Looking for an affordable Android tablet for streaming, browsing, and light gaming? The Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3 and Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 are popular contenders. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 edges out the Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3 thanks to its slightly faster processor, quicker charging, and generally more polished Samsung experience. However, the Lenovo offers a compelling alternative if you prioritize a lower price point.
| 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 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 239.8 x 158.6 x 8.5 mm (9.44 x 6.24 x 0.33 in) | 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 460 g (1.01 lb) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~77.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 320 nits (typ) | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MP2 | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMCP or 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 | 1080p@30fps |
| 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, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| 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, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Storm Grey | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | - | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3
- More affordable
- Decent display for the price
- Lightweight and portable
- Good for basic tasks
- Slower processor
- Slower charging
- Less polished software experience
- Mediocre camera
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Faster processor
- Faster charging
- Better software experience (One UI)
- Slightly better display
- More premium feel
- More expensive
- Camera still not great
- Can still experience lag with demanding apps
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature a 10.1-inch display, but the Galaxy Tab A8 typically boasts slightly better color accuracy and brightness. The Tab A8's screen often has a slightly higher resolution, contributing to a sharper image. Viewing angles are generally good on both.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in camera quality. Both offer decent front and rear cameras suitable for video calls and occasional snapshots. Image quality is generally acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The Tab A8's front camera might have a slight edge in resolution.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8's Unisoc Tiger T618 offers a noticeable performance boost over the Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3's T610. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and slightly better gaming performance on the Tab A8. Both are adequate for casual use, but the A8 handles more demanding tasks better.
Battery Life
Battery life is comparable on both devices, typically offering around 8-10 hours of mixed usage. However, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8's 15W charging provides a faster charging experience compared to the Lenovo's 10W charging.
Buying Guide
The Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3 is ideal for budget-conscious users who primarily need a tablet for basic tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and reading. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is a better choice for those who want a slightly more powerful device with faster charging and a more refined user interface, willing to spend a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which tablet is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is the better choice for gaming due to its slightly more powerful processor and smoother performance.
❓ Is the Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3 good for kids?
Yes, the Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3 is a decent option for kids, especially if you're on a budget. However, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8's parental control features and slightly more robust build quality might make it a better long-term investment.
❓ What is the storage capacity of each tablet?
Both tablets are typically available in 32GB and 64GB storage options, expandable via microSD card.
❓ Which tablet has better speakers?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 generally offers slightly better audio quality and louder speakers than the Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3.
