The sub-$200 tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the TCL 10 TabMid and Nokia T10 represent two compelling options. While both aim to deliver an affordable Android experience, they take different approaches to achieving that goal, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dissects those differences and helps you determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the TCL 10 TabMid is the better choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 chipset, built on an 11nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Nokia T10’s Unisoc T606. However, the Nokia T10 offers a slightly more efficient processor, potentially leading to longer battery life during lighter tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 03. Released 2021, Q1 | 2022, July 12 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, August 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 209.4 x 125.2 x 8.6 mm (8.24 x 4.93 x 0.34 in) | 208 x 123.2 x 9 mm (8.19 x 4.85 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 325 g (11.46 oz) | 375 g (13.23 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~283 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~70.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~72.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 360 nits (typ), 450 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6125 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 10, TCL UI | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 2 MP, 1/5.0", 1.65µm |
| 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 | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| 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, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
Reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5500 mAh | Li-Po 5250 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Prime Black | Ocean Blue |
| Models | - | TA-1503, TA-1472, TA-1462, TA-1457 |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.27 W/kg (head) 1.57 W/kg (body) |
TCL 10 TabMid
- Faster processor for smoother multitasking
- 18W fast charging for quicker top-ups
- Potentially better image processing
- Potentially shorter battery life during heavy use
- May generate more heat under sustained load
Nokia T10
- More power-efficient chipset for longer battery life (light use)
- Lower price point
- Simpler user experience
- Slower processor for demanding tasks
- 10W slow charging
- Less responsive user interface
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Nokia provide detailed display specifications beyond screen size. However, the choice of chipsets suggests differing display capabilities. The Snapdragon 665 typically pairs with displays capable of higher refresh rates and color accuracy. While both likely feature IPS LCD panels, the TCL 10 TabMid’s processing power could support a more vibrant and fluid visual experience. Bezels are expected to be similar on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Given the price bracket, camera performance isn’t a primary focus. Detailed camera specs are unavailable, but it’s safe to assume both tablets feature basic camera setups. The TCL 10 TabMid’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Snapdragon 665 may offer slightly better image processing, resulting in marginally improved photo quality in good lighting conditions. Expect both to struggle in low-light scenarios. Focusing on megapixel counts would be misleading; image quality is more dependent on sensor size and software optimization, neither of which are specified.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The TCL 10 TabMid’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, fabricated on an 11nm process, features an octa-core configuration with Kryo 260 Gold and Silver cores clocked up to 2.0 GHz. This architecture prioritizes performance. Conversely, the Nokia T10 utilizes the Unisoc T606, a 12nm chip with a different core arrangement – 2x Cortex-A75 and 6x Cortex-A55, peaking at 1.6 GHz. While the Unisoc chip benefits from a slightly newer process node, the Snapdragon’s core design and higher clock speeds translate to superior CPU and GPU performance, particularly in graphically intensive tasks. The TCL’s advantage will be most noticeable when switching between apps or playing games.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, the Unisoc T606’s 12nm process is generally more power-efficient than the Snapdragon 665’s 11nm process. This suggests the Nokia T10 could offer longer battery life during light usage, such as reading ebooks or browsing the web. However, the TCL 10 TabMid’s 18W wired charging significantly outperforms the Nokia T10’s 10W charging. This means the TCL will reach a full charge much faster, mitigating any potential battery life disadvantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 10 TabMid if you need a tablet capable of handling moderate multitasking, streaming video without stuttering, and running more demanding apps. It’s ideal for users who occasionally play mobile games or require a more responsive user interface. Buy the Nokia T10 if you prioritize simplicity, extended battery life for basic tasks like reading and web browsing, and a lower price point. It’s a solid choice for casual users and those seeking a dedicated media consumption device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the TCL 10 TabMid handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Snapdragon 665 can run PUBG Mobile, expect to play at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The chipset isn't designed for high-end gaming, and prolonged sessions may result in some thermal throttling.
❓ Is the Nokia T10 suitable for video conferencing?
The Nokia T10 is adequate for basic video conferencing, but the Unisoc T606’s processing power may struggle with multiple apps running simultaneously. Ensure a stable internet connection for optimal performance.
❓ Does the TCL 10 TabMid support reverse wired charging?
Yes, the TCL 10 TabMid supports reverse wired charging, allowing you to use it as a power bank to charge other devices via a USB-C cable. This is a useful feature for travelers or emergencies.
❓ What kind of storage options are available for the Nokia T10?
The Nokia T10 typically comes in 32GB and 64GB storage configurations, with support for microSD card expansion up to 512GB. This allows you to easily increase storage capacity for photos, videos, and apps.
