Looking for an affordable Android tablet? The Lenovo Tab M10 series offers compelling options, but choosing between the Gen 3 and the Plus (3rd Gen) can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will dissect their features, performance, and value to help you make the right decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) generally wins thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 680 chipset (LTE model) or Helio G80 (Wi-Fi only), faster charging, and often a slightly better display. The Gen 3 remains a budget-friendly option, but the Plus offers a noticeable performance boost.
| 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, 26, 28, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat13 390/75 Mbps - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September | 2022, May |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September | Available. Released 2022, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 239.8 x 158.6 x 8.5 mm (9.44 x 6.24 x 0.33 in) | 251.2 x 158.8 x 7.5 mm (9.89 x 6.25 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 460 g (1.01 lb) | 465 g (1.03 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~220 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~77.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.61 inches, 320.4 cm2 (~80.3% 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 (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) - LTE model Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Wi-Fi only model |
| Chipset | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) - LTE model Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) - Wi-Fi only model |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MP2 | Adreno 610 - LTE model Mali-G52 MC2 - Wi-Fi only model |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMCP or eMMC 5.1 | eMCP/uMCP |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 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 (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | FM Radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG, magnetic connector | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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, gyro |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 20W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 7700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Storm Grey | Storm Grey, Frost Blue |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 260 EUR |
Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3
- Very affordable
- Decent for basic tasks
- Lightweight and portable
- Good battery life
- Slow performance
- Basic display
- Slow charging
- Limited storage options
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)
- Faster performance (Snapdragon 680/Helio G80)
- Better display (often higher resolution)
- Faster charging (20W)
- More responsive multitasking
- Slightly more expensive
- Camera quality still not great
- Wi-Fi only model available
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature a 10.1-inch display, but the Plus often boasts a slightly higher resolution (typically 1920x1200) and improved color accuracy. The Gen 3's display is adequate but may appear less vibrant. Viewing angles are generally similar on both.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality on both tablets is not a strong point. Expect basic, usable cameras for video calls and occasional snapshots. The Plus might offer slightly better image processing, but don't expect flagship-level results from either device. Both typically have an 8MP main camera and a 5MP front camera.
Performance
This is where the Plus shines. The Snapdragon 680 (LTE) or Helio G80 (Wi-Fi) in the Plus provides a substantial performance advantage over the Unisoc T610 in the Gen 3. Expect smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Plus. The Gen 3 can feel sluggish at times, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Battery life is comparable, typically around 8-10 hours of mixed usage. However, the Plus's faster 20W charging means it will recharge significantly quicker than the Gen 3's 10W charging.
Buying Guide
The Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3 is ideal for casual users who primarily browse the web, stream videos, and play light games. It's a great entry-level tablet for kids or those on a tight budget. The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) is better suited for users who want smoother multitasking, more responsive gaming, and faster charging. It's a worthwhile upgrade if performance is a priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus worth the extra money?
Yes, if performance and a better display are important to you. The Plus offers a noticeable upgrade over the Gen 3.
❓ What is the difference between the LTE and Wi-Fi only models of the Tab M10 Plus?
The LTE model has cellular connectivity, allowing you to connect to mobile data networks. The Wi-Fi only model only connects to Wi-Fi.
❓ Can I expand the storage on either tablet?
Yes, both tablets support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add more storage.
