The TCL Tab 8 4G and ZTE Axon 40 SE represent distinct approaches to affordable mobile computing. The Tab 8 4G aims to deliver tablet functionality at a low price point, while the Axon 40 SE packs smartphone features into a budget-friendly package. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device offers the best value for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and smartphone versatility, the ZTE Axon 40 SE emerges as the stronger choice. Its Unisoc T618 chipset, with its octa-core configuration, significantly outperforms the TCL Tab 8 4G’s quad-core Mediatek MT8766. However, if a larger screen for media consumption and basic tasks is paramount, the Tab 8 4G remains a viable option.
| 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, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 28, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 04 | 2022, October 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, Q3 | Available. Released 2022, October 25 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 197 x 124.8 x 8.9 mm (7.76 x 4.91 x 0.35 in) | 163.5 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 295 g (10.41 oz) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~75.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8766 | Unisoc UMS512T T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | Mali-G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, MyOS 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| 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 | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 22.5W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4080 mAh | Li-Ion 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Prime Black | Blue, Black |
| Models | 9132G2 | 9047 |
| Price | - | About 300 EUR |
TCL Tab 8 4G
- Larger screen size ideal for media consumption
- Tablet form factor for enhanced productivity (with keyboard accessory)
- Potentially longer battery life due to larger capacity (speculation)
- Significantly weaker processor performance
- Likely slower charging speeds
- Less versatile than a smartphone
ZTE Axon 40 SE
- Superior processor performance with octa-core CPU
- Faster 22.5W wired charging
- Smartphone versatility and portability
- Smaller screen size compared to the Tab 8 4G
- Potentially shorter battery life (though offset by efficiency)
- May require a separate data plan
Display Comparison
The TCL Tab 8 4G, being a tablet, will inherently offer a larger display, though specific details like resolution and panel type are missing. The ZTE Axon 40 SE’s display size is not specified, but as a smartphone, it will be considerably smaller. The key difference lies in the intended use case; the Tab 8 4G prioritizes screen real estate, while the Axon 40 SE focuses on portability. Without knowing the Tab 8 4G’s panel technology, it’s difficult to assess color accuracy or brightness, but it’s likely to be an IPS LCD given the price point. The Axon 40 SE’s display quality will likely be similar, optimized for power efficiency.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications for either device, a direct comparison is challenging. However, given the price points, it’s safe to assume both devices feature modest camera setups. The ZTE Axon 40 SE likely benefits from Unisoc’s image signal processing capabilities, potentially offering slightly better image quality. The TCL Tab 8 4G’s camera is likely geared towards video conferencing and casual snapshots. The absence of information regarding sensor sizes and lens apertures makes a definitive assessment impossible, but the Axon 40 SE’s smartphone focus suggests a more refined camera experience.
Performance
The ZTE Axon 40 SE’s Unisoc UMS512T T618 chipset is the clear winner in this category. Its octa-core CPU, featuring two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores also at 2.0 GHz, provides a substantial performance advantage over the TCL Tab 8 4G’s quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 processor. The T618’s architecture allows for more efficient multitasking and smoother operation of demanding applications. The 12nm process node of the T618 also suggests better power efficiency compared to the likely larger node process of the MT8766. This translates to longer sustained performance and less thermal throttling during extended use.
Battery Life
The TCL Tab 8 4G’s battery capacity is unknown, but tablets generally have larger batteries than smartphones. However, the ZTE Axon 40 SE compensates with its 22.5W wired charging, a significant advantage over the likely slower charging speeds of the Tab 8 4G. While a larger battery capacity on the Tab 8 4G might offer longer overall runtime, the Axon 40 SE’s faster charging allows for quicker top-ups, minimizing downtime. The T618’s 12nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting the Tab 8 4G’s larger battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL Tab 8 4G if you need a dedicated larger screen for video calls, reading, or casual media consumption, and don't require demanding app performance. Buy the ZTE Axon 40 SE if you prefer a more versatile smartphone experience with better processing power for multitasking, gaming, and everyday use, and value faster charging capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc T618 in the ZTE Axon 40 SE capable of handling demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Unisoc T618 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a consistently smooth frame rate. The octa-core CPU and adequate GPU provide a playable experience, but don’t expect flagship-level performance.
❓ Can the TCL Tab 8 4G be used for video conferencing effectively?
Yes, the TCL Tab 8 4G’s larger screen makes it well-suited for video conferencing applications like Zoom or Google Meet. However, the Mediatek MT8766 processor may struggle with multiple simultaneous tasks during a video call, potentially leading to lag or dropped frames.
❓ Does the ZTE Axon 40 SE support VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling?
Support for VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling depends on your carrier. The ZTE Axon 40 SE is generally compatible with major carriers, but it’s crucial to verify compatibility with your specific provider before purchasing to ensure these features function correctly.
❓ What type of storage does the TCL Tab 8 4G use, and is it expandable?
Specific storage details for the TCL Tab 8 4G are unavailable. However, budget tablets often utilize eMMC storage, which is slower than UFS. It's likely to include a microSD card slot for storage expansion, but the maximum supported capacity is unknown.
