Lenovo's Tab M series consistently delivers affordable Android tablets, but the M10 HD Gen 2 and the newer M9 present a clear choice between established reliability and a more modern chipset. This comparison dives deep into the architectural differences and real-world performance implications to help you decide which tablet best fits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lenovo Tab M9 emerges as the better choice. Its Helio G80 chipset, featuring Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the M10 HD Gen 2’s Helio P22T, making it more responsive for everyday tasks and light gaming. While both charge at the same 10W rate, the M9’s improved CPU architecture offers a superior user experience.
| 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 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 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 | 2020, August 31. Released 2020, November | 2022, December 20 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, March 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 241.5 x 149.4 x 8.3 mm (9.51 x 5.88 x 0.33 in) | 215.4 x 136.8 x 8 mm (8.48 x 5.39 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 420 g (14.82 oz) | 344 g (12.13 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~173 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 9.0 inches, 230.0 cm2 (~78.1% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22T (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| 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 |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 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, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Iron Gray, Platinum Gray | Arctic Grey, Frost Blue |
| Models | TB-X306X | TB310FU |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 180 EUR |
Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2
- Proven reliability and established user base.
- Potentially lower price point due to being an older model.
- Sufficient for basic tasks like reading and video playback.
- Older, less efficient Helio P22T chipset.
- Noticeably slower performance compared to the M9.
- May struggle with multitasking and demanding apps.
Lenovo Tab M9
- More powerful Helio G80 chipset with Cortex-A75 cores.
- Improved responsiveness and smoother multitasking.
- Better suited for casual gaming and demanding apps.
- May be slightly more expensive than the M10 HD Gen 2.
- 10W charging remains a limitation for both devices.
- Camera quality is still likely to be basic.
Display Comparison
Both tablets likely feature similar 10.1-inch or 10.61-inch LCD panels, given their market positioning. However, detailed display specs like resolution and brightness are missing. The focus here is on the internal processing power, as display quality is often consistent within a price bracket. Bezels are expected to be moderate on both, prioritizing affordability over a premium edge-to-edge design. Color accuracy is likely standard for budget tablets, suitable for general consumption but not professional color work.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are positioned as budget devices, and camera quality typically reflects that. Detailed sensor information is unavailable, but it’s safe to assume both feature basic camera setups suitable for casual snapshots. Focusing on the chipset difference, the G80 in the M9 *may* offer slightly improved image processing capabilities due to its more powerful CPU, but don't expect flagship-level results.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The M10 HD Gen 2 utilizes the Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22T, an octa-core processor with four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and another four at 1.8 GHz. This is a relatively older architecture. The M9, however, boasts the Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80. This chipset features a more modern design with two Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz. The A75 cores represent a significant architectural improvement over the A53, offering substantially better single-core performance – crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. While both are 12nm chips, the G80’s architecture translates to a smoother experience, especially when multitasking or running demanding apps. The M9 will exhibit less lag and stuttering.
Battery Life
Both tablets support 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the more efficient Helio G80 in the M9 could potentially translate to slightly better battery life despite potentially similar battery sizes. The architectural improvements in the G80 allow it to handle tasks more efficiently, reducing power consumption. Expect roughly 3-4 hours of screen-on time for typical usage on both devices, but the M9 might squeeze out a bit more.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 if you prioritize a proven track record and are primarily using the tablet for static tasks like reading ebooks, browsing the web, or video playback where raw processing power isn't critical. Buy the Lenovo Tab M9 if you prefer a snappier experience for multitasking, casual gaming, and generally want a tablet that feels more responsive in 2024, even if it means opting for a newer model.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G80 in the Tab M9 handle popular mobile games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Helio G80 is capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. However, don't expect a flagship gaming experience. The G80 provides a noticeable improvement over the P22T, allowing for smoother gameplay, but demanding titles may still require reduced graphics settings.
❓ Is the 10W charging speed a significant drawback for either tablet?
Yes, 10W charging is relatively slow by today's standards. Expect a full charge to take around 3-4 hours. This is a limitation for both tablets and isn't a differentiating factor. Consider investing in a Power Delivery (PD) charger if faster charging is a priority, though compatibility isn't guaranteed.
❓ How much RAM does each tablet have, and will that impact multitasking?
While the exact RAM configurations aren't specified, both tablets are likely available in 3GB or 4GB variants. The M9's more efficient chipset will handle multitasking more effectively even with the same amount of RAM as the M10 HD Gen 2. 4GB is recommended for a smoother experience.
❓ Are there any significant software differences between the Tab M10 HD Gen 2 and the Tab M9?
Both tablets run Android, but the M9 will likely ship with a newer version of the operating system and potentially receive longer software support. Lenovo's software customizations are relatively light, so the core Android experience will be similar on both devices.
