The Lenovo Tab M7 series offers affordable entry points into the tablet world. But with two generations, which one is right for you? We're pitting the original Lenovo Tab M7 against the newer 3rd Generation model to see which delivers the best bang for your buck.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Lenovo Tab M7 (3rd Gen) generally wins thanks to its significantly faster Octa-core processor. While both are budget tablets, the 3rd Gen offers a noticeable performance boost for everyday tasks and smoother multitasking, making it the better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 28 | 2019, September. Released 2019, October |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 31 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 176.2 x 102.3 x 8.3 mm (6.94 x 4.03 x 0.33 in) | 176.3 x 102.9 x 8.3 mm (6.94 x 4.05 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 237 g (8.36 oz) | 236 g (8.32 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 600 x 1024 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~170 ppi density) | 600 x 1024 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~170 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 137.9 cm2 (~76.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 7.0 inches, 137.9 cm2 (~76.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TDDI IPS LCD, 350 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz | Quad-core 1.3 GHz |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8166 - Wi-Fi versionMediatek MT8766 - LTE version | Mediatek MT8321 (28 nm) - Wi-FiMediatek MT8765B - Wi-Fi/LTE |
| GPU | - | Mali-400 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 9.0 (Pie) - 2GB RAM, Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition) - 1GB RAM |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 720p | 720p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 720p | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 3750 mAh | Li-Po 3590 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Iron Grey | Iron Grey, Platinum Grey, Onyx Black |
| Models | ZA8C0027US, TB-7306X | TB-7305F, TB-7305X, TB-7305I |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Lenovo Tab M7 (3rd Gen)
- Faster Processor
- Improved Performance
- LTE Option Available
- Slightly Better Color Accuracy (potentially)
- Still a Budget Tablet
- Limited Storage
- Basic Camera Quality
Lenovo Tab M7
- Very Affordable
- Compact and Portable
- LTE Option Available
- Slow Performance
- Limited Storage
- Basic Camera Quality
- Outdated Processor
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature a 7-inch HD (1024 x 600) IPS display. While the resolution is low by modern standards, it's adequate for the size. The 3rd Gen might offer slightly improved color accuracy, but the difference is minimal and hard to discern without side-by-side comparison. Viewing angles are decent on both.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet boasts impressive cameras. Both feature a 2MP rear camera and a 0.3MP front camera, suitable only for basic video calls or occasional snapshots in good lighting. Image quality is generally poor on both.
Performance
This is where the 3rd Gen shines. Its Octa-core 2.0 GHz processor is a substantial upgrade over the original M7's Quad-core 1.3 GHz chip. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and better overall responsiveness on the 3rd Gen. The LTE version of both models adds cellular connectivity.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is similar on both models, around 3000mAh. Expect around 6-8 hours of mixed usage. Battery life will largely depend on usage patterns and screen brightness. The 3rd Gen's more efficient processor *might* offer slightly better battery life, but the difference is unlikely to be significant.
Buying Guide
The Lenovo Tab M7 (3rd Gen) is ideal for users seeking a responsive tablet for basic tasks like browsing, video streaming, and light gaming. The original Lenovo Tab M7 is a good option for those on an extremely tight budget who primarily need a device for media consumption and occasional web browsing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Lenovo Tab M7 (3rd Gen) worth the extra cost?
Yes, if performance is a priority. The significant processor upgrade makes a noticeable difference in everyday use.
❓ Can I expand the storage on either tablet?
Yes, both tablets support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add more storage for apps, photos, and videos.
❓ What operating system do these tablets run?
Both tablets typically run Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android optimized for lower-powered devices.
