The sub-$200 tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Lenovo M10 FHD REL and Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) are two of the leading contenders. While both aim to deliver an affordable tablet experience, they take distinctly different approaches. The Lenovo prioritizes a cleaner Android experience, while the Fire HD 10 Plus leans heavily into Amazon’s ecosystem and adds features like wireless charging. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing a standard Android experience and broader app compatibility, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio P60T chipset offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Lenovo’s Snapdragon 450, and the inclusion of wireless charging adds convenience. However, the Fire OS experience isn't for everyone.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | - |
| 4G bands | LTE | - |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps - cellular model only | - |
| Technology | LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, January 24. Released 2020, January 24 | 2021, April 27. Released 2021, May 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | - | 247 x 166 x 9.2 mm (9.72 x 6.54 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Yes - cellular model only | No |
| Weight | 520 g (1.15 lb) | 468 g (1.03 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Aluminosilicate glass |
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 320 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) | Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 9.0 (Pie), Fire OS 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | - | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS - cellular model only | No |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| | - | Text-to-Speech English-language content reader |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 7000 mAh | Li-Ion |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Slate |
| Models | TB-X605FC, TB-X605LC, ZA4Y0079IN, TB-X605M, TB-X605L | T76N2P |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 150 EUR |
Lenovo M10 FHD REL
- Cleaner Android experience (less bloatware)
- Potentially lower price point
- Standard USB-C charging
- Significantly weaker processor
- No wireless charging
- Less responsive user interface
Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021)
- More powerful Mediatek Helio P60T chipset
- Wireless charging support
- Deep integration with Amazon services
- Fire OS (limited app compatibility, Amazon ecosystem lock-in)
- More pre-installed bloatware
- Potentially higher price
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 10.1-inch FHD (1920x1200) displays, but the similarities largely end there. The Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus benefits from a more modern manufacturing process for its display driver, potentially leading to slightly improved efficiency. While neither manufacturer specifies peak brightness, the Fire HD 10 Plus’s display is generally reported as being brighter in real-world use. Both likely utilize IPS panels, offering decent viewing angles, but detailed color accuracy data is unavailable for either device. Bezels are comparable, typical for this price point.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are equipped with basic camera setups suitable for video calls and occasional snapshots. Detailed specifications are scarce, but focusing on the primary sensors, the Fire HD 10 Plus likely has a slight edge due to the more powerful ISP within the Helio P60T chipset. Any claims of exceptional image quality should be treated with skepticism; these are budget tablets, and camera quality reflects that.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus’s Mediatek Helio P60T (12nm) is a significant step up from the Lenovo M10 FHD REL’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (14nm). The Helio P60T’s octa-core configuration, featuring four Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz alongside four Cortex-A53 cores, provides a substantial boost in CPU performance compared to the Snapdragon 450’s eight Cortex-A53 cores at 1.8 GHz. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience, particularly noticeable when running demanding applications. The 12nm process also contributes to better power efficiency. While RAM configurations aren't specified, the performance gap is clear.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both are expected to offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. The Fire HD 10 Plus gains a significant advantage with its support for wireless charging (Qi standard), offering a convenient alternative to traditional wired charging. While charging wattage isn’t specified, the more efficient Helio P60T chipset may contribute to slightly faster overall charging times, even with a similar wattage adapter. The convenience of wireless charging is a key differentiator.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo M10 FHD REL if you need a tablet primarily for basic tasks like reading, web browsing, and light media consumption, and you value a stock Android experience without Amazon’s software overlay. Buy the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) if you prefer a tablet deeply integrated with Amazon’s services, enjoy streaming content, and appreciate the convenience of wireless charging, understanding you’ll be operating within the Fire OS ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Fire OS on the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus limit app compatibility compared to standard Android?
Yes, Fire OS is a heavily modified version of Android and relies on the Amazon Appstore. While many popular apps are available, you may encounter apps not supported by the Amazon Appstore. Sideloading is possible, but requires technical knowledge and isn't officially supported.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 450 in the Lenovo M10 FHD REL powerful enough for streaming video services like Netflix and YouTube?
The Snapdragon 450 can handle streaming video services, but you may experience occasional stuttering or buffering, especially with higher resolutions (1080p or above). The Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus’s Helio P60T will provide a smoother streaming experience.
❓ Can I expand the storage on either the Lenovo M10 FHD REL or the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021)?
Both tablets support microSD card expansion, allowing you to increase storage capacity for media and files. This is a crucial feature given the limited internal storage options typically found in this price range.
❓ How does the Amazon ecosystem integration affect the user experience on the Fire HD 10 Plus?
The Fire HD 10 Plus is designed to seamlessly integrate with Amazon services like Prime Video, Kindle, and Amazon Music. This means easy access to your Amazon content, but also more prominent Amazon branding and recommendations throughout the interface.
