The Android tablet market is heating up, with options ranging from budget-friendly media consumption devices to powerful productivity powerhouses. We're pitting the TCL 10 TabMax, a solid all-rounder, against the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4, a performance-focused tablet boasting a flagship-tier chipset, to determine which offers the best experience for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and fast charging, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 870 chipset delivers a significantly smoother experience for demanding tasks. However, the TCL 10 TabMax remains a compelling option for those on a tighter budget who prioritize affordability and basic functionality.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | N/A |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | N/A |
| 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 | 2022, August 11 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, August 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 247.8 x 157.6 x 7.7 mm (9.76 x 6.20 x 0.30 in) | 285 x 185.2 x 6.7 mm (11.22 x 7.29 x 0.26 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | No |
| Weight | - | 620 g (1.37 lb) |
| | Stylus support | Stylus support (magnetic) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~225 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~243 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.36 inches, 305.5 cm2 (~78.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 12.4 inches, 445.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 500 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 10, TCL UI | Android 12, MIUI Pad 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 20 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS - cellular model only | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.2 video output |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 60% in 36 min, 100% in 68 min |
| Type | Li-Po 8000 mAh | Li-Po 10000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue | Black, Silver, Green |
| Models | 9295G, 9296G | - |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 400 EUR |
TCL 10 TabMax
- More affordable price point
- Potentially longer battery life due to less powerful chipset (speculation)
- Suitable for basic tasks like browsing and video streaming
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Xiaomi
- Slow 18W charging
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4
- Exceptional performance with Snapdragon 870
- Ultra-fast 67W charging with PD3.0/QC4
- Smoother multitasking and gaming experience
- Higher price tag
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load
- May be overkill for basic users
Display Comparison
While both tablets offer large displays suitable for media consumption, details beyond size are missing for the TCL 10 TabMax. The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4’s 12.4-inch display benefits from the Snapdragon 870’s powerful GPU for smoother visuals. Without knowing the TCL’s panel type (IPS, AMOLED) or resolution, it’s difficult to assess color accuracy or brightness. However, the Xiaomi’s chipset allows for potentially higher refresh rates, contributing to a more fluid user experience. The absence of display specs for the TCL makes a direct comparison challenging, but the Xiaomi’s processing power suggests a superior visual experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely a secondary consideration for most tablet users, and detailed specifications are lacking for both devices. However, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4, benefiting from its more powerful ISP within the Snapdragon 870, likely offers superior image processing capabilities. Without knowing the sensor sizes or apertures of either tablet, it’s difficult to make a definitive statement. The TCL 10 TabMax’s camera is likely adequate for basic snapshots, but the Xiaomi is expected to deliver better image quality, especially in low-light conditions.
Performance
The performance gap between these tablets is substantial. The TCL 10 TabMax utilizes an Octa-core processor with Cortex-A73 and A53 cores, a configuration common in mid-range devices. In contrast, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm). The Snapdragon 870’s Kryo 585 cores, with a prime core clocked at 3.2 GHz, offer significantly higher single-core and multi-core performance. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. The 7nm fabrication process also contributes to better power efficiency compared to the TCL’s likely larger node process, potentially leading to longer sustained performance under load. The Xiaomi is the clear winner for demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4’s 67W wired charging is a game-changer. Achieving 60% charge in 36 minutes and 100% in 68 minutes significantly reduces downtime. The TCL 10 TabMax’s 18W charging is comparatively slow. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the faster charging of the Xiaomi effectively mitigates any potential capacity disadvantage. The Xiaomi’s support for PD3.0 and QC4 further enhances charging compatibility and speed, offering a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 10 TabMax if you need a reliable tablet for casual browsing, video streaming, and light productivity tasks, and value affordability above all else. Buy the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 if you demand smooth multitasking, gaming performance, and rapid charging, and are willing to invest in a more premium experience. The Xiaomi is ideal for creative professionals or power users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 870 in the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 870 is known for its excellent thermal management. While some heat generation is inevitable during prolonged gaming, the 7nm fabrication process and Xiaomi’s cooling solutions should prevent significant throttling, ensuring a consistently smooth gaming experience. The TCL 10 TabMax, with its less powerful chipset, is less likely to overheat but also offers a less demanding gaming experience.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the TCL 10 TabMax sufficient for daily use?
While 18W charging isn't *insufficient*, it's significantly slower than the 67W charging on the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4. Expect longer charging times, potentially requiring overnight charging to fully replenish the battery. This is a trade-off for the lower price point of the TCL 10 TabMax.
❓ Can the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 be used for note-taking with a stylus?
Yes, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 supports stylus input (stylus sold separately). The combination of the responsive display and the Snapdragon 870’s processing power provides a smooth and natural writing experience, making it suitable for note-taking and creative tasks.
