The tablet market is heating up with increasingly capable devices at lower price points. The Tecno Megapad 11 and Nokia T21 both aim to deliver a solid Android tablet experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches. The Megapad 11 leverages the more modern Mediatek Helio G99, while the Nokia T21 opts for the Unisoc Tiger T612. This comparison dives deep into the architectural differences and real-world implications of these choices.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Megapad 11 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Mediatek Helio G99 chipset, built on a 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Nokia T21’s 12nm Unisoc Tiger T612, translating to smoother multitasking and better gaming. While both offer 18W charging, the Megapad 11’s superior processing power justifies its slight edge.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - US, LATAM |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 40, 66 - US, LATAM |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, December 02 | 2022, September 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, January 06 | Available. Released 2022, September 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 257.1 x 168.7 x 7.6 mm (10.12 x 6.64 x 0.30 in) | 247.5 x 157.3 x 7.5 mm (9.74 x 6.19 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 510 g (1.12 lb) | 466 g (1.03 lb) |
| | - | Splash resistant
Stylus support |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~206 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~80.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~79.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 440 nits | IPS LCD, 360 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (Wi-Fi/LTE model only / TA-1521) |
| Positioning | Unspecified | GPS - cellular model only |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | 8000 mAh | Li-Po 8200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Vitality Green, Starfall Grey | Charcoal Grey |
| Models | - | TA-1495, TA-1521, TA-1505, TA-1487 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 240 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.56 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Megapad 11
- More powerful Mediatek Helio G99 chipset
- More efficient 6nm process for better battery life
- Potentially smoother gaming experience
- Lacks PD3.0 charging
- Camera specifications unknown
Nokia T21
- PD3.0 charging for wider charger compatibility
- Clean software experience (typical of Nokia)
- Potentially longer software support
- Less powerful Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset
- Less efficient 12nm process
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the target price points, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The absence of details like resolution, peak brightness, or refresh rate suggests neither is aiming for display excellence. Users should expect adequate, but not exceptional, viewing experiences. Bezels are likely to be similar, prioritizing affordability over premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera sensor details, a meaningful comparison is difficult. Both tablets likely feature modest camera setups geared towards video calls and casual snapshots. The absence of information regarding sensor size, aperture, or optical image stabilization suggests neither device will excel in photography. Users shouldn't expect flagship-level image quality from either tablet.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Megapad 11’s Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) boasts a more efficient architecture than the Nokia T21’s Unisoc Tiger T612 (12nm). The G99’s Cortex-A76 cores, clocked at 2.2 GHz, offer a significant performance uplift compared to the T612’s Cortex-A75 cores at 1.8 GHz. The smaller 6nm node also translates to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. This means the Megapad 11 will likely handle demanding apps and games more smoothly. While both have octa-core CPUs, the architectural advantages of the G99 are substantial.
Battery Life
Both tablets support 18W wired charging, but the Nokia T21 adds PD3.0 support, offering broader charger compatibility and potentially faster charging with a compatible power adapter. However, the Mediatek Helio G99 in the Tecno Megapad 11 is more power-efficient due to its 6nm process. This efficiency could offset the lack of PD3.0, resulting in comparable real-world battery life despite potentially similar battery capacities (which are not specified). The G99’s efficiency means it can deliver similar usage time with less power draw.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Megapad 11 if you prioritize performance for gaming, streaming, and multitasking, and want a tablet that feels more responsive overall. Buy the Nokia T21 if you value a clean software experience, potentially wider software support from Nokia, and the convenience of PD3.0 charging compatibility with a broader range of chargers. The T21 is a solid option for basic media consumption and productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Megapad 11 struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
While the Helio G99 is capable, Genshin Impact is a demanding title. Expect to play at lower settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The G99’s efficiency will help mitigate throttling, but it won’t deliver a flagship gaming experience.
❓ Does the Nokia T21 support fast charging with any standard 18W charger, or is PD3.0 essential?
The Nokia T21 will charge with a standard 18W charger, but it will benefit from a PD3.0 compatible charger, potentially reaching faster charging speeds. PD3.0 allows for dynamic voltage and current negotiation, optimizing the charging process.
❓ Which tablet is better for extended video streaming sessions?
The Tecno Megapad 11 likely has an edge in extended video streaming due to the more efficient Helio G99 chipset. This translates to less heat generation and potentially longer battery life during prolonged use.
