The sub-$200 Android tablet market is fiercely competitive. Both the TCL Tab 10L Gen 3 and the Nokia T10 aim to deliver a functional tablet experience without breaking the bank. However, they achieve this with different chipsets and design philosophies, making the choice less straightforward than it appears. This comparison will dissect their key specifications to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the TCL Tab 10L Gen 3 emerges as the slightly better choice. While both tablets offer similar 10W charging and target the same price bracket, the Mediatek MT8768V/CX chipset generally provides a smoother, more responsive experience than the Unisoc T606, making it preferable for multitasking and light gaming.
| 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, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, July | 2022, July 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, August | Available. Released 2022, August 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 241.2 x 156.6 x 8 mm (9.50 x 6.17 x 0.31 in) | 208 x 123.2 x 9 mm (8.19 x 4.85 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 472 g (1.04 lb) | 375 g (13.23 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~78.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~72.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 350 nits | IPS LCD, 360 nits (typ), 450 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8768V/CX | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP, 1/5.0", 1.65µm |
| 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 | 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity (accessories only) | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5250 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray | Ocean Blue |
| Models | 8493A | TA-1503, TA-1472, TA-1462, TA-1457 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.27 W/kg (head) 1.57 W/kg (body) |
TCL Tab 10L Gen 3
- Potentially smoother performance due to the Mediatek chipset.
- Likely better display quality (color accuracy, brightness).
- Generally better value for performance.
- Software support may be less consistent than Nokia.
- 10W charging is slow.
Nokia T10
- Clean Android experience with potential for longer software updates.
- Reputable brand known for reliability.
- Efficient Unisoc T606 chipset for basic tasks.
- Lower overall performance compared to the TCL Tab 10L Gen 3.
- 10W charging is slow.
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Nokia provide detailed display specifications beyond resolution. However, the choice of chipsets hints at potential differences. The Mediatek MT8768V/CX, often found in slightly more premium devices, *may* drive a panel with better color accuracy and brightness compared to the Nokia T10. The Unisoc T606’s lower processing power suggests a more basic display implementation. Bezels are likely similar on both, targeting the budget segment. Without specific nit ratings, it's difficult to definitively declare a winner, but TCL's chipset suggests a slight edge.
Camera Comparison
Both tablets are unlikely to excel in photography. Given the target price point, camera quality is not a primary focus. Detailed camera specifications are unavailable, but it's safe to assume both feature basic sensors suitable for casual snapshots. Without knowing sensor sizes or apertures, a meaningful comparison is impossible. Focusing on camera performance for either device would be a misallocation of expectations.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nokia T10’s Unisoc T606 (12nm) utilizes a big.LITTLE architecture with 2x 1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This configuration is designed for efficiency, but the A75 cores, while capable, are older generation. The TCL Tab 10L Gen 3’s Mediatek MT8768V/CX is an octa-core processor, but lacks detailed core configuration information. However, Mediatek generally optimizes its chips for a balance of performance and power efficiency. The 12nm process node of the Unisoc T606 is slightly less efficient than what Mediatek typically employs, potentially leading to slightly better sustained performance on the TCL Tab. Users engaging in more demanding tasks will likely notice a difference.
Battery Life
Both the TCL Tab 10L Gen 3 and Nokia T10 utilize 10W wired charging. This is a significant limitation, meaning a full charge will take a considerable amount of time. Battery capacity is not specified, but given the similar form factors and target price, they are likely in the 5000-6000 mAh range. The Unisoc T606’s efficiency *could* translate to slightly longer battery life under light usage, but the difference will likely be marginal. The slow charging speed is the primary drawback for both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL Tab 10L Gen 3 if you prioritize overall performance and responsiveness for everyday tasks like browsing, video streaming, and light productivity. Buy the Nokia T10 if you value a clean software experience and potentially longer software support, as Nokia is known for its commitment to Android updates, even on budget devices. The T10 is also a good option for users who prefer a more minimalist aesthetic.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T606 in the Nokia T10 struggle with multitasking?
The Unisoc T606 is capable of handling basic multitasking, such as switching between a web browser and a messaging app. However, running multiple demanding applications simultaneously, or frequently switching between resource-intensive apps, may result in noticeable lag and slowdowns. The TCL Tab 10L Gen 3 with its Mediatek MT8768V/CX will handle multitasking more smoothly.
❓ How long does it realistically take to charge either tablet from 0% to 100%?
With 10W charging, expect a full charge to take approximately 3-4 hours. This is a significant drawback for both tablets. Neither device supports fast charging, so you'll need to plan accordingly if you rely on frequent charging.
❓ Is the Nokia T10 likely to receive Android updates for an extended period?
Nokia has a relatively good track record of providing software updates, even for its budget devices. While the exact number of updates is not guaranteed, the Nokia T10 is more likely to receive at least one major Android version update and several security patches compared to the TCL Tab 10L Gen 3.
