The Lenovo M10 Plus and Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) represent compelling options in the crowded budget tablet space. Both aim to deliver a functional Android experience without breaking the bank, but they achieve this through different approaches to chipset design and overall feature sets. This comparison dives deep into the core differences to help you determine which tablet offers the best value for your specific needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing everyday tasks like streaming and web browsing, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) edges out the Lenovo M10 Plus. Its Exynos 7904 chipset, built on a 14nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the M10 Plus’s Helio P22T, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience.
| 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, March 27. Released 2020, March 27 | 2019, February 15. Released 2019, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 244.2 x 153.3 x 8.2 mm (9.61 x 6.04 x 0.32 in) | 245.2 x 149.4 x 7.5 mm (9.65 x 5.88 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 460 g (1.01 lb) | 469 g (1.03 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~220 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.3 inches, 307.6 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 330 nits (typ) | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22T (12 nm) | Exynos 7904 (14 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G71 MP2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 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, compass |
| | - | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 6150 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Iron Grey | Black, Gold, Silver |
| Models | TB-X606, TB-X606F, TB-X606X, TB-X606V | SM-T515, SM-T510 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 220 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.36 W/kg (body) |
Lenovo M10 Plus
- Potentially lower price point.
- Sufficient for basic tasks like reading and video playback.
- Mediatek chipset offers decent efficiency.
- Helio P22T chipset is less powerful than the Exynos 7904.
- May struggle with multitasking and demanding apps.
- Slower charging speed (10W).
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019)
- Exynos 7904 provides a smoother and more responsive user experience.
- Better performance for multitasking and light gaming.
- More efficient chipset potentially leading to longer battery life.
- Generally a higher price than the Lenovo M10 Plus.
- 14nm process is less cutting-edge than newer chip manufacturing processes.
- May not be significantly faster for extremely basic tasks.
Display Comparison
Neither Lenovo nor Samsung provide detailed display specs in the provided data. However, given the market segment, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The key difference lies under the hood. The Exynos 7904’s GPU will likely provide a smoother experience when rendering graphically intensive content on the Tab A 10.1. While both are 10.1-inch displays, the Tab A 10.1’s chipset is better equipped to handle video playback and light gaming without significant frame drops.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is positioned as a photography powerhouse, and the provided data doesn't offer specifics beyond the chipsets. It's safe to assume both feature basic camera setups. Focusing on the chipset, the Exynos 7904 includes an ISP (Image Signal Processor) that is more advanced than the one found in the Helio P22T. This means the Tab A 10.1 will likely produce slightly better image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions, due to improved noise reduction and dynamic range. However, expectations should remain modest for both devices.
Performance
The core of the performance difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) features the Exynos 7904, built on a 14nm process, with a CPU configuration of 2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A73 and 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This architecture, particularly the inclusion of the Cortex-A73 cores, provides a significant uplift in single-core performance compared to the Lenovo M10 Plus’s Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22T. The Helio P22T, with its 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores, is geared towards efficiency but lacks the raw processing power of the Exynos. This translates to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the Samsung device. The 14nm process of the Exynos also contributes to better thermal management under sustained load.
Battery Life
The provided data only details charging wattage (10W for the Lenovo). Without knowing the battery capacity of either device, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Exynos 7904’s 14nm process is more power-efficient than the Helio P22T’s 12nm process. This means the Samsung Tab A 10.1 (2019) is likely to achieve comparable or even better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity battery, due to reduced power consumption during typical usage. The 10W charging on the Lenovo M10 Plus suggests a slower recharge time compared to what might be found on some Samsung models.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo M10 Plus if you need a tablet primarily for static content consumption – reading ebooks, watching pre-downloaded videos – and value a slightly lower price point. Its Helio P22T is sufficient for these tasks. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) if you prioritize a more fluid user experience, occasional light gaming, and a chipset capable of handling more demanding applications, even if it comes at a slightly higher cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 7904 in the Samsung Tab A 10.1 (2019) overheat during extended gaming sessions?
While not a dedicated gaming tablet, the Exynos 7904 is generally well-behaved in terms of thermal management. The 14nm process helps dissipate heat effectively. You might experience some warmth during prolonged gaming, but it's unlikely to lead to significant throttling or performance degradation for casual gaming titles.
❓ Is the performance difference between the Helio P22T and Exynos 7904 noticeable for everyday tasks like web browsing and email?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Exynos 7904’s more powerful CPU architecture (Cortex-A73 cores) results in snappier app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall user experience, even with everyday tasks. The Lenovo M10 Plus will function, but the Samsung Tab A 10.1 (2019) will feel more fluid.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) handle multitasking with several apps open simultaneously?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) handles multitasking significantly better than the Lenovo M10 Plus. The Exynos 7904, coupled with adequate RAM (spec not provided, but likely 3GB or 4GB), allows for smoother switching between apps and reduces the likelihood of apps being reloaded from scratch.
