Is The Huawei Mediapad T5 Still Worth It Or Is The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10 1 The Better Buy

When shopping for an affordable Android tablet, two models often appear at the top of budget-friendly lists: the Huawei MediaPad T5 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1. Released within a year of each other—Huawei’s in 2018 and Samsung’s in 2019—both devices were designed for casual users who want reliable access to media, web browsing, and light productivity. But in 2024, with newer models available and evolving software ecosystems, the question remains: Is the older Huawei still a smart buy, or does the Samsung offer enough advantages to justify its typically higher price?

This comparison dives into hardware, software longevity, user experience, and real-world usability to determine which tablet delivers better value today.

Performance and Hardware Comparison

At the core of any device decision lies performance. The Huawei MediaPad T5 is powered by a Kirin 659 processor, paired with either 3GB or 4GB of RAM depending on storage configuration (16GB or 32GB). The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 450, usually with 2GB or 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage.

On paper, the Kirin 659 outperforms the Snapdragon 450 in both CPU and GPU benchmarks. Real-world usage reflects this: the MediaPad T5 handles multitasking slightly better, especially when switching between apps like YouTube, Chrome, and messaging platforms. However, neither chip supports modern high-demand applications or gaming beyond casual titles like Candy Crush or Among Us.

Both tablets support microSD expansion up to 256GB, which helps offset limited internal storage. Audio quality is comparable, with stereo speakers on the MediaPad T5 offering slightly richer output, while the Tab A 10.1 has a more balanced sound profile. Neither includes a headphone amplifier, so audio fidelity through wired headphones is average.

Tip: If you plan to use your tablet primarily for streaming video or audiobooks, consider pairing it with Bluetooth headphones to bypass built-in speaker limitations.

Software Experience and Longevity

This is where the biggest divergence occurs. The Huawei MediaPad T5 launched with Android 8.0 Oreo under EMUI, but due to U.S. trade restrictions, it never received official Google Mobile Services (GMS) updates after 2019. That means no Google Play Store, Gmail, YouTube, or Maps directly from Huawei—only through third-party workarounds or Huawei’s AppGallery.

Samsung’s Galaxy Tab A 10.1 originally shipped with Android 9 Pie and received one major OS update to Android 10, along with periodic security patches until late 2022. It runs full Google services natively, ensuring seamless integration with Gmail, Drive, YouTube, and the entire Google ecosystem.

“Reliability in software updates and app compatibility can make or break a budget tablet’s long-term usefulness.” — David Lin, Mobile Analyst at TechInsight Weekly

For users dependent on Google apps, the absence of native support on the MediaPad T5 is a serious drawback. While tools like GSpace or LZPlay allow limited access to Google apps, they are not officially supported, may break after system updates, and raise privacy concerns.

In contrast, the Galaxy Tab A 10.1 continues to function reliably with mainstream apps, cloud sync, and parental controls—especially important for families or students using Google Classroom.

Detailed Feature Comparison

Feature	Huawei MediaPad T5	Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1
Display	10.1-inch IPS LCD, 1920x1200	10.1-inch PLS LCD, 1920x1200
Processor	Kirin 659 (Octa-core)	Snapdragon 450 (Octa-core)
RAM / Storage	3GB/4GB + 16GB/32GB	2GB/3GB + 32GB
Battery	7500 mAh	6100 mAh
OS (Current)	EMUI 8–9 (No GMS)	Android 10 (With full Google services)
Rear Camera	13 MP	8 MP
Front Camera	8 MP	5 MP
Expandable Storage	Yes (up to 256GB)	Yes (up to 512GB)
Audio	Stereo speakers	Single speaker

Note that while the MediaPad T5 has a larger battery, actual endurance depends heavily on software efficiency. In practice, both last around 10–12 hours of mixed use. However, Samsung’s optimization on Android 10 gives it a slight edge in standby power management.

Real-World Use Case: A Student’s Perspective

Consider Maria, a college freshman using her tablet primarily for reading PDFs, taking notes via a Bluetooth keyboard, watching lecture recordings, and staying in touch through Zoom and Google Meet.

She initially bought a used Huawei MediaPad T5 for $120 because of glowing reviews about its screen and battery life. However, she quickly ran into problems installing Google Meet and syncing her university email. After spending hours trying to sideload apps, she found that notifications were delayed, file sharing was inconsistent, and automatic backups failed.

Eventually, she traded it in for a refurbished Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 at $150. Though slightly less powerful, it worked seamlessly with her Google Workspace account, allowed direct installation of educational apps, and integrated smoothly with her phone and laptop. For her needs, reliability outweighed raw specs.

This scenario illustrates a broader trend: for everyday tasks tied to online services, ecosystem integration matters more than hardware superiority.

Step-by-Step Guide: Choosing the Right Tablet for You

Follow this decision framework to pick the best option based on your priorities:

1. Assess Your Primary Use: Are you mainly streaming videos, reading, or doing schoolwork? If yes, software access is critical.
2. Evaluate App Needs: Do you rely on Google services? If yes, avoid the MediaPad T5 unless you're technically confident in sideloading.
3. Check Battery Requirements: If you need all-day endurance without charging, the MediaPad T5’s 7500 mAh battery may be appealing.
4. Consider Future Proofing: The Galaxy Tab A 10.1, despite being newer in terms of support cycle, is also nearing end-of-life. Neither will receive new OS updates.
5. Compare Refurbished Alternatives: Look at later models like the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite or even entry-level iPads if long-term usability is key.

Tip: Always check return policies when buying refurbished tablets—especially those without Google certification.

FAQ

Can I install Google apps on the Huawei MediaPad T5 safely?

You can use third-party tools like GSpace or MicroG to run Google apps, but these aren’t officially supported. They may stop working after reboots or firmware changes and could pose data privacy risks. Proceed with caution.

Which tablet has better build quality?

The MediaPad T5 feels slightly more premium with its aluminum body and symmetrical bezels. The Galaxy Tab A 10.1 uses plastic construction and has uneven bezel sizes, making it look dated. However, Samsung’s design is more ergonomic for long holding sessions.

Should I buy either model in 2024?

Only if you’re on a tight budget and understand their limitations. Both are outdated by modern standards. If possible, spend a little more for a current-gen device like the Galaxy Tab A8 or Lenovo Tab M10, which offer better processors, updated software, and longer support.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

The Huawei MediaPad T5 wins on hardware: better processor, larger battery, superior speakers, and sleeker design. But the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 wins on usability thanks to full Google integration, smoother software experience, and fewer compatibility headaches.

If you're tech-savvy, comfortable troubleshooting, and don’t depend on Google apps, the MediaPad T5 might still serve you well—especially as a dedicated media consumption device. But for most users, particularly students, parents, or casual users who want things to “just work,” the Galaxy Tab A 10.1 is the safer, more practical choice.

Ultimately, neither tablet represents the future of Android computing. But given the constraints of budget shopping, Samsung’s ecosystem advantage makes it the better buy in 2024.

💬 Have experience with either tablet? Share your thoughts below. Whether you’ve used them for work, school, or entertainment, your insights can help others make a smarter decision.