The sub-$200 Android tablet market is fiercely competitive. The TCL Tab 10L and Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) both aim to deliver a functional tablet experience without breaking the bank. However, they take different approaches: TCL prioritizes affordability, while Samsung offers a more refined experience with a more powerful chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) is the better choice. Its Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset, featuring a combination of Cortex-A75 and A55 cores, provides a significantly smoother and more responsive experience than the TCL Tab 10L’s older Mediatek MT8167. While the TCL is cheaper, the performance gap justifies the price difference for all but the most basic use cases.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 04 | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, Q3 | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 243.2 x 158.2 x 9.2 mm (9.57 x 6.23 x 0.36 in) | 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 426 g (15.03 oz) | 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 (~76.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A35 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8167 | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | 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 b/g/n, 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 | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4080 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Prime Black | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | 8491X | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | - | About 230 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
TCL Tab 10L
- Likely the most affordable option
- Acceptable for basic tasks like reading and browsing
- Portable and lightweight
- Significantly weaker processor performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Unknown battery capacity and charging speed
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Faster and more responsive performance with Unisoc T618
- Better multitasking capabilities
- 15W fast charging
- Higher price point
- Camera quality is still basic
- May not be ideal for demanding gaming
Display Comparison
Neither tablet boasts a particularly impressive display. Both are likely to utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, detailed specs like resolution and brightness are missing for the TCL Tab 10L. The Samsung Tab A8 10.5 features a 10.5-inch display, which provides a slightly larger viewing area. The real difference lies in the processing power driving the UI; a smoother processor (Tab A8) will make even a basic display feel more responsive. We anticipate both will have similar color accuracy, typical of budget tablets.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are likely equipped with basic cameras suitable for video calls and occasional snapshots. Detailed camera specs for the TCL Tab 10L are unavailable, but given its price point, expectations should be low. The Samsung Tab A8 10.5’s camera setup is also modest, and image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions. Focusing on the processor is far more important than scrutinizing camera specs in this segment.
Performance
This is where the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 truly shines. The Unisoc Tiger T618, built on a 12nm process, is a substantial upgrade over the TCL Tab 10L’s Mediatek MT8167. The T618’s octa-core configuration – with two high-performance Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and six efficiency-focused Cortex-A55 cores – allows for significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better performance in games. The MT8167’s quad-core Cortex-A35 setup, while adequate for basic tasks, will struggle with anything beyond light usage. The T618’s architecture is more modern, offering improved instruction set efficiency.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. The Samsung Tab A8 10.5 supports 15W wired charging, which is a reasonable speed for a tablet of this class. The TCL Tab 10L’s battery capacity and charging speed are unknown, but given its focus on cost savings, it may have a smaller battery and slower charging. The more efficient Unisoc T618 in the Tab A8 could potentially offset a slightly smaller battery capacity, providing comparable or even better real-world battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL Tab 10L if you need a tablet primarily for static tasks like reading ebooks, light web browsing, and occasional video playback, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) if you prioritize a smoother user experience, multitasking, and the ability to handle more demanding apps and games, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 handle streaming video services like Netflix and YouTube smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset in the Tab A8 10.5 is more than capable of handling streaming video services at up to 1080p resolution. The improved CPU and GPU will provide a smoother, less laggy experience compared to the TCL Tab 10L, especially when multitasking.
❓ Is the TCL Tab 10L suitable for a child's first tablet?
The TCL Tab 10L could be suitable for a child's first tablet if the primary use case is educational apps and simple games. However, its limited processing power may become frustrating as the child's needs evolve. Consider the Samsung Tab A8 10.5 if you want a tablet that will remain usable for a longer period.
❓ Can either tablet be used for light productivity tasks like email and document editing?
Both tablets can handle basic productivity tasks like email and document editing, but the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 will offer a significantly more responsive experience. The TCL Tab 10L’s slower processor may result in noticeable lag when opening and editing larger documents.
