TCL Tab 10 HD 4G vs Samsung Galaxy Tab A8: A Detailed Tablet Showdown

Choosing a budget-friendly tablet can be tricky. The TCL Tab 10 HD 4G and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) are both popular contenders, but which one truly delivers the best experience? This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 takes the crown. While the TCL Tab 10 HD 4G is a budget option, the A8's superior processor, display, and software support offer a significantly smoother and more enjoyable user experience, justifying its slightly higher price.

PHONES
Phone Names TCL Tab 10 HD 4G Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
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
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 MbpsHSPA, LTE - cellular model only
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2022, February 272021, December 15
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, JuneAvailable. Released 2022, January 17
Body
Dimensions243.2 x 158.2 x 9.2 mm (9.57 x 6.23 x 0.36 in)246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM (cellular model only)
Weight448 g (15.80 oz)508 g (1.12 lb)
Display
Resolution800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density)1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density)
Size10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~76.9% screen-to-body ratio)10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDTFT LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT8768EUnisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320Mali G52 MP2
OSAndroid 11Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 3GB RAM32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1-
Main Camera
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@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with dual speakersYes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningNoGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only
RadioNoNo
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, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximityAccelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging10W wired15W wired
TypeLi-Po 5500 mAhLi-Po 7040 mAh
Misc
ColorsDark GrayGray, Silver, Pink Gold
Models-SM-X200, SM-X205
PriceAbout 180 EURAbout 230 EUR
SAR EU-0.92 W/kg (body)

TCL Tab 10 HD 4G

  • Very affordable
  • 4G connectivity
  • Decent for basic tasks

  • Low resolution display
  • Underpowered processor
  • Limited software updates
  • Slow charging

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)

  • Better performance
  • Higher resolution display
  • Longer battery life
  • Samsung's software support
  • Faster charging

  • Slightly more expensive
  • Camera quality is average

Display Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 boasts a 10.5-inch 2000 x 1200 resolution display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, offering a sharper and more immersive viewing experience compared to the TCL Tab 10 HD 4G's 10.1-inch 1280 x 800 display. The A8's display also generally exhibits better color accuracy and brightness.

Camera Comparison

While neither tablet excels in camera quality, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 generally produces slightly better images and videos thanks to Samsung's image processing. Both cameras are adequate for occasional video calls and snapshots, but not for serious photography.

Performance

The Galaxy Tab A8's Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset, featuring Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance boost over the TCL Tab 10 HD 4G's Mediatek MT8768E. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive overall experience on the A8. The A8's 12nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8's 7040 mAh battery offers longer battery life than the TCL Tab 10 HD 4G's 4000 mAh battery, especially considering the A8's more powerful processor. Expect a full day of moderate use from the A8, while the TCL Tab 10 HD 4G may require more frequent charging.

Buying Guide

The TCL Tab 10 HD 4G is best for users on a very tight budget who primarily need a tablet for basic tasks like web browsing and media consumption. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) is ideal for students, casual gamers, and anyone seeking a more versatile and responsive tablet experience with longer software support.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the TCL Tab 10 HD 4G good for gaming?
The TCL Tab 10 HD 4G is not ideal for demanding games due to its underpowered processor. It can handle basic games, but expect lag and low frame rates.
❓ How long will Samsung provide software updates for the Galaxy Tab A8?
Samsung typically provides 3 years of major Android updates and 4 years of security patches for its tablets, offering longer software support than TCL.