The sub-$200 tablet market is fiercely competitive, offering options for casual users, students, and families. The TCL Tab 10L Gen 3 and the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) represent two compelling choices, but cater to different priorities. The TCL focuses on a more standard Android experience, while the Fire HD 10 Plus prioritizes Amazon’s ecosystem and convenience features. This comparison dives deep into their hardware and software to determine which tablet delivers the best overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users seeking a more versatile Android experience with broader app compatibility, the TCL Tab 10L Gen 3 is the better choice. While the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus offers the convenience of wireless charging and deep Amazon integration, its older chipset and Fire OS limitations hold it back from being a truly all-purpose tablet.
| 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, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, July | 2021, April 27. Released 2021, May 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, August | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 241.2 x 156.6 x 8 mm (9.50 x 6.17 x 0.31 in) | 247 x 166 x 9.2 mm (9.72 x 6.54 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | No |
| Weight | 472 g (1.04 lb) | 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 (~78.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 350 nits | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8768V/CX | Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 9.0 (Pie), Fire OS 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | 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 | GPS - cellular model only | 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 (accessories only) | Accelerometer |
| | - | Text-to-Speech English-language content reader |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | Wireless |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Ion |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray | Slate |
| Models | 8493A | T76N2P |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 150 EUR |
TCL Tab 10L Gen 3
- Standard Android OS for broader app compatibility
- Access to the Google Play Store
- More open and customizable operating system
- Slower 10W wired charging
- Less refined build quality (potentially)
- Older chipset compared to Fire HD 10 Plus
Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021)
- Wireless charging for added convenience
- Deep integration with Amazon’s ecosystem
- Generally more powerful chipset (MT8183 Helio P60T)
- Fire OS limitations and restricted app access
- Heavily focused on Amazon services
- Potentially less frequent software updates
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 10.1-inch displays, but details beyond that are scarce. Without knowing the panel technology (IPS, TFT) or resolution, it’s difficult to make a definitive statement. However, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus benefits from wireless charging, suggesting a potentially more refined build quality and potentially better display calibration. The TCL Tab 10L Gen 3’s display quality will likely be adequate for media consumption, but may lack the color accuracy and brightness of a higher-end panel.
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 difficult to compare image quality. However, given the focus on budget pricing, image quality will likely be similar – adequate for basic use but not competitive with smartphone cameras.
Performance
The Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) utilizes the Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12nm), a more mature and generally more powerful chipset than the TCL Tab 10L Gen 3’s Mediatek MT8768V/CX. The Helio P60T’s Cortex-A73 cores, clocked at 2.0 GHz, provide a noticeable performance advantage over the MT8768V/CX’s unspecified core configuration. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience, particularly for demanding applications. While both are octa-core, the architectural differences favor the Amazon tablet. The 12nm process node of the Helio P60T also suggests better power efficiency compared to the MT8768V/CX, though real-world battery life will depend on software optimization.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns and software optimization. The Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) offers the convenience of wireless charging, a feature absent on the TCL Tab 10L Gen 3. While the battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the wireless charging capability suggests Amazon prioritized convenience. The TCL Tab 10L Gen 3 relies on 10W wired charging, which is relatively slow compared to modern fast-charging standards. The Fire HD 10 Plus’s wireless charging, while slower than wired, provides flexibility and eliminates the need for cables.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL Tab 10L Gen 3 if you need a tablet capable of running a wider range of Android apps, require Google Play Store access, and prioritize a more open operating system. Buy the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) if you are heavily invested in the Amazon ecosystem – Prime Video, Kindle, Alexa – and value wireless charging and a simplified, content-focused interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T in the Fire HD 10 Plus struggle with demanding games?
While the Helio P60T is more capable than the MT8768V/CX, it's still a mid-range chipset. Expect playable frame rates in less demanding titles, but newer, graphically intensive games may require reduced settings or experience occasional stuttering. It's not a gaming powerhouse, but adequate for casual gaming.
❓ Can I easily sideload apps onto the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus to bypass the Amazon Appstore limitations?
Yes, sideloading apps is possible on the Fire HD 10 Plus, but it requires some technical knowledge and carries potential security risks. You'll need to enable 'Apps from Unknown Sources' and use a third-party app store like Aurora Store or manually install APK files. Amazon doesn't officially support sideloading, so updates may not be automatic.
❓ Is the TCL Tab 10L Gen 3 a good choice for students taking notes and reading e-books?
The TCL Tab 10L Gen 3 is a viable option for students, offering access to Google Play Store apps like OneNote, Google Docs, and Kindle. However, the display quality and performance may not be ideal for extended reading sessions or intensive note-taking. Consider a stylus if handwriting is important, as neither tablet officially supports one.
