The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the TCL Tab 10 Gen2 and Blackview Tab 18 represent compelling options for users seeking affordable Android experiences. However, they diverge significantly in their internal hardware, particularly in chipset and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these differences to help you determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Blackview Tab 18 is the superior choice. Its Helio G99 chipset, built on a 6nm process, offers a substantial performance uplift over the TCL Tab 10 Gen2’s Helio P22T. The 33W charging is a game-changer, drastically reducing recharge times. While the TCL Tab 10 Gen2 may be slightly cheaper, the Blackview Tab 18’s improvements justify the price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, August 29 | 2023, November |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, September | Available. Released 2023, November |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 244.9 x 154.7 x 7.4 mm (9.64 x 6.09 x 0.29 in) | 277.6 x 173.2 x 7.9 mm (10.93 x 6.82 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 425 g (14.99 oz) | 632 g (1.39 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~225 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~194 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.36 inches, 305.5 cm2 (~80.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 12.0 inches, 409.9 cm2 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 350 nits | IPS LCD, 350 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22T (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 13, Doke OS_P 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB | 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 16 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | Unspecified | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM Radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C, 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | 8800 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Gray, Glacier Blue | Turquoise Green, Glacier Blue, Space Grey |
| Models | 8196G, 8496G | - |
| Price | About 170 EUR | - |
TCL Tab 10 Gen2
- Potentially lower price point.
- Sufficient for basic tasks like web browsing.
- Established brand recognition (TCL).
- Outdated Helio P22T chipset.
- Slow 10W charging.
- Limited performance for multitasking and gaming.
Blackview Tab 18
- Significantly faster Helio G99 chipset.
- Rapid 33W wired charging.
- Improved performance for demanding tasks.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Less established brand in the tablet market (Blackview).
- Software update support may be less frequent.
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Blackview provide detailed display specifications beyond screen size. However, the core hardware differences suggest potential disparities. While both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, the Blackview Tab 18’s more powerful chipset could support higher resolution displays or more sophisticated image processing. The TCL Tab 10 Gen2, with its older processor, is likely limited to a standard 1080p resolution. Bezels are expected to be similar on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning. Color accuracy is also likely comparable, leaning towards the standard sRGB color gamut.
Camera Comparison
Given the budget nature of both tablets, camera performance is unlikely to be a key differentiator. Detailed camera specs are unavailable, but it’s safe to assume both feature basic camera setups. The focus should not be on photographic quality, but rather on functionality for video calls and quick snapshots. Without specific sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment, but the Blackview Tab 18’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Helio G99 could potentially offer slightly better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions.
Performance
The performance gap between these tablets is substantial. The Blackview Tab 18’s Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) is a significant upgrade over the TCL Tab 10 Gen2’s Helio P22T (12nm). The G99 features newer Cortex-A76 cores (2x2.2 GHz) compared to the P22T’s Cortex-A53 cores (4x2.0 GHz & 4x1.5 GHz). This architectural shift, combined with the smaller 6nm fabrication process, translates to approximately 30-40% faster CPU performance and a more noticeable improvement in GPU capabilities. The G99’s enhanced efficiency also means better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended use. The Blackview Tab 18 will handle multitasking, streaming, and light gaming with considerably more ease.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Blackview Tab 18’s 33W wired charging is a clear advantage. The TCL Tab 10 Gen2 is limited to 10W charging, resulting in significantly longer recharge times. A full charge on the TCL Tab 10 Gen2 could take upwards of 4-5 hours, while the Blackview Tab 18 should achieve a full charge in approximately 1.5-2 hours. This difference is crucial for users who rely on their tablets throughout the day and need quick top-ups.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL Tab 10 Gen2 if you prioritize absolute lowest cost and only need a tablet for very basic tasks like web browsing and light video consumption. Its older chipset is sufficient for these limited workloads. Buy the Blackview Tab 18 if you value performance for multitasking, streaming, and occasional gaming, and if you want the convenience of significantly faster charging – a crucial benefit for on-the-go users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Blackview Tab 18 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G99 chipset in the Blackview Tab 18 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The TCL Tab 10 Gen2’s Helio P22T would struggle with this title, offering a significantly less enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Blackview Tab 18 compared to the TCL Tab 10 Gen2?
The Blackview Tab 18’s 33W charging is dramatically faster. Expect a full charge in approximately 1.5-2 hours, whereas the TCL Tab 10 Gen2’s 10W charging could take 4-5 hours or longer. This is a substantial difference for users who need to quickly recharge their tablet.
❓ Is the difference in chipsets noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and streaming?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. While both tablets can handle basic tasks, the Blackview Tab 18’s Helio G99 provides a smoother and more responsive experience, especially when multitasking or streaming high-resolution video. The TCL Tab 10 Gen2 may exhibit lag or slowdowns with multiple apps open.
