The Umidigi G3 Tab Ultra and Blackview Tab 18 represent a growing trend: capable Android tablets at incredibly accessible price points. Both leverage the Mediatek Helio G99 chipset, but diverge in charging speeds and potentially, overall user experience. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which tablet offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Blackview Tab 18 emerges as the slightly better choice. While both tablets share the same Helio G99 processor, the Tab 18’s significantly faster 33W charging dramatically improves usability, reducing downtime and making it more convenient for on-the-go users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024 | 2023, November |
| Status | Available. Released 2024 | Available. Released 2023, November |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 244.8 x 162.2 x 9.3 mm (9.64 x 6.39 x 0.37 in) | 277.6 x 173.2 x 7.9 mm (10.93 x 6.82 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 482 g (1.06 lb) | 632 g (1.39 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~194 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~74.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 12.0 inches, 409.9 cm2 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 350 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 13, Doke OS_P 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 16 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM Radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity (accessories only), compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 8800 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Grey | Turquoise Green, Glacier Blue, Space Grey |
Umidigi G3 Tab Ultra
- Potentially lower price point
- Reliable Mediatek Helio G99 performance
- Suitable for basic tablet tasks
- Slower 18W charging
- Likely limited battery capacity
- Unconfirmed display quality
Blackview Tab 18
- Faster 33W wired charging
- Reliable Mediatek Helio G99 performance
- Convenient for on-the-go use
- Potentially higher price
- Unconfirmed display quality
- Likely similar battery capacity to competitor
Display Comparison
Both tablets are expected to feature IPS LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, detailed display specifications like resolution, peak brightness, and color gamut coverage are currently unavailable. Given the price point, expect 1080p resolution as a likely standard. The absence of LTPO technology means refresh rates will likely be fixed at 60Hz. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both devices, but the overall viewing experience will depend on panel quality, which remains unconfirmed.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a key differentiator in this segment. Details regarding sensor sizes and lens apertures are currently unavailable. Expect a primary camera for basic photography and a front-facing camera for video calls. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit due to its low resolution and limited image quality. Image processing will likely be basic, focusing on automatic adjustments rather than advanced features.
Performance
The core of both the Umidigi G3 Tab Ultra and Blackview Tab 18 is the Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm). This chipset features an octa-core CPU configuration with 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. Performance will be largely identical for everyday tasks like browsing, video streaming, and light gaming. The 6nm process node offers a good balance of power efficiency and performance. RAM configurations are unknown, but LPDDR4X is a likely candidate, impacting multitasking capabilities. Thermal management will be crucial; sustained performance will depend on how effectively each tablet dissipates heat.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Blackview Tab 18’s 33W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Umidigi G3 Tab Ultra’s 18W charging. This translates to substantially faster charging times, potentially reducing a full charge from several hours to under two. While a larger battery capacity on the Umidigi could partially offset this difference, the convenience of faster charging is a major benefit for users who rely on their tablets throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi G3 Tab Ultra if you prioritize a potentially lower initial cost and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. It’s a solid option for casual users who primarily consume media at home. Buy the Blackview Tab 18 if you value convenience and faster power-ups, making it ideal for students, travelers, or anyone who needs a tablet that can keep up with a dynamic lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G99 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile on these tablets?
The Mediatek Helio G99 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but expect to use medium graphics settings for a smooth experience. Sustained performance will depend on the tablet’s thermal management capabilities, and frame rates may drop during extended gaming sessions. Neither tablet is designed for high-end gaming.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Blackview Tab 18 with the 33W charger?
While a precise charging time is unavailable, the 33W charging should significantly reduce charging times compared to standard 18W chargers. Expect a full charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 2-3 hours, depending on battery capacity and usage during charging.
❓ Are these tablets suitable for video conferencing?
Both tablets should be adequate for basic video conferencing using apps like Zoom or Google Meet. The front-facing camera quality will likely be sufficient for clear video calls, but don't expect exceptional image quality. Microphone performance will be a key factor for clear audio.
