The budget tablet market is heating up, with the OnePlus Pad Lite and TCL 10 TabMax vying for attention. Both aim to deliver a capable Android experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving that goal. This comparison dissects their core specifications to determine which tablet offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Pad Lite emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G100 chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance edge over the TCL 10 TabMax’s older architecture. The significantly faster 33W charging also addresses a key pain point for tablet users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - cellular model only |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - cellular model only |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | LTE - cellular model only |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/50 Mbps - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 03. Released 2021, Q1 | 2025, July 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2025, August 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 247.8 x 157.6 x 7.7 mm (9.76 x 6.20 x 0.30 in) | 254.9 x 166.5 x 7.4 mm (10.04 x 6.56 x 0.29 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Yes - cellular model only |
| Weight | - | 530 g (1.17 lb) |
| | Stylus support | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~225 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~207 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.36 inches, 305.5 cm2 (~78.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 347.5 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 90Hz, 500 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek Helio G100 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, TCL UI | Android 15, OxygenOS 15 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | Unspecified |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | 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 | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers, Hi-Res audio) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS - cellular model only | GPS, (cellular model only) - unconfirmed |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 | Unspecified |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 8000 mAh | Li-Po 9340 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue | Aero Blue |
| Models | 9295G, 9296G | OPD2480 |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 200 EUR |
TCL 10 TabMax
- Potentially lower initial purchase price.
- Acceptable performance for basic tasks.
- Reliable brand reputation (TCL).
- Older processor architecture.
- Slower 18W charging.
- Likely less efficient power consumption.
OnePlus Pad Lite
- More powerful Mediatek Helio G100 chipset.
- Faster 33W wired charging.
- More efficient 6nm fabrication process.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- OnePlus's tablet software support is relatively new.
- Camera performance likely similar to TCL.
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor OnePlus provide detailed display specifications beyond the basic panel size. However, the core difference lies under the hood. While both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, the absence of information regarding peak brightness, color gamut coverage, or refresh rates makes a direct comparison difficult. We can assume, given the price points, that neither will offer features like LTPO or high-resolution displays. Bezels are likely comparable, focusing on maximizing screen real estate within the budget constraints.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet, given their target market. Detailed camera specs are unavailable, but it's safe to assume both feature basic camera setups geared towards video calls and casual snapshots. Without sensor size or aperture information, a meaningful comparison is impossible. Focusing on the processor's image signal processing capabilities, the Helio G100 in the OnePlus Pad Lite likely offers slightly better image processing due to its newer architecture.
Performance
The OnePlus Pad Lite’s Mediatek Helio G100 (6nm) represents a clear architectural advantage over the TCL 10 TabMax’s Octa-core processor (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53). The Helio G100 features newer Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, offering superior single-core performance crucial for responsive app launches and smoother multitasking. The 6nm fabrication process also translates to improved power efficiency and potentially less thermal throttling during sustained workloads. The TCL 10 TabMax’s older Cortex-A73 cores, while still capable, are less efficient and will likely struggle with demanding applications compared to the Pad Lite.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified, the charging speed difference is significant. The OnePlus Pad Lite’s 33W wired charging is a substantial upgrade over the TCL 10 TabMax’s 18W charging. This translates to considerably faster top-up times, reducing downtime and making the Pad Lite more convenient for users who rely on their tablet throughout the day. Even if the TCL 10 TabMax has a slightly larger battery, the slower charging speed will likely negate any advantage in real-world usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 10 TabMax if you prioritize a potentially lower initial cost and are primarily focused on basic tasks like web browsing and video consumption where raw processing power isn't critical. Buy the OnePlus Pad Lite if you value faster performance for multitasking, light gaming, and appreciate the convenience of significantly quicker charging times, making it ideal for users on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the OnePlus Pad Lite handle demanding games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile?
While the Helio G100 is capable, don't expect flagship-level gaming performance. The Pad Lite can likely run these games at medium settings with acceptable frame rates, but you may experience some frame drops during intense scenes. The TCL 10 TabMax will likely struggle more with these titles.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each tablet from 0%?
With 33W charging, the OnePlus Pad Lite should reach 100% in approximately 90-120 minutes. The TCL 10 TabMax, with its 18W charging, will likely take over 2.5-3 hours to fully charge, making it less convenient for users who need a quick top-up.
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio G100 known to overheat during prolonged use?
The Helio G100's 6nm process helps mitigate overheating. While it can get warm during extended gaming sessions, it's unlikely to experience significant thermal throttling, especially compared to the older architecture in the TCL 10 TabMax.
