TCL Tab 10L Gen2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab A8: Which Budget Tablet Reigns Supreme?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) is the better choice. Its Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset, featuring an octa-core configuration, provides a noticeably smoother and more responsive experience than the TCL Tab 10L Gen2’s quad-core Mediatek MT8766B, making it better suited for multitasking and demanding applications.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | TCL Tab 10L Gen2 | 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, 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 | 2023, August 29 | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, September | 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 | Quad-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8766B | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB 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 | 2 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 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 | Unspecified | 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 | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Space Black | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | 8192A, 8492A | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
TCL Tab 10L Gen2
- Lower price point makes it extremely accessible.
- Functional for basic tasks like web browsing and video playback.
- Lightweight and portable design.
- Quad-core processor struggles with multitasking.
- Slow 10W charging.
- Limited performance for demanding apps.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Octa-core processor delivers smoother performance.
- Faster 15W charging reduces downtime.
- Larger display offers a more immersive experience.
- Slightly higher price compared to the TCL Tab 10L Gen2.
- Still not ideal for intensive gaming.
- Camera quality is basic.
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Samsung provide detailed display specifications beyond the 10.1” and 10.5” screen sizes respectively. Given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. However, the Tab A8’s larger screen offers a slightly more immersive viewing experience. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO is expected in this segment. Bezels are likely comparable, prioritizing cost reduction over premium aesthetics. Color accuracy is likely standard for budget tablets, suitable for casual viewing but not professional color work.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are equipped with basic camera setups geared towards video calls rather than photography. Detailed sensor information is unavailable, but it’s safe to assume both feature low-resolution primary sensors. Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions but will struggle in low light. Focusing on the camera specs would be a misdirection; these tablets are not designed for serious photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8’s Unisoc Tiger T618 (12nm) is an octa-core processor with a heterogeneous architecture – 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This configuration provides a significant performance advantage over the TCL Tab 10L Gen2’s Mediatek MT8766B, a quad-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) processor. The A75 cores in the T618 offer substantially higher single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and responsiveness. The T618’s 12nm process also suggests better power efficiency compared to the MT8766B, though real-world impact will depend on software optimization. While neither tablet is a gaming powerhouse, the Tab A8 will handle casual games and multitasking far more smoothly.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both likely house batteries in the 5000-6000 mAh range, typical for 10-inch tablets. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 has a clear advantage in charging speed with its 15W wired charging support, compared to the TCL Tab 10L Gen2’s 10W charging. This translates to significantly faster charging times, reducing downtime and improving usability. While a larger battery capacity would be ideal, the faster charging on the Tab A8 mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL Tab 10L Gen2 if you prioritize extreme affordability and only need a tablet for very basic tasks like web browsing and light video consumption. It’s a functional device for those on the tightest of budgets. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) if you value a more responsive user experience, faster charging, and a chipset capable of handling more demanding apps and multitasking. It’s a worthwhile investment for users who want a tablet that can keep up with their daily needs.