The budget tablet market is booming, offering incredible value for money. Two contenders vying for your attention are the Blackview Tab 6 and the Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen). But which one delivers the best experience for your needs and budget? Let's dive in and find out.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) edges out the Blackview Tab 6 thanks to its more powerful processor and generally better software support. While the Blackview offers a competitive price, the Lenovo's smoother performance and longer-term updates make it the slightly better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 19, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 15 | 2021, June 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November | Available. Released 2022, February |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 207.6 x 124 x 9.5 mm (8.17 x 4.88 x 0.37 in) | 199.1 x 121.8 x 8.2 mm (7.84 x 4.80 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 365 g (12.87 oz) | 305 g (10.76 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Innolux Glass | - |
| 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 (~72.1% 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 (1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T310 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 (Go edition) - 2 GB RAM versionAndroid 11 - 3 GB RAM version |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 2 MP |
| Video | Yes | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 5580 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Gold, Blue | Iron Grey, Platinum Grey |
| Price | About 120 EUR | - |
Blackview Tab 6
- Very affordable
- Decent for basic tasks
- Relatively lightweight
- Lower performance
- Limited software updates
- Average display quality
Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen)
- Better performance
- Longer software support
- Slightly brighter display
- More responsive
- Slightly more expensive
- Camera quality is still basic
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 8-inch displays, but the Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) typically boasts a slightly higher resolution (1280 x 800) compared to the Blackview Tab 6 (likely 1280 x 800 as well, but confirmation needed). Expect similar viewing angles and color accuracy, suitable for everyday use but not ideal for professional photo or video editing. The Lenovo often has a slightly brighter display.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department. Both feature basic rear and front-facing cameras suitable for video calls and occasional snapshots. Image quality will be average in both cases, especially in low-light conditions. Don't expect to use these tablets for serious photography.
Performance
Here's where the Lenovo takes a clear lead. The MediaTek Helio P22T in the Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) is significantly faster than the Unisoc Tiger T310 in the Blackview Tab 6. Expect smoother app loading, quicker multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Lenovo. The Lenovo's octa-core processor provides a noticeable advantage.
Battery Life
The Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) generally offers a slightly better battery life, often around 8-10 hours of mixed usage. The Blackview Tab 6's battery life is respectable, but may fall slightly short, typically around 6-8 hours. Both tablets support standard charging speeds.
Buying Guide
The Blackview Tab 6 is ideal for users on a very tight budget who primarily need a tablet for basic tasks like browsing, reading, and light media consumption. The Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) is a better fit for those who want a more responsive experience for multitasking, gaming, and occasional video editing, and appreciate longer software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which tablet is better for gaming?
The Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor. While neither tablet is a gaming powerhouse, the Lenovo will handle less demanding games more smoothly.
❓ How long will Lenovo provide software updates for the Tab M8 (3rd Gen)?
Lenovo typically provides at least two years of software updates for their tablets, ensuring you receive security patches and bug fixes. Blackview's update support is often less consistent.
