The mid-range tablet market is fiercely competitive, with options catering to diverse needs. We pit the Huawei MatePad 10.4, powered by the Kirin 810, against the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen), which offers both Snapdragon 680 (LTE) and Helio G80 (Wi-Fi) variants. This comparison dives deep into the architectural differences and real-world implications of these tablets to determine which one delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing consistent performance and a more refined software experience, the Huawei MatePad 10.4 emerges as the winner. Its Kirin 810 chipset, built on a 7nm process, provides a noticeable advantage in demanding tasks. However, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) offers a compelling value proposition, particularly the LTE model, for those seeking basic functionality and connectivity.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 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 | 2020, April 23. Released 2020, April 28 | 2022, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 245.2 x 155 x 7.4 mm (9.65 x 6.10 x 0.29 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 | 450 g (0.99 lb) | 465 g (1.03 lb) |
| | Stylus support | 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 (~81.0% 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 (2x2.27 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x1.88 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 | Kirin 810 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) - LTE model Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) - Wi-Fi only model |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MP6 | Adreno 610 - LTE model Mali-G52 MC2 - Wi-Fi only model |
| OS | Android 10, EMUI 10, no Google Play Services | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMCP/uMCP |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| | Tuned by Harman Kardon | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, BDS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | FM Radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, gyro |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 20W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7250 mAh | Li-Po 7700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Gray | Storm Grey, Frost Blue |
| Models | BAH3-W09, BAH3-AL00, BAH3-L09, BAH3-W59 | - |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 260 EUR |
Huawei MatePad 10.4
- More powerful Kirin 810 chipset for smoother performance.
- 7nm process offers better power efficiency.
- Potentially superior image processing for video calls.
- Slower 18W charging.
- Limited information on display specifications.
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)
- Faster 20W charging.
- LTE connectivity option (Snapdragon variant).
- More affordable price point.
- Performance varies significantly between Snapdragon and Helio G80 variants.
- Less powerful chipset compared to the Kirin 810.
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 10.4-inch displays, but detailed specifications like resolution and panel type are missing. However, the core difference lies in the processing power driving the visuals. The Kirin 810’s integrated GPU benefits from the 7nm process, potentially offering smoother rendering in graphically intensive applications. The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus’s GPU performance will vary significantly depending on whether it’s the Snapdragon 680 or the Helio G80 variant; the Snapdragon 680, built on a 6nm process, will offer a performance edge over the 12nm Helio G80.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are absent, making a direct comparison difficult. However, given the market segment, neither tablet is expected to excel in photography. The focus should be on video conferencing capabilities. The image signal processor (ISP) within the Kirin 810 likely offers superior image processing compared to the ISP in the Snapdragon 680 or Helio G80, potentially resulting in slightly better video call quality. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both tablets offer adequate, but not exceptional, camera performance.
Performance
The chipset is the defining factor here. The Huawei MatePad 10.4’s Kirin 810, fabricated on a 7nm node, boasts a more modern architecture (Cortex-A76 cores) than the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus’s options. The Snapdragon 680 (LTE) utilizes Kryo 265 Gold cores, while the Wi-Fi model’s Helio G80 relies on Cortex-A75 cores. The 7nm process of the Kirin 810 translates to better power efficiency and sustained performance under load, minimizing thermal throttling. The Snapdragon 680, also on a 6nm process, will outperform the Helio G80, but still falls behind the Kirin 810 in raw processing power. The Kirin 810’s octa-core configuration (2x2.27 GHz + 6x1.88 GHz) is optimized for both performance and efficiency, while the Lenovo’s configurations vary, impacting multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) supports 20W wired charging, slightly faster than the Huawei MatePad 10.4’s 18W charging. This faster charging could offset a potentially smaller battery capacity in the Lenovo, allowing for quicker top-ups. The Kirin 810’s 7nm process contributes to better power efficiency, potentially leading to longer battery life during typical usage scenarios, despite the slower charging speed. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns and screen brightness.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei MatePad 10.4 if you need a tablet capable of handling multitasking, moderate gaming, and benefit from Huawei’s ecosystem features. Buy the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) if you prioritize affordability, LTE connectivity (on the Snapdragon variant), and primarily intend to use the tablet for media consumption and light productivity tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Kirin 810 in the Huawei MatePad 10.4 experience significant throttling during extended gaming sessions?
The Kirin 810’s 7nm process and Huawei’s thermal management solutions are designed to mitigate throttling. While some throttling is inevitable under sustained load, it should be less pronounced compared to tablets with less efficient chipsets. Expect playable frame rates in most popular mobile games, but demanding titles may require reduced graphics settings.
❓ Which version of the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) – Snapdragon or Helio G80 – is better for playing PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 680 variant is significantly better suited for PUBG Mobile. The Snapdragon’s Adreno GPU offers superior graphics performance compared to the Helio G80’s Mali-G52 MC2. The Helio G80 may be able to run PUBG Mobile at lower settings, but the experience will likely be less smooth and visually appealing.
❓ Is the LTE connectivity on the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) worth the extra cost?
If you frequently travel or need internet access in areas without Wi-Fi, the LTE connectivity is a valuable addition. It allows you to stay connected for work, entertainment, and communication without relying on Wi-Fi hotspots. However, if you primarily use the tablet at home or in locations with reliable Wi-Fi, the Wi-Fi-only model offers a more cost-effective solution.
