The Acer Iconia V11 and Lenovo S850 represent vastly different approaches to the tablet market. The S850, built around the older Mediatek MT6582, targets ultra-budget users, while the Iconia V11, powered by the Helio G99, aims for a balance of affordability and modern performance. This comparison dissects the core differences, revealing a significant performance gap.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the vast majority of users, the Acer Iconia V11 is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio G99 chipset delivers substantially faster processing speeds and a more responsive experience, making it suitable for gaming and multitasking. The Lenovo S850 remains an option only for those with extremely limited budgets and basic usage needs.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - cellular model only | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - cellular model only | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE - cellular model only | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| | - | HSDPA 850 / 1900 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, May 16 | 2014, February. Released 2014, June |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, August | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum alloy frame | - |
| Dimensions | 7.9 mm thickness | 141 x 71 x 8.2 mm (5.55 x 2.80 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM) |
| Weight | 500 g (1.10 lb) | 140 g (4.94 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~207 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.92 inches, 345.8 cm2 | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~68.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6582 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-400MP2 |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 13 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 3.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | Unspecified | GPS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Unspecified | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 336 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 13 h |
| Type | 8000 mAh | Li-Po 2000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gold | Pink, White |
| Models | V11-21M, V11-22M | S850 |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 200 EUR |
Acer Iconia V11
- Significantly faster processor for smooth multitasking.
- More power-efficient chipset for longer battery life.
- Likely features a higher-quality display.
- May be more expensive than the Lenovo S850.
- Specific display details are unknown.
Lenovo S850
- Extremely affordable price point.
- Simple and easy-to-use interface.
- Potentially longer battery life due to larger capacity (speculation).
- Very slow processor struggles with modern apps.
- Outdated chipset and architecture.
- Likely has a low-resolution and color-inaccurate display.
Display Comparison
Context data lacks display specifics for both devices. However, given the S850's age, it likely features a lower resolution and less color accurate panel compared to the Iconia V11. The Iconia V11, being a more recent device, likely benefits from improved viewing angles and potentially higher brightness. The S850's older display tech will likely exhibit wider bezels.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera details, a direct comparison is limited. However, given the S850’s age and target market, its camera is likely to be significantly inferior to any camera system found in a modern tablet like the Iconia V11. The Iconia V11 likely features a more capable main sensor and image processing algorithms, resulting in better image quality in various lighting conditions. The S850 likely relies on basic image processing and a lower-resolution sensor.
Performance
The performance disparity is stark. The Acer Iconia V11’s Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) utilizes an octa-core CPU with Cortex-A76 performance cores, offering a significant advantage over the Lenovo S850’s quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 (28nm). The 6nm process node of the Helio G99 provides superior power efficiency and thermal management, allowing for sustained performance. The Iconia V11’s CPU architecture is also far more modern, resulting in faster single-core and multi-core performance. The S850’s MT6582, designed for entry-level smartphones years ago, will struggle with demanding applications and multitasking.
Battery Life
Context data lacks battery capacity for both devices. However, the Helio G99’s 6nm process contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting a smaller battery capacity compared to the S850. The S850’s older, less efficient chipset will consume more power for the same tasks, potentially leading to shorter battery life despite a larger capacity. Charging wattage is also unknown, but the Iconia V11 likely supports faster charging speeds due to its more modern design.
Buying Guide
Buy the Acer Iconia V11 if you need a tablet capable of handling modern apps, light gaming, and multitasking without frustrating lag. It's ideal for students, casual gamers, and anyone who wants a responsive tablet experience. Buy the Lenovo S850 if your primary needs are limited to basic web browsing, email, and video playback, and you prioritize the absolute lowest price point above all else.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lenovo S850 struggle with video streaming services like Netflix or YouTube?
Yes, the Lenovo S850’s MT6582 processor is likely to experience buffering and lag when streaming high-definition video content. The limited processing power and older architecture will struggle to decode and render video smoothly, especially on demanding platforms like Netflix.
❓ Can the Acer Iconia V11 handle light gaming, such as casual puzzle games or older titles?
Absolutely. The Acer Iconia V11’s Mediatek Helio G99 chipset is capable of handling light gaming without issue. While it won’t run the most demanding mobile games at maximum settings, it will provide a smooth and enjoyable experience for casual games and older titles.
❓ Is the difference in performance between these two tablets noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing the web and checking email?
Yes, the difference is very noticeable. The Iconia V11 will feel significantly more responsive when opening apps, switching between tasks, and browsing the web. The S850 will exhibit noticeable lag and slowdowns, making even simple tasks feel sluggish.
