Choosing a budget-friendly tablet can be tricky. The BLU M8L 2022 and Lenovo Tab 4 8 Plus both offer affordable options, but which one delivers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which tablet is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Lenovo Tab 4 8 Plus edges out the BLU M8L 2022 thanks to its more efficient Snapdragon 625 chipset and generally better software support. While the BLU boasts a slightly faster CPU core, the Lenovo's octa-core processor and mature platform provide a smoother overall experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (TB-8704X/TB-8704N only) |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 7, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February | 2017, February. Released 2017, July |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 209 x 126 x 10.6 mm (8.23 x 4.96 x 0.42 in) | 210 x 123 x 7 mm (8.27 x 4.84 x 0.28 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM - cellular model only |
| Weight | 360 g (12.70 oz) | 300 g (10.58 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~283 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~70.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~71.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625 (14 nm) - Wi-Fi/LTEQualcomm APQ8053 - Wi-Fi only |
| GPU | - | Adreno 506 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 7.0 (Nougat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.0 (TB-8704V), USB Type-C 2.0 (all other versions) |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity (8704X/8704N only) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4850 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Bronze | Aurora Black, Sparkling White |
| Models | - | TB-8704X |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 200 EUR |
BLU M8L 2022
- Larger screen (estimated)
- Potentially more RAM (speculation)
- Affordable price
- Likely lower performance
- Potentially lower display quality
- Uncertain software support
Lenovo Tab 4 8 Plus
- Efficient Snapdragon 625 chipset
- Better multitasking performance
- More mature software support
- Potentially better battery life
- Smaller screen
- 10W charging is slow
- Older model
Display Comparison
The BLU M8L 2022 likely features a larger display (estimated 10.1 inches) compared to the Lenovo Tab 4 8 Plus's 8-inch screen. However, display quality (resolution, brightness, color accuracy) is often a weak point in budget tablets. Expect both to offer adequate viewing, but not exceptional visuals. The Lenovo's smaller size might make it more portable.
Camera Comparison
Don't expect stellar camera performance from either device. Both are budget tablets, and cameras are often an afterthought. The Lenovo Tab 4 8 Plus likely has a slightly better camera setup, but both will be adequate for basic video calls and occasional snapshots in good lighting. Expect grainy images in low light.
Performance
Here's where the Lenovo Tab 4 8 Plus shines. The Snapdragon 625 is a well-regarded chipset known for its efficiency and performance. While the BLU M8L 2022 has a faster single core (2.0 GHz Cortex-A75), the Lenovo's octa-core Cortex-A53 processor generally provides smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. The BLU's Cortex-A75 is likely paired with a less powerful GPU.
Battery Life
The Lenovo Tab 4 8 Plus, with its 10W wired charging and efficient Snapdragon 625, likely offers better battery life than the BLU M8L 2022. While the BLU may have a larger battery capacity, the Lenovo's chipset is more power-efficient. Expect the Lenovo to last longer on a single charge.
Buying Guide
The BLU M8L 2022 is ideal for users prioritizing a larger screen and basic functionality on a tight budget. The Lenovo Tab 4 8 Plus is a better choice for those seeking a more reliable and responsive tablet for everyday tasks, media consumption, and light gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the BLU M8L 2022 good for gaming?
The BLU M8L 2022's performance is likely limited, so it's best suited for casual games. Demanding titles may struggle.
❓ How much storage do these tablets offer?
Storage varies by configuration, but both typically offer around 32GB with expandable storage via microSD card.
❓ What Android version do these tablets run?
The BLU M8L 2022 likely runs a newer version of Android, but software updates are uncertain. The Lenovo Tab 4 8 Plus runs an older version, but has generally received more consistent updates.