Looking for an affordable Android tablet? Lenovo offers several compelling options, and the Tab K10 and M10 Gen 3 are two popular contenders. But which one delivers the best value for your money? This detailed comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3 edges out the K10 thanks to its more modern CPU architecture and slightly better overall performance. While both offer solid value, the M10 Gen 3's Cortex-A75 cores provide a noticeable boost in responsiveness for everyday tasks and light gaming.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, May 19 | 2022, September |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June | Available. Released 2022, September |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 244 x 153 x 8.2 mm (9.61 x 6.02 x 0.32 in) | 239.8 x 158.6 x 8.5 mm (9.44 x 6.24 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 460 g (1.01 lb) | 460 g (1.01 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 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~77.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 330 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 320 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22T (12 nm) | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMCP or eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (with Dolby Atmos) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, LE | 5.0, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only | GPS - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG, magnetic connector |
| 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7700 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Abyss Blue | Storm Grey |
| Models | TB-X6C6F, TB-X6C6X | - |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 200 EUR |
Lenovo Tab K10
- Larger screen (often)
- Generally more affordable
- Decent for media consumption
- Slower performance
- Older chipset
- Slow charging
Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3
- Better performance (Cortex-A75 cores)
- More responsive multitasking
- Slightly better front camera
- Can be slightly more expensive
- Still slow charging
- Camera quality is basic
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 10.1-inch displays, but the M10 Gen 3 typically has a slightly higher resolution (often 1920x1200 vs. the K10's 1920x1200). Panel quality is generally similar, offering decent viewing angles and color reproduction for the price point. Expect IPS panels on both.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department. Both feature front and rear cameras suitable for video calls and casual snapshots, but image quality is unremarkable. Expect grainy images in low light. The M10 Gen 3 might have a slightly better front-facing camera for video conferencing.
Performance
Here's where the M10 Gen 3 pulls ahead. The Unisoc T610's Cortex-A75 cores offer a significant performance advantage over the K10's all-Cortex-A53 setup. While both handle basic tasks well, the M10 Gen 3 feels snappier and more responsive, especially when switching between apps. The K10 can feel a bit sluggish at times.
Battery Life
Battery life is comparable on both devices, typically offering 8-10 hours of mixed usage. Both have a 5000mAh battery. Charging is slow on both, with 10W wired charging.
Buying Guide
The Lenovo Tab K10 is a good choice for users prioritizing a slightly larger screen and basic media consumption. The Tab M10 Gen 3 is better suited for those who need a bit more processing power for multitasking, light gaming, or running slightly more demanding apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3 good for gaming?
It's decent for light gaming, but don't expect to play demanding titles at high settings. The Unisoc T610 can handle casual games and older titles reasonably well.
❓ What Android version do these tablets run?
Both tablets typically ship with Android 10 or 11, with Lenovo providing software updates for a reasonable period. Check the specific model number for the exact version.