The tablet market offers a surprising number of options, even on a budget. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Nokia T10 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8. Both promise affordability and decent features, but which one delivers the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 takes the crown. While the Nokia T10 offers a clean Android experience, the A8's superior processor, faster charging, and generally better display make it the more compelling choice for most users seeking a budget-friendly tablet.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, July 12 | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 20 | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 208 x 123.2 x 9 mm (8.19 x 4.85 x 0.35 in) | 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 375 g (13.23 oz) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| | Splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~72.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 360 nits (typ), 450 nits (peak) | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP, 1/5.0", 1.65µm | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5250 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ocean Blue | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | TA-1503, TA-1472, TA-1462, TA-1457 | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR | 1.19 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.27 W/kg (head) 1.57 W/kg (body) | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
Nokia T10
- Clean Android experience
- Long software support (Nokia's promise)
- Affordable price
- Lower performance
- Smaller display
- Slower charging
- Less vibrant display
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Better performance
- Larger, brighter display
- Faster charging
- Samsung ecosystem integration
- Slightly higher price
- Samsung's One UI (can be divisive)
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 boasts a 10.5-inch LCD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200, offering a sharper and more vibrant viewing experience compared to the T10's 8-inch, 1280 x 800 display. The A8's larger screen is also better for media consumption and multitasking.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality is not a strong point for either tablet. The Galaxy Tab A8 generally produces slightly better images due to its slightly improved sensors and image processing, but don't expect flagship-level photography. Both offer 8MP front and rear cameras.
Performance
The Galaxy Tab A8's Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the T10's Unisoc T606. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user interface on the A8. Both have 6GB RAM options, but the A8's CPU clock speed is higher.
Battery Life
Both tablets offer decent battery life, but the Galaxy Tab A8's 7040mAh battery, combined with its more efficient processor, often provides slightly longer usage times. The 15W charging on the A8 is also significantly faster than the T10's 10W charging.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Nokia T10? Users prioritizing a pure Android experience, long software support, and a very budget-friendly price point. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)? Those seeking better performance, a brighter display, faster charging, and the Samsung ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which tablet has better software support?
Nokia typically promises longer software support for its devices, including the T10, ensuring updates for a longer period. However, Samsung also provides regular updates for its tablets.
❓ Is the Galaxy Tab A8 worth the extra money?
Generally, yes. The performance and display improvements justify the slightly higher price, especially if you plan on using the tablet for more than just basic tasks.
