The sub-$200 Android tablet market is fiercely competitive. Both the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) aim to deliver a functional tablet experience without breaking the bank. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with Samsung opting for a newer chipset and faster charging, while Lenovo focuses on affordability. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which tablet offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) is the better choice. Its Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset, featuring Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Lenovo’s Helio P22T, resulting in a smoother user experience, especially during multitasking and light gaming. While the Lenovo is cheaper, the performance difference justifies the small 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 / 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, 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 | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 241.5 x 149.4 x 8.3 mm (9.51 x 5.88 x 0.33 in) | 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 420 g (14.82 oz) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22T (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| 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, GALILEO, QZSS - 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, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Iron Gray, Platinum Gray | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | TB-X306X | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2
- Lower price point makes it very accessible.
- Decent for basic tasks like reading and video playback.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Significantly weaker performance compared to the Samsung Tab A8.
- Slower charging speed.
- Likely to struggle with multitasking and demanding apps.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Noticeably faster and more responsive performance.
- Faster 15W charging.
- Larger 10.5-inch display.
- Slightly higher price.
- Still utilizes an IPS LCD panel with limited color accuracy.
- Camera quality is likely to be basic.
Display Comparison
Neither tablet boasts a particularly impressive display. Both are likely to utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, detailed specs like resolution and peak brightness are missing. The Samsung Tab A8’s 10.5-inch screen offers a slightly larger viewing area. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong point on either, but the larger screen size of the Samsung may provide a more immersive experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality is not a priority on either of these tablets. Both are likely equipped with basic camera sensors suitable for video calls and occasional snapshots. Detailed specs are unavailable, but it’s safe to assume image quality will be mediocre in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. Focusing on camera performance for either device would be a misallocation of expectations.
Performance
This is where the key difference lies. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8’s Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset is a significant upgrade over the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2’s MediaTek Helio P22T. The T618 features two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz alongside six Cortex-A55 cores, while the P22T relies solely on four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and another four at 1.8 GHz. The A75 cores offer substantially better single-core performance, crucial for app responsiveness. While the P22T’s higher clock speed on some cores might show a slight advantage in certain benchmarks, the architectural superiority of the T618 translates to a smoother, more fluid experience in real-world usage. The T618 also benefits from a more modern process node (both are 12nm, but the implementation differs).
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 has a clear advantage in charging speed with 15W wired charging compared to the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2’s 10W charging. This means the Samsung will reach a full charge significantly faster, reducing downtime. While a larger battery capacity on the Lenovo could offset the slower charging, the faster charging of the Samsung is a tangible benefit for users who need to quickly top up their device.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 if your primary needs are extremely basic – primarily media consumption with minimal multitasking and a tight budget is paramount. It’s a suitable option for users who prioritize cost above all else. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) if you value a more responsive user experience, smoother app switching, and slightly faster charging. It’s ideal for students, casual gamers, and anyone who wants a tablet that feels more modern and capable.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc Tiger T618 in the Samsung Tab A8 handle light gaming like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
Yes, the Unisoc Tiger T618 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it provides a playable experience for casual gamers. The Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2’s Helio P22T will struggle with these titles, requiring significantly lower settings and potentially experiencing noticeable lag.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio P22T and the Tiger T618 noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and email?
Absolutely. The Samsung Tab A8’s Tiger T618 chipset offers a much smoother and more responsive experience for everyday tasks. App loading times will be faster, multitasking will be less laggy, and the overall user interface will feel more fluid. The Helio P22T in the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 can feel sluggish, especially when switching between apps.
❓ Does either tablet support microSD card expansion for additional storage?
While not explicitly stated in the provided specs, both the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 and Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) are highly likely to support microSD card expansion. This is a common feature in budget tablets, allowing users to increase storage capacity for media and files.
