The sub-$200 tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the TCL Tab 10 HD 4G and Huawei MatePad T 10 represent two strong contenders. Both aim to deliver a connected experience without breaking the bank, but they achieve this with different approaches to chipset architecture and processing power. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which tablet offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing everyday tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and light gaming, the Huawei MatePad T 10 edges out the TCL Tab 10 HD 4G. The Kirin 710A’s Cortex-A73 cores provide a noticeable performance boost over the Tab 10’s Cortex-A53 setup, resulting in a smoother overall experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 27 | 2021, April 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June | Available. Released 2021, April 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 243.2 x 158.2 x 9.2 mm (9.57 x 6.23 x 0.36 in) | 240.2 x 159 x 7.9 mm (9.46 x 6.26 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 448 g (15.80 oz) | 450 g (0.99 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~156 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~76.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 9.7 inches, 272.8 cm2 (~71.4% 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 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8768E | Kirin 710A (14 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G51 MP4 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 10, EMUI 10.1, no Google Play Services |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 2 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5500 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Gray | Deepsea Blue |
| Models | - | AGRK-L09, AGRK-W09, AGR-L09 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 150 EUR |
TCL Tab 10 HD 4G
- Affordable price point
- Integrated 4G connectivity
- Decent for basic tasks
- Less powerful processor
- Slower charging speed (10W)
- Potentially limited multitasking capabilities
Huawei MatePad T 10
- More powerful Kirin 710A chipset
- Smoother user experience
- Better multitasking performance
- May be slightly more expensive
- Charging speed likely similar to TCL (around 10W)
- Display specifications are unknown
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Huawei provide detailed display specifications beyond resolution. However, the core difference lies beneath the surface. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The real differentiator will be color accuracy and peak brightness, which are unknown. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning. Without specific data, it's difficult to declare a clear winner; both will likely offer adequate, but not exceptional, viewing experiences.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for buyers in this segment. Both tablets likely feature basic camera setups suitable for video calls and occasional snapshots. Detailed specifications are unavailable, but expecting flagship-level image quality would be unrealistic. Focusing on sensor size or aperture would be speculative without concrete data. Image processing will likely be minimal on both devices.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant distinction. The Huawei MatePad T 10’s Kirin 710A, built on a 14nm process, features four Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz alongside four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.7 GHz. This architecture is demonstrably more powerful than the TCL Tab 10 HD 4G’s Mediatek MT8768E, which relies solely on four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.0 GHz and another four at 1.5 GHz. The A73 cores offer a substantial IPC (Instructions Per Clock) improvement over the A53, translating to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. While both are octa-core, the *type* of core matters significantly. The MT8768E is geared towards efficiency, while the Kirin 710A balances performance and power consumption more effectively.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the TCL Tab 10 HD 4G’s 10W wired charging is a clear disadvantage. The MatePad T 10 likely supports a similar charging rate, but the more efficient Kirin 710A chipset may translate to slightly better battery life during typical usage. Without knowing the battery capacities, it’s difficult to definitively say which tablet will last longer, but the TCL’s slower charging speed will require more time plugged in.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL Tab 10 HD 4G if you need a basic, functional tablet primarily for media consumption and occasional light tasks, and 4G connectivity is a must-have. It’s a solid choice for those on a very tight budget. Buy the Huawei MatePad T 10 if you prefer a more responsive user experience, particularly when multitasking or running slightly more demanding applications. The Kirin 710A offers a tangible performance advantage for a minimal price increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the TCL Tab 10 HD 4G struggle with multiple apps open simultaneously?
Yes, the Mediatek MT8768E chipset and its Cortex-A53 cores are not ideally suited for heavy multitasking. Expect slowdowns and app reloading when switching between several applications at once. It's best suited for running one or two apps concurrently.
❓ Is the Kirin 710A in the Huawei MatePad T 10 powerful enough for casual gaming?
The Kirin 710A can handle casual games without issue. However, demanding 3D titles may require lower graphics settings to maintain a playable frame rate. It's not a gaming powerhouse, but it offers a significantly better gaming experience than the TCL Tab 10 HD 4G.
❓ Does either tablet support expandable storage via microSD card?
While not explicitly stated in the provided specifications, tablets in this price range often include a microSD card slot for expandable storage. Checking the official product pages or user reviews is recommended to confirm support for both devices.
