The sub-$200 tablet market is fiercely competitive, with the TCL 10 TabMid and Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) vying for dominance. While both offer large displays and affordability, they diverge significantly in their underlying hardware and software approaches. This comparison dissects these differences, focusing on performance, battery life, and user experience to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and Android flexibility, the TCL 10 TabMid emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 665 chipset, built on an 11nm process, provides a noticeable edge over the Fire HD 10 Plus’s 12nm Helio P60T. However, the Fire HD 10 Plus’s wireless charging and Amazon ecosystem integration make it compelling for dedicated Amazon users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | - |
| 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 | 209.4 x 125.2 x 8.6 mm (8.24 x 4.93 x 0.34 in) | 247 x 166 x 9.2 mm (9.72 x 6.54 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | No |
| Weight | 325 g (11.46 oz) | 468 g (1.03 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Aluminosilicate glass |
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~283 ppi density) | 1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~70.8% 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 Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6125 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | 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 | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 2 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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 | Accelerometer |
| | - | Text-to-Speech English-language content reader |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
Reverse wired | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 5500 mAh | Li-Ion |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Prime Black | Slate |
| Models | - | T76N2P |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 150 EUR |
TCL 10 TabMid
- More powerful Snapdragon 665 chipset
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Standard Android OS for greater flexibility
- Lacks wireless charging
- Potentially less optimized software experience compared to Amazon's Fire OS
Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021)
- Wireless charging for added convenience
- Deep integration with Amazon's ecosystem (Prime Video, Kindle)
- Fire OS is optimized for media consumption
- Less powerful Helio P60T chipset
- Limited app availability outside the Amazon Appstore
- Fire OS can feel restrictive for some users
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Amazon provide detailed display specs beyond resolution. However, the display is a key differentiator. While both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, the real-world experience will vary. The absence of high refresh rate or HDR support is expected at this price point. Bezels are likely comparable, focusing on maximizing screen real estate within the budget. Color accuracy is likely standard for budget tablets, prioritizing viewing angles over professional color reproduction.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are geared towards casual snapshots. Detailed camera specs are unavailable, but given the price point, expect modest image quality. Focusing on the primary sensor is crucial; any secondary sensors (often 2MP macro or depth sensors) will offer limited utility. Image processing will likely prioritize quick capture over detailed image refinement.
Performance
The TCL 10 TabMid’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 (11nm) and the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus’s MediaTek Helio P60T (12nm) represent a key architectural difference. The 11nm process of the Snapdragon 665 generally translates to better power efficiency and potentially lower thermal throttling under sustained load. While both CPUs feature octa-core configurations with similar clock speeds (2.0 GHz), the Snapdragon utilizes Kryo cores optimized for a balance of performance and efficiency, while the Helio P60T employs Cortex-A73 and A53 cores. This gives the Snapdragon a slight edge in multi-threaded tasks and gaming. The TCL TabMid will likely feel snappier when multitasking and running more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both will likely offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. The Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus gains a significant advantage with its wireless charging capability, offering convenience for users already invested in wireless charging ecosystems. The TCL 10 TabMid counters with 18W wired charging *and* reverse wired charging, allowing it to act as a power bank for smaller devices – a feature absent on the Fire HD 10 Plus. While charging speeds are comparable, the added versatility of reverse charging gives the TCL TabMid an edge for power users.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 10 TabMid if you need a more versatile Android experience, plan to use demanding apps, or value the ability to sideload applications. It’s ideal for students, casual gamers, and those who prefer a standard Android interface. Buy the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) if you are heavily invested in the Amazon ecosystem – Prime Video, Kindle, Alexa – and prioritize wireless charging convenience. It’s best suited for media consumption and light tasks within the Amazon environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the TCL 10 TabMid run graphically demanding games like Genshin Impact smoothly?
While the Snapdragon 665 can handle some gaming, Genshin Impact will likely require significant graphics settings reductions and may still experience occasional frame drops. It's best suited for less demanding titles or casual gaming sessions. The Helio P60T in the Fire HD 10 Plus will likely struggle even more with such titles.
❓ Can I easily install Google Play Store on the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus?
Installing the Google Play Store on the Fire HD 10 Plus is possible, but it requires sideloading and is not officially supported by Amazon. The process can be complex and may void your warranty. The TCL 10 TabMid comes with the Google Play Store pre-installed, offering a much simpler experience.
❓ How useful is the reverse wired charging feature on the TCL 10 TabMid?
The reverse wired charging feature is most useful for topping up smaller devices like Bluetooth headphones, smartwatches, or even a smartphone in a pinch. It's not a replacement for a dedicated power bank, but it adds a layer of convenience for users who frequently travel or are away from power outlets.
