TCL Tab 10s vs Huawei MatePad T 10s: Which Budget Tablet Reigns Supreme?

The sub-$200 tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the TCL Tab 10s and Huawei MatePad T 10s are two strong contenders. Both aim to deliver a functional Android experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dives deep into their core components to determine which tablet offers the best value for your money.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the TCL Tab 10s emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek MT8768 chipset, while not a powerhouse, utilizes a more modern CPU architecture than the Huawei MatePad T 10s’ Kirin 710A, and the faster 18W charging significantly improves usability for power users.

PHONES
Phone Names TCL Tab 10s Huawei MatePad T 10s
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA, LTE - cellular model onlyHSPA, LTE - cellular model only
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2021, January 122020, September 09. Released 2020, September 09
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, April 26Discontinued
Body
Dimensions241 x 158.6 x 8.3 mm (9.49 x 6.24 x 0.33 in)240.2 x 159 x 7.9 mm (9.46 x 6.26 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM (cellular model only)Nano-SIM (cellular model only)
Weight464 g (1.02 lb)450 g (0.99 lb)
 -Stylus support
Display
Resolution1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density)1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density)
Size10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~77.4% screen-to-body ratio)10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~77.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetMediatek MT8768Kirin 710A (14 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320Mali-G51 MP4
OSAndroid 10Android 10, EMUI 10.1, no Google Play Services
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC
Internal32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashHDR, panorama
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF5 MP, f/2.2, PDAF
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm2 MP, f/2.4
Video1080p@30fps-
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with dual speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 -Tuned by Harman Kardon
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS - cellular model onlyGPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximityAccelerometer, proximity
Battery
Charging18W wired10W wired
TypeLi-Po 8000 mAhLi-Po 5100 mAh
Misc
ColorsGray, SilverGold, Deepsea Blue
Models9080G, 9081XAGS3-L09, AGS3-W09, AGS3K-W09
PriceAbout 170 EURAbout 200 EUR

TCL Tab 10s

  • Faster 18W charging for quicker power-ups.
  • More modern CPU architecture with the Mediatek MT8768.
  • Potentially better multi-tasking performance.

  • Mediatek chipsets sometimes have less consistent software support.
  • No detailed display specifications available.

Huawei MatePad T 10s

  • Huawei’s EMUI software may offer a refined user experience.
  • Kirin 710A’s Cortex-A73 cores offer potentially better single-core performance.
  • Integration with the Huawei ecosystem.

  • Slower 10W charging is a significant inconvenience.
  • Kirin 710A is built on a less efficient 14nm process.
  • Potential software limitations due to geopolitical factors.

Display Comparison

Neither TCL nor Huawei provide detailed display specifications beyond screen size. However, given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The real difference lies in the underlying performance impacting UI smoothness. While display quality is likely similar, the chipset's ability to drive the display efficiently is where the TCL Tab 10s has a slight edge.

Camera Comparison

Both tablets are unlikely to excel in photography. Detailed camera specs are unavailable, and at this price point, image quality is typically secondary. Expect basic functionality suitable for casual snapshots and video calls. Focusing on camera performance would be a misdirection; the primary use case for these tablets isn't photography.

Performance

The core difference between these tablets is their chipsets. The TCL Tab 10s features the Mediatek MT8768, pairing four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.0 GHz with another four at 1.5 GHz. The Huawei MatePad T 10s utilizes the Kirin 710A, built on a 14nm process, with four Cortex-A73 cores at 2.0 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.7 GHz. While both are octa-core, the Cortex-A73 cores in the Kirin 710A *should* offer better single-core performance. However, the MT8768’s newer architecture and potentially more efficient power management could translate to a smoother overall experience, especially in multi-tasking scenarios. The Kirin 710A’s 14nm process is also less efficient than more modern nodes, potentially leading to more heat generation under sustained load.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is not specified in the provided data. However, the TCL Tab 10s’ 18W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Huawei MatePad T 10s’ 10W charging. This faster charging speed translates to less downtime and a more convenient user experience, especially for users who rely on their tablets throughout the day. Even with a similar battery capacity, the TCL Tab 10s will likely offer more usable time due to quicker top-ups.

Buying Guide

Buy the TCL Tab 10s if you prioritize a slightly more responsive user experience and faster charging for extended use. This tablet is ideal for students, casual gamers, and those who frequently consume media on the go. Buy the Huawei MatePad T 10s if you prefer the Huawei ecosystem and are willing to trade some processing power for potential software optimizations and a potentially more refined user interface, though the slower charging is a significant drawback.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Kirin 710A in the Huawei MatePad T 10s struggle with demanding apps or games?
The Kirin 710A is a capable chip, but it's showing its age. While it can handle basic apps and light gaming, more demanding titles may experience noticeable lag or require reduced graphics settings. The TCL Tab 10s’ Mediatek MT8768, with its newer architecture, may offer a slightly smoother experience in these scenarios.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each tablet from 0%?
Due to the difference in charging wattage, the TCL Tab 10s will charge significantly faster. With 18W charging, a full charge is estimated to take around 2.5-3 hours, assuming a typical battery capacity for this class of tablet. The Huawei MatePad T 10s, with its 10W charging, will likely take 4-5 hours or longer for a complete charge.
❓ Does the Huawei MatePad T 10s support Google Mobile Services (GMS)?
This is a critical consideration. Due to ongoing geopolitical issues, the Huawei MatePad T 10s may not come with full Google Mobile Services (GMS) pre-installed. Instead, it utilizes Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) and the AppGallery. This means access to popular apps like Google Maps, YouTube, and Gmail may require workarounds or alternative apps.