TCL Tab 10L Gen 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite: Which Budget Tablet Reigns Supreme?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite emerges as the slightly better choice. While both tablets utilize Mediatek chipsets, the A7 Lite’s MT8768T, with its higher clocked Cortex-A53 cores, provides a noticeable performance edge in everyday tasks and light gaming. The 15W charging also offers a quicker top-up compared to the TCL’s 10W.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | TCL Tab 10L Gen 3 | Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite |
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2024, July | 2021, May 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, August | Available. Released 2021, June 18 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame, plastic ends |
| Dimensions | 241.2 x 156.6 x 8 mm (9.50 x 6.17 x 0.31 in) | 212.5 x 124.7 x 8 mm (8.37 x 4.91 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 472 g (1.04 lb) | 366 g (Wi-Fi), 371 g (LTE) (12.91 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~179 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~78.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.7 inches, 214.9 cm2 (~81.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 350 nits | TFT LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8768V/CX | Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| - | eMMC 5.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| 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, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity (accessories only) | Accelerometer, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Gray | Gray, Silver |
| Models | 8493A | SM-T225, SM-T220, SM-T225N, SM-T227U |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.68 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.64 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
TCL Tab 10L Gen 3
- Potentially larger display size for immersive media consumption.
- Competitive price point.
- Functional Android tablet experience.
- Slower 10W charging.
- Likely less powerful processor compared to the A7 Lite.
- Limited information on display quality.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
- Faster MT8768T Helio P22T processor for smoother performance.
- 15W fast charging for quicker top-ups.
- Samsung’s refined Android software experience.
- Potentially smaller display size.
- May be slightly more expensive than the TCL Tab 10L Gen 3.
- Camera quality is likely basic.
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Samsung provide detailed display specifications beyond resolution. However, the focus here isn't on cutting-edge panel technology. Both likely utilize IPS LCDs. The TCL Tab 10L Gen 3’s larger screen size (assumed, based on model naming) will be beneficial for media viewing, but the A7 Lite’s potentially higher brightness and color accuracy (based on Samsung’s display expertise) could offer a more vibrant viewing experience. Bezels are expected to be similar on both, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both will likely feature basic camera setups suitable for casual snapshots and video calls. Detailed sensor information is unavailable, but given the price point, expect modest image quality. Focusing on the chipset's ISP capabilities, the MT8768T in the A7 Lite may offer slightly better image processing, but the difference will be minimal. Any 2MP macro or depth sensors on either device should be considered marketing filler.
Performance
Both tablets are powered by Mediatek octa-core processors, but the devil is in the details. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite features the MT8768T Helio P22T (12nm), boasting a configuration of 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 cores and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The TCL Tab 10L Gen 3 uses the MT8768V/CX. While both are octa-core, the A7 Lite’s higher clock speeds on the performance cores translate to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The 12nm process node on the Helio P22T also suggests slightly better power efficiency. RAM configurations are not specified, but the A7 Lite’s performance advantage suggests it may have faster RAM or better memory management.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite’s 15W wired charging is a significant advantage over the TCL Tab 10L Gen 3’s 10W charging. This means the A7 Lite will reach a full charge considerably faster, reducing downtime. While a larger battery capacity on the TCL Tab 10L Gen 3 could offset the slower charging, the A7 Lite’s more efficient chipset and faster charging provide a more practical benefit for most users.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL Tab 10L Gen 3 if you prioritize a larger display for media consumption and are less concerned with peak performance. It’s a solid option for casual users who primarily browse the web, read ebooks, and stream videos. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite if you value a more responsive user experience, faster charging, and a more polished software experience, making it ideal for students or those who multitask frequently.