Looking for an affordable Android tablet? The BLU M8L Plus and Lenovo Tab 4 8 Plus are popular contenders in the budget space. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison will dive deep into their specs and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Lenovo Tab 4 8 Plus generally edges out the BLU M8L Plus thanks to its Snapdragon 625 chipset, offering noticeably better performance and efficiency. While both are budget options, the Lenovo provides a smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming.
| 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 | 2020, August. Released 2020, August | 2017, February. Released 2017, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 208 x 123.7 x 10.5 mm (8.19 x 4.87 x 0.41 in) | 210 x 123 x 7 mm (8.27 x 4.84 x 0.28 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM - cellular model only |
| Weight | 383 g (13.51 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 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~71.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 | 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 2GB 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 | microUSB 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 4300 mAh | Li-Po 4850 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue | Aurora Black, Sparkling White |
| Models | - | TB-8704X |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 200 EUR |
BLU M8L Plus
- Potentially larger screen
- More affordable price point
- Basic media consumption
- Weaker processor
- Lower battery life
- Potentially lower resolution display
- Less responsive
Lenovo Tab 4 8 Plus
- Better performance (Snapdragon 625)
- Longer battery life
- More responsive multitasking
- Potentially better camera processing
- Slightly higher price
- Smaller screen compared to potential BLU models
- Basic camera quality
Display Comparison
The BLU M8L Plus likely boasts a larger display, potentially around 8 inches or more, offering more screen real estate for videos and browsing. The Lenovo Tab 4 8 Plus features an 8-inch display. Both likely use IPS panels, providing decent viewing angles, but color accuracy and brightness may be average for the price point. Resolution is likely FHD+ on the Lenovo and potentially lower on the BLU.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is expected to have exceptional cameras. Both will likely feature basic 5-8MP front and rear cameras suitable for video calls and casual snapshots. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The Lenovo might have a slight edge due to the Snapdragon's image processing capabilities.
Performance
Here's where the Lenovo Tab 4 8 Plus shines. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 chipset is significantly more powerful and efficient than the BLU M8L Plus's Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better overall responsiveness on the Lenovo. The BLU will handle basic tasks, but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Lenovo Tab 4 8 Plus's Snapdragon 625 is known for its power efficiency. Coupled with its 5000mAh battery, it should offer longer battery life than the BLU M8L Plus, which likely has a smaller battery capacity. Expect 8-10 hours of moderate use on the Lenovo, compared to potentially 6-8 hours on the BLU.
Buying Guide
The BLU M8L Plus is a good choice for users prioritizing a larger screen on a tight budget and primarily needing it for basic media consumption. The Lenovo Tab 4 8 Plus is ideal for those seeking a more responsive tablet for multitasking, light gaming, and general productivity, even if the screen is slightly smaller.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the processors in these tablets?
The Lenovo Tab 4 8 Plus uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625, which is a more powerful and efficient processor than the BLU M8L Plus's Octa-core Cortex-A55. This translates to better performance and battery life on the Lenovo.
❓ Which tablet is better for gaming?
The Lenovo Tab 4 8 Plus is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful processor. It will handle games more smoothly and with less lag.
