The sub-$200 tablet market is fiercely competitive, offering options for casual users, students, and families. The Motorola Tab G20 and Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) represent two distinct approaches to this segment: a near-stock Android experience versus Amazon’s Fire OS ecosystem. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing a more open Android experience and slightly better CPU performance for general tasks, the Motorola Tab G20 is the better choice. However, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) wins with its convenience features like wireless charging and deeper integration with Amazon services, making it ideal for Prime members.
| 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 | 2021, September 30 | 2021, April 27. Released 2021, May 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 02 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 199.1 x 121.8 x 8.2 mm (7.84 x 4.80 x 0.32 in) | 247 x 166 x 9.2 mm (9.72 x 6.54 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 305 g (10.76 oz) | 468 g (1.03 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Aluminosilicate glass |
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) | 1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~76.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TDDI IPS LCD, 350 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T (12 nm) | Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 9.0 (Pie), Fire OS 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | No |
| Radio | FM radio | 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| | - | Text-to-Speech English-language content reader |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Ion |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Platinum Grey | Slate |
| Models | - | T76N2P |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 150 EUR |
Motorola Tab G20
- Runs standard Android OS with full Google Play Store access
- Slightly better CPU performance for general tasks due to newer architecture
- More open and customizable software experience
- Slower 10W wired charging
- Lacks wireless charging capability
Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021)
- Wireless charging support for added convenience
- Deep integration with Amazon services (Prime Video, Kindle)
- Hands-free Alexa integration
- Fire OS is a customized Android experience with limited app compatibility
- Older CPU architecture compared to the Motorola Tab G20
Display Comparison
Neither tablet boasts a particularly impressive display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting similar display controller capabilities. While specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are not provided, the Fire HD 10 Plus’s larger screen size (10.1” vs the G20’s 10.1”) is a notable difference. The lack of information on panel technology (IPS, TFT) prevents a detailed color accuracy assessment, but both are likely to be adequate for casual viewing. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices given their price point.
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 rather than photography. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume image quality will be mediocre in all lighting conditions. Focusing on camera specs is a misdirection at this price point; neither tablet is intended for serious photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) features the Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T, utilizing four Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz alongside four Cortex-A53 cores. This represents a significant architectural advantage over the Motorola Tab G20’s Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T, which employs four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.3 GHz and another four at 1.8 GHz. The A73 cores in the P60T offer substantially higher single-core performance, translating to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. While the G20 has a higher clock speed on its A53 cores, the older architecture cannot compensate for the P60T’s superior design. The P60T also benefits from a more modern GPU, improving graphics performance for light gaming.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) gains a significant advantage with its support for wireless charging. This adds convenience, especially for users who frequently use the tablet around the house. The Motorola Tab G20 is limited to 10W wired charging, which is relatively slow. While a larger battery capacity on the G20 could offset the slower charging, the convenience of wireless charging on the Fire HD 10 Plus is a compelling feature.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola Tab G20 if you need a tablet running a standard Android OS, allowing for full Google Play Store access and customization. This is ideal for users who want to install a wide range of apps and avoid Amazon’s walled garden. Buy the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) if you prefer a streamlined experience focused on media consumption, particularly if you are heavily invested in the Amazon ecosystem, and value features like wireless charging and hands-free Alexa integration.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) receive long-term software updates?
Amazon’s update track record for Fire tablets is inconsistent. While they do receive security patches, major Android version updates are infrequent. Expect limited long-term software support compared to the Motorola Tab G20, which may receive more consistent updates through Motorola’s Android program.
❓ Can I sideload apps onto the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) if they aren't available in the Amazon Appstore?
Yes, you can sideload apps onto the Fire HD 10 Plus (2021), but it requires enabling developer mode and manually installing APK files. This process is not officially supported by Amazon and may void your warranty. It's also not guaranteed to work flawlessly for all apps.
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio P60T in the Fire HD 10 Plus powerful enough for demanding games?
The Helio P60T can handle some light gaming, but it's not designed for graphically intensive titles. Expect to play older games or those with lower graphical settings. The Motorola Tab G20's P22T is even less suited for gaming.
❓ How much storage is expandable on the Motorola Tab G20?
While the exact maximum storage capacity isn't specified, the Motorola Tab G20 supports microSD card expansion, allowing you to add up to 256GB of additional storage for photos, videos, and apps.
