conferencing for work or school?
The itel Pad One can handle video conferencing, but the experience may be less smooth than on the Nokia T10. The less powerful chipset might struggle with multitasking during video calls, potentially leading to dropped frames or lag. The Nokia T10’s T606 offers a more stable experience for video conferencing.
❓ How much storage do these tablets typically come with, and is it expandable?
While specific storage configurations vary by region, both tablets typically start with 32GB of internal storage. Crucially, both the itel Pad One and Nokia T10 support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add up to 512GB or 1TB of additional storage for apps, photos, and videos.
