The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, offering a surprising amount of functionality for under $200. We pit the Umidigi G5 Tab, a standard Android experience, against the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021), known for its media consumption focus and integrated ecosystem, to determine which provides the best overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing a more open Android experience and slightly better CPU performance for general tasks, the Umidigi G5 Tab is the stronger choice. However, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) wins with its wireless charging capability and deeper integration with Amazon services, making it ideal for Prime subscribers.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023 | 2021, April 27. Released 2021, May 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 239.3 x 158.1 x 8.2 mm (9.42 x 6.22 x 0.32 in) | 247 x 166 x 9.2 mm (9.72 x 6.54 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | No |
| Weight | 465 g (1.03 lb) | 468 g (1.03 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Aluminosilicate glass |
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~78.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 9.0 (Pie), Fire OS 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | - | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 2 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | No |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0, 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 | Accelerometer |
| | - | Text-to-Speech English-language content reader |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | Wireless |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Ion |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Grey | Slate |
| Models | - | T76N2P |
| Price | - | About 150 EUR |
Umidigi G5 Tab
- More open Android experience
- Potentially better multi-tasking with more A55 cores
- Lower price point (likely)
- Slower charging (10W wired only)
- No wireless charging support
Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021)
- Wireless charging support
- Integration with Amazon ecosystem (Prime Video, Kindle)
- Potentially slightly better single-core performance
- Fire OS limitations (less app flexibility)
- Heavier reliance on Amazon services
Display Comparison
Neither tablet boasts a particularly impressive display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting similar display controller capabilities. While specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are missing, the Fire HD 10 Plus's larger screen size (10.1” vs. the G5 Tab’s likely 10.1” based on market segment) will offer a more immersive viewing experience. Color accuracy is likely similar, leaning towards the warmer side typical of budget tablets. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, prioritizing cost reduction over premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are equipped with basic camera setups primarily intended for video calls. Detailed sensor information is unavailable, but given the price point, image quality will be subpar in anything other than ideal lighting conditions. Focusing on the chipset, the MediaTek Helio P60T includes an ISP capable of basic image processing, potentially offering slightly better results than the Unisoc T606, but the difference will be minimal.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) features the MediaTek Helio P60T, utilizing four Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz alongside four Cortex-A53 cores. The Umidigi G5 Tab employs the Unisoc T606, with two Cortex-A75 cores at 1.6 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores, also at 1.6 GHz. Architecturally, the Cortex-A73 in the Helio P60T is a generation ahead of the A75, offering better single-core performance. However, the T606’s six A55 cores versus the P60T’s four A53 cores may provide a slight advantage in multi-threaded tasks. Real-world performance will likely be similar for basic tasks, but the P60T should handle more demanding apps and games slightly better. Both are paired with likely 3-4GB of RAM, limiting multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both likely fall in the 6000-7000 mAh range, typical for 10-inch tablets. The Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) gains a significant advantage with its support for wireless charging, offering added convenience. The Umidigi G5 Tab is limited to 10W wired charging, which will result in slower charging times. While the Fire HD 10 Plus’s wireless charging isn’t particularly fast, it provides a flexibility the Umidigi lacks. Expect both tablets to deliver around 8-10 hours of mixed usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi G5 Tab if you need a versatile Android tablet for everyday tasks, app flexibility, and aren't heavily invested in the Amazon ecosystem. Buy the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) if you primarily consume media, rely on Amazon services like Prime Video and Kindle, and value the convenience of wireless charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Unisoc T606 chip in the Umidigi G5 Tab struggle with demanding games?
The Unisoc T606 is a budget-focused chipset. While it can handle casual games, more graphically intensive titles will likely require reduced settings and may experience occasional frame drops. The Helio P60T in the Fire HD 10 Plus offers a slight performance advantage, but neither tablet is a gaming powerhouse.
❓ How much does the Amazon Fire OS limit app availability compared to standard Android on the Umidigi G5 Tab?
Fire OS is a heavily customized version of Android. While the Amazon Appstore has a growing selection, it lacks access to the full Google Play Store. This means some apps may not be available, or you may need to sideload them, which requires technical knowledge and carries security risks. The Umidigi G5 Tab, running a more standard Android build, offers full access to the Google Play Store.
❓ Is the wireless charging on the Fire HD 10 Plus fast?
No, the wireless charging on the Fire HD 10 Plus is not particularly fast. It's a convenient feature, but it won't charge the tablet as quickly as wired charging. Expect a full charge to take several hours via wireless charging.
