TCL TAB 10S review: Unexpected result as two-year-old plays with tablet

In a warning shot to the top technology companies, upstart TCL has entered in the tablet market. And it’s not taking any prisoners.

There’s a cheap new tablet on the market that’s giving top tech companies like Samsung a run for their money.

TCL has launched its first tablet in Australia — its latest offering in a flurry of new products this year.

TCL sent a tablet my way for a review and I immediately handed it over to my two-year-old for the rough and tumble test.

I loaded up the pre-installed Kids Learning app, an environment that allows a child to use the tablet safely. I didn’t want to end up like the Sydney dad whose five-year-old ordered $1200 of Gelato Messina ice cream and sent it to work via Uber Eats!

The Kids Learning app on the TCL TAB 10S. Picture: Andrew Backhouse

There are educational videos, drawing programs and other games which kept my daughter entertained while I was busy with chores and working from home.

Surprisingly, the two-year-old instantly figured out how to navigate the device by herself. I know it seems like most kids are full-blown hackers by the time they turn 10, but it was unexpected.

It wasn’t long before the child-whispering magic of Toy Genie made an appearance.

Navigating between tabs and loading apps was fast. We use a Galaxy Tab A7 at home and the TCL TAB 10S is more than a match.

The TCL TAB 10S. Picture: Andrew Backhouse

What is under the hood of the TCL TAB 10S

The TCL TAB 10S is a 10-inch tablet with an IPS 1200x1920 FHD display.

It comes with 64GB memory that can be expanded to 256GB.

It has a rear and front camera, Wi-Fi, bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and a sizeable 8000mAh battery.

A stylus pen and flip protective case are both standard inclusions.

Joseph Corrente, Channel Manager for TCL Communication Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands said it was a huge year of growth for TCL Mobile in Australia, with the launch of the tablet and the MOVEAUDIO S150 True Wireless Headphones.

The TCL TAB 10S. Picture: Supplied

“This expansion means we have launched 11 products in just six months.

“Launching our first TCL tablet and a new range of audio is a natural progression for us in Australia, complementing our robust range of smartphones and other innovative devices that are already readily available via our retail and carrier partners.”

What’s the verdict

The TCL TAB 10S has a sleek design and the case was able to withstand the incredible rigour of a precocious two-year-old girl.

And most importantly — my daughter loves it.

It retails for $399 which is very competitive pricepoint given its display size and hardware.

Overall, it’s a buy from me.