The tablet market offers a wide range of options, but finding the right balance between price, performance, and features can be challenging. We're pitting the TCL Tab 10s 5G, a relatively recent entrant boasting 5G connectivity, against the well-established Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021), a popular choice for media consumption and basic tasks. This comparison will dissect their core components to determine which tablet delivers the best value for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing connectivity and a more versatile Android experience, the TCL Tab 10s 5G is the superior choice. Its Mediatek MT8771 chipset, featuring Cortex-A78 cores, offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Fire HD 10’s Helio P60T. However, the Fire HD 10 remains a compelling option for those deeply embedded in the Amazon ecosystem and seeking a budget-friendly media tablet.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41 | - |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 27 | 2021, April 27. Released 2021, May 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, Q3 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 241.7 x 158.6 x 8.5 mm (9.52 x 6.24 x 0.33 in) | 247 x 166 x 9.2 mm (9.72 x 6.54 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | No |
| Weight | 490 g (1.08 lb) | 465 g (1.03 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Aluminosilicate glass |
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~77.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8771 | Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 9.0 (Pie), Fire OS 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 2 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | No |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| | - | Text-to-Speech English-language content reader |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 8000 mAh | Li-Ion |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Gray | Black, Denim, Olive, Lavender |
| Models | 9183G | T76N2B, KFTRWI, KFTRPWI |
| Price | About 350 EUR | About 130 EUR |
TCL Tab 10s 5G
- Faster processor with modern CPU architecture (Cortex-A78)
- 5G connectivity for on-the-go access
- More versatile Android operating system
- May have a less optimized software experience than Fire OS
- Potentially higher price point than the Fire HD 10
Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021)
- Lower price point
- Seamless integration with Amazon services
- Simple and user-friendly Fire OS
- Less powerful processor (Helio P60T)
- Limited app ecosystem compared to Google Play Store
- Fire OS is heavily geared towards Amazon content
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Amazon provide detailed display specs beyond resolution. However, the focus here isn't on display quality, but rather the overall user experience. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The TCL Tab 10s 5G’s value proposition isn’t centered around a premium display, while the Fire HD 10’s display is adequate for media consumption but lacks vibrancy. Bezels are expected to be similar on both devices, reflecting their budget-oriented positioning.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are geared towards basic video calls and occasional snapshots. Detailed camera specs are scarce, but given the price points, expect modest image quality. Focusing on the chipsets, the MT8771 in the TCL Tab 10s 5G likely has a more capable ISP (Image Signal Processor) than the MT8183 in the Fire HD 10, potentially resulting in slightly better image processing, but don't expect flagship-level results.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The TCL Tab 10s 5G’s Mediatek MT8771 features a more modern CPU architecture with 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This contrasts with the Amazon Fire HD 10’s Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T, which uses 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 cores and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The Cortex-A78 cores in the TCL Tab 10s 5G represent a significant architectural improvement, offering better single-core and multi-core performance. The MT8771’s newer architecture translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. While both use octa-core CPUs, the architectural differences give the TCL Tab 10s 5G a clear edge. The Fire HD 10’s 12nm process node is also less efficient than what’s likely used in the MT8771, potentially leading to more heat generation under sustained load.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. The TCL Tab 10s 5G supports 18W wired charging, which is a reasonable speed for a tablet in this price range. The Fire HD 10’s charging speed is not prominently advertised, but is likely similar. While the exact battery capacities are not specified, the more efficient chipset and architecture of the TCL Tab 10s 5G could translate to comparable or even slightly better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the Fire HD 10. The faster charging speed of the TCL Tab 10s 5G is a definite advantage for users who need to quickly top up their device.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL Tab 10s 5G if you need reliable 5G connectivity for on-the-go productivity, a more open and customizable Android experience, and better overall performance for multitasking and light gaming. Buy the Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021) if you primarily consume Amazon content (Prime Video, Kindle books), value a lower price point, and prefer the simplicity of Fire OS, even with its limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the TCL Tab 10s 5G's 5G connectivity significantly impact battery life?
Using 5G will undoubtedly consume more battery than Wi-Fi. However, the TCL Tab 10s 5G’s more efficient Mediatek MT8771 chipset may mitigate some of this impact compared to older generation tablets. Battery life will depend on signal strength and usage patterns, but expect a noticeable difference when actively using 5G data.
❓ Can I easily install Google Play Store apps on the Amazon Fire HD 10?
While not officially supported, it's possible to sideload the Google Play Store onto the Fire HD 10, but it's a complex process that requires technical knowledge and may void your warranty. The experience isn't always seamless, and some apps may not function correctly. The TCL Tab 10s 5G comes with the Google Play Store pre-installed, offering a much simpler and more reliable app experience.
❓ Is the TCL Tab 10s 5G a good choice for gaming?
The TCL Tab 10s 5G is capable of handling light to moderate gaming thanks to its Cortex-A78 cores. However, it's not a dedicated gaming tablet. Demanding titles may require lower graphics settings. The Fire HD 10’s Helio P60T will struggle with even moderately demanding games.
