The sub-$150 tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Alcatel 3T 8 and Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) represent two popular choices. While both aim to deliver affordable Android experiences, they differ significantly in processing power and overall performance. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which tablet offers the best value for everyday tasks.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) is the superior choice. Its octa-core Helio P22T processor provides a noticeably smoother experience for multitasking, streaming, and light gaming compared to the Alcatel 3T 8’s quad-core MT8765. While both tablets are entry-level, the Lenovo offers a more future-proofed platform.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 66, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 19, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | LTE | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2018, October 08. Released 2018, October 08 | 2021, June 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, February |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 209.5 x 125 x 8.3 mm (8.25 x 4.92 x 0.33 in) | 199.1 x 121.8 x 8.2 mm (7.84 x 4.80 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 279 g (9.84 oz) | 305 g (10.76 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~70.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~76.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TDDI IPS LCD, 350 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.28 GHz | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8765 | Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 8.1 (Oreo) | Android 11 (Go edition) - 2 GB RAM versionAndroid 11 - 3 GB RAM version |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.8, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.65µm | 2 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 4080 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Iron Grey, Platinum Grey |
| Models | 9027Q, 9027W, 9032X, 9032T, 9032X_EEA | - |
| Price | About 140 EUR | - |
alcatel 3T 8
- Lower price point makes it very accessible.
- Functional for basic tasks like reading and web browsing.
- Compact and lightweight design.
- Significantly slower processor compared to the Lenovo.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
- May struggle with demanding apps and games.
Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen)
- Faster octa-core processor for smoother performance.
- More efficient 12nm process potentially extends battery life.
- Better suited for streaming, social media, and light gaming.
- Slightly higher price than the Alcatel 3T 8.
- Still an entry-level tablet with limitations.
- Camera quality is likely basic.
Display Comparison
Neither tablet boasts a particularly impressive display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, detailed specs like resolution and brightness are missing. Given the Alcatel 3T 8’s focus on cost reduction, it may have a lower resolution panel. The Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) likely benefits from a slightly more refined display experience, but neither will compete with higher-end tablets in terms of color accuracy or viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are likely equipped with basic cameras suitable for occasional snapshots. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a precise comparison. However, the Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen), benefiting from its more modern chipset, may have slightly improved image processing capabilities. Expect both to struggle in low-light conditions.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) features the Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T, an octa-core processor built on a 12nm process. This means eight cores – four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and four at 1.8 GHz – offering substantial multitasking capabilities. In contrast, the Alcatel 3T 8 is equipped with the Mediatek MT8765, a quad-core processor clocked at 1.28 GHz. The P22T’s higher clock speeds and core count translate to faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive user interface. The 12nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially extending battery life under load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen)’s more efficient 12nm processor and optimized power management could result in longer battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the Alcatel 3T 8. Charging wattage is also unknown, but the Lenovo’s chipset may support faster charging protocols, reducing the time to reach a full charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Alcatel 3T 8 if you prioritize extreme affordability and only need a tablet for very basic tasks like reading ebooks or simple web browsing. It’s a functional device for minimal usage. Buy the Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) if you want a more responsive and versatile tablet capable of handling streaming video, social media, and light gaming without significant lag. The extra processing power justifies the slight price premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) handle streaming video services like Netflix and YouTube smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio P22T processor in the Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) is capable of handling 1080p video streaming without significant lag. The octa-core architecture provides enough processing power for a smooth viewing experience, unlike the Alcatel 3T 8 which may exhibit stuttering with demanding video content.
❓ Is the Alcatel 3T 8 suitable for playing mobile games?
The Alcatel 3T 8 is only suitable for very basic mobile games. The quad-core MT8765 processor will struggle with graphically intensive titles, resulting in low frame rates and a poor gaming experience. The Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) offers a slightly better gaming experience, but it’s still not a dedicated gaming device.
❓ How much storage does each tablet offer, and is it expandable?
Storage capacity is not specified in the provided data. However, both tablets likely offer a base storage option of 32GB or 64GB. It's highly probable that both devices feature a microSD card slot for expandable storage, allowing users to add more space for apps, photos, and videos.
❓ Which tablet is better for reading ebooks and magazines?
Both tablets are adequate for reading ebooks and magazines. However, the Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen)'s slightly more responsive processor may result in faster page turns and a smoother reading experience. The display quality, while not exceptional on either device, is sufficient for comfortable reading.
