The budget tablet market is heating up, and two contenders are vying for your attention: the Nokia T21 and the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen). Both offer compelling features at an affordable price, but which one delivers the best overall experience? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) generally edges out the Nokia T21 thanks to its Snapdragon 680 chipset (LTE model) offering noticeably better performance. However, the Nokia T21 boasts a cleaner Android experience and potentially longer software support, making it a strong contender for those prioritizing simplicity and updates.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - US, LATAM | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 40, 66 - US, LATAM | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 26, 28, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat13 390/75 Mbps - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 01 | 2022, May |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 01 | Available. Released 2022, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back | - |
| Dimensions | 247.5 x 157.3 x 7.5 mm (9.74 x 6.19 x 0.30 in) | 251.2 x 158.8 x 7.5 mm (9.89 x 6.25 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 466 g (1.03 lb) | 465 g (1.03 lb) |
| | Splash resistant
Stylus support | Stylus support |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | - |
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~220 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~79.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.61 inches, 320.4 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 360 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) - LTE model Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Wi-Fi only model |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) - LTE model Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) - Wi-Fi only model |
| GPU | Mali-G57 | Adreno 610 - LTE model Mali-G52 MC2 - Wi-Fi only model |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMCP/uMCP |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | - |
| 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 | Yes (Wi-Fi/LTE model only / TA-1521) | No |
| Positioning | GPS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | FM Radio |
| 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, proximity, gyro |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, PD3.0 | 20W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 8200 mAh | Li-Po 7700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Charcoal Grey | Storm Grey, Frost Blue |
| Models | TA-1495, TA-1521, TA-1505, TA-1487 | - |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 260 EUR |
| SAR | 1.19 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 1.56 W/kg (body) | - |
Nokia T21
- Clean Android experience
- Potential for longer software support
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Good build quality
- Less powerful chipset
- Mediocre camera performance
- Slightly less vibrant display (potentially)
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)
- Better performance (Snapdragon 680 LTE model)
- Slightly larger screen (potentially)
- LTE connectivity option
- Good value for money
- More bloatware
- Potentially shorter software support
- Camera performance is average
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature a 10.36-inch display, but the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) often has a slightly higher resolution (2000 x 1200) compared to the Nokia T21 (2000 x 1200). The Lenovo's display may also offer slightly better color accuracy. Viewing angles are generally good on both.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department. Both feature modest rear and front-facing cameras suitable for basic video calls and occasional snapshots. Image quality is acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The Lenovo might have a slight edge in front camera quality.
Performance
This is where the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) with the Snapdragon 680 (LTE model) shines. The Snapdragon 680 provides a significant performance boost over the Unisoc Tiger T612 in the Nokia T21, resulting in smoother multitasking and better gaming performance. The Wi-Fi only model of the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) with the Helio G80 is a closer competitor, but still generally faster than the T21.
Battery Life
The Nokia T21 is expected to offer slightly better battery life due to its more efficient chipset and optimized software. Both tablets should comfortably last a full day of moderate use, but the T21 might stretch that further.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Nokia T21? Users seeking a clean Android experience, longer software support, and a reliable, no-frills tablet for basic tasks like browsing and media consumption. Who should buy the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)? Those prioritizing performance for light gaming and multitasking, and who appreciate a slightly larger screen and potentially better connectivity (LTE model).
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which tablet is better for gaming?
The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) with the Snapdragon 680 (LTE model) is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor.
❓ How long will Nokia T21 receive software updates?
Nokia typically provides longer software support for its devices, so the T21 is likely to receive updates for a longer period than the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen).
