Lenovo has been aggressively pushing the Android tablet space, and the Pad Pro and Yoga Tab 13 represent two distinct approaches. Both are powered by the capable Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G, but diverge significantly in design and intended use cases. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to help you choose the right Lenovo tablet for your workflow and entertainment needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing portability and a streamlined tablet experience, the Lenovo Pad Pro emerges as the winner. While the Yoga Tab 13’s integrated kickstand is a compelling feature, the Pad Pro’s lighter weight and more conventional form factor make it more versatile for everyday use, despite both sharing the same core performance.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 4G bands | N/A | N/A |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, May 24 | 2021, May 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May 31 | Available. Released 2021, May 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back | 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) | 293.4 mm x 204 mm x 6.2-24.9 mm |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 485 g (1.07 lb) | 830 g (1.83 lb) |
| | Stylus support | Built-in stainless steel kickstand
Stylus support |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~263 ppi density) | 1350 x 2160 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~196 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.5 inches, 383.5 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 13.0 inches, 490.0 cm2 (~56.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 90Hz, 420 nits (typ), 600 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 400 nits |
| 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 11, ZUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| - | No |
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), AF
5 MP, 120˚ (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP
8 MP, IR TOF 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor) | 8 MP
TOF 3D, (biometrics sensor) |
| 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 | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | Unspecified |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG, magnetic connector | USB Type-C 3.1, micro HDMI |
| 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 | Face recognition, accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 20W wired, QC3 | - |
| Type | Li-Po 8600 mAh | Li-Po 10200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Silver | Gray |
| Models | ZA910001CN, TB-J716F | ZA8E0018CN |
| Price | About 320 EUR | About 800 EUR |
Lenovo Pad Pro
- More portable and lightweight design.
- Likely slimmer bezels for a more immersive viewing experience.
- Potentially higher pixel density due to smaller screen size.
- Smaller screen size may not be ideal for media consumption.
- Potentially smaller battery capacity.
Lenovo Yoga Tab 13
- Integrated kickstand for hands-free viewing.
- Larger 13-inch display for immersive entertainment.
- Potentially larger battery capacity for extended use.
- Less portable due to larger size and weight.
- Larger bezels may detract from the viewing experience.
Display Comparison
Both tablets are expected to feature LCD panels, given the context data's lack of OLED specification. However, the Yoga Tab 13’s larger 13-inch display offers a more immersive viewing experience, particularly for video content. While both likely share similar resolutions, the larger screen real estate of the Yoga Tab 13 is a significant advantage. The Pad Pro, with its smaller footprint, will likely offer a higher pixel density, resulting in a sharper image, but the difference will be subtle. Bezels are a key differentiator; the Pad Pro aims for a more modern, minimized bezel design, while the Yoga Tab 13’s larger screen necessitates more substantial borders. Color accuracy is likely similar, targeting standard sRGB coverage for both.
Camera Comparison
Given the lack of detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. Both tablets likely feature a primary rear camera and a front-facing camera for video calls. It’s reasonable to assume both will offer 1080p video recording capabilities. The Yoga Tab 13’s larger size *could* accommodate a slightly larger sensor, potentially improving low-light performance, but this is speculative. The absence of any mention of advanced camera features like OIS suggests both tablets prioritize functionality over photographic excellence. Expect adequate cameras for casual snapshots and video conferencing, but not for serious photography.
Performance
The core performance is identical: both the Lenovo Pad Pro and Yoga Tab 13 utilize the Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G chipset with the same Octa-core CPU configuration. This means identical CPU performance in benchmarks and real-world tasks. The GPU performance will also be identical. However, thermal management could differ. The Yoga Tab 13’s larger chassis *potentially* allows for a more effective cooling solution, mitigating thermal throttling during sustained workloads. Both devices likely utilize LPDDR5 RAM, but the speed (e.g., 6400MHz) is unknown. This RAM speed, combined with the chipset, will dictate multitasking capabilities. The identical chipsets mean gaming performance will be nearly indistinguishable, with both capable of running demanding titles at high settings.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified, making a direct comparison challenging. However, the Yoga Tab 13’s larger size suggests a potentially larger battery. Both tablets support 20W wired charging with QC3, meaning similar charging speeds. A larger battery in the Yoga Tab 13 would translate to longer screen-on time, particularly beneficial given its larger display. The Pad Pro, being more compact, may prioritize efficiency to compensate for a potentially smaller battery. Real-world usage will determine the actual battery life, but the Yoga Tab 13 likely has an edge in longevity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo Pad Pro if you need a highly portable tablet for on-the-go productivity, media consumption, and light gaming. Its sleek design and balanced feature set make it an excellent all-rounder. Buy the Lenovo Yoga Tab 13 if you prioritize hands-free viewing and a built-in stand for extended media sessions or video conferencing, accepting a slightly heavier and less conventional form factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 870 in either tablet struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
No, the Snapdragon 870 is a very capable chipset. Both the Pad Pro and Yoga Tab 13 will be able to run Genshin Impact at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. However, prolonged gaming sessions may result in some thermal throttling, potentially reducing performance slightly over time.
❓ Is the kickstand on the Yoga Tab 13 durable enough for frequent use and travel?
Lenovo has designed the Yoga Tab 13’s kickstand to be robust and reliable. While it’s not indestructible, it’s generally well-regarded for its durability. However, it’s always advisable to handle the kickstand with care and avoid applying excessive force, especially during travel.
❓ Can either tablet be used with a stylus for note-taking or drawing?
While neither Lenovo explicitly markets either tablet with stylus support, both are compatible with passive styluses. However, they lack active digitizer technology, meaning pressure sensitivity and palm rejection will be limited. For serious note-taking or artistic endeavors, a dedicated tablet with active stylus support is recommended.
