The sub-$200 tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the TCL Tab 10 NxtPaper and Nokia T10 represent compelling options for budget-conscious consumers. While both aim to deliver an affordable Android experience, they diverge significantly in their core hardware, impacting performance and suitability for different tasks. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which tablet offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and a smoother overall experience, the TCL Tab 10 NxtPaper is the clear winner. Its MediaTek 24E chipset, featuring Cortex-A76 cores, provides a noticeable advantage over the Nokia T10’s Unisoc T606. However, the Nokia T10 remains a viable option for basic tasks and those seeking a simple, reliable tablet.
| 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 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 48, 66 - USA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 2, 5, 48, 66, 77 SA/NSA - USA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, February | 2022, July 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, June | Available. Released 2022, August 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 246.1 x 155.9 x 7.8 mm (9.69 x 6.14 x 0.31 in) | 208 x 123.2 x 9 mm (8.19 x 4.85 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 480 g (1.06 lb) | 375 g (13.23 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~72.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 360 nits (typ), 450 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | MediaTek 24E | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 2 MP, 1/5.0", 1.65µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | Unspecified | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5250 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue | Ocean Blue |
| Models | 9199S | TA-1503, TA-1472, TA-1462, TA-1457 |
| Price | - | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.27 W/kg (head) 1.57 W/kg (body) |
TCL Tab 10 NxtPaper
- Faster processor for smoother performance
- 18W fast charging for reduced downtime
- NxtPaper display reduces eye strain
- Potentially lower peak display brightness
- May be slightly more expensive
Nokia T10
- Very affordable price point
- Potentially longer battery life (due to less powerful chip)
- Simple and reliable Android experience
- Slower processor leads to lag with multitasking
- Slow 10W charging
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Nokia provide detailed display specs beyond resolution. However, the TCL Tab 10 NxtPaper’s defining feature is its NxtPaper display, designed to mimic the look and feel of paper, reducing eye strain during prolonged reading. The Nokia T10 lacks this specialized technology, relying on a standard LCD panel. While the NxtPaper display may have lower peak brightness, its matte finish and eye-care features are a significant advantage for reading-focused users. Bezels appear comparable on both devices, suggesting a similar overall screen-to-body ratio.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet, given their target market. Detailed camera specs are unavailable, but both are expected to feature basic rear and front-facing cameras suitable for video calls and casual snapshots. Focusing on sensor size or aperture is unlikely to yield meaningful differentiation. Image processing will likely be minimal on both devices, prioritizing speed over image quality.
Performance
The TCL Tab 10 NxtPaper’s MediaTek 24E chipset, with its 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, represents a substantial performance leap over the Nokia T10’s Unisoc T606 (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55). The Cortex-A76 cores in the TCL offer significantly higher single-core performance, crucial for app responsiveness and smoother multitasking. The Unisoc T606, built on a 12nm process, is more power-efficient but lags behind in raw processing power. While both tablets likely feature similar RAM configurations, the TCL’s superior CPU architecture will translate to a more fluid user experience.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, the Nokia T10’s 10W wired charging is significantly slower than the TCL Tab 10 NxtPaper’s 18W charging. This means the TCL will reach a full charge considerably faster, reducing downtime. While the Nokia T10 may offer slightly longer battery life due to the less power-hungry Unisoc T606, the faster charging of the TCL mitigates this advantage for most users.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL Tab 10 NxtPaper if you need a tablet capable of handling multitasking, streaming video, and light gaming without significant lag. It’s ideal for students, casual users who want a responsive experience, and those who appreciate a more modern processor architecture. Buy the Nokia T10 if you prioritize simplicity, long battery life for basic tasks like reading ebooks or browsing, and a very affordable price point. It’s best suited for users with minimal computing demands.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T606 in the Nokia T10 struggle with multiple apps open simultaneously?
Yes, the Unisoc T606 is a relatively low-powered chipset. While it can handle basic tasks like web browsing and video playback, running multiple apps concurrently will likely result in noticeable lag and slowdowns. The TCL Tab 10 NxtPaper’s MediaTek 24E is better equipped for multitasking.
❓ Is the TCL Tab 10 NxtPaper’s NxtPaper display suitable for outdoor use?
The NxtPaper display’s matte finish is designed to reduce glare, making it *more* usable outdoors than a glossy LCD. However, it likely has lower peak brightness than the Nokia T10, so direct sunlight may still pose a challenge. It excels in indoor and shaded outdoor environments.
❓ Does the slower charging speed of the Nokia T10 significantly impact daily use?
Yes, the 10W charging on the Nokia T10 will take considerably longer to fully charge the device compared to the TCL Tab 10 NxtPaper’s 18W charging. If you frequently use your tablet throughout the day and need to quickly top up the battery, the TCL is the better choice.
