The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Alcatel 3T10 2020 and Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) represent two compelling options. While both aim to deliver an affordable Android experience, they diverge significantly in their internal hardware, impacting performance and overall usability. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 680 (or Helio G80) chipset provides a substantially faster and more responsive experience than the Alcatel 3T10’s MediaTek MT8766B, making it better suited for multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications. The 20W charging is also a welcome addition.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 26, 28, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat13 390/75 Mbps - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, Q4. Released 2020, Q4 | 2022, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 243.3 x 161.2 x 9.4 mm (9.58 x 6.35 x 0.37 in) | 251.2 x 158.8 x 7.5 mm (9.89 x 6.25 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 475 g (1.05 lb) | 465 g (1.03 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~220 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~75.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.61 inches, 320.4 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.8 GHz | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) - LTE model Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Wi-Fi only model |
| Chipset | MediaTek MT8766B | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) - LTE model Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) - Wi-Fi only model |
| GPU | - | Adreno 610 - LTE model Mali-G52 MC2 - Wi-Fi only model |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMCP/uMCP |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | FM Radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity, gyro |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 20W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5500 mAh | Li-Po 7700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Storm Grey, Frost Blue |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 260 EUR |
alcatel 3T10 2020
- Lower price point
- Simple and straightforward Android experience
- Potentially lighter weight
- Significantly slower performance
- Less efficient chipset
- Likely slower charging
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)
- Faster and more responsive performance
- More efficient chipset (Snapdragon 680)
- 20W fast charging
- Higher price
- May not be significantly better for extremely basic tasks
- Software updates may be less frequent
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly high-end display. However, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus likely benefits from a more modern panel manufacturing process. While specific nit brightness figures aren't provided, the Snapdragon 680’s ISP often supports better display calibration. The Alcatel 3T10’s display is likely adequate for indoor use, but may struggle in direct sunlight. Bezels are expected to be similar on both, typical for this price bracket. Color accuracy is likely to be standard for both, leaning towards the warmer side.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a key strength for either tablet. Both are likely equipped with basic sensors suitable for casual snapshots. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a precise comparison. However, the Lenovo’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Snapdragon 680 or Helio G80 will likely offer better image processing capabilities, resulting in slightly improved image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. Any 2MP macro or depth sensors on either device should be considered marketing filler.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus, equipped with either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) or MediaTek Helio G80 (12nm), offers a substantial advantage over the Alcatel 3T10’s MediaTek MT8766B. The Snapdragon 680’s octa-core architecture (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) and 6nm process provide significantly more processing power and improved power efficiency. The Helio G80, while less efficient, still outperforms the MT8766B. The MT8766B’s quad-core 1.8 GHz CPU will struggle with multitasking and demanding apps. The Lenovo’s potential for smoother gaming and faster app loading times is considerable.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While mAh capacity isn’t specified, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus benefits from the more efficient Snapdragon 680 (or Helio G80) chipset, potentially leading to longer runtimes despite similar battery sizes. Crucially, the Lenovo supports 20W wired charging, significantly reducing charging times compared to the Alcatel 3T10, which likely uses a slower charging standard. This faster charging is a practical advantage for users who rely on their tablet throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Alcatel 3T10 2020 if you need a very basic tablet for simple tasks like reading ebooks, light web browsing, and occasional video playback, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) if you prioritize performance for streaming, light gaming, multitasking, and appreciate faster charging speeds, even at a slightly higher price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Alcatel 3T10 2020 struggle with video streaming services like Netflix or YouTube?
Yes, the MediaTek MT8766B chipset is likely to exhibit buffering or lag when streaming high-resolution video, especially on demanding platforms like Netflix. The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus, with its Snapdragon 680 or Helio G80, will provide a much smoother streaming experience.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Snapdragon 680 and Helio G80 versions of the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus significant?
The Snapdragon 680 is the more powerful and efficient chipset. While both offer a substantial upgrade over the Alcatel's processor, the Snapdragon 680 will deliver better sustained performance, especially during gaming or multitasking. The Helio G80 is still a capable processor, but the Snapdragon 680 is the preferred option if available.
❓ Can either tablet be used for light gaming?
The Alcatel 3T10 2020 is only suitable for very basic, undemanding games. The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) with the Snapdragon 680 can handle light gaming titles at lower settings, but don't expect a high-end gaming experience.
