The sub-$200 Android tablet market is fiercely competitive. Both the Lenovo M10 FHD REL and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite aim to deliver a functional tablet experience without breaking the bank. However, they achieve this with different approaches to processing power and features, making the choice less straightforward than the price tag suggests.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite offers a slightly better overall experience. Its more modern Mediatek Helio P22T chipset provides a noticeable performance edge in everyday tasks and light gaming, while the 15W charging is a welcome addition. However, the Lenovo M10 FHD REL remains a viable option for those prioritizing a larger display and minimal cost.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 66 |
| 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 | 2021, May 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, June 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame, plastic ends |
| Dimensions | - | 212.5 x 124.7 x 8 mm (8.37 x 4.91 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Yes - cellular model only | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 520 g (1.15 lb) | 366 g (Wi-Fi), 371 g (LTE) (12.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~179 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 | 8.7 inches, 214.9 cm2 (~81.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 320 nits (typ) | TFT LCD |
| 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 MT8768T Helio P22T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB 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 | 2 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, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| 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, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7000 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Gray, Silver |
| Models | TB-X605FC, TB-X605LC, ZA4Y0079IN, TB-X605M, TB-X605L | SM-T225, SM-T220, SM-T225N, SM-T227U |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.68 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.64 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Lenovo M10 FHD REL
- Potentially larger display size for immersive viewing.
- Lower price point makes it highly accessible.
- Simple and straightforward Android experience.
- Older Snapdragon 450 chipset offers limited performance.
- Likely slower charging speeds.
- Potentially lower display quality.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
- More powerful Mediatek Helio P22T chipset for smoother performance.
- Faster 15W wired charging.
- Generally better software optimization from Samsung.
- May have a smaller display size.
- Slightly higher price compared to the Lenovo.
- Samsung’s software can include bloatware.
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature FHD (1920x1080) displays, but details beyond resolution are scarce for the Lenovo. Samsung’s Tab A7 Lite benefits from a more refined display experience, though specific brightness nits aren’t provided. The Lenovo’s larger screen size (assumed, based on model naming) will be preferable for media viewing, but the Samsung’s panel likely offers better color accuracy and viewing angles. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, typical of this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are equipped with basic camera setups, and detailed specifications are unavailable. Given the market segment, expect low-resolution sensors and limited image quality. Focusing on the primary sensor resolution is futile; image processing and software optimization will play a larger role, and Samsung generally has an edge in this area. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device means image stabilization will rely solely on digital methods.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite’s Mediatek Helio P22T (12nm) is built on a smaller fabrication process than the Lenovo’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (14nm). This translates to improved power efficiency and, crucially, a higher peak CPU clock speed (2.3 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). While both utilize Cortex-A53 cores, the Samsung’s configuration (4x2.3GHz + 4x1.8GHz) provides a significant boost in multi-threaded performance. This will be noticeable in app loading times and smoother multitasking. The Lenovo’s older Snapdragon 450 will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite’s 15W wired charging is a clear advantage. The Lenovo M10 FHD REL likely utilizes a slower charging standard, resulting in longer charge times. While a larger battery capacity on the Lenovo *could* offset the slower charging, the more efficient Helio P22T in the Samsung will likely deliver comparable or better real-world battery life, especially during active use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo M10 FHD REL if you need a larger screen for media consumption and prioritize absolute affordability above all else. It's ideal for static tasks like reading ebooks or watching videos where raw processing power isn't critical. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite if you prefer a more responsive user experience, occasional light gaming, and the convenience of faster charging. It’s better suited for multitasking and users who want a tablet that feels a bit more modern.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio P22T isn't a gaming powerhouse, the Tab A7 Lite can handle PUBG Mobile at lower graphics settings. Expect frame rate drops during intense action, but it's playable. The Lenovo M10 FHD REL will likely struggle even at the lowest settings.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Snapdragon 450 and Helio P22T noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and email?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Helio P22T’s faster CPU cores and more efficient architecture result in snappier app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall experience. The Snapdragon 450 may exhibit lag or stuttering during multitasking.
❓ Does either tablet support expandable storage via microSD card?
While not explicitly stated in the provided specs, both tablets are highly likely to support microSD card expansion, a common feature in this price range. This is crucial for storing media and apps, as internal storage is often limited.
❓ How does Samsung's One UI compare to the stock Android experience on the Lenovo M10 FHD REL?
Samsung's One UI is a heavily customized Android skin. It offers more features and customization options than stock Android, but it also includes pre-installed apps (bloatware) and can be more resource-intensive. The Lenovo likely offers a cleaner, more streamlined Android experience.