The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Cubot Tab 60 and Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) represent compelling options for users seeking affordable Android experiences. This comparison dives deep into their specifications, focusing on performance differences stemming from their respective chipsets and the implications for everyday use.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) offers a superior experience thanks to its significantly more powerful Snapdragon 680 (or Helio G80) chipset and faster 20W charging. While the Cubot Tab 60 is cheaper, the performance trade-offs are substantial.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 26, 28, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| EDGE | N/A | - |
| GPRS | N/A | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat13 390/75 Mbps - cellular model only |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, February 24 | 2022, May |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, March | Available. Released 2022, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 241.4 x 160.2 x 8.3 mm (9.50 x 6.31 x 0.33 in) | 251.2 x 158.8 x 7.5 mm (9.89 x 6.25 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 530 g (1.17 lb) | 465 g (1.03 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~220 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~76.5% 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 1.8 GHz | 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 | Allwinner A523 | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) - LTE model Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) - Wi-Fi only model |
| GPU | - | Adreno 610 - LTE model Mali-G52 MC2 - Wi-Fi only model |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB 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 | 5.2 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | - | 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/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity, gyro |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 20W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 7700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray | Storm Grey, Frost Blue |
| Price | - | About 260 EUR |
Cubot Tab 60
- Lowest possible price point
- Acceptable for basic tasks like reading
- Lightweight and portable
- Significantly slower performance
- Slow 10W charging
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)
- Faster and more responsive performance
- 20W fast charging
- Optional LTE connectivity
- Higher price than Cubot Tab 60
- May still struggle with very demanding games
- Display specs are average
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. Specifications are missing regarding panel type (IPS vs. VA) and resolution, but both are likely 1080p. The key difference lies in charging; the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus’s 20W charging will replenish the battery faster than the Cubot Tab 60’s 10W charging, impacting usability for power users. Without further display specs, it's difficult to assess color accuracy or brightness, but both tablets likely target the entry-level segment.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Details are missing regarding sensor sizes and image processing capabilities. Given the price point, both tablets likely feature basic camera setups suitable for casual snapshots. Focusing on the chipset, the Snapdragon 680 includes a more advanced ISP (Image Signal Processor) than the Allwinner A523, potentially leading to slightly better image quality in favorable lighting conditions, but this is unlikely to be dramatic.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) utilizes either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) or the MediaTek Helio G80 (12nm), both of which are considerably more powerful than the Cubot Tab 60’s Allwinner A523. The Snapdragon 680, with its Kryo 265 Gold and Silver cores clocked up to 2.4 GHz, offers a substantial CPU performance advantage, particularly in multi-threaded tasks. The 6nm process node also translates to improved power efficiency and potentially less thermal throttling. The Helio G80, while less efficient, still outperforms the Allwinner A523. The Allwinner A523, while an octa-core processor, is built on a less advanced architecture and lower clock speeds, resulting in noticeably slower performance in demanding applications and multitasking.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus’s 20W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Cubot Tab 60’s 10W charging. Faster charging reduces downtime and allows for quicker top-ups, making the Lenovo more convenient for users who are frequently on the go. Even with a similar battery capacity, the Lenovo will offer a more usable experience due to the faster charging speed.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot Tab 60 if you prioritize absolute lowest cost and only need a tablet for very basic tasks like reading ebooks or light web browsing. Buy the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) if you value smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and the ability to handle more demanding applications like streaming video or casual gaming. The Lenovo also offers the benefit of optional LTE connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Allwinner A523 in the Cubot Tab 60 struggle with streaming video from services like Netflix or YouTube?
Yes, the Allwinner A523 is a low-end chipset and may exhibit stuttering or lag when streaming high-resolution video, especially on demanding platforms. The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) with its Snapdragon 680 or Helio G80 will provide a much smoother streaming experience.
❓ Does the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) support expandable storage via microSD card?
Yes, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) includes a microSD card slot, allowing you to expand the internal storage. This is a valuable feature for users who plan to store a large number of files, such as movies, music, or photos. The Cubot Tab 60's storage options are not specified, but expandable storage is less common in ultra-budget tablets.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Snapdragon 680 and Helio G80 versions of the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus significant?
While both are capable chipsets, the Snapdragon 680 generally offers better performance and power efficiency than the Helio G80. The Snapdragon 680's 6nm process node contributes to improved thermal management and sustained performance under load.
