TCL Tab 10 Gen2 vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+: Which Budget Tablet Reigns Supreme?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 695 5G chipset provides a substantial performance boost over the TCL Tab 10 Gen2’s Helio P22T, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While the TCL is cheaper, the A9+'s improved processing power and faster charging justify the price difference.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | TCL Tab 10 Gen2 | Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2023, August 29 | 2023, October 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, September | Available. Released 2023, October 17 |
| 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) | 257.1 x 168.7 x 6.9 mm (10.12 x 6.64 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 425 g (14.99 oz) | 480 g or 492 g (1.06 lb) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~225 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~206 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.36 inches, 305.5 cm2 (~80.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~80.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 350 nits | TFT LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22T (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| 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, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity (accessories only), compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Space Gray, Glacier Blue | Graphite, Silver, Navy |
| Models | 8196G, 8496G | SM-X210, SM-X215, SM-X216B |
| Price | About 170 EUR | $ 199.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.42 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.19 W/kg (body) |
TCL Tab 10 Gen2
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Lightweight and portable
- Outdated and underpowered processor
- Slow charging speed (10W)
- Likely limited software updates
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+
- Significantly faster processor (Snapdragon 695)
- Faster charging (15W)
- Potential for 5G connectivity
- More responsive user experience
- Higher price than the TCL Tab 10 Gen2
- May still lack premium features like high refresh rate display
Display Comparison
Both tablets likely feature LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. However, detailed display specs like resolution and brightness are missing for the TCL Tab 10 Gen2. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ benefits from a larger screen size, which enhances the viewing experience. While neither is expected to offer high color accuracy for professional work, the A9+'s larger canvas is a clear advantage for media consumption. The absence of high refresh rate panels on both devices is typical for this segment.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for most buyers in this segment. Both tablets likely feature modest camera setups. Given the market positioning, it's safe to assume both will struggle in low-light conditions. The TCL Tab 10 Gen2's camera specs are unavailable, but the A9+'s camera is likely to offer a slightly better experience due to Samsung's image processing algorithms, though expectations should remain tempered.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 (6nm) is a far more modern and efficient chipset than the TCL Tab 10 Gen2’s MediaTek Helio P22T (12nm). The Snapdragon 695 utilizes a 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 660 Silver core configuration, offering a substantial improvement over the Helio P22T’s 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 setup. The 6nm process node of the Snapdragon 695 also translates to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during sustained workloads. This means smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive overall experience on the A9+.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+’s 15W wired charging is a notable advantage over the TCL Tab 10 Gen2’s 10W charging. This faster charging speed will significantly reduce the time spent tethered to a power outlet, offering greater convenience for users on the go. While a larger battery capacity would be ideal, the faster charging on the A9+ partially mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL Tab 10 Gen2 if you need a very basic tablet for simple tasks like reading ebooks, light web browsing, and occasional video calls, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ if you prioritize performance for multitasking, streaming, light gaming, and future-proofing, and appreciate the convenience of faster charging and potential 5G connectivity.