The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 and Nokia T10 represent opposite ends of the Android tablet spectrum. The Active5 prioritizes durability and performance for demanding work environments, while the T10 focuses on providing a functional and affordable experience for everyday tasks. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users needing a robust, reliable tablet for field work or harsh conditions, the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 is the clear winner. Its Exynos 1380 chipset delivers significantly better performance, justifying the higher price. However, the Nokia T10 offers compelling value for basic tasks and casual use.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66, 68 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, January 10 | 2022, July 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, January 23 | Available. Released 2022, August 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 213.8 x 126.8 x 10.1 mm (8.42 x 4.99 x 0.40 in) | 208 x 123.2 x 9 mm (8.19 x 4.85 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 433 g (15.27 oz) | 375 g (13.23 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~283 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~68.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~72.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 360 nits (typ), 450 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MP5 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 14, One UI 6 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.9, AF | 8 MP, 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 2 MP, 1/5.0", 1.65µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, charging/accessories connector pins | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass, proximity (accessories only) | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5050 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5250 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, Tactical Edition | Ocean Blue |
| Models | SM-X306B | TA-1503, TA-1472, TA-1462, TA-1457 |
| Price | $ 629.99 | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.53 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) | 0.27 W/kg (head) 1.57 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5
- Significantly faster processor for demanding tasks
- Ruggedized design for durability in harsh environments
- Likely supports faster charging speeds
- Higher price point
- Potentially bulkier and heavier due to ruggedization
Nokia T10
- Extremely affordable price
- Lightweight and portable design
- Suitable for basic tasks like browsing and media consumption
- Slow Unisoc T606 processor struggles with demanding apps
- Slow 10W charging
- Lacks ruggedization features
Display Comparison
Display specifications are not provided for either device, but given the Active5's rugged focus, it likely features a more durable, though potentially less vibrant, panel. The Nokia T10, aiming for affordability, likely utilizes a standard IPS LCD. The Active5's display is likely optimized for outdoor visibility, while the T10 will prioritize cost savings. Bezels are expected to be larger on the T10 to reduce manufacturing costs. Color accuracy is likely to be better on the Active5, though not necessarily a priority for its target user.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited, but the Active5 likely features a more capable camera system geared towards documentation in the field. While neither tablet is expected to excel in photography, the Active5’s sensor is likely larger and benefits from Samsung’s image processing algorithms. The T10’s camera is likely a basic module suitable for casual snapshots. The presence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on the Active5, though unconfirmed, would be a significant advantage in low-light conditions and for capturing stable images during movement.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5’s Exynos 1380 (5nm) chipset represents a substantial leap in performance over the Nokia T10’s Unisoc T606 (12nm). The 5nm fabrication process allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, translating to faster processing speeds and reduced heat generation. The Active5’s octa-core CPU, with its 4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 cores, will handle demanding applications and multitasking with ease, while the T10’s 2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 cores will struggle with more intensive tasks. The Active5 is expected to have faster RAM (likely LPDDR5 or LPDDR5x) further enhancing responsiveness. The T10's Unisoc chipset is designed for efficiency, not raw power.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Active5’s more powerful chipset and rugged features likely necessitate a larger battery. The Nokia T10’s 10W wired charging is significantly slower than what the Active5 likely supports, potentially taking several hours to fully charge. While the T10 may offer slightly longer battery life during light use due to its less demanding processor, the Active5’s larger battery will provide more sustained performance under heavier workloads. The Active5’s power efficiency gains from the 5nm process will also contribute to better battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 if you require a ruggedized tablet capable of withstanding drops, dust, and water, and need strong processing power for work applications. Buy the Nokia T10 if you prioritize affordability and a lightweight design for media consumption, basic productivity, and casual browsing, and don't need extreme durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1380 in the Tab Active5 overheat during prolonged use, like video editing or gaming?
The Exynos 1380’s 5nm process is designed for improved thermal efficiency. While it will generate heat under sustained load, the Active5’s ruggedized chassis likely incorporates effective heat dissipation measures to prevent significant throttling. It’s unlikely to overheat to the point of being unusable, unlike some older or less efficient chipsets.
❓ Is the Nokia T10’s 10W charging speed a major drawback in real-world usage?
Yes, 10W charging is considerably slower than the charging speeds offered by most modern tablets. Expect a full charge to take several hours, making it less convenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery. This is a significant trade-off for the T10’s lower price point.
❓ How does the ruggedization of the Tab Active5 affect its usability with gloves?
Samsung often designs their Active series tablets with enhanced touch sensitivity to work with gloved hands. While not explicitly stated for the Active5, it's highly probable that it features this functionality, making it ideal for users working in cold environments or requiring protective gear.
