Ulefone Tab W10 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab A8: Which Budget Tablet Wins?

The Ulefone Tab W10 and Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 (2021) represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive budget tablet market. Both devices aim to deliver a functional Android experience without breaking the bank, but they achieve this through slightly different approaches to chipset selection and feature sets. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which tablet offers the best value for your money.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) is the better choice. While the Ulefone Tab W10 offers a slightly faster charging speed, the Tab A8’s marginally more powerful Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset and Samsung’s software optimizations provide a smoother, more responsive user experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Ulefone Tab W10 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, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE - cellular model only
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2024, June2021, December 15
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, JuneAvailable. Released 2022, January 17
Body
Dimensions239.6 x 158.4 x 7.9 mm (9.43 x 6.24 x 0.31 in)246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM (cellular model only)
Weight430 g (15.17 oz)508 g (1.12 lb)
Display
Resolution800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density)1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density)
Size10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~77.9% screen-to-body ratio)10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDTFT LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetUnisoc T606 (12 nm)Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MP1Mali G52 MP2
OSAndroid 14Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 4GB RAM32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panorama-
Single16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm8 MP, AF
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm5 MP
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only
RadioFM radio, RDS, recordingNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-bandWi-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 8800 mAhLi-Po 7040 mAh
Misc
ColorsSpace GrayGray, Silver, Pink Gold
Models-SM-X200, SM-X205
PriceAbout 80 EURAbout 230 EUR
SAR EU-0.92 W/kg (body)

Ulefone Tab W10

  • Faster 18W charging
  • Potentially lower price point
  • Unisoc T606 is power efficient

  • Slightly slower CPU performance
  • Less refined software experience likely
  • Limited brand recognition

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)

  • More powerful Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset
  • Samsung’s optimized software
  • Stronger brand reputation and support

  • Slower 15W charging
  • Potentially higher price
  • May not offer significant camera improvements

Display Comparison

Neither Ulefone nor Samsung provide detailed display specifications beyond the 10.5-inch size. However, given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The key difference lies in the processing power driving them. While both will be adequate for media consumption, the Tab A8’s slightly more capable chipset will contribute to smoother scrolling and animations. Bezels are expected to be similar on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong point on either, but Samsung’s software typically includes color profiles for some adjustment.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for buyers in this segment. Both tablets will likely feature basic camera setups, and detailed specifications are scarce. Focusing on the primary sensors, the Tab A8 likely has a slightly better image signal processor (ISP) due to the T618 chipset, potentially resulting in marginally better image quality. Any 2MP macro or depth sensors on either device should be considered marketing filler and largely ignored. Expect acceptable results in well-lit conditions, but poor performance in low light.

Performance

The core difference between these tablets is the chipset. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 utilizes the Unisoc Tiger T618, featuring a CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz, while the Ulefone Tab W10 employs the Unisoc T606 with a 1.6 GHz clock speed. This 0.4 GHz difference in CPU clock speed, coupled with the 'Tiger' designation suggesting optimizations, translates to a noticeable performance advantage for the Tab A8 in real-world usage. Both utilize an octa-core configuration with 2x Cortex-A75 and 6x Cortex-A55 cores, but the higher clock speed on the A75 cores of the T618 will be more impactful during demanding tasks. Both devices likely use LPDDR4X RAM, as LPDDR5 is uncommon in this price bracket. Thermal management is unlikely to be a concern with these chipsets, as they are designed for efficiency rather than raw power.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is not specified in the provided data, making a direct comparison difficult. However, the Ulefone Tab W10 boasts 18W wired charging, while the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is limited to 15W. This suggests the Ulefone will charge slightly faster, potentially reaching 100% in less time. However, the actual charging time will depend on the battery capacity of each device. A larger battery on the Tab A8 could offset the slower charging speed, providing longer overall usage time. Without knowing the battery capacities, the 18W charging on the Ulefone is the only concrete advantage.

Buying Guide

Buy the Ulefone Tab W10 if you prioritize the fastest possible charging and are comfortable with a potentially less refined software experience. It’s a good option for users who frequently need to top up their tablet quickly. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) if you value a more polished user interface, slightly better overall performance for everyday tasks, and the brand recognition and software support that Samsung provides. It’s ideal for streaming, browsing, and light productivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Unisoc T618 in the Tab A8 handle multitasking with several apps open?
The Unisoc Tiger T618 is capable of handling moderate multitasking. While it won't compete with flagship-level performance, it should comfortably manage several apps like web browsers, streaming services, and document editors simultaneously. The 4GB or 6GB of RAM (depending on the configuration) will also contribute to a smoother multitasking experience.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Ulefone Tab W10 a significant advantage over the Tab A8’s 15W?
The 18W charging is a noticeable, but not revolutionary, advantage. It will likely reduce the time it takes to fully charge the Ulefone Tab W10 compared to the Tab A8. However, the actual difference will depend on the battery capacity of each device. If the Tab A8 has a significantly larger battery, the slower charging speed might be less noticeable.
❓ Can either of these tablets be used for light gaming?
Both tablets can handle light gaming, but don't expect high frame rates or demanding graphics settings. Casual games and older titles will run adequately. More graphically intensive games may require reduced settings and may still experience some lag. The Tab A8’s slightly more powerful chipset will offer a marginally better gaming experience.