Looking for an affordable Android tablet? The Lenovo Tab M10 series offers compelling options, but choosing between the Gen 3 and HD Gen 2 can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs and features to help you make the right decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3 edges out the HD Gen 2 thanks to its slightly more powerful Unisoc T610 chipset, offering a smoother overall experience. However, the HD Gen 2 remains a solid choice for basic tasks and media consumption, especially if found at a significantly lower price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September | 2020, August 31. Released 2020, November |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 239.8 x 158.6 x 8.5 mm (9.44 x 6.24 x 0.33 in) | 241.5 x 149.4 x 8.3 mm (9.51 x 5.88 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 460 g (1.01 lb) | 420 g (14.82 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~77.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 320 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MP2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMCP or eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (with Dolby Atmos) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, LE | 5.0, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG, magnetic connector | 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, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Storm Grey | Iron Gray, Platinum Gray |
| Models | - | TB-X306X |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3
- Slightly better performance (Unisoc T610)
- Potentially improved display quality
- Modern design
- Often includes Android updates for longer
- Can be slightly more expensive than the HD Gen 2
- Charging speed is slow (10W)
Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2
- More affordable
- Decent battery life
- Good for basic tasks like browsing and streaming
- Less powerful chipset (Helio P22T)
- Older design
- May receive fewer Android updates
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature HD displays, typically around 10.1 inches. The Gen 3 often boasts slightly improved brightness and color accuracy, though both are adequate for their price range. Expect resolutions around 1920x1200 on both.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality on both tablets is generally unremarkable, typical for budget devices. Expect basic 5-8MP front and rear cameras suitable for video calls and casual snapshots. Don't expect stellar image quality in low light.
Performance
The Unisoc T610 in the Gen 3 holds a performance advantage over the Helio P22T in the HD Gen 2. While both are entry-level chipsets, the T610's Cortex-A75 cores provide a noticeable boost in responsiveness and app loading times. Expect smoother multitasking on the Gen 3.
Battery Life
Both tablets typically feature around 5000mAh batteries, offering similar battery life for everyday use. Expect around 8-10 hours of mixed usage on both devices.
Buying Guide
The Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3 is ideal for users who want a bit more performance for light gaming, multitasking, and general app usage. The Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 is a great pick for those primarily using the tablet for browsing, streaming videos, and reading, and who prioritize affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which tablet is better for gaming?
The Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3 is slightly better for light gaming due to its more powerful chipset. However, neither tablet is designed for demanding games.
❓ Do both tablets support expandable storage?
Yes, both tablets typically support microSD card expansion, allowing you to increase storage capacity.
❓ What Android version do these tablets ship with?
The Tab M10 Gen 3 usually ships with a newer version of Android than the HD Gen 2. Check the specific model's specifications for the exact version.