The sub-$200 Android tablet market is heating up. The Oscal Pad 16 and Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ represent compelling options for users seeking affordable entertainment and productivity. However, they take distinctly different approaches to achieving that goal, with the Oscal prioritizing raw core count and the Samsung opting for a more efficient, 5G-enabled chipset. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which tablet offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a smoother, more responsive experience and future-proofing with 5G connectivity, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is the better choice. While the Oscal Pad 16 offers a higher core count, the Snapdragon 695’s superior architecture and 6nm process deliver tangible performance benefits and better power efficiency.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 19, 20, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, January | 2023, October 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, January | Available. Released 2023, October 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 246.6 x 160.8 x 7.4 mm (9.71 x 6.33 x 0.29 in) | 257.1 x 168.7 x 6.9 mm (10.12 x 6.64 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 515 g (1.14 lb) | 480 g or 492 g (1.06 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~206 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~80.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 13, DokeOS_P 3.0 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 13 MP
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, 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 (accessories only) | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity (accessories only), compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | 8200 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Gray, Sierra Blue | Graphite, Silver, Navy |
| Models | - | SM-X210, SM-X215, SM-X216B |
| Price | - | $ 199.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.42 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.19 W/kg (body) |
Oscal Pad 16
- Potentially lower price point
- Higher core count (theoretical multitasking advantage)
- May offer larger battery capacity (unconfirmed)
- Less efficient Unisoc T606 chipset
- No 5G connectivity
- Likely lower sustained performance due to thermal throttling
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+
- More efficient Snapdragon 695 chipset (6nm)
- 5G connectivity for on-the-go use
- Superior sustained performance
- Refined user experience
- Potentially higher price
- 15W charging is relatively slow
- May have slightly less battery capacity (unconfirmed)
Display Comparison
Neither Oscal nor Samsung provide display specs beyond size. However, given the price points, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The key difference lies under the hood. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ benefits from Qualcomm’s display optimization, potentially resulting in slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles. The Oscal Pad 16, while adequate for media consumption, likely won’t match the Samsung’s visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be similar on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet, given their target market. Both will likely feature basic camera setups suitable for casual snapshots. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. However, Samsung’s image processing algorithms are generally more refined, potentially leading to slightly better image quality in favorable lighting conditions. Expect both tablets to struggle in low-light scenarios.
Performance
This is where the most significant disparity emerges. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 (6nm) is a clear step up from the Oscal Pad 16’s Unisoc T606 (12nm). While both are octa-core CPUs, the Snapdragon 695 utilizes newer Kryo 660 cores clocked higher (2.2 GHz vs 1.6 GHz) and benefits from a more efficient manufacturing process. The 6nm node translates to lower power consumption and reduced thermal throttling, meaning sustained performance will be significantly better on the Samsung. The Unisoc T606 relies on older Cortex-A75 and A55 cores, which, while capable, are less efficient. The Snapdragon 695 also includes an integrated 5G modem, a feature absent on the Oscal Pad 16.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While the Oscal Pad 16 may have a larger battery capacity (spec not provided), the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+’s more efficient Snapdragon 695 chipset will likely result in comparable, or even superior, real-world battery life. The Samsung Tab A9+ supports 15W wired charging, which, while not particularly fast, is a standard offering in this price range. Oscal’s charging speed is unknown, but likely similar.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oscal Pad 16 if you need a tablet primarily for basic tasks like web browsing, video playback, and light productivity, and are comfortable with potentially longer loading times. Its octa-core processor offers a theoretical advantage in multi-tasking. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ if you value a more refined user experience, faster app launches, and the convenience of 5G connectivity for on-the-go use. The Snapdragon 695 provides a noticeable performance uplift and a more efficient power profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T606 in the Oscal Pad 16 struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Unisoc T606 is not a gaming powerhouse. While it can handle less demanding titles, Genshin Impact and similar graphically intensive games will likely experience significant frame rate drops and stuttering, even on the lowest settings. The Snapdragon 695 in the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ offers a much smoother gaming experience.
❓ Does the 5G connectivity on the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ significantly impact battery life?
Using 5G will naturally consume more battery than Wi-Fi. However, the Snapdragon 695’s efficiency helps mitigate this impact. You can expect a noticeable, but not drastic, reduction in battery life when actively using 5G. The ability to switch to Wi-Fi when available will help conserve power.
❓ Is the lack of 5G on the Oscal Pad 16 a dealbreaker for users who travel frequently?
For users who rely on constant connectivity while traveling, the lack of 5G on the Oscal Pad 16 is a significant drawback. 5G provides faster and more reliable internet access in areas with limited Wi-Fi coverage. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ offers a more versatile experience for on-the-go users.
