The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Cubot Tab 50 and Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) represent compelling options for users seeking affordable Android experiences. This comparison dives deep into their core specifications, focusing on the crucial differences in processing power, battery performance, and overall value proposition to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Cubot Tab 50 is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G99 chipset, built on a more modern process, delivers superior CPU and GPU performance compared to the Snapdragon 680 (or Helio G80 in the Wi-Fi model) found in the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus. While the Lenovo offers 20W charging, the performance gap justifies the trade-off.
| 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 | 2024, February 24 | 2022, May |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, March | Available. Released 2022, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 246.4 x 161.5 x 7.7 mm (9.70 x 6.36 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 | 455 g (1.00 lb) | 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 (~77.4% 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 (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 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 | Mediatek Helio G99 | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) - LTE model Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) - Wi-Fi only model |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | 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 | 256GB 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 | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 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 | 7500 mAh | Li-Po 7700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray | Storm Grey, Frost Blue |
| Price | - | About 260 EUR |
Cubot Tab 50
- Superior CPU and GPU performance with the Mediatek Helio G99
- More efficient 6nm process for better thermal management
- Potentially smoother multitasking and gaming experience
- Charging speed is unknown and potentially slower than Lenovo
- Brand recognition is lower than Lenovo
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)
- 20W fast charging support
- Established brand with potentially better software support
- Likely larger display size
- Snapdragon 680 (or Helio G80) chipset is less powerful
- Helio G80 variant suffers from an older 12nm process
- Potentially slower app loading and multitasking
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. Specifications are missing for both, so we must infer. Given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) is likely to have a slightly larger display, typical of the M10 series. However, the Cubot Tab 50’s performance advantage suggests it could drive a higher refresh rate if the panel supported it, offering a smoother visual experience. Color accuracy and peak brightness are likely comparable, falling within the average range for budget tablets.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are positioned as budget devices, and image quality will likely be adequate for casual snapshots. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both feature a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth or macro sensor. The Cubot Tab 50’s stronger processing power *could* lead to slightly better image processing, but the difference will be minimal. Focusing on sensor size and aperture would be more impactful, but this information is unavailable.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Cubot Tab 50’s Mediatek Helio G99, fabricated on a 6nm process, offers a significant advantage over the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (also 6nm) or the Mediatek Helio G80 (12nm) in the Lenovo. The G99’s CPU features two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, paired with six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz, providing a more robust performance profile than the Snapdragon 680’s 4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold and 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver. The G80 variant in the Wi-Fi Lenovo model is even further behind due to its older 12nm process. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance on the Cubot Tab 50. The 6nm process of both the G99 and Snapdragon 680 also implies better thermal efficiency compared to the 12nm G80.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is unspecified for both devices. However, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) supports 20W wired charging, which is a clear advantage. The Cubot Tab 50’s charging speed is unknown, but the more efficient Helio G99 chipset could potentially offset a slightly smaller battery capacity, delivering comparable real-world battery life. The Snapdragon 680’s efficiency also contributes to good battery life in the Lenovo, but the G99’s performance advantage may draw slightly more power during intensive tasks.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot Tab 50 if you need a tablet capable of handling demanding tasks like gaming or multitasking without significant slowdowns. Its Helio G99 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost. Buy the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) if you prioritize a well-established brand with potentially better software support and are primarily focused on basic tasks like media consumption and light web browsing, and value the 20W charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Cubot Tab 50 struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile?
While not a dedicated gaming tablet, the Mediatek Helio G99 in the Cubot Tab 50 is significantly more capable than the Snapdragon 680 or Helio G80. You should be able to play PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. Expect some frame drops during intense action, but the experience will be playable.
❓ Does the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) support Google Kids Space?
Yes, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) is confirmed to support Google Kids Space, providing a curated and safe digital environment for children. This feature is a significant benefit for families looking for a tablet for their kids.
❓ Which tablet is better for video streaming and media consumption?
Both tablets are suitable for video streaming. However, the Cubot Tab 50’s more powerful processor could result in smoother playback of high-resolution videos and faster loading times for streaming apps. The Lenovo’s larger screen (likely) may provide a more immersive viewing experience.
❓ Is software support a concern with the Cubot Tab 50?
Cubot is a less established brand than Lenovo, so long-term software support may be less guaranteed. While the Tab 50 will likely launch with a recent version of Android, updates may be less frequent compared to the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen).
