The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, with options like the HMD T21 and Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) vying for attention. The HMD T21 leverages the Unisoc Tiger T612, while the Lenovo offers a choice between the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (LTE) and MediaTek Helio G80 (Wi-Fi). This comparison dissects the key differences to help you determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users prioritizing consistent performance and faster charging, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) with the Snapdragon 680 is the better choice. Its 6nm process offers improved efficiency and a more capable CPU, despite the HMD T21's slightly newer chipset generation. However, the Wi-Fi only version with the Helio G80 is a less compelling option.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 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, May 15 | 2022, May |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, May 15 | Available. Released 2022, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back | - |
| Dimensions | 247.5 x 157.3 x 7.5 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 (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 467 g (1.03 lb) | 465 g (1.03 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | - |
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~225 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~220 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.36 inches, 305.5 cm2 (~78.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.61 inches, 320.4 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 360 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 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 T612 (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 | 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 | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMCP/uMCP |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 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, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | FM Radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, 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, proximity (accessories only) | Accelerometer, proximity, gyro |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, PD3.0 | 20W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 8200 mAh | Li-Po 7700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black Steel | Storm Grey, Frost Blue |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 260 EUR |
HMD T21
- Potentially lower price point
- Unisoc T612 is a relatively modern chipset
- Simple and straightforward Android experience
- Less powerful CPU compared to Snapdragon 680
- Slower 18W charging
- 12nm process less efficient than 6nm
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)
- More powerful Snapdragon 680 (LTE variant)
- Faster 20W charging with PD3.0
- 6nm process for improved efficiency
- Helio G80 (Wi-Fi variant) is less competitive
- Potentially higher price
- May have more bloatware
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood. While specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are missing, the processor powering the display is relevant. The Snapdragon 680’s integrated GPU will likely provide a smoother experience when scrolling and rendering UI elements compared to the Unisoc T612, even if the panels are similar. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are geared towards casual use. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both feature basic camera setups. The focus should be on video call quality rather than photography. The HMD T21 and Lenovo Tab M10 Plus likely prioritize front-facing cameras for video conferencing, and any rear camera differences will be minimal in real-world usage.
Performance
The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) holds a significant performance advantage, *depending on the variant*. The Snapdragon 680 (6nm) features a more powerful CPU configuration – four Cortex-A76 Gold cores clocked at 2.4 GHz versus the HMD T21’s two Cortex-A75 cores at 1.8 GHz. This translates to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. The Wi-Fi only version with the Helio G80 (12nm) is less impressive, offering a similar CPU configuration to the HMD T21 but potentially suffering from lower efficiency. The 6nm process of the Snapdragon 680 also contributes to better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during sustained workloads.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While specific battery capacities are not provided, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus’s 20W charging support with PD3.0 offers a clear advantage over the HMD T21’s 18W charging. Faster charging means less downtime and quicker top-ups, especially important for on-the-go users. The more efficient Snapdragon 680 (6nm) may also contribute to slightly longer battery life during moderate use, offsetting any potential capacity differences.
Buying Guide
Buy the HMD T21 if you need a simple, reliable tablet for basic tasks like web browsing, video calls, and light content consumption, and are on a very tight budget. Buy the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) if you prefer a more responsive experience for multitasking, streaming, and occasional gaming, and value the potential for 4G connectivity (Snapdragon variant) and faster 20W charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 680 in the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While not a gaming powerhouse, the Snapdragon 680 can run PUBG Mobile at medium settings with acceptable frame rates. Expect some occasional stuttering during intense firefights. The Unisoc T612 in the HMD T21 will struggle more with demanding titles.
❓ Which tablet is better for video streaming and online classes?
The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) with the Snapdragon 680 offers a smoother streaming experience due to its more powerful GPU and CPU. This translates to less buffering and a more responsive interface during video calls for online classes.
❓ Is the Wi-Fi only version of the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (with Helio G80) a good value?
The Wi-Fi only version with the Helio G80 is less compelling than the Snapdragon 680 variant. The performance is closer to the HMD T21, and the price difference may not justify the marginal improvements.
❓ Does either tablet support expandable storage via microSD card?
While not explicitly stated in the provided specs, budget tablets like these commonly include a microSD card slot for expandable storage. Check the product listing or official documentation to confirm.
