The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Huawei MatePad SE 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, from streaming video to light productivity.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) offers a better overall experience. Its Snapdragon 680 (or Helio G80) chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage and faster 20W charging, making it the more future-proof choice despite a similar price point.
| 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 | 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 | 2022, April 28 | 2022, May |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 10 | Available. Released 2022, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 240.2 x 159 x 7.9 mm (9.46 x 6.26 x 0.31 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 |
| 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 (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | 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 710A (14 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) - LTE model Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) - Wi-Fi only model |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Adreno 610 - LTE model Mali-G52 MC2 - Wi-Fi only model |
| OS | HarmonyOS 2.0 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMCP/uMCP |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| 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 | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | 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, 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, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity, gyro |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | 20W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 7700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue | Storm Grey, Frost Blue |
| Models | Ags3K-W20, Ags3K-AL20, AGS5-W09 | - |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 260 EUR |
Huawei MatePad SE
- Reverse wired charging for accessories
- Potentially tighter integration with Huawei ecosystem
- Competitive price point
- Less efficient Kirin 710A chipset
- Slower 10W charging
- Likely more thermal throttling under load
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)
- More efficient Snapdragon 680 (or Helio G80) chipset
- Faster 20W charging
- LTE connectivity option available
- No reverse wired charging
- Software experience may vary depending on Android version
- Build quality may feel less premium
Display Comparison
Neither tablet boasts a particularly standout display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, detailed specs like resolution and peak brightness are missing. The focus here shifts to processing power impacting UI smoothness. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, prioritizing affordability over an immersive edge-to-edge experience. Color accuracy is likely 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 geared towards casual use. Detailed sensor information is absent, but it’s safe to assume both feature modest primary sensors. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. Focusing on the chipset’s image signal processor (ISP) capabilities, the Snapdragon 680 likely offers superior image processing compared to the Kirin 710A, resulting in slightly better photos and videos.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) offers two variants: a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) for LTE models and a MediaTek Helio G80 (12nm) for Wi-Fi only models. The Snapdragon 680’s 6nm process provides a significant efficiency advantage over the Huawei MatePad SE’s Kirin 710A (14nm). This translates to better thermal management and sustained performance under load. The Snapdragon 680’s Kryo 265 Gold cores, clocked at 2.4 GHz, outperform the Kirin 710A’s Cortex-A73 cores at 2.0 GHz. Even the Wi-Fi only Helio G80 variant offers competitive performance, though it lacks the efficiency benefits of the 6nm Snapdragon. The Kirin 710A, while capable for basic tasks, will likely exhibit more throttling during extended gaming or multitasking.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, making a direct mAh comparison impossible. However, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) has a clear advantage with its 20W wired charging. This significantly reduces charging times compared to the Huawei MatePad SE’s slower 10W charging. The more efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset in the Lenovo also contributes to potentially longer battery life, even with a similar capacity battery. The MatePad SE does offer 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to charge other devices, a feature absent on the Lenovo.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei MatePad SE if you prioritize a simple, streamlined experience within the Huawei ecosystem and require reverse wired charging for accessories. Buy the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) if you value faster performance, quicker charging, and the flexibility of a Qualcomm or MediaTek chipset, particularly if you need LTE connectivity. The Lenovo offers a more versatile experience for a wider range of users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Kirin 710A struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The Kirin 710A will likely struggle with Genshin Impact, even on low settings. The 14nm process and less powerful GPU will result in noticeable frame drops and potential overheating. The Snapdragon 680 in the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) offers a significantly better gaming experience.
❓ Does the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) support widevine L1 for HD streaming?
The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) *generally* supports Widevine L1, enabling HD streaming on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. However, this can vary based on regional software builds, so it's best to verify with Lenovo's support documentation for your specific model.
❓ Is the difference between the Snapdragon 680 and Helio G80 versions of the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) significant?
Yes, the Snapdragon 680 version offers a noticeable advantage in both performance and efficiency. The 6nm process and more powerful GPU result in smoother multitasking and better sustained performance, especially during gaming. The Helio G80 is still capable, but the Snapdragon 680 is the preferred choice if your budget allows.
