The Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 and the Tab K10 present a curious case for tablet buyers. Both devices are powered by the same MediaTek Helio P22T chipset, leading to questions about their differentiation. This comparison dives deep to uncover where these tablets diverge, focusing on how those differences impact real-world usage and value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing pure affordability, the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 is the better choice. While both tablets offer identical processing power, the M10 HD Gen 2 typically retails at a lower price point, making it the more sensible option for basic tasks like streaming, reading, and light browsing. The K10 doesn't justify its potential price premium.
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 38, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 31. Released 2020, November | 2021, May 19 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, June |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 241.5 x 149.4 x 8.3 mm (9.51 x 5.88 x 0.33 in) | 244 x 153 x 8.2 mm (9.61 x 6.02 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 420 g (14.82 oz) | 460 g (1.01 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~220 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.3 inches, 307.6 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 330 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22T (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22T (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP |
| 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 | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, LE | 5.0, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | 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, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 7700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Iron Gray, Platinum Gray | Abyss Blue |
| Models | TB-X306X | TB-X6C6F, TB-X6C6X |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2
- Generally lower price point
- Identical performance to K10
- Suitable for basic tablet tasks
- May receive less frequent software updates
- Potentially lower build quality materials
Lenovo Tab K10
- Identical performance to M10 HD Gen 2
- Potential for exclusive software features
- Slightly more premium aesthetic (potentially)
- Higher price compared to M10 HD Gen 2
- No performance advantage over M10 HD Gen 2
Display Comparison
Both the Tab M10 HD Gen 2 and K10 are expected to feature similar HD displays, given their positioning. However, specific details like panel type (IPS vs. TFT) and peak brightness are not provided. The shared resolution suggests comparable pixel density, suitable for comfortable viewing of text and videos. Bezels are likely to be similar, reflecting the budget nature of both devices. Color accuracy is expected to be standard for this price range, prioritizing cost-effectiveness over professional-grade color reproduction.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a key differentiator. Both tablets will likely feature basic camera setups, adequate for video calls and casual snapshots. Without specific sensor details, it's safe to assume image quality will be similar, with limitations in low-light conditions. The absence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) is expected, and any included 'macro' cameras are likely to be low-resolution and of limited utility.
Performance
The core of both tablets is the MediaTek MT6762 Helio P22T (12 nm) chipset, paired with an octa-core CPU configuration (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53). This means identical CPU performance for tasks like app launching, web browsing, and multitasking. The GPU performance will also be the same. Thermal management will likely be similar, with both tablets potentially experiencing throttling under sustained heavy loads, but this is unlikely to be a major concern given the chipset's modest power draw. RAM configurations are not specified, but will heavily influence multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Both tablets utilize 10W wired charging, indicating a similar charging experience. Battery capacity is not specified, but given the shared chipset and target market, it's reasonable to expect capacities in the 4000-5000 mAh range. Real-world battery life will depend on usage patterns, but both tablets should provide a full day of light to moderate use. The 10W charging speed is relatively slow compared to modern standards, so expect several hours to reach a full charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 if you need a reliable, no-frills tablet for everyday tasks like video calls, casual gaming, and content consumption, and are primarily concerned with getting the lowest possible price. Buy the Lenovo Tab K10 if you anticipate needing slightly more robust software support or are drawn to potential exclusive software features, and are willing to pay a small premium for the possibility of a more refined user experience – though this is not guaranteed given the shared hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will I notice a difference in app loading times between the Tab M10 HD Gen 2 and the Tab K10?
No, you shouldn't. Both tablets utilize the same MediaTek Helio P22T chipset and CPU configuration, meaning app loading times and overall system responsiveness will be virtually identical. Any perceived difference would likely be due to variations in RAM configuration or software optimization, which are not specified in the available data.
❓ Is the Helio P22T chipset capable of handling popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Helio P22T is a budget-oriented chipset, and while it can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, you'll need to temper your expectations. Expect to play at low to medium graphics settings with potentially noticeable frame rate drops, especially during intense action sequences. It's suitable for casual gaming, but not ideal for demanding mobile gamers.
❓ Given the 10W charging, how long will it take to fully charge either tablet from 0%?
With 10W charging, expect a full charge to take approximately 3-4 hours. This is a relatively slow charging speed compared to modern tablets with fast charging capabilities. It's best to charge the tablets overnight or during periods of inactivity.