The Android tablet market has a new contender in the Oscal Pad 60, challenging Samsung’s established Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021). Both aim for the budget-conscious user, but diverge significantly in their internal hardware. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which tablet delivers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing smooth multitasking and a more responsive experience, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) is the better choice. Its Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset, with its octa-core configuration, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Oscal Pad 60’s quad-core processor, justifying the price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, July | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, July | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 246.5 x 163 x 9.9 mm (9.70 x 6.42 x 0.39 in) | 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 537 g (1.18 lb) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~73.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 12, DokeOS_P 3.0 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB 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 | 5 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | 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 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 6580 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Misty Blue, Meteorite Grey | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | - | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
Oscal Pad 60
- Potentially lower price point
- Lightweight and portable
- Suitable for basic tasks
- Significantly weaker performance
- Slower charging speed (10W)
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Faster charging (15W)
- More refined user experience
- Higher price compared to Oscal Pad 60
- Camera quality is basic
- Still utilizes an IPS LCD panel
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, the lack of detailed display specs for the Oscal Pad 60 makes a direct comparison difficult. The Samsung Tab A8’s 10.5-inch screen offers a standard 1920x1200 resolution, providing a decent pixel density for media consumption. Bezels are present on both, but the Tab A8’s are relatively slim, contributing to a more modern aesthetic. Color accuracy and brightness are likely similar, leaning towards adequate rather than exceptional.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are equipped with basic camera setups geared towards video calls and occasional snapshots. The Oscal Pad 60’s camera specs are unavailable, but we can assume it features a similar low-resolution configuration to the Tab A8 (8MP rear, 2MP front). The Tab A8’s 2MP macro camera is largely superfluous, offering limited detail and usefulness. Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and softness in low light.
Performance
This is where the most significant difference lies. The Oscal Pad 60’s quad-core CPU is a basic configuration, suitable for very light workloads. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) features the Unisoc Tiger T618, an octa-core chipset built on a 12nm process. The T618’s architecture – 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – provides a substantial performance boost, particularly in multitasking and app loading times. The Cortex-A75 cores offer significantly higher single-core performance, crucial for responsive UI interactions. While neither tablet is a gaming powerhouse, the Tab A8 will handle less demanding games with greater ease.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the Oscal Pad 60, but given its budget positioning, it’s likely comparable to or slightly smaller than the Tab A8’s 7040mAh battery. However, the Samsung Tab A8 10.5 (2021) benefits from 15W wired charging, significantly faster than the Oscal Pad 60’s 10W charging. This translates to quicker top-ups and less downtime, a practical advantage for users who rely on their tablet throughout the day. While the Tab A8’s battery life is respectable (around 8-10 hours of mixed use), the slower charging of the Oscal Pad 60 could be a drawback.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oscal Pad 60 if you need a basic tablet for light tasks like reading ebooks, casual browsing, and occasional video playback, and your budget is extremely tight. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) if you prefer a more fluid user experience, plan to multitask between apps, or enjoy occasional gaming, and are willing to spend a bit more for improved performance and faster charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc Tiger T618 in the Samsung Tab A8 prone to overheating during extended use?
The Unisoc Tiger T618 is generally efficient and doesn't typically suffer from significant overheating issues, even during prolonged gaming or video playback. Its 12nm process helps manage thermal output effectively. While it may get warm, it shouldn't reach uncomfortable temperatures or experience substantial throttling.
❓ Can the Oscal Pad 60 handle video streaming services like Netflix and YouTube smoothly?
The Oscal Pad 60 can handle basic video streaming from services like Netflix and YouTube, but expect potential buffering or lag with higher resolutions (1080p or above). Its quad-core processor may struggle to decode and render demanding video content without hiccups. Lowering the resolution to 720p should provide a smoother viewing experience.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) support expandable storage via microSD card?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) features a microSD card slot, allowing you to expand the internal storage up to 1TB. This is a valuable feature for users who plan to store a large number of files, photos, or videos on their tablet.
