Apple iPad Air 11 (2024) vs. Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value

Apple's latest iPad Air 11 (2024) brings the power of the M2 chip to a more accessible price point, but it faces stiff competition from the Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2, a tablet focused on delivering a solid Android experience at a significantly lower cost. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two devices, focusing on performance, efficiency, and the user experience each offers.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing performance and a premium ecosystem, the Apple iPad Air 11 (2024) is the clear winner, thanks to its M2 chip. However, the Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2 provides excellent value for those seeking a capable Android tablet for everyday tasks and media consumption without breaking the bank.

PHONES
Phone Names Apple iPad Air 11 (2024) Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - A29031, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A2903, A2904-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model onlyHSPA, LTE - cellular model only
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2024, May 072022, September 01
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, May 15Available. Released 2023, January
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame-
Dimensions247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm (9.75 x 7.03 x 0.24 in)269.1 x 169.4 x 7.4 mm (10.59 x 6.67 x 0.29 in)
SIMeSIM (cellular model only)Nano-SIM (cellular model only)
Weight462 g (1.02 lb)520 g (1.15 lb)
 -Stylus support
Display
ProtectionScratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating-
Resolution1640 x 2360 pixels (~264 ppi density)1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~203 ppi density)
Size11.0 inches, 357.6 cm2 (~80.9% screen-to-body ratio)11.5 inches, 376.4 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLiquid Retina IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ)IPS LCD, 120Hz, 400 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x3.48 GHz performance cores and 4 efficiency cores)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetApple M2Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm)
GPUApple GPU (9-core graphics)Mali-G57 MC2
OSiPadOS 17.4, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1Android 12L
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 1TB 8GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesHDRLED flash
Single12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF13 MP, f/2.4, (wide), AF
Video4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single12 MP, f/2.0, 122˚ (ultrawide)8 MP, f/2.0
Video1080p@25/30/60fps; gyro-EIS1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS (cellular model only)GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1 Gen2, DisplayPort, magnetic connectorUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG, magnetic connector
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, hotspotWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (top-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometerAccelerometer, gyro, proximity
Battery
Charging45W wired-
TypeLi-Po 7606 mAh (28.93 Wh)Li-Po 7700 mAh
Misc
ColorsSpace Gray, Starlight, Purple, BlueStorm Grey, Sage
ModelsA2902, A2903, A2904, iPad14,8, iPad14,9TB350FU
PriceAbout 700 EURAbout 350 EUR

Apple iPad Air 11 (2024)

  • Exceptional performance with the Apple M2 chip
  • Premium build quality and design
  • Faster 45W wired charging

  • Higher price point
  • Limited customization options compared to Android

Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2

  • Significantly more affordable
  • Android operating system offers greater customization
  • Good value for everyday tasks

  • Noticeably slower performance compared to the iPad Air
  • Likely lower quality display and camera

Display Comparison

While specific display specs for the Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2 are not provided, it's reasonable to expect a standard LCD panel. The iPad Air 11, however, benefits from Apple’s display expertise, likely featuring a laminated display for reduced reflections. The core difference lies in the processing power driving the display; the M2’s image signal processor will deliver superior color accuracy and dynamic range. The Helio G99, while capable, won’t match the iPad Air’s visual fidelity. Bezels are likely thinner on the iPad Air, contributing to a more immersive experience.

Camera Comparison

Given the context data, a detailed camera comparison is limited. However, Apple typically prioritizes camera quality even in its Air lineup, suggesting superior image processing and potentially larger sensors compared to the Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2. The Helio G99’s ISP is adequate for basic photography, but won’t compete with Apple’s computational photography capabilities. Expect better low-light performance and dynamic range from the iPad Air. The absence of specific camera details for the Lenovo tablet suggests it’s not a primary selling point.

Performance

The performance gap is substantial. The Apple M2, built on a 4nm process, is a significant leap ahead of the Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm). The M2’s octa-core CPU, with its 4 performance cores clocked at 3.48 GHz, will handle demanding applications with ease, while the Helio G99’s Cortex-A76 cores, peaking at 2.2 GHz, are geared towards efficiency rather than raw power. The M2’s unified memory architecture and likely LPDDR5x RAM further enhance performance, especially in tasks like video editing and multitasking. The Helio G99 will be sufficient for everyday tasks, but will struggle with resource-intensive applications. Thermal management will also favor the iPad Air, as the M2’s efficiency allows for sustained performance without significant throttling.

Battery Life

Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While the iPad Air 11’s battery capacity isn’t specified, Apple’s chip design and software optimization typically deliver excellent efficiency. The 45W wired charging on the iPad Air is faster than what’s commonly found on tablets in the Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2’s price range. The Helio G99’s 6nm process contributes to reasonable efficiency, but the M2’s architectural advantages likely translate to longer real-world battery life, especially during demanding tasks. The faster charging on the iPad Air also minimizes downtime.

Buying Guide

Buy the Apple iPad Air 11 (2024) if you need a tablet for demanding tasks like video editing, graphic design, or gaming, and if you're invested in the Apple ecosystem. Buy the Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2 if you prefer Android, prioritize affordability, and primarily use your tablet for browsing, streaming, and light productivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Mediatek Helio G99 in the Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2 struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
Yes, while the Helio G99 can handle some gaming, demanding titles like Genshin Impact will likely require significant graphics settings reductions and may still experience frame rate drops. The M2 in the iPad Air 11 (2024) offers a far smoother gaming experience with higher graphical fidelity.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the M2 and Helio G99 noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and email?
For basic tasks like browsing, email, and video streaming, the difference may not be immediately apparent. However, the M2’s superior processing power will result in snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience, even during these everyday activities.
❓ Does the iPad Air 11 (2024) support Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and the Magic Keyboard?
Yes, the iPad Air 11 (2024) is fully compatible with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and the Magic Keyboard, expanding its functionality for note-taking, drawing, and productivity. These accessories are sold separately.
❓ What kind of storage options are available for the Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2, and is it expandable?
While specific storage configurations aren't provided, the Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2 typically offers options like 64GB or 128GB of internal storage. It also usually includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage, allowing you to add more space for your files and media.