The sub-$200 tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the TCL Tab 11 and Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) are two of the leading contenders. Both leverage the MediaTek Helio P60T chipset, but diverge significantly in software experience and feature sets. This comparison dives deep to determine which tablet delivers the best overall experience for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing a standard Android experience and broader app compatibility, the TCL Tab 11 is the better choice. While both tablets share the same chipset, the TCL Tab 11’s open Android platform and 18W charging offer more flexibility. However, the Fire HD 10 Plus’s wireless charging is a compelling feature for convenience-focused users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 17, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 26 | 2021, April 27. Released 2021, May 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, May | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 259 x 163.6 x 6.9 mm (10.20 x 6.44 x 0.27 in) | 247 x 166 x 9.2 mm (9.72 x 6.54 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | No |
| Weight | 462 g (1.02 lb) | 468 g (1.03 lb) |
| | Stylus support | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Aluminosilicate glass |
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~213 ppi density) | 1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.95 inches, 341.3 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm) | Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 9.0 (Pie), Fire OS 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | - | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | 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 | 8 MP, 100˚, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 2 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | Unspecified | No |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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 (accessories only) | Accelerometer |
| | - | Text-to-Speech English-language content reader |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 8000 mAh | Li-Ion |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Digital Lavender, Dark Gray | Slate |
| Models | 9166G, 9466X | T76N2P |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 150 EUR |
TCL Tab 11
- Standard Android OS for app compatibility
- 18W Wired Charging for faster power-up
- Greater customization options
- May require more manual software updates
- Less integrated ecosystem compared to Amazon
Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021)
- Wireless Charging for added convenience
- Tight Amazon ecosystem integration
- Optimized Fire OS for Amazon services
- Limited app selection outside Amazon Appstore
- Fire OS can feel restrictive for some users
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature a 10.1-inch display, but detailed specifications beyond size are scarce. Given the price point, we can assume both utilize IPS LCD panels. The TCL Tab 11’s advantage lies in running standard Android, potentially allowing for wider display calibration options. The Fire HD 10 Plus, locked into Fire OS, will have a more curated visual experience. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the budget nature of both devices. Color accuracy is expected to be moderate on both, prioritizing viewing angles over professional-grade color reproduction.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are equipped with basic camera setups suitable for video calls and casual snapshots. Detailed sensor information is unavailable, but given the price point, expectations should be tempered. The focus should be on functionality rather than image quality. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests limited low-light performance.
Performance
The core of both tablets is the MediaTek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. While the CPU core counts and clock speeds are identical, the Fire HD 10 Plus’s Fire OS is heavily optimized for Amazon’s services, potentially leading to smoother performance within that ecosystem. However, the TCL Tab 11 benefits from a more open Android environment, allowing for greater customization and the installation of performance-enhancing apps. RAM configurations are not specified, but are likely similar, impacting multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the TCL Tab 11 supports 18W wired charging, offering a potentially faster charging experience compared to the Fire HD 10 Plus’s wireless charging. Wireless charging, while convenient, is generally slower than wired charging. The Fire HD 10 Plus’s wireless charging capability is a significant differentiator, appealing to users who prioritize convenience over charging speed. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both tablets should provide sufficient power for several hours of video playback or web browsing.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL Tab 11 if you need a tablet that runs the full Android operating system, allowing access to the Google Play Store and a wider range of applications. This is ideal for users who want a versatile device for productivity, gaming, and general use. Buy the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) if you primarily consume Amazon content – Prime Video, Kindle books, and Audible audiobooks – and value the convenience of wireless charging and Amazon’s tightly integrated ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Fire OS on the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus limit my ability to install apps?
Yes, the Fire HD 10 Plus relies on the Amazon Appstore, which has a significantly smaller selection of apps compared to the Google Play Store. While many popular apps are available, you may encounter limitations when searching for specific applications.
❓ Can I sideload apps onto the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus to bypass the Amazon Appstore?
Yes, it is possible to sideload apps onto the Fire HD 10 Plus, but it requires enabling developer mode and manually installing APK files. This process is more technical and carries some security risks.
❓ Is the Helio P60T chipset sufficient for gaming on either tablet?
The Helio P60T is a capable chipset for casual gaming, but it will struggle with demanding titles at higher settings. Expect to play less graphically intensive games smoothly, but more demanding games may require reduced graphics settings and frame rates.
❓ How does the lack of Google Mobile Services (GMS) affect the TCL Tab 11?
The TCL Tab 11 does not come with GMS pre-installed. This means you won't have access to Google apps like Gmail, YouTube, and Google Maps out of the box. However, these can be sideloaded, or alternative apps can be used.
