The sub-$200 tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Lenovo M10 FHD REL and Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) are two of the leading contenders. While both aim to deliver an affordable Android experience, they take different approaches to achieving that goal, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which tablet offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) is the better choice. Its Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Lenovo M10 FHD REL’s Snapdragon 450, resulting in a smoother user experience, especially for multitasking and light gaming. While the Lenovo offers a slightly lower price point, the performance trade-off isn't worth it for most.
| 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, 41, 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, December 15 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | - | 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Yes - cellular model only | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 520 g (1.15 lb) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 320 nits (typ) | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | 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 | - | 1080p@30fps |
| 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, GALILEO, QZSS - 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, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7000 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | TB-X605FC, TB-X605LC, ZA4Y0079IN, TB-X605M, TB-X605L | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
Lenovo M10 FHD REL
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- FHD Resolution
- Outdated Snapdragon 450 chipset
- Likely slower performance
- Less efficient processor
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- More powerful Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset
- Faster 15W charging
- Smoother multitasking experience
- May be slightly more expensive
- Camera performance likely similar to Lenovo
- Battery capacity not specified
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 10.5-inch displays, but details beyond size are scarce in the provided data. However, given Samsung’s display expertise, the Tab A8 likely benefits from superior color accuracy and viewing angles. The Lenovo M10 FHD REL’s 'FHD' designation indicates a 1920x1080 resolution, which is standard for this price range. Without knowing the panel technology (IPS, TFT) or peak brightness for either, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner, but Samsung’s brand reputation suggests a more refined visual experience. Bezels are likely comparable, given the similar price points and target market.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is likely to excel in photography. Without detailed camera specifications, it’s safe to assume both feature basic sensors suitable for casual snapshots. The absence of information regarding sensor size, aperture, or image stabilization suggests a focus on cost reduction over image quality. Any claims of superior camera performance would be speculative without further data. Users should not purchase either tablet expecting a high-quality camera experience.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8’s Unisoc Tiger T618, built on a 12nm process, is a significant upgrade over the Lenovo’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (14nm). The T618’s CPU configuration – 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – is architecturally superior to the Snapdragon 450’s Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53. The Cortex-A75 cores in the T618 offer substantially better single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and responsiveness. While both are octa-core, the T618’s heterogeneous architecture provides a more balanced and efficient performance profile. This translates to smoother multitasking and a more enjoyable experience with demanding apps. The lack of LPDDR RAM specifications makes it difficult to assess memory bandwidth, but the chipset difference is the dominant factor.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8’s 15W wired charging is a notable advantage. While not fast charging by modern standards, it’s faster than what’s typically found in the Lenovo M10 FHD REL’s segment. The more efficient Unisoc T618 chipset in the Tab A8 may also contribute to longer battery life during typical usage, offsetting any potential capacity differences. Without knowing the battery sizes, it’s difficult to definitively state which tablet offers superior endurance, but the faster charging speed gives the Tab A8 an edge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo M10 FHD REL if you prioritize absolute lowest cost and your usage is limited to very basic tasks like reading ebooks or simple video playback. It's a functional device for minimal demands. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) if you want a more responsive and versatile tablet experience, capable of handling multitasking, streaming, and casual gaming without significant lag. The improved processor makes it a more future-proof investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc Tiger T618 in the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 powerful enough for gaming?
The Unisoc Tiger T618 is capable of handling casual gaming, but don't expect flagship-level performance. It can run popular titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. However, demanding games may require lower graphics settings to maintain smooth gameplay.
❓ Will the Snapdragon 450 in the Lenovo M10 FHD REL struggle with multitasking?
Yes, the Snapdragon 450 is a relatively older and less powerful chipset. While it can handle basic multitasking (e.g., switching between a web browser and a messaging app), it will likely exhibit noticeable lag when running multiple demanding applications simultaneously. Expect slower app switching and potential slowdowns.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 support expandable storage?
While not explicitly stated in the provided data, Samsung tablets typically include a microSD card slot for expandable storage. This is a significant advantage for users who plan to store a large number of files, photos, or videos on their tablet.
❓ What kind of charging cable does the Lenovo M10 FHD REL use?
Given its age and price point, the Lenovo M10 FHD REL likely uses a Micro-USB charging cable. This is an older standard compared to the USB-C port found on the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8, which offers faster data transfer speeds and more versatile connectivity.
