The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Honor Tab 7 and Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) represent compelling options for users seeking affordable entertainment and productivity. This comparison dives deep into their specifications, focusing on performance differences stemming from their respective chipsets and the impact of Lenovo’s faster charging capabilities.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) offers a more compelling package. Its Snapdragon 680 (in the LTE model) provides a noticeable performance edge over the Honor Tab 7’s Mediatek MT8786, and the 20W charging significantly reduces downtime. While the Honor Tab 7 remains a viable option, the Lenovo’s advantages justify the potential price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 26, 28, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat13 390/75 Mbps - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 23 | 2022, May |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 27 | 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 | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | 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 | 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 | Mediatek MT8786 | 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 10, Magic UI 4.1, no Google Play Services | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | 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 | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.4 | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | - |
| 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 - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | 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 Direct | 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 | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 7700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mint Green, Space Gray | Storm Grey, Frost Blue |
| Models | AGM3-W09HN | - |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 260 EUR |
Honor Tab 7
- Lower price point makes it highly accessible.
- Sufficient for basic tasks like web browsing and video playback.
- Lightweight and portable design.
- Mediatek MT8786 chipset is less powerful than the Snapdragon 680.
- Slow 10W charging.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)
- Snapdragon 680 (LTE model) offers significantly better performance.
- Faster 20W charging reduces downtime.
- LTE connectivity option for on-the-go use (LTE model).
- Higher price compared to the Honor Tab 7.
- Wi-Fi only model uses a less powerful Mediatek Helio G80.
- Camera performance is still basic.
Display Comparison
Neither Honor nor Lenovo provide detailed display specifications beyond screen size. However, given the price points, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The real difference lies in potential panel quality and calibration. Without detailed brightness measurements, it’s difficult to declare a winner, but Lenovo’s slightly higher price suggests a potentially better-tuned display. Both tablets will likely struggle in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are equipped with basic camera setups geared towards video calls rather than photography. Detailed sensor information is lacking, but given the market segment, expect modest image quality in good lighting conditions. Focusing on the primary sensor, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus likely has a slight edge due to Qualcomm’s image signal processing capabilities, but the difference will be minimal.
Performance
The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) presents a bifurcated performance picture. The LTE model, equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm), offers a significant advantage over the Honor Tab 7’s Mediatek MT8786. The Snapdragon 680’s Kryo 265 Gold cores, clocked at 2.4 GHz, outperform the Cortex-A75 cores in the MT8786 (2.0 GHz). The 6nm process node also contributes to better power efficiency and sustained performance. The Wi-Fi only model of the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus uses the Mediatek Helio G80 (12nm), which has a similar CPU configuration to the Honor Tab 7, making performance nearly identical. The Snapdragon 680’s Adreno 610 GPU also provides a more capable graphics experience than the MT8786’s integrated GPU.
Battery Life
While both tablets likely feature similar battery capacities (exact figures are unavailable), the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) boasts a significant advantage with its 20W wired charging. The Honor Tab 7 is limited to 10W charging, meaning considerably longer charging times. This difference translates to less downtime and a more convenient user experience, especially for users who rely on their tablets throughout the day. The Snapdragon 680’s improved power efficiency in the Lenovo also contributes to potentially longer battery life during typical usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Tab 7 if you prioritize absolute affordability and your tablet usage is limited to basic tasks like web browsing and light video consumption. Buy the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) if you value smoother multitasking, occasional gaming, and faster charging – especially if you opt for the LTE model for on-the-go connectivity. The Lenovo is the better choice for students or anyone needing a more responsive experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) Snapdragon 680 model experience throttling during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 680, built on a 6nm process, is more thermally efficient than the Mediatek MT8786. While some throttling is inevitable during prolonged, demanding gaming, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) should maintain a more consistent frame rate for longer periods compared to the Honor Tab 7.
❓ Is the Wi-Fi only version of the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) a significant downgrade in performance compared to the LTE model?
Yes, the Wi-Fi only version utilizes the Mediatek Helio G80, which offers performance comparable to the Honor Tab 7’s Mediatek MT8786. The Snapdragon 680 in the LTE model provides a noticeable performance boost in both CPU and GPU tasks, making it the preferred choice if performance is a priority.
❓ Can either tablet be used reliably for video conferencing?
Both tablets are suitable for basic video conferencing. However, the Snapdragon 680 in the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) will provide a smoother experience with less lag, especially when using multiple apps simultaneously during a call.
