The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Honor Pad X8 and Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) are two strong contenders. Both aim to deliver a capable Android experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving that goal. This comparison dives deep into their specifications and performance to determine which tablet offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) with the Snapdragon 680 chipset offers a more consistently responsive experience, particularly in multitasking and light gaming. While the Honor Pad X8 is a viable option, the Snapdragon's efficiency and potential for 4G connectivity give the Lenovo tablet a slight edge.
| 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 | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat13 390/75 Mbps - cellular model only |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 17 | 2022, May |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 22 | Available. Released 2022, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 240.2 x 159 x 7.6 mm (9.46 x 6.26 x 0.30 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 | 460 g (1.01 lb) | 465 g (1.03 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~220 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~77.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.61 inches, 320.4 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT 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 | MediaTek MT8786 | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) - LTE model Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) - Wi-Fi only model |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Adreno 610 - LTE model Mali-G52 MC2 - Wi-Fi only model |
| OS | Android 10, Magic UI 4 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMCP/uMCP |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 8 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | 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 | Accelerometer, proximity, gyro |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 20W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 7700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue, Light Blue | Storm Grey, Frost Blue |
| Models | AGM3-W09HN | - |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 260 EUR |
Honor Pad X8
- Potentially lower price point.
- Simple and straightforward Android experience.
- Suitable for basic tasks like reading and browsing.
- Less powerful processor compared to Snapdragon 680 variant.
- No 4G LTE connectivity option.
- Slower charging speeds (likely).
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)
- More powerful Snapdragon 680 (LTE model) for smoother performance.
- Faster 20W wired charging.
- Optional 4G LTE connectivity for on-the-go access.
- Wi-Fi only model uses a less efficient chipset.
- May be slightly more expensive than the Honor Pad X8.
- Potential for software bloatware (Lenovo).
Display Comparison
Neither Honor nor Lenovo provide detailed display specifications beyond resolution. However, the core difference lies in the processing power driving the display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO suggests a focus on cost-effectiveness. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both devices, impacting the overall screen-to-body ratio. Color accuracy will likely be standard for budget tablets, suitable for casual viewing but not professional color work.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are equipped with cameras primarily intended for video calls and occasional snapshots. Detailed sensor information is lacking, but given the price point, expectations should be tempered. Focusing on megapixel counts alone is misleading; image processing and sensor size are more critical. It's safe to assume both tablets will struggle in low-light conditions. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device further limits their photographic capabilities.
Performance
The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) presents a bifurcated performance landscape. The LTE model boasts the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm), a significantly more efficient and powerful chipset than the MediaTek MT8786 found in the Honor Pad X8. The 6nm process node of the Snapdragon 680 translates to better thermal management and sustained performance under load. The Snapdragon’s CPU configuration – 4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver – offers a performance advantage over the Honor Pad X8’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55. The Wi-Fi only version of the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus uses the Mediatek Helio G80 (12nm), which is comparable to the Honor Pad X8 in CPU performance, but still benefits from Qualcomm's GPU architecture. This means the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (LTE) will handle multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications more smoothly.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device, but both likely house batteries in the 5000-7000 mAh range, typical for tablets of this size. The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) gains a significant advantage with its 20W wired charging support. This faster charging speed will reduce downtime compared to the Honor Pad X8, which lacks specified charging wattage and likely charges at a slower rate. While battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, the Snapdragon 680’s efficiency in the Lenovo tablet could contribute to slightly longer runtimes.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Pad X8 if you prioritize a simple, streamlined experience for basic tasks like web browsing, video playback, and reading, and don't require cellular connectivity. Buy the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) if you need a tablet capable of handling more demanding apps, multitasking, and potentially benefit from the convenience of 4G LTE connectivity (depending on the model), and appreciate faster charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 680-equipped Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) can run PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium graphics settings and frame rates. The MediaTek Helio G80 version will struggle with consistent performance. Don't expect a flagship gaming experience, but it's playable.
❓ Is the lack of detailed display specs a concern?
For casual users, the lack of detailed display information isn't a major issue. Both tablets likely feature standard IPS LCD panels suitable for everyday tasks. However, if color accuracy or viewing angles are critical, you'll need to look elsewhere.
❓ Does the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) support expandable storage?
While not explicitly stated in the provided specs, Lenovo tablets often include a microSD card slot for expandable storage. Check the product listing or official documentation to confirm support for your specific model.
❓ Which tablet is better for video streaming?
Both tablets are adequate for video streaming. However, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) with the Snapdragon 680 will offer a smoother streaming experience, especially with higher resolution content, due to its more powerful processor and efficient power management.