Lenovo offers a compelling range of Android tablets, but the Pad Plus and Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 cater to slightly different needs. The Pad Plus emphasizes 5G connectivity and affordability, while the P11 Pro Gen 2 aims for a more premium experience with a newer chipset. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which tablet delivers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing everyday tasks and media consumption, the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Kompanio 1300T chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Pad Plus’s Snapdragon 750G, justifying the price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | LTE |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, May 24 | 2022, September 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May 31 | Available. Released 2022, September 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 258.4 x 163 x 7.9 mm (10.17 x 6.42 x 0.31 in) | 263.7 x 166.7 x 6.8 mm (10.38 x 6.56 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 520 g (1.15 lb) | 480 g (1.06 lb) |
| | Stylus support | Stylus support (magnetic) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~212 ppi density) | 1536 x 2560 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.0 inches, 344.4 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.2 inches, 357.0 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TDDI IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | OLED, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 120Hz, 420 nits (typ), 600 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) | Octa-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek MT8797 Kompanio 1300T (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G77 MC9 |
| OS | Android 11, ZUI 12.5 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 13 MP, f/2.4, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP
TOF 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor) | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| | Tuned by JBL | Tuned by JBL |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG, magnetic connector | USB Type-C 3.0, OTG, magnetic connector, video output |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Face recognition, accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wired, QC3 | 20W wired, QC3 |
| Type | Li-Po 7700 mAh | Li-Po 8200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White | Storm Grey, Oat |
| Models | ZA900000CN | ZAB50194GB, ZAB50043SE |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 500 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 616573 (v9)
GeekBench: 2827 (v5.1) |
Lenovo Pad Plus
- 5G Connectivity for on-the-go access
- More affordable price point
- Decent performance for basic tasks
- Older Snapdragon 750G chipset
- Less efficient 8nm process
- Potentially slower charging speeds
Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2
- More powerful Mediatek Kompanio 1300T chipset
- More efficient 6nm process for better battery life
- Faster 20W charging
- Higher price tag
- May not include 5G connectivity (data unavailable)
- Potentially larger size/weight
Display Comparison
While both tablets likely feature LCD panels (data not provided), the core performance difference lies within. The P11 Pro Gen 2 benefits from the Kompanio 1300T’s improved image signal processor, potentially leading to better color reproduction and dynamic range. The Pad Plus, with its Snapdragon 750G, will deliver adequate visuals, but may lack the same level of vibrancy. Bezels are likely comparable given the market segment, and without specific data, assessing color accuracy is difficult, but the newer chipset suggests a slight advantage for the P11 Pro Gen 2.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Kompanio 1300T’s integrated image signal processor (ISP) is more advanced than the Snapdragon 750G’s, suggesting the P11 Pro Gen 2 will likely produce better image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The ISP handles noise reduction, dynamic range, and color accuracy. It's reasonable to assume the P11 Pro Gen 2 will have a more capable camera system overall, even if megapixel counts are similar.
Performance
The Mediatek Kompanio 1300T in the Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 represents a significant architectural leap over the Snapdragon 750G in the Pad Plus. The Kompanio 1300T utilizes a combination of Cortex-A78 and A55 cores clocked up to 2.6 GHz, built on a 6nm process, offering superior single-core and multi-core performance compared to the Snapdragon 750G’s Kryo 570 cores (2x2.2 GHz & 6x1.8 GHz) fabricated on an 8nm node. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience. The 6nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. While both use Octa-core CPUs, the architectural differences are key.
Battery Life
The battery capacity is not provided for either device. However, the Kompanio 1300T’s 6nm process offers better power efficiency than the Snapdragon 750G’s 8nm process. This means the P11 Pro Gen 2 is likely to achieve comparable or better battery life despite potentially having a similar battery capacity. The P11 Pro Gen 2 also supports 20W charging, while the Pad Plus utilizes QC3, which may offer slightly slower charging speeds depending on the charger used. The faster charging of the P11 Pro Gen 2 provides a convenience advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo Pad Plus if you need a portable, 5G-connected tablet for light tasks like browsing, streaming, and occasional gaming, and are on a strict budget. Buy the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 if you prioritize smoother multitasking, more demanding applications, and a generally more responsive experience, and are willing to invest a bit more for enhanced performance and future-proofing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Kompanio 1300T in the Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 get hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Kompanio 1300T’s 6nm process is designed for improved thermal efficiency compared to the 8nm Snapdragon 750G. While some heat generation is inevitable during demanding tasks like gaming, the P11 Pro Gen 2 is less likely to experience significant throttling, maintaining consistent performance for longer periods.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Pad Plus worth the trade-off in performance?
The value of 5G connectivity depends on your usage. If you frequently travel or need reliable internet access in areas with limited Wi-Fi, the Pad Plus’s 5G is a significant benefit. However, if you primarily use Wi-Fi, the performance gains offered by the P11 Pro Gen 2’s chipset are likely more valuable.
❓ Can either tablet be used with a keyboard and mouse for productivity tasks?
Both tablets support Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect a keyboard and mouse for enhanced productivity. However, the P11 Pro Gen 2’s faster processor will provide a smoother and more responsive experience when multitasking and running productivity applications.
