The sub-$200 Android tablet market is fiercely competitive. The TCL Tab 10L and Nokia T10 represent two compelling options, but cater to slightly different priorities. The TCL relies on a Mediatek MT8167, while the Nokia opts for the newer Unisoc T606. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to help you choose the right tablet for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia T10 emerges as the better choice. Its octa-core Unisoc T606 chipset delivers significantly improved multi-core performance compared to the TCL Tab 10L’s quad-core Mediatek MT8167, resulting in a smoother user experience, especially when multitasking. While charging is slow at 10W, the overall performance advantage justifies the trade-off.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 04 | 2022, July 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, Q3 | Available. Released 2022, August 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 243.2 x 158.2 x 9.2 mm (9.57 x 6.23 x 0.36 in) | 208 x 123.2 x 9 mm (8.19 x 4.85 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 426 g (15.03 oz) | 375 g (13.23 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~76.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~72.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 360 nits (typ), 450 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A35 | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8167 | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 8 MP, 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 720p | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP, 1/5.0", 1.65µm |
| Video | 720p | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, 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, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4080 mAh | Li-Po 5250 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Prime Black | Ocean Blue |
| Models | 8491X | TA-1503, TA-1472, TA-1462, TA-1457 |
| Price | - | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.27 W/kg (head) 1.57 W/kg (body) |
TCL Tab 10L
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Adequate for basic content consumption
- Significantly weaker processor performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Likely slower app loading times
Nokia T10
- Superior processor performance with octa-core Unisoc T606
- More responsive user experience
- Better suited for multitasking and light gaming
- Slow 10W charging
- May be slightly more expensive than the TCL Tab 10L
- Display quality likely similar to TCL Tab 10L
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Nokia provide detailed display specifications beyond screen size. However, given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The absence of information regarding brightness (nits) suggests neither will excel in direct sunlight. The TCL Tab 10L’s display quality is likely adequate for basic tasks, but the Nokia T10’s display, while similar in technology, benefits from the more capable chipset to render content smoothly. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are expected to feature basic camera setups geared towards video calls rather than photography. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume image quality will be limited, particularly in low-light conditions. Focusing on camera specs is a misdirection at this price point; the primary use case will be video conferencing.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nokia T10’s Unisoc T606, fabricated on a more efficient 12nm process, features an octa-core configuration with two Cortex-A75 performance cores and six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores clocked at 1.6 GHz. This contrasts sharply with the TCL Tab 10L’s Mediatek MT8167, a quad-core Cortex-A35 processor clocked at 1.3 GHz. The Unisoc T606’s architecture provides a substantial advantage in multi-threaded workloads, translating to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. While neither chipset is designed for demanding gaming, the Nokia T10 will handle casual games more effectively. RAM configurations are not specified, but the chipset difference will be the dominant factor in performance.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Nokia T10’s 10W wired charging is a notable limitation. The TCL Tab 10L’s charging speed is also likely similar, given its price bracket. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the Unisoc T606’s 12nm process *may* offer slightly better efficiency, potentially offsetting the slower charging speed with longer runtimes. Expect both tablets to require daily charging with moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL Tab 10L if your primary use case is extremely light – primarily static content consumption like reading ebooks or watching pre-downloaded videos, and you prioritize minimizing cost above all else. Buy the Nokia T10 if you need a tablet capable of handling more demanding tasks like web browsing with multiple tabs, light gaming, or running several apps simultaneously, and you value a more responsive experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia T10 struggle with video streaming apps like Netflix or YouTube?
While the Unisoc T606 isn't a powerhouse, it's capable of handling 1080p video streaming on platforms like Netflix and YouTube without significant issues. The octa-core architecture provides enough processing power for smooth playback, though very high bitrate content might experience occasional buffering.
❓ Is the Unisoc T606 chipset known for overheating or throttling under load?
The Unisoc T606 is generally considered a thermally efficient chipset, especially compared to older Mediatek processors. While it's not designed for sustained, intensive gaming, it's unlikely to overheat significantly during typical tablet usage like web browsing or video playback. Throttling is possible during prolonged gaming sessions, but should not be a major concern for casual users.
❓ Can I use the TCL Tab 10L for basic note-taking or document editing?
The TCL Tab 10L can handle basic note-taking and document editing with apps like Google Docs or Microsoft Word, but the slower Mediatek MT8167 processor and potentially limited RAM may result in noticeable lag, especially with larger documents or multiple apps open simultaneously. It's suitable for light, infrequent use, but not ideal for extensive productivity tasks.
❓ Does the Nokia T10 support expandable storage via microSD card?
While not explicitly stated in the provided specifications, Nokia tablets generally support microSD card expansion. This is a common feature in budget tablets, allowing users to increase storage capacity for media files and apps. Checking the official Nokia T10 product page is recommended to confirm the maximum supported microSD card size.
