The sub-$200 Android tablet market is fiercely competitive. Both the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite aim to deliver a functional tablet experience without breaking the bank. While appearing similar on paper, subtle differences in charging speed and brand ecosystem support can significantly impact the user experience. This comparison dives deep into the specs to determine which tablet offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a slightly faster charging experience and the Samsung brand ecosystem, the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is the better choice. However, the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 remains a viable option for those seeking a functional tablet at the lowest possible price point.
| 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, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 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 | 2021, May 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, June 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame, plastic ends |
| Dimensions | 241.5 x 149.4 x 8.3 mm (9.51 x 5.88 x 0.33 in) | 212.5 x 124.7 x 8 mm (8.37 x 4.91 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 420 g (14.82 oz) | 366 g (Wi-Fi), 371 g (LTE) (12.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~179 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.7 inches, 214.9 cm2 (~81.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22T (12 nm) | Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP |
| 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, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| 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, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Iron Gray, Platinum Gray | Gray, Silver |
| Models | TB-X306X | SM-T225, SM-T220, SM-T225N, SM-T227U |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.68 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.64 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2
- Potentially lower price point
- Identical processor to the A7 Lite for basic tasks
- Functional for light use cases
- Slower 10W charging
- Likely less refined software experience
- May lack Samsung ecosystem integration
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
- Faster 15W charging
- Samsung One UI offers a more polished experience
- Integration with Samsung ecosystem
- Generally slightly higher price
- Identical processor to the M10 HD Gen 2 – no performance advantage
- Still limited by the Helio P22T chipset
Display Comparison
Both tablets utilize displays that are adequate for their price range, but detailed specifications are missing. Given the market segment, we can assume both employ IPS LCD panels. The lack of information regarding resolution, brightness, and color gamut makes a direct comparison difficult. However, the user experience will likely be similar, focused on content consumption rather than color accuracy or high refresh rates. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both devices, typical of budget tablets.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for buyers in this segment. Detailed camera specifications are unavailable, but both tablets likely feature basic rear and front-facing cameras suitable for video calls and casual snapshots. The absence of advanced features like optical image stabilization (OIS) or high-resolution sensors suggests image quality will be limited, particularly in low-light conditions. Focusing on camera specs would be a misdirection given the target user.
Performance
Both the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite are powered by the Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T (12 nm) chipset, featuring an identical octa-core CPU configuration (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53). This means raw processing power will be virtually indistinguishable between the two. Performance will be sufficient for everyday tasks like web browsing, social media, and light gaming, but demanding applications or multitasking will likely result in noticeable slowdowns. The shared chipset suggests thermal management will also be comparable, with neither tablet expected to excel in sustained performance.
Battery Life
While both tablets likely feature similar battery capacities (specifications unavailable), the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite boasts 15W wired charging compared to the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2’s 10W charging. This difference in charging speed translates to a significantly faster 0-100% charge time for the Samsung device. For users who frequently use their tablets on the go, this faster charging capability is a tangible benefit, minimizing downtime and maximizing usability.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 if you need a basic tablet for light tasks like reading ebooks, browsing the web, and occasional video streaming, and are prioritizing the absolute lowest price. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite if you prefer a more polished software experience, faster charging, and integration with the Samsung ecosystem, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P22T chipset struggle with multitasking?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio P22T is an entry-level chipset. While capable of handling basic tasks, running multiple apps simultaneously or demanding applications will likely result in noticeable lag and slowdowns on both the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite compared to the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite’s 15W charging will significantly reduce charging time. While exact figures depend on battery capacity (which is unspecified), expect the A7 Lite to charge noticeably faster than the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2’s 10W charging, potentially shaving off an hour or more.
❓ Is either tablet suitable for gaming?
Both tablets can handle casual mobile games, but the Helio P22T chipset is not designed for demanding gaming experiences. Expect low frame rates and potential stuttering in graphically intensive titles. These tablets are better suited for streaming video or playing less demanding games.
