The Android tablet market is heating up, with options ranging from budget-friendly media consumption devices to powerful productivity machines. We pit the TCL Tab 10s 5G, a value-focused 5G tablet, against the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4, a performance-oriented contender boasting a flagship-class Snapdragon processor, to determine which tablet reigns supreme for different user needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and rapid charging, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 870 chipset delivers a significantly smoother experience, especially for demanding tasks. However, the TCL Tab 10s 5G offers a compelling value proposition for those on a tighter budget and primarily seeking basic tablet functionality with 5G connectivity.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | N/A |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41 | N/A |
| 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 | 2022, August 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, Q3 | Available. Released 2022, August 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 241.7 x 158.6 x 8.5 mm (9.52 x 6.24 x 0.33 in) | 285 x 185.2 x 6.7 mm (11.22 x 7.29 x 0.26 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | No |
| Weight | 490 g (1.08 lb) | 620 g (1.37 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support (magnetic) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~243 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~77.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 12.4 inches, 445.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 500 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8771 | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12, MIUI Pad 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 20 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | No |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.2 video output |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 60% in 36 min, 100% in 68 min |
| Type | Li-Po 8000 mAh | Li-Po 10000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Gray | Black, Silver, Green |
| Models | 9183G | - |
| Price | About 350 EUR | About 400 EUR |
TCL Tab 10s 5G
- Affordable price point
- Integrated 5G connectivity
- Suitable for basic tasks
- Significantly slower processor
- Slow 18W charging
- Likely lower display quality
Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4
- Powerful Snapdragon 870 processor
- Ultra-fast 67W charging
- Likely superior display quality
- Higher price tag
- May be overkill for basic users
- Larger size may be less portable
Display Comparison
While both tablets offer large displays suitable for media consumption, details beyond size are missing for the TCL Tab 10s 5G. The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4’s 12.4-inch display benefits from the Snapdragon 870’s powerful GPU for smooth visuals. The absence of display specs for the TCL Tab 10s 5G suggests a more basic panel, likely with lower brightness and color accuracy. Users who rely on color-critical work will find the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 a more suitable choice, assuming it utilizes a high-quality panel (which is typical for Xiaomi's Pro line).
Camera Comparison
Given the tablet form factor, camera quality isn't a primary concern for most users. However, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 likely benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP) integrated within the Snapdragon 870, potentially offering better image processing and low-light performance. Without camera specifications for the TCL Tab 10s 5G, it’s safe to assume a more basic camera setup focused on video calls and casual snapshots. The absence of details suggests a focus on cost reduction in this area.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm) is a substantial upgrade over the TCL Tab 10s 5G’s Mediatek MT8771. The Snapdragon 870’s Kryo 585 cores, with a prime core clocked at 3.2 GHz, offer significantly faster processing speeds and improved multi-tasking capabilities compared to the MT8771’s 2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 cores. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother gaming, and a more responsive overall user experience. The 7nm process node of the Snapdragon 870 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended use. The TCL Tab 10s 5G will handle basic tasks adequately, but will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4’s 67W wired charging is a game-changer. Reaching 60% charge in 36 minutes and 100% in 68 minutes significantly reduces downtime. The TCL Tab 10s 5G’s 18W charging is comparatively slow. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the faster charging of the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 effectively mitigates any potential capacity disadvantage. Users who frequently use their tablets on the go will greatly appreciate the convenience of the Xiaomi’s rapid charging capabilities.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL Tab 10s 5G if you need a portable, always-connected tablet for light tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and occasional document editing, and value 5G connectivity above all else. Buy the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 if you prioritize a fluid, responsive experience for multitasking, gaming, and creative work, and are willing to pay a premium for flagship-level performance and incredibly fast charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek MT8771 in the TCL Tab 10s 5G sufficient for playing graphically demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the MT8771 can handle some gaming, Genshin Impact and similar titles will likely require significant graphics settings reductions and may still experience frame rate drops. The TCL Tab 10s 5G is better suited for casual gaming and less demanding titles.
❓ Does the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 support stylus input and keyboard attachments for increased productivity?
Yes, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 is compatible with the Xiaomi Smart Pen (sold separately) and supports keyboard attachments, transforming it into a capable 2-in-1 device for note-taking, drawing, and document editing. This significantly enhances its productivity potential.
❓ How does the 5G connectivity on the TCL Tab 10s 5G impact real-world battery life?
Utilizing 5G connectivity will inevitably consume more battery power than Wi-Fi. Expect a noticeable reduction in battery life when actively using 5G, especially for data-intensive tasks like streaming or downloading. However, the ability to stay connected on the go is a key benefit.
❓ Is the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 likely to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 870 is generally efficient, and Xiaomi typically implements effective thermal management solutions. While some heat generation is expected during intense gaming, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 is unlikely to experience significant throttling due to overheating, offering a more consistent gaming experience.
