The sub-$200 tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 and Nokia T20 are two strong contenders. Both aim to deliver a functional Android experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving that goal. This comparison dives deep into their specifications and performance to determine which tablet offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia T20 emerges as the better choice. Its Unisoc T610 chipset, featuring Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2’s Helio P22T, and the brighter 422-nit display enhances the viewing experience. While charging is slightly faster on the Nokia, the overall package is more compelling.
| 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 - US, LATAM |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 38, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 40, 66 - US, LATAM |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 31. Released 2020, November | 2021, October 06 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, November 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 241.5 x 149.4 x 8.3 mm (9.51 x 5.88 x 0.33 in) | 247.6 x 157.5 x 7.8 mm (9.75 x 6.20 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 420 g (14.82 oz) | 465 g (Wi-Fi), 470 g (LTE) (1.03 lb) |
| | - | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~78.9% 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 (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 13 |
| 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 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| 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 |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only | GPS - 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 8200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Iron Gray, Platinum Gray | Deep Ocean |
| Models | TB-X306X | TA-1397, TA-1394, TA-1392 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.34 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.35 W/kg (body) |
Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Lightweight and portable
- Outdated Helio P22T chipset
- Likely dim and low-contrast display
- Slow 10W charging
Nokia T20
- More powerful Unisoc T610 chipset
- Brighter and higher-contrast display
- Faster 15W charging
- Slightly higher price
- May not be ideal for demanding games
- Still a budget-focused device
Display Comparison
The Nokia T20 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 422 nits compared to an unspecified brightness for the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2. This difference is crucial for outdoor visibility and overall viewing comfort. Furthermore, the Nokia T20’s 1786:1 contrast ratio suggests deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. While both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, the Nokia’s superior brightness and contrast give it a clear advantage for media consumption and general use. We can assume the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 has a standard display for its price point, prioritizing cost over visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is positioned as a photography powerhouse, and detailed camera specs are limited. Given the target price point, image quality is unlikely to be a deciding factor. We can expect both to feature basic camera setups suitable for casual snapshots and video calls. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive comparison, but the Nokia T20’s overall focus on a more refined user experience suggests potentially better image processing algorithms.
Performance
The core architectural difference between these tablets lies in their chipsets. The Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 utilizes the Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22T, featuring four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and another four at 1.8 GHz. The Nokia T20, however, employs the Unisoc T610, which incorporates two higher-performance Cortex-A75 cores at 1.8 GHz alongside six Cortex-A55 cores, also at 1.8 GHz. The A75 cores represent a significant architectural improvement over the A53, offering better single-core performance and responsiveness. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking on the Nokia T20. While both are 12nm chips, the Unisoc T610’s core configuration provides a tangible performance benefit.
Battery Life
The Nokia T20 supports 15W wired charging, a step up from the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2’s 10W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the faster charging speed on the Nokia T20 means less time tethered to an outlet. This is particularly beneficial for users who rely on their tablets on the go. The difference in charging speed, combined with the more efficient Unisoc T610 chipset, likely translates to comparable or even slightly better real-world battery life on the Nokia T20 despite potentially similar battery capacities.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 if you prioritize absolute affordability and only need a tablet for very basic tasks like web browsing and light video consumption. Buy the Nokia T20 if you value a smoother user experience, a brighter and more enjoyable display for media, and a chipset capable of handling more demanding applications without significant lag.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia T20 handle multitasking with several apps open simultaneously?
Yes, the Nokia T20’s Unisoc T610 chipset, with its Cortex-A75 cores, is significantly better equipped for multitasking than the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2’s Helio P22T. You should experience smoother transitions between apps and less lag when running multiple applications concurrently.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the Nokia T20 a significant improvement over the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2’s 10W charging?
Yes, while not a revolutionary difference, the 15W charging on the Nokia T20 will noticeably reduce charging times. Expect a faster path from 0% to 100%, making it more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their tablet’s battery.
❓ Can either of these tablets handle graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile?
While both tablets can *run* PUBG Mobile, performance will be limited. The Helio P22T in the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 will struggle with higher settings, requiring significant compromises in graphics quality and frame rate. The Nokia T20’s Unisoc T610 will offer a slightly better experience, but still won’t deliver a flagship-level gaming performance.
