The Lenovo Tab M10 series consistently delivers affordable Android tablets, but the jump from the HD Gen 2 to the Gen 3 introduces a significant chipset change. This comparison dissects the differences between the MediaTek Helio P22T-powered Gen 2 and the Unisoc T610-equipped Gen 3, focusing on how these internal changes translate to real-world performance and user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3 is the better choice. The Unisoc T610 offers a noticeable performance uplift over the Helio P22T, particularly in multitasking and app responsiveness, making it a smoother daily driver. While both charge at the same 10W rate, the Gen 3’s improved CPU architecture justifies the price difference.
| 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 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 31. Released 2020, November | 2022, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, September |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 241.5 x 149.4 x 8.3 mm (9.51 x 5.88 x 0.33 in) | 239.8 x 158.6 x 8.5 mm (9.44 x 6.24 x 0.33 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 (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~77.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 320 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22T (12 nm) | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | 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 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (with Dolby Atmos) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, LE | 5.0, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only | GPS - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| 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 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Iron Gray, Platinum Gray | Storm Grey |
| Models | TB-X306X | - |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 200 EUR |
Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2
- Lower price point makes it very accessible.
- Functional for basic tasks like video streaming.
- Decent build quality for the price.
- Helio P22T chipset feels sluggish with multitasking.
- Limited performance for demanding apps and games.
- May struggle with newer Android updates.
Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3
- Unisoc T610 provides a noticeable performance boost.
- Smoother multitasking and app responsiveness.
- More future-proofed due to improved processing power.
- Slightly higher price compared to the Gen 2.
- Still uses 10W charging, which is relatively slow.
- Camera performance remains basic.
Display Comparison
Both tablets share a similar 10.1-inch HD (1920x1200) display, but detailed panel specifications like brightness and color gamut are not provided. Given the budget nature of both devices, expect IPS LCD technology with decent viewing angles but potentially limited peak brightness. Bezels are likely comparable, and neither tablet is expected to feature high refresh rate or advanced display features. The user experience will likely be similar in terms of visual quality, with the focus being on content consumption rather than color accuracy.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Details on camera sensors are scarce, but given the price point, expect basic 5MP or 8MP sensors on both the front and rear. Image quality will likely be acceptable for casual snapshots and video calls, but not for serious photography. The focus should be on the improved processing capabilities of the T610 in the Gen 3, which *may* result in slightly better image processing, but don't expect dramatic improvements.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 utilizes the MediaTek Helio P22T, an octa-core processor with a split core configuration (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53). The Gen 3 steps up to the Unisoc T610, also an octa-core chip, but with a more modern architecture (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55). The Cortex-A75 cores in the T610 represent a significant architectural improvement over the A53 cores in the P22T, offering substantially better single-core performance and improved efficiency. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall experience on the Gen 3. While both are 12nm chips, the architectural advantage of the T610 is key.
Battery Life
Both tablets feature 10W wired charging, indicating a similar charging experience – expect around 3-4 hours to fully charge from 0%. Battery capacity is not specified, but given the similar size and target market, they are likely in the 5000-6000 mAh range. The Unisoc T610 in the Gen 3, while more powerful, is also relatively efficient. This means that despite the performance gains, battery life should be comparable between the two devices, with both offering around 6-8 hours of typical usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 if you prioritize extreme affordability and only need a tablet for very basic tasks like video streaming and light web browsing. It’s a functional device for those on a tight budget. Buy the Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3 if you value a more responsive user experience, smoother multitasking, and a tablet that can handle a wider range of apps without significant lag. The Gen 3 is the better long-term investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T610 in the Gen 3 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Unisoc T610 is a step up from the Helio P22T and can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at lower graphics settings (Balanced or Low) to maintain a stable frame rate. The Gen 2 will struggle with even medium settings. Don't expect a flagship gaming experience, but the Gen 3 offers a playable experience.
❓ Is the performance difference between the Helio P22T and Unisoc T610 noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and email?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Unisoc T610’s Cortex-A75 cores provide a significant boost in single-core performance, which directly impacts app launch speeds, web page loading times, and overall system responsiveness. The Gen 3 will feel much smoother and less laggy during everyday use.
❓ Does either tablet support fast charging?
Unfortunately, neither the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 nor the Gen 3 supports fast charging. Both are limited to 10W wired charging, meaning a full charge will take approximately 3-4 hours.
