The Lenovo Tab M10 series offers excellent value in the budget tablet market. But with multiple generations, choosing the right one can be tricky. This comparison dives deep into the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) and the Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3 to help you decide which is the best fit for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) generally wins thanks to its significantly faster chipset (especially the Snapdragon 680 LTE model), faster charging, and potentially better display. However, the M10 Gen 3 remains a solid, more affordable option for basic tasks and media consumption.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 26, 28, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat13 390/75 Mbps - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, May | 2022, September |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May | Available. Released 2022, September |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 251.2 x 158.8 x 7.5 mm (9.89 x 6.25 x 0.30 in) | 239.8 x 158.6 x 8.5 mm (9.44 x 6.24 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 465 g (1.03 lb) | 460 g (1.01 lb) |
| | Stylus support | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~220 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.61 inches, 320.4 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~77.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 320 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) - LTE model Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Wi-Fi only model | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) - LTE model Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) - Wi-Fi only model | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 - LTE model Mali-G52 MC2 - Wi-Fi only model | Mali-G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMCP/uMCP | eMCP or eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | - | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (with Dolby Atmos) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only | GPS - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM Radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG, magnetic connector |
| 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, gyro | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 20W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7700 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Storm Grey, Frost Blue | Storm Grey |
| Price | About 260 EUR | About 200 EUR |
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)
- Faster Processor (Snapdragon 680/Helio G80)
- Faster 20W Charging
- Potential for LTE Connectivity
- Potentially Brighter Display
- Higher Price
- May be overkill for basic users
Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3
- More Affordable
- Sufficient for Basic Tasks
- Lightweight and Portable
- Slower Performance
- Slow 10W Charging
- Less Powerful Chipset
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 10.1-inch displays, typically with a resolution of 1920x1200. The M10 Plus (3rd Gen) often boasts a slightly brighter panel and potentially better color accuracy, though this can vary by specific model. Expect similar viewing angles and overall quality for everyday use.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality on both tablets is modest, typical for budget devices. Expect decent image quality in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light. The M10 Plus (3rd Gen) might have a slightly improved front-facing camera for video calls.
Performance
This is where the M10 Plus (3rd Gen) shines. The Snapdragon 680 (LTE model) or Helio G80 (Wi-Fi model) offer a substantial performance boost over the Unisoc T610 in the M10 Gen 3. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Plus model.
Battery Life
Both tablets typically have a 5000mAh battery. However, the M10 Plus (3rd Gen)'s faster 20W charging provides a significant advantage, allowing for quicker top-ups compared to the M10 Gen 3's 10W charging.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)? Users needing better performance for gaming or multitasking, those who want faster charging, and those who prefer an LTE model for connectivity. Who should buy the Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3? Budget-conscious buyers primarily using the tablet for browsing, streaming, and light tasks, and those who don't need LTE.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) worth the extra money?
If you plan to use your tablet for more than just basic browsing and streaming, the improved performance of the Plus model makes it a worthwhile investment.
❓ Can the Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3 play games?
Yes, but don't expect high frame rates or demanding graphics. It's suitable for casual games and less intensive titles.
