The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Blackview Tab 8 and Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) represent compelling options for users seeking affordable Android experiences. This comparison dives deep into their specifications, focusing on performance differences stemming from their respective chipsets and the implications for everyday use.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) offers a superior experience thanks to its more powerful Snapdragon 680 (or Helio G80) chipset and faster 20W charging. While the Blackview Tab 8 is cheaper, the performance trade-offs are significant.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | 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, July 21. Released 2020, July | 2022, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 243.6 x 162.4 x 8.9 mm (9.59 x 6.39 x 0.35 in) | 251.2 x 158.8 x 7.5 mm (9.89 x 6.25 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 600 g (1.32 lb) | 465 g (1.03 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Asahi Glass | - |
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~220 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~74.8% 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 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | 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 | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) - LTE model Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) - Wi-Fi only model |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Adreno 610 - LTE model Mali-G52 MC2 - Wi-Fi only model |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMCP/uMCP |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | FM Radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity, gyro |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 20W wired |
| Type | 6580 mAh | Li-Po 7700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Gold | Storm Grey, Frost Blue |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 260 EUR |
Blackview Tab 8
- Most affordable option
- Acceptable for basic tasks
- Lightweight and portable
- Significantly slower performance
- Slow 10W charging
- Outdated chipset architecture
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)
- Faster and more responsive performance
- 20W fast charging
- More efficient processor
- Higher price point
- Camera quality is still basic
- May not be ideal for intensive gaming
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, the core difference lies in processing power impacting UI smoothness. Display specs beyond panel type are not provided, so we can assume similar resolutions and pixel densities. The lack of high refresh rates is expected, focusing on battery life instead.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a key strength for either tablet. Details are limited, but given the price point, expectations should be tempered. The focus should be on basic video calls and occasional snapshots. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison, but the processor’s image signal processor (ISP) plays a crucial role, and the Lenovo’s superior chipset will likely result in better image processing and slightly improved photo quality.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) offers two chipset options: the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) in LTE models and the MediaTek Helio G80 (12nm) in Wi-Fi only models. Both represent a substantial upgrade over the Blackview Tab 8’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The Snapdragon 680’s Kryo 265 Gold cores, clocked at 2.4 GHz, deliver significantly faster processing speeds compared to the Cortex-A55 cores in the Unisoc chip, which peak at 1.6 GHz. The 6nm process node of the Snapdragon 680 also translates to improved power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling during sustained workloads. Even the Helio G80, built on a 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance boost over the older, larger-node Unisoc chip. This difference will be most apparent in app launch times, multitasking, and demanding applications.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn’t specified, the charging speeds reveal a key advantage for the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) with its 20W wired charging. The Blackview Tab 8 is limited to 10W charging. This means the Lenovo will recharge significantly faster, minimizing downtime. The more efficient Snapdragon 680 (or Helio G80) chipset also contributes to potentially longer battery life during typical usage, offsetting any potential capacity differences.
Buying Guide
Buy the Blackview Tab 8 if you prioritize absolute affordability and need a basic tablet for light tasks like reading ebooks or simple web browsing. Buy the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) if you value smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and quicker charging, even if it means spending a bit more. The Lenovo is the better choice for streaming video and casual gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Blackview Tab 8 struggle with multiple apps open simultaneously?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A chipset and limited RAM (specs not provided, but likely 3GB or 4GB) will likely result in noticeable slowdowns and app reloading when multitasking with several applications open at once. It's best suited for running one app at a time.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 680 in the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus powerful enough for casual gaming?
The Snapdragon 680 is capable of handling most casual Android games at medium settings. However, demanding titles may require lower graphics settings to maintain a smooth frame rate. The Helio G80 variant will offer slightly less gaming performance.
❓ Does the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus support video playback in HD or Full HD?
While not explicitly stated, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus should comfortably handle HD and Full HD video playback, given its processor and likely display resolution. Streaming services like Netflix and YouTube should function without issue.
❓ What type of storage does each tablet use, and is it expandable?
Storage type isn't specified, but both likely use eMMC storage, common in this price range. Expandability via microSD card is highly probable on both devices, but confirmation requires checking specific model specifications.
