Looking for an affordable Android tablet? The BLU M8L Plus and Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) are popular contenders in the budget space. But which one offers the best value for your money? We'll dive deep into their specs and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) edges out the BLU M8L Plus thanks to its slightly more efficient chipset and generally better software support. While both are budget options, the Lenovo offers a smoother experience and potentially longer software updates, making it the slightly better choice overall.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 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, 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 | 2020, August. Released 2020, August | 2019, September. Released 2019, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 208 x 123.7 x 10.5 mm (8.19 x 4.87 x 0.41 in) | 199.1 x 121.8 x 8.2 mm (7.84 x 4.80 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 383 g (13.51 oz) | 305 g (10.76 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| 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 | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| 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 | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 4300 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue | Iron Grey, Platinum Grey |
| Models | - | TB-8505X, TB-8505F, TB-8505FS |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 140 EUR |
BLU M8L Plus
- Larger Display
- Potentially Lower Price
- Octa-Core CPU (though less powerful)
- Lower Performance
- Potentially Slower Software Updates
- Less Efficient Chipset
Lenovo Tab M8 (HD)
- Better Performance (Helio A22)
- More Efficient Chipset
- Potentially Longer Software Support
- Smaller Display
- Slightly Higher Price (potentially)
Display Comparison
The BLU M8L Plus typically features a larger display (often around 8.7 inches) compared to the Lenovo Tab M8 (HD)'s 8-inch HD screen. While both offer decent viewing, the BLU's larger size can be advantageous for media consumption. However, the Lenovo's HD resolution provides a slightly sharper image.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department, being typical of budget devices. Expect basic 2-5MP front and rear cameras on both. Image quality will be adequate for video calls but not suitable for serious photography. The Lenovo might have a slight edge in image processing due to its chipset.
Performance
The Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) with its Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 chipset and quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU generally outperforms the BLU M8L Plus's octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55. The A22's 12nm process offers better power efficiency and a noticeable speed boost in everyday tasks. The BLU's octa-core setup doesn't translate to significantly better performance due to the lower clock speed.
Battery Life
Battery life is generally comparable, with both devices offering around 5-8 hours of usage depending on usage patterns. The Lenovo's more efficient chipset *could* provide slightly longer battery life under heavy load, but real-world differences are likely minimal.
Buying Guide
The BLU M8L Plus is a good option for users prioritizing a larger screen and basic functionality on a very tight budget. The Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) is ideal for those seeking a more reliable and smoother experience, even if it means a slightly smaller display, and who value potential software updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference in RAM between the two tablets?
RAM configurations vary depending on the specific model, but both typically offer 2GB or 3GB. Check the exact specifications of the model you're considering.
❓ Which tablet is better for gaming?
The Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) is the better choice for light gaming due to its more powerful chipset. However, neither tablet is designed for demanding games.
