The 10-inch tablet market offers a sweet spot for media consumption and light productivity. The LG G Pad 5 10.1, leveraging a Snapdragon 821, aims for a more premium Android experience, while the Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021) prioritizes affordability and Amazon ecosystem integration with its MediaTek Helio P60T. This comparison dissects their core differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing a smoother, more versatile Android experience and better long-term performance, the LG G Pad 5 10.1 is the superior choice. While the Fire HD 10 offers excellent value, its Helio P60T chipset and Fire OS limitations hold it back from matching the LG’s overall capabilities.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | - |
| 4G bands | LTE | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, October. Released 2019, November | 2021, April 27. Released 2021, May 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 247.2 x 150.7 x 8 mm (9.73 x 5.93 x 0.31 in) | 247 x 166 x 9.2 mm (9.72 x 6.54 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | No |
| Weight | 498 g (1.10 lb) | 465 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 (~79.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821 (14 nm) | Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 530 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 9.0 (Pie), Fire OS 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.0 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 5 MP |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| | - | Text-to-Speech English-language content reader |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 8200 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Silver | Black, Denim, Olive, Lavender |
| Models | LM-T600L, T600L | T76N2B, KFTRWI, KFTRPWI |
| Price | About 340 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | 1.10 W/kg (body) | - |
LG G Pad 5 10.1
- More powerful Snapdragon 821 processor
- Cleaner Android experience with Google Play Store
- Faster 18W wired charging
- Older chipset architecture
- Likely higher price point
Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021)
- Significantly more affordable
- Excellent Amazon ecosystem integration
- Potentially better battery efficiency (due to 12nm process)
- Less powerful MediaTek Helio P60T processor
- Fire OS limitations and lack of full Google Play Store access
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. Both are likely IPS LCD panels, but specific details like resolution and peak brightness are missing. However, the Fire HD 10’s reliance on Fire OS likely means a more heavily color-calibrated display geared towards content consumption. The LG G Pad 5 10.1, running standard Android, will offer more user control over color profiles. The absence of high refresh rates on both suggests neither is optimized for fast-paced gaming.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Given the market segment, both likely feature modest camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive statement. However, the Snapdragon 821’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is generally more capable than the one found in the Helio P60T, potentially leading to slightly better image quality in favorable conditions. Expect both to struggle in low light.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The LG G Pad 5 10.1’s Snapdragon 821, fabricated on a 14nm process, features a quad-core configuration with Kryo cores. While older, the Snapdragon 821’s architecture is more efficient and powerful than the MediaTek Helio P60T. The Helio P60T, built on a 12nm process, utilizes an octa-core configuration (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53). The Snapdragon’s Kryo cores offer superior single-core performance, crucial for responsive UI and app loading. The Helio P60T’s strength is multi-core tasks, but the Snapdragon’s overall architecture provides a more balanced and refined experience. This translates to smoother multitasking and better performance in demanding applications on the LG G Pad 5 10.1.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While specific battery capacities are unknown, the 12nm process of the Helio P60T *should* offer better power efficiency than the 14nm Snapdragon 821. However, the Snapdragon’s superior performance means tasks are completed faster, potentially offsetting the efficiency gains of the Helio P60T. Both tablets support wired charging, with the LG G Pad 5 10.1 offering 18W charging. The Fire HD 10’s charging speed is likely slower, further favoring the LG for users who prioritize quick top-ups.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG G Pad 5 10.1 if you need a tablet capable of handling demanding apps, multitasking efficiently, and providing a cleaner Android experience with Google Play Store access. Buy the Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021) if you primarily consume Amazon content (Prime Video, Kindle books), need a very affordable tablet for basic tasks, and are comfortable within the Amazon ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 821 in the LG G Pad 5 10.1 struggle with modern Android updates?
While the Snapdragon 821 is an older chipset, it's still capable of running modern Android versions. However, future updates may introduce performance slowdowns. LG’s software support track record is also a concern, meaning long-term updates are not guaranteed. The Helio P60T, while newer, also faces similar update concerns due to Amazon’s focus on Fire OS.
❓ Can I sideload the Google Play Store onto the Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021)?
Yes, it's possible to sideload the Google Play Store onto the Fire HD 10 (2021), but it's a complex process that voids your warranty and can be unstable. It requires technical expertise and may not work flawlessly. The LG G Pad 5 10.1 offers a seamless Google Play Store experience out of the box.
❓ Is the Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021) a good choice for gaming?
The Fire HD 10 (2021) is suitable for casual gaming, but its Helio P60T chipset will struggle with demanding titles. Expect lower frame rates and graphical settings. The LG G Pad 5 10.1’s Snapdragon 821 offers a noticeably better gaming experience, though it’s still not a dedicated gaming tablet.
