Lenovo’s Tab M series represents a compelling entry point into the Android tablet market. Both the Tab M10 HD Gen 2 and the Tab M8 (HD) aim to deliver a functional tablet experience at an affordable price. However, a significant difference in their underlying chipsets dictates a clear performance gap, making the choice dependent on your primary use case. This comparison will dissect the key differences to help you determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Helio P22T chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU, provides a demonstrably smoother experience for multitasking, streaming, and light gaming compared to the quad-core Helio A22 in the M8 (HD). While both offer similar battery life due to their 10W charging, the M10 HD Gen 2’s extra processing power justifies the 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 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, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 31. Released 2020, November | 2019, September. Released 2019, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 241.5 x 149.4 x 8.3 mm (9.51 x 5.88 x 0.33 in) | 199.1 x 121.8 x 8.2 mm (7.84 x 4.80 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 420 g (14.82 oz) | 305 g (10.76 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~76.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22T (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | - | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| 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 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| 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 | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Iron Gray, Platinum Gray | Iron Grey, Platinum Grey |
| Models | TB-X306X | TB-8505X, TB-8505F, TB-8505FS |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 140 EUR |
Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2
- Significantly faster processor for smoother multitasking.
- Larger display for a more immersive viewing experience.
- Better suited for light gaming and demanding apps.
- Potentially higher price point.
- May have slightly shorter battery life under heavy load.
Lenovo Tab M8 (HD)
- More affordable price.
- Highly portable due to its smaller size.
- Adequate performance for basic tasks.
- Struggles with multitasking and demanding apps.
- Smaller display may feel cramped for some users.
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature HD displays, but detailed display specifications (resolution, brightness, color gamut) are not provided. Given the market positioning, expect both to utilize IPS LCD panels. The M10 HD Gen 2’s larger screen size (typically 10.1 inches vs. the M8’s 8 inches) will offer a more immersive viewing experience, particularly for video content. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the budget nature of both devices. Color accuracy is expected to be standard for this price range, prioritizing viewing angles over color fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are expected to feature basic rear and front-facing cameras suitable for video calls and occasional snapshots. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions but suffer in low light. Focusing on megapixel counts alone would be misleading; image processing and sensor size are more critical, and details are unavailable. The cameras are primarily functional for video conferencing rather than photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2’s Mediatek Helio P22T (12nm) boasts an octa-core CPU (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53), offering significantly more processing power than the Tab M8 (HD)’s Mediatek Helio A22 (12nm) quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the M10 HD Gen 2. The P22T’s architecture, with its combination of faster and slower cores, allows for more efficient task allocation. While both use a 12nm process, the increased core count and clock speeds of the P22T provide a clear advantage. The M8 (HD) will struggle with more than a few apps open simultaneously.
Battery Life
Both tablets utilize 10W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the M8 (HD)’s smaller form factor likely houses a smaller battery. However, the less demanding Helio A22 chipset in the M8 (HD) may result in comparable real-world battery life to the M10 HD Gen 2, despite the latter’s more powerful processor. Expect around 6-8 hours of moderate usage (web browsing, video streaming) on both devices. The 10W charging will require several hours for a full charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 if you need a tablet capable of handling more demanding tasks like occasional gaming, video editing, or running multiple apps simultaneously. It’s ideal for students, casual users who enjoy streaming, and families who need a versatile device. Buy the Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) if you prioritize extreme portability and a lower price point, and your usage is limited to basic tasks like web browsing, reading ebooks, and light social media consumption. It’s a good option for those seeking a secondary device or a first tablet for children.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 handle popular mobile games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
While the Helio P22T can run these games, expect to play them on low to medium settings to maintain a playable frame rate. The tablet isn’t designed for high-end gaming, and prolonged gaming sessions may result in some thermal throttling. The M8 (HD) will struggle significantly with these titles.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio P22T and Helio A22 noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and email?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The M10 HD Gen 2 will feel snappier and more responsive when switching between apps, loading web pages, and opening emails. The M8 (HD) may exhibit slight lag or delays during these tasks, especially with multiple browser tabs open.
❓ Can I use the Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) for video conferencing?
Yes, both tablets are suitable for video conferencing. However, the larger screen of the M10 HD Gen 2 may provide a more comfortable viewing experience during calls. Both tablets’ cameras are adequate for basic video calls, but don’t expect exceptional image quality.
