TCL Tab 11 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab A8: A Detailed Tablet Showdown

The tablet market offers a range of options, but finding the right one for your needs can be tricky. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the TCL Tab 11 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021). Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which tablet reigns supreme.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 offers a more polished experience with a smoother UI and better brand recognition. However, the TCL Tab 11 boasts a slightly more powerful chipset, potentially leading to better gaming performance. Ultimately, the Tab A8 is the safer, more well-rounded choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names TCL Tab 11 Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
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, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66
SpeedHSPA, LTE - cellular model onlyHSPA, LTE - cellular model only
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2023, February 262021, December 15
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, MayAvailable. Released 2022, January 17
Body
Dimensions259 x 163.6 x 6.9 mm (10.20 x 6.44 x 0.27 in)246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in)
SIMNano-SIM (cellular model only)Nano-SIM (cellular model only)
Weight462 g (1.02 lb)508 g (1.12 lb)
 Stylus support-
Display
Resolution1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~213 ppi density)1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density)
Size10.95 inches, 341.3 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio)10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPSTFT LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x Cortex-A53)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm)Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320Mali G52 MP2
OSAndroid 13Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal-32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash-
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF8 MP, AF
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP, 100˚, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm5 MP
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack UnspecifiedYes
35mm jackUnspecifiedYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with dual speakers (4 speakers)Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningUnspecifiedGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
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, proximity (accessories only)Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired15W wired
TypeLi-Po 8000 mAhLi-Po 7040 mAh
Misc
ColorsDigital Lavender, Dark GrayGray, Silver, Pink Gold
Models9166G, 9466XSM-X200, SM-X205
PriceAbout 180 EURAbout 230 EUR
SAR EU-0.92 W/kg (body)

TCL Tab 11

  • More powerful chipset (Helio P60T)
  • Faster charging (18W)
  • Generally more affordable

  • Less polished software experience
  • Lower screen quality compared to Tab A8
  • Less brand recognition

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)

  • Smoother software and UI
  • Better brand reputation and support
  • Slightly better display quality
  • Samsung ecosystem integration

  • Less powerful chipset (Unisoc T618)
  • Slower charging (15W)
  • Can be slightly more expensive

Display Comparison

Both tablets feature a 10.5-inch display, but the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 typically has slightly better color accuracy and brightness. The TCL Tab 11's display is adequate but may lack the vibrancy of the Tab A8. Resolution is similar on both, offering a decent viewing experience for media consumption.

Camera Comparison

Neither tablet excels in the camera department. Both offer basic cameras suitable for video calls and casual snapshots. Image quality is generally mediocre on both devices, with limited low-light performance. The Samsung Tab A8 might have a slight edge in image processing.

Performance

The TCL Tab 11's Mediatek Helio P60T chipset generally outperforms the Unisoc Tiger T618 in the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8, particularly in graphics-intensive tasks. While both are adequate for everyday use, the TCL Tab 11 will handle games and multitasking slightly better. However, Samsung's software optimization often provides a smoother overall feel.

Battery Life

Battery life is comparable on both devices, typically offering around 8-10 hours of mixed usage. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8's 15W charging is slower than the TCL Tab 11's 18W charging, meaning slightly faster top-ups.

Buying Guide

The TCL Tab 11 is ideal for budget-conscious users who prioritize raw processing power for gaming or demanding apps. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is a better fit for those seeking a reliable, user-friendly tablet with Samsung's ecosystem integration and a generally more refined experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which tablet is better for gaming?
The TCL Tab 11 generally offers better gaming performance due to its more powerful chipset. However, optimization and game compatibility can vary.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 worth the extra money?
If you value a smoother user experience, Samsung's brand reputation, and ecosystem integration, then the Tab A8 is likely worth the extra cost. If you're primarily focused on performance and budget, the TCL Tab 11 is a compelling alternative.