TCL Tab 10L Gen 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab A8: Which Budget Tablet Wins?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) is the better choice. While the TCL Tab 10L Gen 3 is a viable option, the Tab A8’s more efficient Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset and faster 15W charging provide a smoother, more responsive experience and less downtime, justifying its slightly higher price.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | TCL Tab 10L Gen 3 | Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) |
| 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, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2024, July | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, August | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 241.2 x 156.6 x 8 mm (9.50 x 6.17 x 0.31 in) | 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 472 g (1.04 lb) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~78.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 350 nits | TFT LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8768V/CX | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - 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, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Gray | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | 8493A | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
TCL Tab 10L Gen 3
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Acceptable for light media consumption
- Less powerful processor
- Slower charging speed
- Potentially less responsive UI
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- More powerful and efficient Unisoc T618 chipset
- Faster 15W charging
- Smoother user experience
- Better long-term performance
- Slightly higher price
- Camera performance is still basic
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Samsung provide detailed display specs beyond size. However, the focus here isn't on cutting-edge panel technology. Both likely utilize IPS LCDs. The key difference lies in the underlying performance of the chipsets driving them. A smoother experience, thanks to the Tab A8’s processor, will translate to less perceived lag when scrolling or navigating the UI, even if the raw resolution is similar. Bezels are expected to be comparable on both devices, typical for this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are geared towards basic video calls and occasional snapshots. Detailed camera specs are unavailable, but given the price point, expect modest sensors. Focusing on the chipset’s image signal processor (ISP) capabilities, the Unisoc T618 likely offers slightly better image processing than the Mediatek MT8768V/CX, but the difference will be minimal in real-world usage. Don't expect either tablet to excel in low-light conditions.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8’s Unisoc Tiger T618 (12nm) holds a clear advantage over the TCL Tab 10L Gen 3’s Mediatek MT8768V/CX. The T618’s architecture – featuring 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores – is more modern and efficient than the MT8768V/CX’s octa-core configuration. While both are octa-core, the Cortex-A75 cores in the T618 provide a significant boost in single-core performance, crucial for app launch times and general responsiveness. The 12nm process node of the T618 also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially leading to longer battery life during sustained use. The TCL’s chipset lacks the architectural refinement of the Unisoc, resulting in a less fluid experience.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, but the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8’s 15W wired charging is a significant advantage over the TCL Tab 10L Gen 3’s 10W charging. This faster charging speed translates to less time tethered to an outlet, a crucial benefit for a portable device. While a larger battery capacity on the TCL Tab 10L Gen 3 could partially offset this, the faster charging of the Tab A8 provides a more convenient user experience, especially for those who frequently use their tablet on the go.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL Tab 10L Gen 3 if you prioritize absolute lowest cost and are primarily using the tablet for static tasks like reading ebooks or light web browsing. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) if you value a more responsive user experience, faster charging, and a slightly more refined software experience, even if it means spending a bit more upfront.