Choosing the right tablet can be tough, especially with so many options available. Today, we're pitting two TCL tablets against each other: the 5G-enabled Tab 10s and the more budget-friendly Tab 10 HD 4G. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The TCL Tab 10s 5G is the clear winner for most users, offering a significantly faster processor, 5G connectivity, and faster charging. However, the Tab 10 HD 4G remains a compelling option for those on a tight budget who prioritize affordability over cutting-edge features.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 27 | 2022, February 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, Q3 | Available. Released 2022, June |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 241.7 x 158.6 x 8.5 mm (9.52 x 6.24 x 0.33 in) | 243.2 x 158.2 x 9.2 mm (9.57 x 6.23 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 490 g (1.08 lb) | 448 g (15.80 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~77.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~76.9% 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-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8771 | Mediatek MT8768E |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 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, f/2.4, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with dual 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 |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 8000 mAh | Li-Po 5500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Gray | Dark Gray |
| Models | 9183G | - |
| Price | About 350 EUR | About 180 EUR |
TCL Tab 10s 5G
- Faster Processor (Cortex-A78)
- 5G Connectivity
- Faster Charging (18W)
- Likely Higher Resolution Display
- Improved Performance for Gaming & Multitasking
- Higher Price
- Potentially Shorter Battery Life (under heavy use)
TCL Tab 10 HD 4G
- More Affordable
- Decent Battery Life (for light use)
- Suitable for Basic Tasks
- Good Value for Money
- Slower Processor (Cortex-A53)
- No 5G
- Lower Resolution Display
- Slower Charging (10W)
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature a 10.1-inch display, but the Tab 10s 5G likely boasts a higher resolution (potentially 1920x1200) compared to the Tab 10 HD 4G's likely 1280x800. This means the Tab 10s 5G will offer sharper visuals and more detail. Color accuracy and brightness are also likely improved on the 5G model.
Camera Comparison
While neither tablet is a photography powerhouse, the Tab 10s 5G likely has slightly better camera hardware. However, camera quality on tablets is rarely a primary concern, and both will likely produce acceptable results for video calls and occasional snapshots. Expect the 10s 5G to have a slightly better front-facing camera for video conferencing.
Performance
The Tab 10s 5G's Mediatek MT8771 chipset with its Cortex-A78 cores provides a substantial performance boost over the Tab 10 HD 4G's MT8768E. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the 10s 5G. The 10 HD 4G will handle basic tasks adequately, but will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is likely similar between the two tablets (around 4000-5000mAh). However, the Tab 10s 5G's more power-hungry processor will likely result in shorter battery life under heavy use. The Tab 10 HD 4G, with its less demanding hardware, should offer slightly better battery endurance for light usage.
Buying Guide
The TCL Tab 10s 5G is ideal for users who want a fast, responsive tablet for streaming, gaming, and browsing, and who value 5G connectivity for on-the-go use. The TCL Tab 10 HD 4G is a great choice for budget-conscious buyers who need a basic tablet for light tasks like reading, email, and casual web browsing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the TCL Tab 10s 5G worth the extra cost?
If you value performance, 5G connectivity, and a better display, then yes. The Tab 10s 5G offers a significantly improved experience. However, if you're on a tight budget and only need a basic tablet, the Tab 10 HD 4G is a viable option.
❓ Can the TCL Tab 10 HD 4G handle streaming video?
Yes, it can handle streaming video, but you might experience occasional buffering or lag, especially with higher resolution content. The Tab 10s 5G will provide a smoother streaming experience.