The Lenovo M10 FHD REL and the Honor Pad X8a represent compelling options in the crowded budget tablet space. While both aim to deliver an affordable multimedia experience, they take distinctly different approaches to achieving that goal. The Lenovo relies on the older, but established, Snapdragon 450, while the Honor Pad X8a leverages the newer, more efficient Snapdragon 680. This comparison will dissect the implications of these chipset choices and other key differences to determine which tablet offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Honor Pad X8a is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 680 chipset, built on a 6nm process, delivers significantly improved performance and efficiency compared to the Lenovo M10 FHD REL’s Snapdragon 450. While the Lenovo offers a potentially lower entry price, the X8a’s longevity and smoother experience justify the likely price premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 4G bands | LTE | N/A |
| 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 | 2024, August 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2024, August 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | - | 257 x 168.5 x 7.3 mm (10.12 x 6.63 x 0.29 in) |
| SIM | Yes - cellular model only | No |
| Weight | 520 g (1.15 lb) | 495 g (1.09 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Mohs level 4 |
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~206 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 320 nits (typ) | TFT LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 14, MagicOS 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 5 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS - cellular model only | No |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C, 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 7000 mAh | Li-Ion 8300 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Space Gray |
| Models | TB-X605FC, TB-X605LC, ZA4Y0079IN, TB-X605M, TB-X605L | NDL-W09 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | - | 133:17h endurance, 1200 cycles |
| Energy | - | Class D |
| Free fall | - | Class E (7 falls) |
| Repairability | - | Class C |
Lenovo M10 FHD REL
- Potentially lower initial purchase price.
- Functional for basic tasks like reading.
- Established Snapdragon 450 platform (familiarity).
- Significantly weaker performance compared to the Snapdragon 680.
- Less efficient chipset leading to shorter battery life.
- Likely to struggle with multitasking and demanding apps.
Honor Pad X8a
- Superior performance thanks to the Snapdragon 680.
- Excellent battery life and longevity (1200 cycles).
- More efficient 6nm process reduces throttling.
- Likely a higher initial purchase price.
- Display specifications are not detailed.
- Camera performance is likely basic.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. The Lenovo M10 FHD REL’s display specifications are not provided, but given its market positioning, it likely features a standard IPS LCD panel. The Honor Pad X8a also lacks detailed display specs, but its focus on multimedia suggests a decent viewing experience. The key differentiator here will likely be color accuracy and peak brightness, areas where the newer device *could* have an edge due to potential manufacturing improvements, though this is speculative without further data. Bezels are likely comparable on both, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are positioned as budget devices, and camera quality is typically sacrificed. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both feature basic camera setups suitable for casual snapshots. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device further reinforces this point. Focusing on megapixel counts alone would be misleading; image processing and sensor size are far more critical, and data on these is unavailable.
Performance
The performance gap between these tablets is substantial. The Honor Pad X8a’s Snapdragon 680, fabricated on a 6nm process, represents a significant leap over the Lenovo’s Snapdragon 450 (14nm). The 680’s octa-core configuration (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) offers a much more capable CPU, while the Snapdragon 450’s Cortex-A53 cores (1.8 GHz) will struggle with demanding applications. The 6nm node also translates to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during sustained use. This means the X8a will handle multitasking, streaming, and even light gaming far more smoothly than the M10 FHD REL.
Battery Life
The Honor Pad X8a boasts an impressive endurance rating of 133-17h, and a battery lifespan of 1200 cycles. This suggests a significantly longer battery life compared to the Lenovo M10 FHD REL, which lacks published battery endurance data. The Snapdragon 680’s 6nm process contributes to this efficiency. While charging wattage isn’t specified for either device, the X8a’s superior battery capacity and efficient chipset will likely result in longer usage times between charges. The 1200 cycle lifespan also indicates a more durable battery over the long term.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo M10 FHD REL if you need a basic tablet for extremely light tasks like ebook reading and occasional web browsing, and your budget is severely constrained. It’s a functional device for minimal usage. Buy the Honor Pad X8a if you prefer a more responsive experience for streaming video, light gaming, and multitasking, and value a longer-lasting battery and a chipset that will remain relevant for a longer period.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 680 in the Honor Pad X8a handle popular streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 680 is more than capable of handling streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube without significant lag or buffering. Its improved CPU and GPU, combined with the efficient 6nm process, provide a smoother streaming experience compared to the Snapdragon 450 in the Lenovo M10 FHD REL.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 450 in the Lenovo M10 FHD REL sufficient for basic web browsing and email?
For basic tasks like web browsing and email, the Snapdragon 450 is adequate. However, expect slower page loading times and occasional stuttering when handling multiple tabs or complex websites. It's best suited for light, infrequent use.
❓ How much faster is the Snapdragon 680 compared to the Snapdragon 450 in real-world usage?
The Snapdragon 680 is demonstrably faster, offering roughly a 30-40% performance increase in CPU tasks and a similar improvement in GPU performance. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall user experience.
❓ Does the Honor Pad X8a support fast charging, and how long does it take to fully charge?
While the exact charging wattage isn't specified, the Honor Pad X8a's efficient chipset and battery management system likely contribute to reasonable charging times. However, without specific data, it's difficult to provide a precise estimate. The Lenovo M10 FHD REL's charging speed is also unknown.
