Nokia T20 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2020): Which Tablet Should You Choose?

The budget tablet market is heating up, and two contenders are vying for your attention: the Nokia T20 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2020). Both offer a large display and Android experience at an affordable price, but which one delivers the best overall value? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2020) edges out the Nokia T20 thanks to its superior performance and slightly better display. While the T20 boasts a cleaner Android experience and potentially longer software support, the A7's Snapdragon 662 provides a noticeable performance boost for everyday tasks and light gaming.

PHONES
Phone Names Nokia T20 Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2020)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - US, LATAMHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 40, 66 - US, LATAM1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
SpeedHSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps - cellular model onlyHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 400/50 Mbps - cellular model only
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International-
Launch
Announced2021, October 062020, September 02. Released 2020, September 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, November 02Discontinued
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum back-
Dimensions247.6 x 157.5 x 7.8 mm (9.75 x 6.20 x 0.31 in)247.6 x 157.4 x 7 mm (9.75 x 6.20 x 0.28 in)
SIMNano-SIM (cellular model only)Nano-SIM (cellular model only)
Weight465 g (Wi-Fi), 470 g (LTE) (1.03 lb)476 g (Wi-Fi), 477 g (LTE) (1.05 lb)
 Splash resistant-
Display
ProtectionScratch-resistant glass-
Resolution1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density)1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density)
Size10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~78.9% screen-to-body ratio)10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~79.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 400 nits (typ)TFT LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)
ChipsetUnisoc T610 (12 nm)Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm)
GPUMali-G52 MP2Adreno 610
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 13Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC
Internal32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash-
Single8 MP, AF8 MP, AF
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single5 MP5 MP
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS - cellular model onlyGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsAccelerometerAccelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging15W wired15W wired
TypeLi-Po 8200 mAhLi-Po 7040 mAh
Misc
ColorsDeep OceanDark Gray, Silver, Gold
ModelsTA-1397, TA-1394, TA-1392SM-T500, SM-T505, SM-T505N
PriceAbout 200 EURAbout 240 EUR
SAR1.34 W/kg (body)-
SAR EU1.35 W/kg (body)1.01 W/kg (body)

Nokia T20

  • Clean Android experience
  • Guaranteed software updates (3 years security, 2 major Android)
  • Durable build quality
  • Good contrast ratio display

  • Less powerful processor
  • Lower resolution display
  • Slower performance
  • Limited camera capabilities

Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2020)

  • More powerful processor (Snapdragon 662)
  • Higher resolution display
  • Smoother performance
  • Samsung's One UI

  • Less frequent software updates compared to Nokia
  • Plastic build feels less premium
  • Camera quality is average

Display Comparison

Both tablets feature a 10.4-inch display, but the Galaxy Tab A7 has a slightly higher resolution (2000 x 1200 vs 1200 x 800 on the T20). While the T20 boasts a high contrast ratio, the A7's display generally appears more vibrant and detailed. The A7 also has a slightly brighter display, making it easier to view outdoors.

Camera Comparison

Neither tablet excels in the camera department. The Nokia T20 has an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera, while the Galaxy Tab A7 has a similar 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. Image quality is adequate for casual snapshots, but don't expect stunning results. Video recording capabilities are also basic on both devices.

Performance

This is where the Galaxy Tab A7 truly shines. The Snapdragon 662 chipset is significantly more powerful than the Unisoc T610 in the Nokia T20. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive overall experience on the A7. The T20 can handle basic tasks, but it may struggle with more demanding applications.

Battery Life

Battery life is comparable on both tablets, with both offering around 8-10 hours of mixed usage. The larger battery capacity of the Tab A7 (7040 mAh vs 5250 mAh) helps it maintain similar battery life despite the more powerful processor.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Nokia T20? Users prioritizing a clean Android experience, guaranteed software updates (Nokia promises 3 years of security updates and 2 major Android upgrades), and a durable build. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2020)? Those seeking a smoother, more responsive experience for browsing, streaming, and light gaming, and appreciate Samsung's One UI.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ How much storage do each of these tablets offer?
Both tablets typically come in 32GB and 64GB storage options. Both support microSD card expansion for additional storage.
❓ Which tablet is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2020) is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor. The Nokia T20 can handle basic games, but it will struggle with more demanding titles.