The sub-$200 tablet market is fiercely competitive, offering options for casual users, students, and families. The TCL Tab 10 HD 4G and the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) represent two compelling choices, but cater to different priorities. The TCL offers cellular connectivity, while the Amazon boasts wireless charging and a more refined software experience – albeit one heavily tied to Amazon’s ecosystem. This comparison dives deep into the hardware and software to determine which tablet delivers the most bang for your buck.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing open Android access and 4G connectivity for on-the-go use, the TCL Tab 10 HD 4G is the better choice. However, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) wins for those deeply invested in the Amazon ecosystem and value wireless charging convenience, despite its less versatile software.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 27 | 2021, April 27. Released 2021, May 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 243.2 x 158.2 x 9.2 mm (9.57 x 6.23 x 0.36 in) | 247 x 166 x 9.2 mm (9.72 x 6.54 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | No |
| Weight | 448 g (15.80 oz) | 468 g (1.03 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Aluminosilicate glass |
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~76.9% 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 Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8768E | Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 11 | 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 |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 2 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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, proximity | Accelerometer |
| | - | Text-to-Speech English-language content reader |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 5500 mAh | Li-Ion |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Gray | Slate |
| Models | - | T76N2P |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 150 EUR |
TCL Tab 10 HD 4G
- Standard Android OS offers greater app compatibility.
- 4G connectivity enables on-the-go use without Wi-Fi.
- Potentially lower price point.
- Less powerful processor compared to the Fire HD 10 Plus.
- Slower 10W wired charging.
Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021)
- More powerful MediaTek Helio P60T processor.
- Wireless charging for added convenience.
- Optimized software for Amazon content consumption.
- Fire OS is heavily tied to the Amazon ecosystem.
- Limited app availability compared to standard Android.
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 10.1-inch displays, but details beyond that are scarce. Without knowing the panel type (IPS, TFT) or resolution, it’s difficult to make a definitive statement. However, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus’s wireless charging suggests a more premium build quality, potentially translating to slightly better display uniformity. The lack of information on peak brightness or color gamut makes it hard to assess viewing experience differences, but the Fire HD 10 Plus’s slightly higher price point hints at a potentially more refined display.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are equipped with basic camera setups suitable for video calls and occasional snapshots. Without specific megapixel counts or aperture details, it’s safe to assume image quality will be similar – adequate for basic use but not competitive with smartphones. Focusing on the processors, the ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Helio P60T may offer slightly better image processing capabilities, but the overall experience will remain limited by the sensor quality.
Performance
The Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) holds a clear advantage in processing power. Its MediaTek Helio P60T (MT8183) utilizes four Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz alongside four Cortex-A53 cores, built on a more efficient 12nm process. This contrasts with the TCL Tab 10 HD 4G’s MediaTek MT8768E, which features only Cortex-A53 cores across all eight cores. The A73 cores in the Fire HD 10 Plus offer significantly better single-core performance, resulting in snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. While both are octa-core, the architectural difference translates to a noticeable performance gap, favoring the Amazon device for demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. The Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) benefits from wireless charging, offering convenient top-ups. The TCL Tab 10 HD 4G is limited to 10W wired charging, which will take longer to replenish the battery. Without knowing the battery capacity of either device, it’s difficult to predict real-world endurance. However, the more efficient 12nm process of the Helio P60T in the Fire HD 10 Plus suggests it may achieve slightly better battery life under similar workloads, especially when combined with Amazon’s optimized software.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL Tab 10 HD 4G if you need a tablet with standard Android and the flexibility of 4G cellular connectivity for use outside of Wi-Fi range. This is ideal for commuters, travelers, or anyone needing a portable, always-connected device. Buy the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) if you primarily consume Amazon content (Prime Video, Kindle books, Audible audiobooks) and appreciate the convenience of wireless charging and a streamlined, if limited, user interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the TCL Tab 10 HD 4G run demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The TCL Tab 10 HD 4G’s MediaTek MT8768E, with its all Cortex-A53 core configuration, will likely struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile. Expect lower frame rates and potential stuttering, even on lower settings. It’s better suited for casual gaming and less demanding titles.
❓ Can I easily sideload apps onto the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) if they aren't available in the Amazon Appstore?
Sideloading apps onto the Fire HD 10 Plus is possible, but requires enabling 'Apps from Unknown Sources' and using an APK installer. While functional, it's not as straightforward as on a standard Android device and may require some technical knowledge. Compatibility isn't guaranteed, and some apps may not function correctly due to the Fire OS environment.
❓ How much does the Amazon ecosystem lock-in affect the Fire HD 10 Plus experience?
The Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus heavily promotes Amazon services like Prime Video, Kindle, and Audible. While you can access other apps, Amazon’s services are prominently featured throughout the interface. Removing or ignoring these services can be challenging, and the overall experience is geared towards Amazon subscribers.
