Lenovo's M10 series consistently delivers affordable tablets, but the FHD REL and Gen 3 represent distinct approaches. The FHD REL relies on the older, but familiar, Qualcomm Snapdragon 450, while the Gen 3 opts for the newer Unisoc T610. This comparison dives deep into the architectural differences and real-world implications to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3 is the better choice. While both tablets target the budget segment, the Unisoc T610’s more modern CPU architecture provides a noticeable performance uplift in everyday tasks and light multitasking, justifying its slight price premium. The Snapdragon 450 in the FHD REL is still functional, but feels dated in comparison.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, January 24. Released 2020, January 24 | 2022, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, September |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | - | 239.8 x 158.6 x 8.5 mm (9.44 x 6.24 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Yes - cellular model only | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 520 g (1.15 lb) | 460 g (1.01 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~77.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 320 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 320 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Mali-G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMCP or eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | - | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (with Dolby Atmos) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS - cellular model only | GPS - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG, magnetic connector |
| 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 | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7000 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Storm Grey |
| Models | TB-X605FC, TB-X605LC, ZA4Y0079IN, TB-X605M, TB-X605L | - |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 200 EUR |
Lenovo M10 FHD REL
- Potentially lower price point
- Familiar Qualcomm chipset
- Functional for basic tasks
- Outdated Snapdragon 450 chipset
- Less responsive user experience
- Potentially lower battery efficiency
Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3
- More modern Unisoc T610 chipset
- Improved CPU performance with A75 cores
- Potentially better battery life
- 10W wired charging
- Slightly higher price
- Unisoc chipset may have limited software support (though improving)
- 10W charging is relatively slow
Display Comparison
Both tablets are likely to feature similar 10.1-inch FHD (1920x1080) IPS LCD panels, a common specification in this price bracket. However, detailed display specs like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are not provided. The absence of information regarding PWM dimming rates makes it difficult to assess potential eye strain. Bezels are expected to be relatively thick on both models, typical for budget tablets. Without further data, it's safe to assume display quality will be comparable, focusing on functionality over premium features.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Given the target market, both are expected to feature basic camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it’s reasonable to assume both will struggle in low-light conditions. Focusing on the chipset difference, the Unisoc T610’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) *may* offer slightly better image processing capabilities, but the overall experience will likely be similar. We can expect basic functionality for video calls and casual snapshots, but not photographic excellence.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3’s Unisoc T610, built on a 12nm process, features a hybrid CPU configuration with 2x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This contrasts with the Lenovo M10 FHD REL’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (14nm) which utilizes an older, homogenous octa-core Cortex-A53 design. The A75 cores in the T610 offer significantly higher single-core performance, translating to snappier app launches and smoother UI navigation. While both are octa-core, the architectural advantage of the T610 is substantial. The 12nm process also contributes to improved power efficiency compared to the 14nm Snapdragon 450, potentially leading to longer battery life under load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Unisoc T610’s 12nm process and more efficient CPU architecture suggest the Tab M10 Gen 3 will likely achieve comparable or better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity battery to the FHD REL. The Gen 3 also supports 10W wired charging, while the FHD REL’s charging speed is unknown. 10W is relatively slow, but adequate for overnight charging. The efficiency gains of the T610 will be more noticeable during sustained usage, like video streaming.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo M10 FHD REL if you prioritize absolute lowest cost and your usage is limited to very basic tasks like static web browsing and video playback. It’s a serviceable option for those on a tight budget. Buy the Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3 if you want a smoother, more responsive experience for multitasking, streaming, and casual gaming. The Gen 3 offers a better long-term investment due to its more capable chipset.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T610 in the Tab M10 Gen 3 struggle with demanding games?
While the Unisoc T610 is a capable chipset for everyday tasks, it's not designed for high-end gaming. You'll be able to play less demanding titles and older games, but expect reduced graphics settings and potential frame rate drops in more resource-intensive games. The Snapdragon 450 in the FHD REL will perform similarly, if not worse.
❓ Is the software experience significantly different between the two tablets?
Both tablets likely run a near-stock version of Android. However, Unisoc chipsets historically have received less consistent software updates compared to Qualcomm. While Unisoc is improving in this area, the Lenovo M10 FHD REL with the Snapdragon 450 may have a slightly longer software support lifespan.
❓ Does the Tab M10 Gen 3 support fast charging beyond the 10W specification?
No, the Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3 officially supports only 10W wired charging. While it *might* be compatible with chargers offering higher wattage, it will likely only draw 10W, preventing faster charging speeds.
