The sub-$200 tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the TCL 10 TabMax and Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) represent compelling options. Both aim to deliver a large-screen experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches. The TCL prioritizes a more standard Android experience, while the Amazon leverages its Fire OS ecosystem. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which tablet offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users seeking a versatile Android tablet experience with broader app compatibility, the TCL 10 TabMax emerges as the stronger choice. While the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) offers the convenience of wireless charging, the identical CPU architecture combined with TCL’s more open software approach provides a more flexible and potentially longer-lasting user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/50 Mbps - cellular model only | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 03. Released 2021, Q1 | 2021, April 27. Released 2021, May 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 247.8 x 157.6 x 7.7 mm (9.76 x 6.20 x 0.30 in) | 247 x 166 x 9.2 mm (9.72 x 6.54 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | No |
| Weight | - | 468 g (1.03 lb) |
| | Stylus support | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Aluminosilicate glass |
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~225 ppi density) | 1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.36 inches, 305.5 cm2 (~78.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 10, TCL UI | Android 9.0 (Pie), Fire OS 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, AF | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 2 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS - cellular model only | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| | - | Text-to-Speech English-language content reader |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 8000 mAh | Li-Ion |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue | Slate |
| Models | 9295G, 9296G | T76N2P |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 150 EUR |
TCL 10 TabMax
- Standard Android OS for broader app compatibility
- Potentially faster charging with 18W wired support
- More open software ecosystem
- Lacks wireless charging
- Detailed display specs unavailable
Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021)
- Convenient wireless charging
- Deep integration with Amazon services
- Competitive price point
- Fire OS limitations and app compatibility concerns
- Potentially less efficient 12nm chipset
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 10.1-inch displays, but detailed display specs are missing. However, given the price point, it’s safe to assume both utilize IPS LCD panels. The TCL 10 TabMax’s value lies in running standard Android, allowing for wider display calibration options. The Fire HD 10 Plus’s display is likely tuned for Amazon’s content, potentially prioritizing vibrant colors over accuracy. The absence of information regarding peak brightness or color gamut makes a definitive comparison impossible, but the TCL’s open software offers more user control.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Detailed camera specs are unavailable, but at this price point, expectations should be tempered. Both tablets likely feature basic camera setups suitable for video calls and occasional snapshots. The absence of information regarding sensor size or aperture makes a meaningful comparison impossible. Focusing on camera quality for these devices would be a misdirection of effort.
Performance
The core performance story is surprisingly similar. Both the TCL 10 TabMax and the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) utilize an Octa-core CPU configuration with 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 cores and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. However, the Amazon uses the Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm) chipset, while the TCL’s CPU is not tied to a specific chipset. The 12nm process node of the Helio P60T suggests slightly lower power efficiency compared to potentially newer fabrication processes used in the TCL’s CPU. This could translate to marginally better sustained performance on the TCL, though real-world differences will likely be minimal for typical tablet tasks. The identical core configuration means both will handle everyday tasks and light multitasking similarly.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) gains a significant advantage with its inclusion of wireless charging. The TCL 10 TabMax relies solely on 18W wired charging. Wireless charging offers convenience, but typically charges at a slower rate. The 18W wired charging on the TCL should provide a faster 0-100% charge time than the wireless option on the Amazon, assuming similar battery capacities. Without knowing the battery sizes, it’s difficult to assess overall battery life, but the wireless charging capability of the Fire HD 10 Plus is a key differentiator.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 10 TabMax if you need a tablet for productivity tasks, streaming from multiple services, and accessing the full Google Play Store. It’s ideal for users who want a standard Android experience and aren’t tied to the Amazon ecosystem. Buy the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) if you are heavily invested in Amazon’s services – Prime Video, Kindle, Alexa – and prioritize wireless charging convenience over software flexibility. It’s a good option for casual media consumption within the Amazon ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T chipset in the Fire HD 10 Plus throttle under sustained load?
The Helio P60T is a capable chipset for everyday tasks, but its 12nm process node and the tablet's likely thermal constraints could lead to some throttling during extended gaming sessions or demanding applications. While not a severe issue for typical use, power users might notice performance dips over time.
❓ Can I easily sideload apps onto the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) if they aren't available in the Amazon Appstore?
Sideloading apps onto the Fire HD 10 Plus is possible, but it's not as straightforward as on a standard Android device. It requires enabling 'Apps from Unknown Sources' and using an APK installer. Compatibility isn't guaranteed, and some apps may not function correctly due to the Fire OS environment.
❓ Is the TCL 10 TabMax guaranteed to receive future Android updates?
TCL's update track record is inconsistent. While the TCL 10 TabMax launched with a relatively recent version of Android, there's no guarantee of future major OS updates. Expect security patches to be infrequent, if at all.
