Oscal is targeting the budget tablet market with the Pad 90 and Pad 18, both powered by Unisoc chipsets. While appearing similar on the surface, key differences in CPU clock speeds and charging capabilities create distinct user experiences. This comparison dissects these nuances to determine which tablet delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Oscal Pad 90 emerges as the stronger choice. Its significantly longer battery endurance (124:54h) and proven 800-cycle lifespan outweigh the Pad 18’s slightly faster CPU, making it ideal for extended use cases like travel or media consumption.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 19, 20, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, January | 2023, December 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, January | Available. Released 2023, December |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 258.1 x 169.6 x 8 mm (10.16 x 6.68 x 0.31 in) | 256.8 x 168.3 x 7.4 mm (10.11 x 6.63 x 0.29 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 534 g (1.18 lb) | 490 g (1.08 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 7 | - |
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~138 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~207 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.92 inches, 345.8 cm2 (~79.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.95 inches, 347.7 cm2 (~80.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 350 nits | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 14, DokeOS_P 4.0 | Android 13, DokeOS_P 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP
2 MP |
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 13 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | No | Accelerometer, proximity (accessories only) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | 7700 mAh | 8800 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Gray, Sky Blue | Blue |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 124:54h endurance, 800 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class D | - |
| Free fall | Class C (135 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class B | - |
Oscal Pad 90
- Exceptional battery endurance (124:54h)
- Long-lasting battery health (800 cycles)
- Solid performance for everyday tasks
- Slightly slower CPU compared to Pad 18
- Charging speed not specified (likely slower than Pad 18)
Oscal Pad 18
- Faster CPU clock speeds for improved multitasking
- 18W fast charging for quicker top-ups
- Potentially more responsive user interface
- Significantly shorter battery life expected
- Battery cycle lifespan not specified
Display Comparison
Display specifications are absent from the provided data, making a direct comparison impossible. However, given the price point, both tablets likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The absence of details like resolution, peak brightness, or refresh rate suggests neither device is focused on display quality as a primary selling point. Users should manage expectations accordingly.
Camera Comparison
No camera specifications were provided. In this price bracket, camera performance is typically a secondary consideration. Expect basic image quality suitable for casual snapshots and video calls. Without sensor details or aperture information, a meaningful comparison is impossible. It’s safe to assume both tablets prioritize functionality over photographic excellence.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Pad 90 features the Unisoc T606, while the Pad 18 uses the T616. Both are 12nm chips, indicating similar manufacturing processes and power efficiency. However, the T616 boasts a slightly higher CPU clock speed – 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores versus 1.6 GHz on the T606, and 1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores versus 1.6 GHz. This translates to a modest performance increase in CPU-bound tasks like app loading and web browsing. The Pad 18’s CPU advantage will be most noticeable in multitasking scenarios, but the difference isn’t substantial enough to dramatically alter the overall user experience. RAM configurations are not specified, which is a critical factor in overall responsiveness.
Battery Life
The Oscal Pad 90’s 124:54h endurance is a standout feature, significantly exceeding what’s typically found in budget tablets. This longevity is further reinforced by the stated 800 charge cycles, suggesting a robust battery designed for long-term use. The Pad 18, while lacking endurance data, compensates with 18W wired charging. This faster charging speed will reduce downtime, allowing users to quickly top up the battery when needed. However, the trade-off is likely a smaller battery capacity, resulting in shorter overall usage time.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oscal Pad 90 if you prioritize all-day battery life and long-term reliability. It’s the perfect companion for users who frequently stream videos, read ebooks, or work on the go. Buy the Oscal Pad 18 if you occasionally need a small performance boost for light gaming or multitasking and value the convenience of 18W fast charging, accepting that battery life will be shorter.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How does the Unisoc T616 in the Pad 18 impact gaming performance compared to the T606 in the Pad 90?
While the T616 offers a modest CPU performance boost, both chipsets are entry-level. Expect playable frame rates in less demanding games, but don't anticipate a smooth experience with graphically intensive titles. The GPU performance is likely similar, meaning the difference in gaming will be minimal.
❓ What does '800 charge cycles' mean for the Oscal Pad 90's battery lifespan?
800 charge cycles indicate the number of times the battery can be fully charged and discharged before its capacity significantly degrades. This suggests the Pad 90’s battery is designed for long-term use and will retain a substantial portion of its original capacity even after years of regular charging.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Oscal Pad 18 a significant advantage?
18W charging is faster than standard charging, but its benefit depends on the battery capacity of the Pad 18 (which is unknown). If the battery is relatively small, 18W charging can significantly reduce charging times. However, if the battery is large, the difference may be less noticeable.
