The "1-Minute" Review
Verdict
The TCL Tab Pro 5G is a traveller’s dream, a potentially travel-changing charge bank and hotspot. It also has a slower rate of battery loss while the tablet is not in use. Some parts of it may turn off consumers if they are not the travelling sort or perhaps someone who goes many places in their workday.What's good
- Lightweight
- 5G support with hotspot
- Bright screen
- USB-C fast charge support
- Long battery life
What's bad
- No headphone jack
- Sometimes lags for no reason
- Poor graphics quality for popular games
While the TCL Tab Pro 5G didn’t set out to be perfect for travelling consumers, it ended up that way anyhow. Here’s why reviewers love it.
Design
It’s surprisingly lightweight for this type of tablet, so it’s easy to store and carry. It comes in a metallic black color which is largely unassuming but also nice looking. The fingerprint scanner is located on the power button on the side along with the volume buttons, and there is a face unlock ability.
Display
The TCL Tab Pro 5G comes with a 10.3-inch FHD+ screen with specialized dark and eye comfort modes. These modes allow for easier reading to keep down eye fatigue. It has a 60Hz refresh rate which is common among tablets at this price point.
Performance
In terms of performance, reviews were reasonably good. Some issues were outstanding, like its ability to become inexplicably laggy at times. It’s not a tablet for intense gaming as the graphics level it can handle is far below what demanding high-resolution games require.
Overall it did well. It’s not quite the multi-tasker as other tablets are, but for someone with basic daily needs, it should be more than enough to please.
Software & Storage
The tablet comes installed with Android 11, but reviewers said it’s expected to have Android 12 soon. The storage starts at 64GB out of the box; however, a MicroSD expansion slot allows for more space.
Cameras
As with most cameras attached to tablets, this one isn’t the most detailed, but it does well. It can record HD video and capture decent images in good lighting.
Battery Life
It’s stated that the battery can last up to 17 hours on a single charge with battery-saving measures activated. Reviewers found the tablet to have average battery life when using it full tilt. The impressive part for reviewers was the battery drain while not being actively used.
Many noted that it could go multiple days on a charge with power-saving settings on. It can also be used as a battery bank for other devices on the go.
Audio
Nothing, in particular, stuck out to reviewers in terms of sound. However, they were disappointed to see that it does not have a headphone jack.
Accessories
Reviewers were disappointed that no extra stylus or accessories such as keyboards are available for this tablet as of yet.
Specs at a Glance
- Plastic design
- 10.3-inch FHD+ display
- Qualcomm Kryo Octa-core 2 GHz processor
- 4GB of RAM
- Android 11
- 64GB of storage with MicroSD expansion option
- 13+MP cameras
- 17-hour battery life
The Bottom Line
This tablet might not be everyone's cup of tea. However, this might be just the thing for those on the go. When you consider using this tablet as a hotspot or battery bank, thanks to reverse USB-C charging and 5G, this would be the perfect tablet for someone who is always out and about or on business trips.
Digital Trends says, “The Tab Pro 5G runs Android 11 out of the box, supports Bluetooth 5.0, and is built to utilize Verizon’s 5G coverage and speeds by supporting mmWave and sub-6GHz. Is it among some of the best tablets of 2021? Probably not. But a reasonable price and 5G connectivity may make it a compelling enough option for Verizon customers.”
Tom’s Guide states, “The TCL Pro 5G features a large FHD display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G processor, a 13MP rear camera, and more. The tablet can handle one’s everyday digital needs, whether it’s video conferencing, gaming, photography, or streaming. However, aside from its 5G connectivity, there isn't a lot that's noteworthy about this budget tablet.”
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Steven Winkelman, PC MagazineThe Verizon-exclusive TCL Tab Pro 5G is the most affordable tablet with built-in millimeter-wave 5G connectivity, but you can find more powerful and versatile alternatives if you're willing to use Wi-Fi or hotspot your phone.
- Alejandro Medellin, InputWhile the TCL Tab Pro 5G is a reliable mid-range tablet, unfortunately, it shoots itself in the foot in two ways: its features don’t justify the $400 price and it’s exclusive to Verizon. I can vouch for the Tab Pro 5G’s vibrant 2K screen, long battery life, and above-average gaming performance, but...
- Brittany A. Roston, SlashGearThe TAB Pro 5G’s inconsistent performance detracts from the tablet, which is ultimately a very basic Android slate targeted at consumers who need a companion device for casual tasks and entertainment, not a workhorse that can be used to get significant work done on the road or at the local coffee sh...
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