The sub-$200 tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the TCL Tab 8 4G and Nokia T10 are two strong contenders. Both aim to deliver essential tablet functionality at an accessible price, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The TCL relies on a tried-and-true Mediatek chipset, while the Nokia opts for the newer, more efficient Unisoc T606. This comparison dives deep into the hardware to determine which tablet offers the best experience for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia T10 emerges as the better choice. Its Unisoc T606 chipset, featuring a combination of Cortex-A75 and A55 cores, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the TCL Tab 8 4G’s older Cortex-A53 based Mediatek MT8766. While the TCL may have a slight edge in certain legacy app compatibility, the Nokia’s improved efficiency and responsiveness make it the more compelling all-around tablet.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 04 | 2022, July 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, Q3 | Available. Released 2022, August 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 197 x 124.8 x 8.9 mm (7.76 x 4.91 x 0.35 in) | 208 x 123.2 x 9 mm (8.19 x 4.85 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 295 g (10.41 oz) | 375 g (13.23 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~75.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~72.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 360 nits (typ), 450 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8766 | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 2 MP, 1/5.0", 1.65µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | 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 | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4080 mAh | Li-Po 5250 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Prime Black | Ocean Blue |
| Models | 9132G2 | TA-1503, TA-1472, TA-1462, TA-1457 |
| Price | - | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.27 W/kg (head) 1.57 W/kg (body) |
TCL Tab 8 4G
- Potentially wider app compatibility due to older chipset.
- 4G connectivity for on-the-go access.
- May be more readily available in certain regions.
- Older, less efficient Mediatek MT8766 chipset.
- Slower performance compared to the Nokia T10.
- Likely to exhibit more noticeable lag during multitasking.
Nokia T10
- More powerful and efficient Unisoc T606 chipset.
- Smoother user experience and better multitasking.
- Modern CPU architecture (Cortex-A75 & A55).
- Slower 10W charging.
- Potentially minor compatibility issues with very old apps.
- May not be available in all markets.
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Nokia provide detailed display specifications beyond resolution. However, the tablet segment at this price point typically utilizes IPS LCD panels. The lack of information regarding peak brightness or color gamut coverage suggests both tablets will offer adequate, but not exceptional, viewing experiences. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning. The absence of high refresh rate or HDR support is expected.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are expected to feature basic camera setups geared towards video calls and casual snapshots. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions but suffer in low light. Focusing on megapixel counts alone is misleading; image processing and sensor size are far more critical, and neither manufacturer provides this information. The inclusion of a camera is more for functionality than photographic excellence.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The TCL Tab 8 4G’s Mediatek MT8766 utilizes a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz. This is an older architecture, known for its power consumption rather than raw performance. Conversely, the Nokia T10’s Unisoc T606 is an octa-core processor, combining two Cortex-A75 cores (1.6 GHz) for performance-intensive tasks and six Cortex-A55 cores (1.6 GHz) for efficiency. The A75 cores represent a significant architectural improvement over the A53, offering better single-core and multi-core performance. The Unisoc T606’s 12nm process node also contributes to improved power efficiency compared to the MT8766. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall user experience on the Nokia T10.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device in the provided data. However, the Unisoc T606’s superior power efficiency gives the Nokia T10 an advantage in real-world battery life. While the TCL Tab 8 4G may have a slightly larger battery, the more efficient chipset in the Nokia T10 will likely result in longer usage times on a single charge. The Nokia T10’s 10W wired charging is relatively slow, suggesting a full charge will take several hours, but this is typical for tablets in this price range.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL Tab 8 4G if you prioritize 4G connectivity above all else and need a tablet primarily for very basic tasks like reading ebooks or light web browsing, and are concerned about compatibility with older Android apps. Buy the Nokia T10 if you value a smoother, more responsive user experience, better multitasking capabilities, and a more modern chipset architecture, even if it means sacrificing a bit of potential legacy app support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia T10 struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Unisoc T606 is a capable chipset, PUBG Mobile is a demanding title. Expect to play at lower graphics settings and potentially experience occasional frame drops. It won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, but it's playable. The TCL Tab 8 4G would likely perform even worse.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Nokia T10 a significant drawback?
10W charging is slow by modern standards, but it's typical for tablets in this price bracket. It's best to charge the Nokia T10 overnight or during periods of inactivity. It won't provide a quick power boost when you're short on time.
❓ Does the TCL Tab 8 4G have better compatibility with older Android apps?
The older Mediatek MT8766 chipset *might* offer slightly better compatibility with very old Android apps that haven't been updated for newer architectures. However, this is a niche concern for most users and unlikely to be a major factor in your decision.
❓ Which tablet is better for video streaming?
The Nokia T10 is better suited for video streaming due to its more responsive chipset. This will result in smoother playback and faster loading times for streaming apps like YouTube and Netflix. The TCL Tab 8 4G may experience occasional buffering or lag.
