Lenovo's Tab M10 series offers affordable Android tablets for everyday use. The M10 HD Gen 2 and the newer M10 Plus (3rd Gen) represent distinct points in this lineup, with the Plus model aiming for a performance boost. This comparison dissects the key differences – from chipset architecture to charging capabilities – to determine which tablet best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 680 (or Helio G80) chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, delivers noticeably improved performance and responsiveness compared to the M10 HD Gen 2’s Helio P22T. The faster 20W charging is also a significant advantage.
| 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, 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 | 2020, August 31. Released 2020, November | 2022, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 241.5 x 149.4 x 8.3 mm (9.51 x 5.88 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 | 420 g (14.82 oz) | 465 g (1.03 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~220 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.61 inches, 320.4 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | 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 | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22T (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) - LTE model Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) - Wi-Fi only model |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 - LTE model Mali-G52 MC2 - Wi-Fi only model |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 |
| 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, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | 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 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - 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, proximity, gyro |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 20W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 7700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Iron Gray, Platinum Gray | Storm Grey, Frost Blue |
| Models | TB-X306X | - |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 260 EUR |
Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2
- Most affordable option
- Sufficient for basic tasks
- Lightweight and portable
- Slow performance with demanding apps
- Slow 10W charging
- Outdated chipset architecture
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)
- Significantly faster performance
- Faster 20W charging
- More efficient chipset (Snapdragon 680 variant)
- Higher price point
- May still struggle with very demanding games
- Helio G80 variant less efficient than Snapdragon 680
Display Comparison
Both tablets likely feature similar 10.1-inch HD displays, but detailed panel specifications (like brightness in nits, color gamut coverage, and refresh rate) are not provided. However, the M10 Plus benefits from the more powerful chipset, potentially allowing for more efficient display processing. Bezels are expected to be comparable, typical of tablets in this price range. Color accuracy is likely similar, geared towards general consumption rather than professional color work.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are expected to feature basic camera setups. Detailed sensor information is missing, but given the price point, image quality will likely be adequate for casual snapshots and video calls. The focus should be on the chipset's image signal processor (ISP) capabilities; the Snapdragon 680 in the M10 Plus will offer superior image processing compared to the Helio P22T, resulting in slightly better photos and videos.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The M10 HD Gen 2 utilizes the Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22T, a 12nm chip with a Cortex-A53 based octa-core CPU. This is a relatively basic processor designed for efficiency. The M10 Plus (3rd Gen) offers a significant upgrade with either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) or the Mediatek Helio G80 (12nm). The Snapdragon 680, with its Kryo 265 Gold and Silver cores, provides a substantial performance leap, especially in multi-threaded tasks. Even the Helio G80 variant of the M10 Plus offers a more modern CPU architecture (Cortex-A75) than the P22T. The 6nm process of the Snapdragon 680 also translates to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during sustained use. The M10 Plus will handle multitasking and demanding apps far more smoothly.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified, the M10 Plus gains a significant advantage with its 20W wired charging. The M10 HD Gen 2 is limited to 10W charging. This means the M10 Plus will charge from 0-100% considerably faster, reducing downtime. The more efficient Snapdragon 680 (or Helio G80) in the M10 Plus may also contribute to slightly better battery life, even with a similar capacity, due to lower power consumption.
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 light web browsing, email, and occasional video playback. Buy the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) if you want a smoother, more responsive experience for multitasking, streaming, and light gaming, and appreciate the convenience of faster charging. The Plus model is worth the price premium for anyone who doesn't want to constantly fight lag.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 680 in the M10 Plus handle multitasking and streaming without lag?
Yes, the Snapdragon 680 is a substantial upgrade over the Helio P22T. It's designed for smooth multitasking, video streaming, and handling multiple apps simultaneously without significant lag. The 6nm process also contributes to better thermal management, preventing performance throttling during extended use.
❓ Is the Helio G80 variant of the M10 Plus a significant downgrade compared to the Snapdragon 680 version?
While the Helio G80 is still a step up from the Helio P22T, it's less efficient and offers lower peak performance than the Snapdragon 680. The Snapdragon 680 provides a smoother experience, especially in graphically intensive tasks. If the price difference is minimal, the Snapdragon 680 version is preferable.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each tablet?
With 10W charging, the M10 HD Gen 2 will likely take around 3-4 hours to fully charge. The M10 Plus, with its 20W charging, should charge from 0-100% in approximately 1.5-2.5 hours, depending on battery capacity.
❓ Can either tablet handle light gaming?
The M10 HD Gen 2 can handle very basic, less demanding games. However, the M10 Plus, especially the Snapdragon 680 variant, is much better suited for light gaming, offering smoother frame rates and a more enjoyable experience. Don't expect to play demanding titles at high settings on either device.
