The budget tablet market is heating up, with options like the TCL Tab 10L and Blackview Tab 13 vying for attention. While both aim to deliver an affordable Android experience, they take drastically different approaches to internal hardware. This comparison dissects the key differences, focusing on how the chipset choices impact real-world performance and usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Blackview Tab 13 is the superior choice. Its MediaTek Helio G85 chipset provides a significantly more responsive experience for multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications compared to the TCL Tab 10L’s aging MT8167. While the TCL Tab 10L may be slightly cheaper, the performance gap justifies the price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 40 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 04 | 2022, August 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, Q3 | Available. Released 2022, August 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 243.2 x 158.2 x 9.2 mm (9.57 x 6.23 x 0.36 in) | 238.8 x 157.6 x 7.7 mm (9.40 x 6.20 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 426 g (15.03 oz) | 450 g (0.99 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~76.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~78.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A35 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8167 | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, Doke OS_P 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP
2 MP |
| Single | 2 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM Radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 4080 mAh | 7280 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Prime Black | Twilight Blue, Space Gray, Silver |
| Models | 8491X | - |
TCL Tab 10L
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward Android experience
- Suitable for very basic tasks
- Significantly slower performance
- Struggles with multitasking
- Outdated chipset
Blackview Tab 13
- Much faster and more responsive performance
- Better for multitasking and gaming
- More versatile Android experience
- Likely slightly higher price
- May not have significantly better camera quality
- Battery life dependent on usage
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Blackview provide detailed display specifications beyond screen size. However, given the price points, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The key difference lies in the processing power driving them. The Blackview Tab 13’s more powerful chipset will contribute to smoother scrolling and faster response times when interacting with the display. Without knowing the peak brightness or color gamut coverage, it’s difficult to assess image quality, but the G85’s integrated GPU will handle graphically intensive content more effectively.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are unavailable for either device. However, given the market segment, expectations should be tempered. It’s likely both tablets feature basic camera setups primarily intended for video calls and casual snapshots. Without knowing sensor sizes or lens apertures, it’s impossible to definitively declare a winner. The Blackview Tab 13’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Helio G85 *may* offer slightly better image processing, but the difference is unlikely to be substantial.
Performance
The performance disparity is the most significant factor in this comparison. The TCL Tab 10L’s MediaTek MT8167, featuring a quad-core Cortex-A35 processor, is a relatively old and low-power chipset. The Blackview Tab 13, on the other hand, boasts the MediaTek Helio G85, an octa-core processor with a mix of Cortex-A75 and Cortex-A55 cores. This architecture, built on a 12nm process, delivers substantially improved CPU and GPU performance. The A75 cores provide a significant boost in single-core performance, crucial for app responsiveness, while the A55 cores handle background tasks efficiently. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable overall user experience on the Blackview Tab 13.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, the Blackview Tab 13’s more efficient Helio G85 chipset, despite its higher performance, could potentially offer comparable or even better battery life than the TCL Tab 10L’s MT8167. The 12nm process node of the G85 contributes to improved power efficiency. Without knowing charging wattage, it’s difficult to compare charging speeds, but a faster processor generally allows for quicker charging if paired with adequate power delivery.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL Tab 10L if you need a basic tablet for light tasks like web browsing, email, and video playback, and prioritize the absolute lowest price point. It’s suitable for casual users who don’t demand much from their device. Buy the Blackview Tab 13 if you prefer a smoother, more capable tablet for multitasking, streaming, and even light gaming. It’s ideal for students, travelers, or anyone who wants a more versatile Android experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Blackview Tab 13 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The MediaTek Helio G85 in the Blackview Tab 13 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. While it’s not a dedicated gaming tablet, it offers a significantly better gaming experience than the TCL Tab 10L’s MT8167.
❓ Is the TCL Tab 10L suitable for a student taking online classes?
The TCL Tab 10L can handle basic online class tasks like video conferencing and note-taking, but its limited processing power may struggle with multiple apps running simultaneously. Students who require a more responsive and versatile tablet should consider the Blackview Tab 13.
❓ Does the Blackview Tab 13 support expandable storage via microSD card?
While not explicitly stated in the provided data, Blackview tablets generally support microSD card expansion. This is a common feature in this price range and would be a significant advantage for users needing more storage space.
