Redmi Pad SE 8.7 vs TCL Tab 10L Gen2: Which Budget Tablet Reigns Supreme?

The sub-$200 Android tablet market is heating up, with the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 and TCL Tab 10L Gen2 vying for dominance. While both aim to deliver an affordable tablet experience, they take distinctly different approaches to performance and features. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you choose the right tablet for your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 is the superior choice. Its Helio G85 chipset offers a significant performance uplift over the TCL Tab 10L Gen2’s MT8766B, making it better suited for gaming and multitasking. The faster 18W charging (in international markets) is also a considerable advantage.

PHONES
Phone Names TCL Tab 10L Gen2 Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66
SpeedHSPA, LTE - cellular model onlyHSPA, LTE - cellular model only
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2023, August 292024, July 29
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, SeptemberAvailable. Released 2024, August 08
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3)
Dimensions241.2 x 156.6 x 8 mm (9.50 x 6.17 x 0.31 in)211.6 x 125.5 x 8.8 mm (8.33 x 4.94 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM (cellular model only)Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM (cellular model only)
Weight472 g (1.04 lb)370 / 373 / 375 g (13.05 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density)800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~179 ppi density)
Size10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~78.3% screen-to-body ratio)8.7 inches, 214.9 cm2 (~80.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 350 nitsIPS LCD, 1B colors, 90Hz, 600 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUQuad-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT8766BMediatek Helio G85 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8300Mali-G52 MC2
OSAndroid 13Android 14, HyperOS
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 3GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashLED flash
Single2 MP8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single2 MP5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with dual speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
Infrared port-Yes
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS - cellular model onlyGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only
RadioUnspecifiedFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsAccelerometerAccelerometer, proximity (accessories only), compass
Battery
Charging10W wired18W wired (Int'l) 10W wired (India)
TypeLi-Po 6000 mAh6650 mAh
Misc
ColorsSpace BlackAurora Green (Forest Green), Sky Blue (Ocean Blue), Graphite Gray (Urban Grey)
Models8192A, 8492A220233L2G
PriceAbout 110 EURAbout 120 EUR
SAR-0.90 W/kg (head)     0.65 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.40 W/kg (head)     0.99 W/kg (body)

TCL Tab 10L Gen2

  • Larger 10.1-inch display for immersive viewing.
  • Potentially lower price point.
  • Suitable for basic tasks like video streaming.

  • Significantly weaker processor performance.
  • Slower 10W charging.
  • Less portable due to larger size.

Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7

  • Faster and more efficient Mediatek Helio G85 processor.
  • Faster 18W charging (International version).
  • More compact and portable 8.7-inch form factor.

  • Smaller display size.
  • May be slightly more expensive.
  • 10W charging in India market.

Display Comparison

The TCL Tab 10L Gen2 features a larger 10.1-inch display, potentially offering a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption. However, the Redmi Pad SE 8.7’s 8.7-inch panel, while smaller, benefits from a likely higher pixel density due to its smaller size and similar resolution (specs not provided, but inferred). Neither manufacturer details display brightness or color accuracy, suggesting both are targeting the budget segment. The TCL’s larger size may be less comfortable for extended handheld use, while the Redmi’s smaller form factor enhances portability.

Camera Comparison

Neither tablet is expected to excel in photography. Details on camera sensors are absent, but given the price point, both likely feature basic sensors. Focusing on camera quality for these devices is a misdirection; they are primarily for video calls and occasional snapshots. The absence of detailed camera specs suggests neither manufacturer considers this a key selling point.

Performance

The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7’s Mediatek Helio G85, built on a 12nm process, is an octa-core processor with a combination of Cortex-A75 and A55 cores clocked up to 2.0 GHz. This architecture provides a substantial advantage over the TCL Tab 10L Gen2’s Mediatek MT8766B, a quad-core processor with Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz. The Helio G85’s more modern core design and higher clock speeds translate to noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The Redmi Pad SE is better equipped to handle demanding applications and games.

Battery Life

Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, the Redmi Pad SE 8.7’s 18W wired charging (international markets) provides a clear advantage over the TCL Tab 10L Gen2’s 10W charging. While a larger battery capacity on the TCL Tab 10L Gen2 might partially offset the slower charging, the Redmi Pad SE will likely reach a full charge significantly faster, minimizing downtime. The Indian variant of the Redmi Pad SE is limited to 10W charging, negating this advantage.

Buying Guide

Buy the TCL Tab 10L Gen2 if you prioritize a larger 10.1-inch display and are primarily focused on basic tasks like video streaming and light web browsing, and are on a very tight budget. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 if you value performance for gaming and multitasking, appreciate a more compact and portable form factor, and want faster charging speeds – especially if you’re purchasing the international version.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Redmi Pad SE 8.7 run demanding games like Genshin Impact smoothly?
While the Helio G85 is capable, Genshin Impact will likely require reduced graphics settings for a playable experience. The Redmi Pad SE 8.7 can handle less demanding games with ease, and offers a significantly better gaming experience than the TCL Tab 10L Gen2.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the TCL Tab 10L Gen2 a significant drawback?
Yes, 10W charging is considerably slower than the 18W charging available on the international version of the Redmi Pad SE 8.7. Expect significantly longer charging times with the TCL Tab 10L Gen2, potentially requiring overnight charging to reach a full battery.
❓ Does the Redmi Pad SE 8.7 support expandable storage via microSD card?
While not explicitly stated in the provided specs, Xiaomi tablets typically support microSD card expansion. This is a likely feature on the Redmi Pad SE 8.7, offering flexibility for users needing more storage space.
❓ Which tablet is better for reading ebooks and browsing the web?
Both tablets are suitable for these tasks. However, the Redmi Pad SE 8.7’s smaller size and lighter weight may make it more comfortable for extended reading sessions. The faster processor will also result in snappier web browsing.