The budget tablet market is booming, offering incredible value for those seeking portable entertainment and productivity. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3 and the Nokia T20. Both promise affordability, but which one delivers the better experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia T20 edges out the Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3 thanks to its brighter display and faster charging. While both share the same Unisoc T610 chipset, the Nokia's display quality and slightly improved charging speed make it the more compelling choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - US, LATAM |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 40, 66 - US, LATAM |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September | 2021, October 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September | Available. Released 2021, November 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 239.8 x 158.6 x 8.5 mm (9.44 x 6.24 x 0.33 in) | 247.6 x 157.5 x 7.8 mm (9.75 x 6.20 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 460 g (1.01 lb) | 465 g (Wi-Fi), 470 g (LTE) (1.03 lb) |
| | - | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~77.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~78.9% 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 (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MP2 | Mali-G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMCP or eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 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 (with Dolby Atmos) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS - cellular model only | GPS - 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 8200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Storm Grey | Deep Ocean |
| Models | - | TA-1397, TA-1394, TA-1392 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.34 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.35 W/kg (body) |
Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3
- Generally more affordable
- Decent build quality
- Wide availability
- Dimmer display
- Slower charging
- Average camera performance
Nokia T20
- Brighter, higher contrast display
- Faster 15W charging
- Clean Android experience
- Premium feel
- Slightly higher price
- Performance limited by chipset
Display Comparison
The Nokia T20 boasts a significant advantage with its measured 422 nits of brightness, making it much more usable outdoors or in brightly lit rooms. The 1786:1 contrast ratio also contributes to richer colors and deeper blacks. The Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3's display is adequate but noticeably dimmer and less vibrant. Resolution is likely similar on both, but the Nokia's brightness makes a big difference.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department. Both likely feature modest rear and front-facing cameras suitable for video calls and occasional snapshots. Image quality will be average in good lighting conditions, with noticeable noise in low light. Don't expect these cameras to replace your smartphone.
Performance
Both tablets utilize the Unisoc T610 chipset, meaning performance will be largely comparable. Expect smooth navigation and basic multitasking, but don't expect to run demanding games or applications. Real-world performance will depend on RAM configuration (likely 4GB on both), with more RAM leading to better multitasking capabilities. Software optimization will also play a role.
Battery Life
The Nokia T20 has a slight edge here with 15W wired charging compared to the Lenovo's 10W. While battery capacity is likely similar (around 5000mAh), the faster charging speed on the Nokia T20 will result in quicker top-ups. Battery life itself will depend on usage patterns, but both should offer a full day of moderate use.
Buying Guide
The Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3 is a good option for users prioritizing a slightly lower price point and don't heavily rely on outdoor visibility. The Nokia T20 is ideal for those who value a better viewing experience, faster charging, and a more premium feel, even within a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What Android version do these tablets run?
Both tablets launched with Android 11, with the Nokia T20 promising longer software support and updates. Check manufacturer websites for current update status.
❓ Are these tablets good for gaming?
Neither tablet is ideal for demanding games. The Unisoc T610 chipset is sufficient for casual games and basic gaming, but don't expect high frame rates or smooth performance in graphically intensive titles.
