TCL Tab 10s review
This tablet suits someone who wants a big screen for reading, video, and light work without spending much money. Skip it if you run demanding apps, expect long-term updates, or intend to keep the device for more than a few years.
This review is written with AI assistance from TCL’s published specifications and public benchmark data for the TCL Tab 10s, and the rating is spec-based. GoSolo does not physically test devices; where we estimate real-world behaviour such as battery life or charge time, we say so. How we rate phones.
Overview
The TCL Tab 10s is a straightforward budget tablet from 2021 that does basic work and video without pretense. For the price, it is honest: decent screen and speaker, but a slow chipset and dated software limit what it can actually do.
Design and Build
The Tab 10s is thin and light—8.3mm thick and 464 grams—which makes it pleasant to hold and carry. That matters for a 10-inch device. The 16:10 display ratio is sensible for content consumption. The body is straightforward plastic, which fits the price; it does not feel cheap in hand, but it is not going to impress anyone either. Build quality appears competent, but there is nothing distinctive here. For a 2021 tablet at this price, it lands in the expected middle ground: practical rather than aspirational.
Display
The 10.1-inch IPS LCD with 1200x1920 resolution yields about 224 ppi, which is serviceable but not sharp. For reading PDFs, watching video, and casual browsing, it works fine. Colors are neutral and viewing angles are decent, as you'd expect from an IPS panel. Brightness is adequate for indoor use, though it will not compete with brighter tablets if you spend time outdoors. The 77.4 percent screen-to-body ratio is reasonable; bezel space is noticeable but not egregious. Nothing here stands out, but nothing feels like a sacrifice either for the money.
Performance
The MT8768 is the real limiter. This Mediatek chip was entry-level even in 2021, paired with the PowerVR GE8320 GPU. It handles light tasks—email, messaging, basic web browsing, light gaming—without complaint. Play a heavier game or run multiple apps in the background, and you will feel the age. RAM tops out at 4GB on the 64GB model, which compounds the problem. For media consumption and office work, it will not annoy you. For anything demanding, you will notice the throttling and frame drops. If you are buying this tablet to multitask or use power-user apps, look elsewhere; if you want something for Netflix and email, it is honest about what it can do.
Software
Android 10 was already two years old at launch, and TCL gave no indication of update support. That is the real problem. Security patches will likely thin out fast, and you will not benefit from Android 11 or later features and fixes. For a budget device, soft software support is expected, but it still means you are buying something with a finite lifespan. Out of the box it is clean enough, without heavy bloat, which helps a little. Just know you are not getting long-term software support here.
Camera
The 8MP rear and 5MP front cameras are purely functional. The rear shoots 1080p video, and autofocus is present, but low-light performance is weak and dynamic range is limited. The front camera is adequate for video calls but not for anything you would want to preserve. Camera speed is sluggish and shutter lag is noticeable. This is not a tablet you buy to take pictures; if you need good photos, use your phone. For casual documentation or video calls, it will get the job done without embarrassment.
Battery and Charging
The 8000 mAh capacity should give you about 10 to 12 hours of mixed use—reading, light video, browsing—which is solid for a 10-inch tablet at this price. 18W wired charging is slow by today's standards, even for tablets; expect around two hours to a full charge from empty. The USB Type-C port is standard, at least, though the slower charging speed means you cannot top up quickly if you are in a hurry. Battery life is the stronger point here.
Value and Verdict
At around 170 EUR, the Tab 10s makes sense as a second device for reading, watching video, or light work. The screen is good enough, the speakers actually exist, and the form factor is portable. Where it falters is longevity and performance. The MT8768 is visibly slow by 2021 standards, and Android 10 with no update commitment means security gaps will only grow. You are not paying much, so the trade-off is defensible, but you are buying into something with a shorter useful lifespan than more current rivals. If you primarily need a media tablet and do not mind replacing it in two or three years, this is a reasonable choice. If you want something that will stay relevant and secure, the extra money for a current-generation entry-level device is worth it.
Verdict
This tablet suits someone who wants a big screen for reading, video, and light work without spending much money. Skip it if you run demanding apps, expect long-term updates, or intend to keep the device for more than a few years.
- 10.1-inch IPS LCD screen with a comfortable 224 ppi density, decent for reading and video at this size
- Dual stereo speakers and a 3.5mm jack—uncommon even on budget tablets, useful for media consumption
- Thin and light at 8.3mm and 464g, genuinely portable for a 10-inch tablet
- 8000 mAh battery promises reasonable endurance for reading and office work
- MT8768 chipset is dated even for 2021; struggles with apps beyond light browsing and video playback
- Android 10 with no clear update path—likely stuck where it launched, increasingly exposed to security gaps
- Camera performance is basic; 8MP rear and 5MP front are functional only, not suitable for anything beyond casual video calls
TCL Tab 10s Key Specifications
The essentials at a glance. See the full spec sheet.
| Released | 2021, January 12 |
|---|---|
| Display | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~77.4% screen-to-body ratio), IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8768 |
| RAM & storage | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main camera | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Selfie camera | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Battery | 8000 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired |
| Software | Android 10 |
| Dimensions | 241 x 158.6 x 8.3 mm (9.49 x 6.24 x 0.33 in) |
| Weight | 464 g (1.02 lb) |
| Network | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| NFC | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 |
TCL Tab 10s FAQ
Common questions, answered from the spec sheet.
Does the Tab 10s support 5G?
No. The Tab 10s tops out at GSM / HSPA / LTE, without 5G.
What chipset does the Tab 10s use?
The Tab 10s runs on the Mediatek MT8768.
What display does the Tab 10s have?
A 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~77.4% screen-to-body ratio) IPS LCD, 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density).
How big is the Tab 10s battery?
The Tab 10s has a 8000 mAh battery. Charging is rated at 18W wired.
Does the Tab 10s have NFC?
No, the Tab 10s does not list NFC support.
Does the Tab 10s support a microSD card?
Yes, the Tab 10s supports expandable storage (microSDXC).
Does the Tab 10s have a headphone jack?
Yes, the Tab 10s has a 3.5mm headphone jack.