TCL Tab 10 HD 4G vs Nokia T20: Which Budget Tablet Reigns Supreme?

The tablet market offers a surprising number of affordable options, but choosing the right one can be tricky. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the TCL Tab 10 HD 4G and the Nokia T20. Both promise a decent Android experience without breaking the bank, but which one delivers the most value?
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Nokia T20 edges out the TCL Tab 10 HD 4G thanks to its brighter display, more modern chipset, and slightly better overall performance. While the TCL offers 4G connectivity, the Nokia's improvements in other areas make it the more compelling choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names TCL Tab 10 HD 4G Nokia T20
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - US, LATAM
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 40, 66 - US, LATAM
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 MbpsHSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps - cellular model only
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 -1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International
Launch
Announced2022, February 272021, October 06
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, JuneAvailable. Released 2021, November 02
Body
Build-Glass front, aluminum back
Dimensions243.2 x 158.2 x 9.2 mm (9.57 x 6.23 x 0.36 in)247.6 x 157.5 x 7.8 mm (9.75 x 6.20 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM (cellular model only)
Weight448 g (15.80 oz)465 g (Wi-Fi), 470 g (LTE) (1.03 lb)
 -Splash resistant
Display
Protection-Scratch-resistant glass
Resolution800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density)1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density)
Size10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~76.9% screen-to-body ratio)10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~78.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 400 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT8768EUnisoc T610 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320Mali-G52 MP2
OSAndroid 11Android 11, upgradable to Android 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 3GB RAM32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
Features-LED flash
Single5 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm8 MP, AF
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm5 MP
Video1080p@30fpsYes
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with dual speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningNoGPS - cellular model only
RadioNoFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximityAccelerometer
Battery
Charging10W wired15W wired
TypeLi-Po 5500 mAhLi-Po 8200 mAh
Misc
ColorsDark GrayDeep Ocean
Models-TA-1397, TA-1394, TA-1392
PriceAbout 180 EURAbout 200 EUR
SAR-1.34 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-1.35 W/kg (body)

TCL Tab 10 HD 4G

  • Affordable price
  • 4G connectivity
  • Decent screen size

  • Older chipset
  • Lower display quality
  • Slower charging

Nokia T20

  • Brighter and better display
  • More modern chipset
  • Faster charging
  • Clean Android experience

  • May lack 4G in some regions
  • Basic camera

Display Comparison

The Nokia T20 boasts a significant advantage here. Its 422 nits of brightness and 1786:1 contrast ratio provide a noticeably more vibrant and enjoyable viewing experience compared to the TCL Tab 10 HD 4G, which lacks specific brightness or contrast specifications but is generally considered less impressive. Colors are more accurate and blacks are deeper on the Nokia.

Camera Comparison

Neither tablet excels in the camera department, being typical of budget devices. Both feature basic cameras suitable for occasional video calls or quick snapshots. Image quality is generally mediocre in both cases, with limited detail and dynamic range. The Nokia T20 might have a slight edge due to potentially better software processing, but the difference is minimal.

Performance

The Nokia T20's Unisoc T610 chipset, built on a 12nm process, offers a more modern architecture and generally better performance than the TCL's Mediatek MT8768E. The Nokia's Cortex-A75 cores provide a boost for demanding tasks, while the TCL relies on older Cortex-A53 cores. Expect smoother multitasking and app loading on the Nokia.

Battery Life

Both tablets offer decent battery life, typically lasting a full day of moderate use. The Nokia T20's 15W charging is a slight improvement over the TCL's 10W charging, allowing for faster top-ups. However, battery capacity is likely similar, so real-world usage will be comparable.

Buying Guide

The TCL Tab 10 HD 4G is a good option for users who prioritize 4G connectivity and are on a very tight budget. The Nokia T20 is ideal for those seeking a smoother experience, a better display for media consumption, and a more modern Android tablet overall.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Nokia T20 have 4G connectivity?
The Nokia T20 is available in both Wi-Fi only and 4G versions. Check the specific model you're purchasing to ensure it supports 4G.
❓ Which tablet is better for streaming videos?
The Nokia T20 is the better choice for streaming videos due to its brighter and higher-contrast display, providing a more enjoyable viewing experience.