The budget tablet market is booming, offering affordable options for entertainment and basic productivity. Two contenders vying for your attention are the Blackview Tab 7 and the Lenovo Tab M8 (HD). But which one delivers the best experience for your money? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) edges out the Blackview Tab 7 thanks to its slightly more refined software experience and generally smoother performance. While the Tab 7 offers a unique CPU configuration, the M8's overall package is more polished and reliable for everyday use.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, July 05 | 2019, September. Released 2019, October |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July 05 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 241.3 x 160 x 8.9 mm (9.50 x 6.30 x 0.35 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 | 536 g (1.18 lb) | 305 g (10.76 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Asahi Glass | - |
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~76.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~76.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core (1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T310 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.8 | 2 MP |
| Video | Yes | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | 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 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 6580 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Grey, Blue, Silver | Iron Grey, Platinum Grey |
| Models | - | TB-8505X, TB-8505F, TB-8505FS |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 140 EUR |
Blackview Tab 7
- Unique CPU configuration (potentially better single-core performance)
- Generally more affordable
- Decent build quality
- Software optimization could be better
- Camera quality is low
- Slow charging
Lenovo Tab M8 (HD)
- Smoother overall performance
- More refined software experience
- Established brand reputation
- Better color accuracy on display
- CPU less powerful on paper
- Camera quality is low
- Slow charging
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature HD displays, but the Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) often has slightly better color accuracy and brightness. The Tab 7's display is adequate but may appear a bit washed out in direct sunlight. Screen sizes are similar, around 8 inches, making them both portable and suitable for media viewing.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department. Both offer basic cameras suitable for occasional video calls or quick snapshots, but image quality is generally low. Don't expect to use these tablets for serious photography.
Performance
The Blackview Tab 7's Unisoc Tiger T310 boasts a unique CPU configuration with one Cortex-A75 core alongside three Cortex-A55 cores. While this *could* offer a performance boost in specific scenarios, in reality, the Mediatek Helio A22 in the Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) generally provides a smoother and more consistent experience due to better software optimization. Expect some lag on both devices when multitasking or running demanding apps.
Battery Life
Battery life is comparable on both devices, typically offering around 8-10 hours of mixed usage. The Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) might have a slight edge due to more efficient power management. Charging speeds are slow on both, with 10W wired charging.
Buying Guide
The Blackview Tab 7 is a good choice for users prioritizing a slightly more powerful CPU on paper and are comfortable with potentially less optimized software. The Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) is ideal for those seeking a reliable, user-friendly tablet for media consumption and light tasks, with a more established brand reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which tablet is better for gaming?
Neither tablet is ideal for demanding games. Both will struggle with titles requiring significant processing power. Light, casual games are playable on both.
❓ What is the storage capacity of each tablet?
Both typically come with 32GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. Check the specific model you're purchasing for exact storage options.
