The Lenovo M10 series offers affordable tablets for everyday use. We pit the M10 FHD REL, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 450, against the Tab M10 HD Gen 2 with its MediaTek Helio P22T to determine which provides the best balance of performance, features, and price for casual users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 emerges as the better choice. Its Helio P22T chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, delivers noticeably improved CPU performance, making it more responsive for multitasking and light gaming. While both tablets target the budget segment, the Gen 2 offers a smoother user experience.
| 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 |
| 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 | 2020, August 31. Released 2020, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | - | 241.5 x 149.4 x 8.3 mm (9.51 x 5.88 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Yes - cellular model only | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 520 g (1.15 lb) | 420 g (14.82 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 320 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| 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, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| 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 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Iron Gray, Platinum Gray |
| Models | TB-X605FC, TB-X605LC, ZA4Y0079IN, TB-X605M, TB-X605L | TB-X306X |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Lenovo M10 FHD REL
- Potentially lower price point
- FHD resolution (likely sharper image)
- Qualcomm chipset reliability
- Less powerful chipset (Snapdragon 450)
- Older 14nm process (less efficient)
- Potentially slower performance
Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2
- More powerful chipset (Helio P22T)
- More efficient 12nm process
- Faster CPU clock speeds
- 10W wired charging
- Standard HD resolution (potentially less sharp)
- MediaTek chipset (historically less optimized)
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature HD displays, but detailed specifications like brightness and color accuracy are unavailable. However, the 'FHD' in the M10 FHD REL's name suggests a 1920x1080 resolution, likely offering a sharper image than the standard HD resolution of the Tab M10 HD Gen 2. The impact of this resolution difference will be most noticeable when viewing detailed images or watching high-definition video. Bezels are likely similar on both, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet, given their target market. Detailed camera specs are unavailable, but both will likely feature basic sensors suitable for casual snapshots. Focusing on the chipset's image signal processor (ISP) capabilities, the Helio P22T generally offers slightly better image processing than the Snapdragon 450, potentially resulting in marginally improved image quality in good lighting conditions. However, expect limited low-light performance from both.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2’s MediaTek Helio P22T (12nm) boasts a more complex CPU configuration – octa-core with a cluster of four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and another four at 1.8 GHz – compared to the M10 FHD REL’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (14nm) which uses eight Cortex-A53 cores at a consistent 1.8 GHz. The 12nm process of the Helio P22T is more efficient, leading to better thermal management and potentially sustained performance. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking on the Gen 2. While both use Cortex-A53 cores, the higher clock speeds and process node advantage give the Gen 2 a clear edge.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Helio P22T’s 12nm process offers better power efficiency, meaning the Tab M10 HD Gen 2 is likely to achieve comparable or even better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity battery to the M10 FHD REL. The Gen 2 also supports 10W wired charging, which, while not fast, provides a standardized charging solution. Without knowing the M10 FHD REL’s charging capabilities, it’s difficult to compare charging speeds directly.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo M10 FHD REL if you prioritize a potentially lower price point and your usage is limited to very basic tasks like reading ebooks or light web browsing. Buy the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 if you prefer a more responsive tablet for multitasking, streaming video, and occasional gaming, and appreciate the benefit of a more modern, efficient chipset.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P22T in the Tab M10 HD Gen 2 struggle with demanding games?
While the Helio P22T isn't a gaming powerhouse, it's capable of handling less demanding mobile games at lower settings. Expect playable frame rates in titles like Candy Crush or Angry Birds, but don't anticipate a smooth experience with graphically intensive games like PUBG or Fortnite.
❓ Is the difference in CPU performance between the Snapdragon 450 and Helio P22T noticeable in everyday tasks?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Helio P22T’s higher clock speeds and more efficient architecture result in snappier app launches, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall user experience, especially when multitasking between several apps.
❓ Does the Tab M10 HD Gen 2 support expandable storage via microSD card?
While not explicitly stated in the provided data, Lenovo tablets in this price range typically include a microSD card slot for expandable storage. This is a crucial feature for users who plan to store a large number of photos, videos, or apps.
❓ Which tablet is better for streaming video content?
Both tablets are suitable for streaming video, but the Tab M10 HD Gen 2’s more efficient processor may contribute to slightly longer battery life during extended streaming sessions. The potentially sharper display on the M10 FHD REL could also enhance the viewing experience, assuming it has a higher resolution.
