Lenovo's M10 series offers compelling value in the Android tablet space. The M10 FHD REL represents an older, more affordable option, while the M10 Plus (3rd Gen) brings a newer chipset and faster charging. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which tablet delivers the best experience for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 680 (or Helio G80) chipset provides a significantly smoother experience for multitasking and light gaming, and the 20W charging is a welcome upgrade. However, the M10 FHD REL remains a viable option for extremely budget-conscious users.
| 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, 26, 28, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps - cellular model only | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat13 390/75 Mbps - cellular model only |
| Technology | LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, January 24. Released 2020, January 24 | 2022, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | - | 251.2 x 158.8 x 7.5 mm (9.89 x 6.25 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Yes - cellular model only | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 520 g (1.15 lb) | 465 g (1.03 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~220 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 | 10.61 inches, 320.4 cm2 (~80.3% 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 (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) - LTE model Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Wi-Fi only model |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) - LTE model Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) - Wi-Fi only model |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Adreno 610 - LTE model Mali-G52 MC2 - Wi-Fi only model |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMCP/uMCP |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | FM Radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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, gyro |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 20W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7000 mAh | Li-Po 7700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Storm Grey, Frost Blue |
| Models | TB-X605FC, TB-X605LC, ZA4Y0079IN, TB-X605M, TB-X605L | - |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 260 EUR |
Lenovo M10 FHD REL
- Most affordable option
- Suitable for basic tasks
- Lightweight and portable
- Slow performance with Snapdragon 450
- Likely slower charging speeds
- May struggle with multitasking
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)
- Significantly faster performance (Snapdragon 680 or Helio G80)
- 20W fast charging
- More responsive user experience
- Higher price point
- Battery capacity not specified
- Helio G80 variant less powerful than Snapdragon 680
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature a 10.1-inch FHD (1920x1200) display, but details beyond resolution are scarce. The M10 Plus benefits from a newer panel, potentially offering slightly improved color accuracy and viewing angles. However, without specific brightness (nits) data, it's difficult to definitively say which offers a better visual experience. Both likely utilize IPS LCD technology, common in this price bracket. Bezels are expected to be similar, prioritizing affordability over an edge-to-edge design.
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 camera specs are unavailable, but it's safe to assume both feature a primary rear camera and a front-facing camera for video conferencing. Focusing on megapixel counts would be misleading; image quality is more dependent on sensor size and image processing, data which is not provided.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The M10 FHD REL's Qualcomm Snapdragon 450, built on a 14nm process, is a decidedly entry-level chipset. Its Cortex-A53 cores, clocked at 1.8 GHz, are adequate for basic tasks but will struggle with demanding applications. The M10 Plus (3rd Gen) offers a choice of two chipsets: the Snapdragon 680 (6nm) in LTE models and the MediaTek Helio G80 (12nm) in Wi-Fi only models. The Snapdragon 680, with its Kryo 265 Gold and Silver cores clocked up to 2.4 GHz, represents a substantial performance leap, offering significantly faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. Even the Helio G80 provides a noticeable upgrade over the Snapdragon 450, thanks to its Cortex-A75 cores. The 6nm process of the Snapdragon 680 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended use.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the M10 Plus (3rd Gen) gains a significant advantage with its 20W wired charging support. The M10 FHD REL likely supports a slower charging rate, resulting in longer charge times. While a larger mAh capacity doesn't always translate to longer battery life (due to chipset efficiency), the faster charging of the M10 Plus provides a more convenient user experience, allowing for quicker top-ups when needed.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo M10 FHD REL if you need a basic tablet for simple tasks like web browsing, video calls, and light reading, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) if you prioritize smoother performance, faster charging, and a more responsive user experience, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 450 in the M10 FHD REL struggle with video streaming apps like Netflix or YouTube?
While the Snapdragon 450 can handle basic video streaming, you may experience occasional buffering or lag, especially with higher resolutions (1080p or above). The M10 Plus (3rd Gen) with its Snapdragon 680 or Helio G80 will provide a much smoother streaming experience.
❓ Is the difference between the Snapdragon 680 and Helio G80 versions of the M10 Plus (3rd Gen) significant?
Yes, the Snapdragon 680 is noticeably more powerful than the Helio G80. The Snapdragon 680 offers better CPU and GPU performance, resulting in faster app loading times and smoother gaming. If performance is a priority, opt for the LTE model with the Snapdragon 680.
❓ Can either of these tablets be used for light gaming?
The M10 FHD REL is limited to very basic games. The M10 Plus (3rd Gen), particularly the Snapdragon 680 variant, can handle light to moderate gaming at lower settings. Don't expect to play demanding titles at high frame rates.
❓ What type of storage does each tablet use, and is it expandable?
Storage type and expandability are not specified. However, based on Lenovo's typical offerings in this segment, both tablets likely use eMMC storage. Expandability via microSD card is probable, but confirmation is needed.
