Lenovo M10 FHD REL vs. M10 Plus: Which Budget Tablet Reigns Supreme?

The Lenovo M10 series offers affordable Android tablets, but navigating the model variations can be tricky. We're pitting the Lenovo M10 FHD REL, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 450, against the Lenovo M10 Plus, featuring the MediaTek Helio P22T. This comparison dives deep into the architectural differences and real-world performance implications to help you choose the right tablet for your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Lenovo M10 Plus offers a slight edge due to its more modern 12nm Helio P22T chipset and faster CPU cores. While the Snapdragon 450 in the FHD REL is still capable, the P22T provides a noticeable performance boost for multitasking and light gaming, justifying the potential price difference.

PHONES
Phone Names Lenovo M10 FHD REL Lenovo M10 Plus
Network
2G bandsN/AN/A
3G bandsN/AN/A
4G bandsLTELTE
EDGENoNo
GPRSNoNo
SpeedHSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps - cellular model onlyHSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps - cellular model only
TechnologyLTELTE
Launch
Announced2020, January 24. Released 2020, January 242020, March 27. Released 2020, March 27
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Dimensions-244.2 x 153.3 x 8.2 mm (9.61 x 6.04 x 0.32 in)
SIMYes - cellular model onlyNano-SIM (cellular model only)
Weight520 g (1.15 lb)460 g (1.01 lb)
Display
Resolution1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density)1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~220 ppi density)
Size10.1 inches, 295.8 cm210.3 inches, 307.6 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 320 nits (typ)IPS LCD, 330 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetQualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm)Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22T (12 nm)
GPUAdreno 506PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie)Android 9.0 (Pie)
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 3GB RAM32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
Single8 MP, AF8 MP, AF
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single5 MP5 MP
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP5.0, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS - cellular model onlyGPS - cellular model only
RadioFM radioNo
USBmicroUSB 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsAccelerometerAccelerometer
Battery
Charging-10W wired
TypeLi-Po 7000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackIron Grey
ModelsTB-X605FC, TB-X605LC, ZA4Y0079IN, TB-X605M, TB-X605LTB-X606, TB-X606F, TB-X606X, TB-X606V
PriceAbout 180 EURAbout 200 EUR

Lenovo M10 FHD REL

  • Proven Snapdragon 450 chipset offers reliability.
  • Potentially lower price point.
  • Adequate for basic tasks like streaming and browsing.

  • Older 14nm process is less power efficient.
  • Slower CPU performance compared to the M10 Plus.
  • May struggle with demanding multitasking.

Lenovo M10 Plus

  • More modern 12nm Helio P22T chipset.
  • Faster CPU cores for improved performance.
  • Better suited for multitasking and light gaming.

  • May be slightly more expensive.
  • 10W charging is relatively slow.
  • Performance still limited by the overall budget nature of the device.

Display Comparison

Both tablets likely feature similar 10.1-inch FHD (1920x1080) displays, given their naming conventions. However, detailed display specs like brightness (nits) and color gamut coverage are not provided. The absence of information regarding panel technology (IPS, VA) makes a direct comparison difficult. Bezels are likely comparable, typical of tablets in this price range. Without specific data, it's safe to assume display quality will be similar, focusing on usability rather than visual fidelity.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Given the target market, both likely feature modest camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it's difficult to assess image quality. The focus should be on usability for video calls rather than photography. Any claims of superior image quality should be viewed with skepticism.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Lenovo M10 FHD REL utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 450, built on a 14nm process, with an octa-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 1.8 GHz. The M10 Plus boasts the MediaTek Helio P22T (12nm), also with an octa-core CPU, but with a heterogeneous configuration: four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.3 GHz and four at 1.8 GHz. The 12nm process of the Helio P22T offers improved power efficiency compared to the 14nm Snapdragon 450. The faster cores on the P22T will translate to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. While both use Cortex-A53 cores, the higher clock speeds on the P22T provide a tangible performance advantage. The Snapdragon 450 is adequate for basic tasks, but the P22T is better suited for more demanding applications.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the more efficient 12nm Helio P22T in the M10 Plus should contribute to longer battery life compared to the 14nm Snapdragon 450 in the M10 FHD REL, assuming similar battery capacities. The M10 Plus also supports 10W wired charging, while the charging speed for the FHD REL is unknown. 10W charging is relatively slow, but adequate for overnight charging. The P22T's efficiency will likely result in fewer charging cycles overall.

Buying Guide

Buy the Lenovo M10 FHD REL if you prioritize a proven, reliable chipset and are primarily focused on basic tasks like video streaming, web browsing, and reading. It's ideal for users on a very tight budget. Buy the Lenovo M10 Plus if you prefer a more responsive experience for multitasking, occasional gaming, and appreciate the benefit of a newer, more efficient processor, even if it means spending a bit more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Helio P22T in the M10 Plus struggle with graphically intensive games?
While the Helio P22T is an improvement over the Snapdragon 450, it's still a budget chipset. Expect to be able to play less demanding games at lower settings. More graphically intensive titles like PUBG Mobile will likely require significant compromises in graphics settings to achieve playable frame rates.
❓ Is the difference in CPU clock speed between the Snapdragon 450 and Helio P22T noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the higher clock speeds of the Helio P22T's faster cores will be noticeable in everyday tasks like app launching, web browsing, and switching between applications. The M10 Plus will feel more responsive and less prone to lag during multitasking.
❓ Does the M10 Plus's 10W charging significantly impact the overall user experience?
10W charging is relatively slow compared to modern fast charging standards. However, for a tablet primarily used at home, it's generally sufficient. Overnight charging will fully replenish the battery, minimizing any inconvenience.