Both the Lenovo Pad Pro and the Lenovo Legion Y700 leverage the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G, but cater to distinctly different user needs. The Pad Pro aims for a balance of productivity and entertainment, while the Legion Y700 is laser-focused on mobile gaming. This comparison dissects how Lenovo differentiates these tablets despite their shared core silicon.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing versatility and longer screen-on time, the Lenovo Pad Pro is the better choice. While both share the Snapdragon 870, the Legion Y700’s faster 45W charging is offset by its likely more aggressive power draw during gaming, making the Pad Pro a more practical all-rounder.
| 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, March 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May 31 | Available. Released 2022, March 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back | - |
| Dimensions | 264.3 x 171.4 x 5.8 mm (10.41 x 6.75 x 0.23 in) | 207.1 x 128.1 x 7.9 mm (8.15 x 5.04 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 485 g (1.07 lb) | 375 g (13.23 oz) |
| | Stylus support | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~263 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~343 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.5 inches, 383.5 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.8 inches, 224.5 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 90Hz, 420 nits (typ), 600 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 11, ZUI 12.5 | Android 12, ZUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), AF
5 MP, 120˚ (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | - | 13 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP
8 MP, IR TOF 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor) | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | Tuned by JBL | Tuned by JBL |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG, magnetic connector | USB Type-C 3.1 Gen2 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Infrared Face ID, fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 20W wired, QC3 | 45W wired, 100% in 45 min |
| Type | Li-Po 8600 mAh | Li-Po 6550 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Silver | Gray |
| Models | ZA910001CN, TB-J716F | TB-9707F |
| Price | About 320 EUR | About 360 EUR |
Lenovo Pad Pro
- More balanced performance profile for everyday tasks.
- Gentler charging preserves battery health.
- Potentially longer battery life due to less aggressive power draw.
- Slower charging speed.
- May throttle more quickly under sustained gaming loads.
Lenovo Legion Y700
- Significantly faster 45W charging.
- Likely superior thermal management for sustained gaming.
- Potentially higher refresh rate display for smoother gaming.
- Faster charging can degrade battery health over time.
- Shorter battery life during intensive gaming sessions.
Display Comparison
Both tablets likely feature LCD panels, given the price point and chipset. However, details regarding resolution, refresh rate, and color gamut are missing. The Legion Y700, being a gaming tablet, may prioritize a higher refresh rate (potentially 120Hz) for smoother visuals, while the Pad Pro might focus on color accuracy for content creation. Bezels are a key differentiator, with the Legion Y700 likely minimizing them for a more immersive gaming experience. Without specific nit brightness data, it's difficult to assess outdoor visibility, but the Legion Y700’s gaming focus suggests a brighter panel is probable.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are absent, making a direct comparison challenging. Given the target audiences, the Legion Y700’s camera is likely a secondary consideration, focusing on basic functionality for quick snapshots. The Pad Pro, aiming for broader appeal, might offer a slightly more refined camera system. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to assess image quality, but the inclusion of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) would be a significant advantage for the Pad Pro, particularly for video recording.
Performance
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) at the heart of both devices delivers identical CPU performance – an octa-core configuration with a 3.2 GHz prime core, three 2.42 GHz performance cores, and four 1.80 GHz efficiency cores. The key difference lies in thermal management. The Legion Y700, designed for sustained gaming, likely incorporates a more robust cooling solution (vapor chamber or larger heat sink) to prevent throttling under load. The Pad Pro, prioritizing a slimmer profile, may have a more conservative cooling system. While both will handle demanding tasks, the Legion Y700 should maintain peak performance for longer durations. RAM configurations are unknown, but LPDDR5 or LPDDR5x would be expected to maximize bandwidth.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is unspecified, but the charging speeds reveal a crucial difference. The Lenovo Legion Y700’s 45W wired charging, capable of a full charge in 45 minutes, significantly outpaces the Pad Pro’s 20W QC3 charging. This faster charging is a major benefit for gamers who need to quickly top up their battery between sessions. However, faster charging often comes at the cost of battery health and can generate more heat. The Pad Pro’s slower charging is gentler on the battery and may result in a longer overall lifespan. The actual battery life will depend on capacity and usage patterns, but the Legion Y700’s more power-hungry gaming focus will likely result in shorter runtimes.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo Pad Pro if you need a tablet for media consumption, light productivity tasks, and occasional gaming, valuing battery life and a more balanced experience. Buy the Lenovo Legion Y700 if you prioritize raw gaming performance, demand the fastest possible charging speeds, and are willing to trade some battery longevity for sustained high frame rates and a more aggressive thermal profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 870 in the Legion Y700 handle demanding games like Genshin Impact at high settings?
Yes, the Snapdragon 870 is a capable chipset and can run Genshin Impact at high settings. However, sustained performance will depend on the Legion Y700’s cooling system. Expect some frame rate drops during extended play sessions, but the dedicated gaming features should mitigate this.
❓ Is the 20W charging on the Lenovo Pad Pro slow compared to other tablets?
While 20W is slower than the 45W on the Legion Y700, it's not unusually slow for a tablet. It will still charge overnight, and the slower rate can contribute to longer battery lifespan. Quick Charge 3.0 support will also provide some level of fast charging with compatible adapters.
❓ Does the Lenovo Legion Y700 support external controllers?
Given its gaming focus, the Lenovo Legion Y700 likely supports Bluetooth controllers for an enhanced gaming experience. However, specific controller compatibility will vary and should be verified before purchase.
❓ Can the Lenovo Pad Pro be used for note-taking with a stylus?
While not explicitly stated, Lenovo often supports stylus input on their Pad series. Check for compatibility with Lenovo’s Precision Pen or other compatible styluses to enhance productivity and creative tasks.
