Nokia T21 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab A8: Which Tablet Should You Choose?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 edges out the Nokia T21 thanks to its slightly faster processor, brighter display, and more established software support. However, the Nokia T21 boasts a cleaner Android experience and potentially longer software updates, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious users.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Nokia T21 | Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) |
| 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 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 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, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - 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 | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 01 | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| 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) | 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 466 g (1.03 lb) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| Splash resistant Stylus support | - | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | - |
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~79.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 360 nits (typ) | TFT LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| eMMC 5.1 | - | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 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 | Yes (Wi-Fi/LTE model only / TA-1521) | No |
| Positioning | GPS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | 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 | 18W wired, PD3.0 | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 8200 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Charcoal Grey | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | TA-1495, TA-1521, TA-1505, TA-1487 | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR | 1.19 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 1.56 W/kg (body) | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
Nokia T21
- Clean Android experience
- Guaranteed software updates (3 years)
- Eco-friendly design (recycled materials)
- Potentially longer battery life
- Slightly less powerful processor
- Display may not be as bright
- Limited availability in some regions
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Slightly faster processor
- Brighter display
- Established Samsung software support
- Wide availability
- Samsung's One UI can be bloated
- Shorter software update commitment
- 15W charging is slower
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 features a 10.5-inch LCD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200, offering a vibrant and immersive viewing experience. The Nokia T21 also has a 10.5-inch display (2000 x 1200), but its LCD panel may not be as bright. Samsung's display generally wins for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality on budget tablets is rarely a highlight. The Galaxy Tab A8 likely has a slightly better main camera, but both offer basic photo capabilities suitable for video calls and casual snapshots. Don't expect flagship-level image quality.
Performance
While both tablets utilize Unisoc processors, the Galaxy Tab A8's T618 chipset holds a slight advantage over the T21's T612. The higher clock speeds on the A8 translate to smoother multitasking and slightly faster app loading times. However, both are adequate for everyday tasks.
Battery Life
The Nokia T21 is expected to offer slightly better battery life due to its efficient chipset and software optimization. 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 prioritizing a clean Android experience, guaranteed software updates, and a more eco-friendly design. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)? Those seeking a slightly more powerful processor, a brighter screen for media consumption, and the familiarity of the Samsung ecosystem.