The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, with options like the Cubot Tab 40 and Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) vying for attention. Both aim to deliver a functional Android experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The key differentiator lies in their chipsets: Unisoc’s Tiger T616 in the Cubot versus Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 680 (or Mediatek Helio G80 in the Wi-Fi model) in the Lenovo. This comparison will dissect these differences and determine which tablet offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and efficiency, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) with the Snapdragon 680 is the better choice. Its 6nm process node provides a clear advantage in thermal management and power consumption, translating to smoother multitasking and longer battery life compared to the Cubot Tab 40’s Unisoc T616.
| 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 | 2023, September 11 | 2022, May |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, September 18 | Available. Released 2022, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 247.3 x 157.1 x 7.7 mm (9.74 x 6.19 x 0.30 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 | 449 g (15.84 oz) | 465 g (1.03 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~220 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~79.2% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 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 Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) - LTE model Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) - Wi-Fi only model |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 610 - LTE model Mali-G52 MC2 - Wi-Fi only model |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMCP/uMCP |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM Radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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, gyro, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, gyro |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 20W wired |
| Type | 7000 mAh | Li-Po 7700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray | Storm Grey, Frost Blue |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 260 EUR |
Cubot Tab 40
- Potentially lower price point
- Adequate for basic tasks
- Unisoc T616 offers decent efficiency for light use
- Inferior chipset performance compared to Snapdragon 680
- Likely slower charging speeds
- May struggle with multitasking and demanding apps
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)
- Superior performance with Snapdragon 680 (or competitive with Helio G80)
- More efficient 6nm process (Snapdragon variant)
- Faster 20W charging
- Slightly higher price
- Helio G80 variant less efficient than Snapdragon 680
- Camera performance likely similar to Cubot Tab 40
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. Specifications are missing for both regarding brightness and color accuracy, but given their price points, we can expect IPS LCD panels with decent, but not exceptional, viewing angles. The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) likely benefits from Lenovo’s display calibration expertise, potentially offering slightly more accurate colors. Bezels are expected to be similar on both, reflecting their budget positioning. The absence of high refresh rate panels is standard for this segment.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are likely equipped with basic camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both will struggle in low-light conditions. The focus should be on video calling and casual snapshots, not photography. Any claims of advanced features should be viewed with skepticism. The absence of OIS on both devices further limits their photographic capabilities.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) offers two variants: a Snapdragon 680 (6nm) and a Mediatek Helio G80 (12nm). The Snapdragon 680, with its Kryo 265 Gold cores clocked at 2.4 GHz, provides a significant performance uplift over the Unisoc Tiger T616 in the Cubot Tab 40. The 6nm process node of the Snapdragon is crucial; it generates less heat and consumes less power for the same level of performance. While both CPUs feature a 2x Cortex-A75 and 6x Cortex-A55 configuration, the Snapdragon’s superior architecture and manufacturing process give it the edge. The Wi-Fi only model with the Helio G80 will perform similarly to the Cubot Tab 40, but still benefits from Qualcomm's GPU.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both will likely fall in the 5000-7000 mAh range. However, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) benefits from the Snapdragon 680’s superior power efficiency. This translates to longer battery life during typical usage. Furthermore, the Lenovo supports 20W wired charging, allowing for faster top-ups compared to the likely slower charging speeds of the Cubot Tab 40. The 6nm process node of the Snapdragon is the key factor here, minimizing power draw during both active use and standby.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot Tab 40 if you need a tablet for very basic tasks like media consumption and light web browsing, and are on an extremely tight budget. Its Unisoc T616 is adequate for these scenarios. Buy the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) if you prioritize smoother multitasking, occasional gaming, and a more responsive user experience, especially if you opt for the 4G LTE model with the Snapdragon 680. The improved chipset and 20W charging justify the slightly higher price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc Tiger T616 in the Cubot Tab 40 struggle with multiple apps open simultaneously?
Yes, the Unisoc Tiger T616, while capable for basic tasks, is likely to exhibit slowdowns and lag when running several apps concurrently. Its lower processing power and less efficient architecture compared to the Snapdragon 680 mean it has less headroom for multitasking.
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio G80 version of the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) a significant downgrade compared to the Snapdragon 680 version?
The Helio G80 is a capable chipset, but it's less efficient than the Snapdragon 680 due to its 12nm process. You'll notice a difference in battery life and sustained performance, especially during gaming or demanding tasks. The Snapdragon 680 offers a smoother and more efficient experience.
❓ Can either of these tablets handle popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
Both tablets can *run* these games, but the experience will be significantly better on the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) with the Snapdragon 680. Expect lower frame rates and more frequent stuttering on the Cubot Tab 40. The Helio G80 version of the Lenovo will offer a better gaming experience than the Cubot, but still won't match the Snapdragon.
