Looking for an affordable and compact tablet? The Lenovo Tab M7 (3rd Gen) and Tab M8 (3rd Gen) are popular choices, but which one is right for you? We'll break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) is the clear winner. Its more powerful processor, improved display, and slightly better battery life offer a significantly smoother and more enjoyable user experience, justifying the small price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 19, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 28 | 2021, June 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 31 | Available. Released 2022, February |
| 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) | 199.1 x 121.8 x 8.2 mm (7.84 x 4.80 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 237 g (8.36 oz) | 305 g (10.76 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 600 x 1024 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~170 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 137.9 cm2 (~76.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~76.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TDDI IPS LCD, 350 nits (typ) | TDDI IPS LCD, 350 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8166 - Wi-Fi versionMediatek MT8766 - LTE version | Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) - 2 GB RAM versionAndroid 11 - 3 GB RAM version |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p | 1080p |
| 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 3750 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Iron Grey | Iron Grey, Platinum Grey |
| Models | ZA8C0027US, TB-7306X | - |
| Price | About 120 EUR | - |
Lenovo Tab M7 (3rd Gen)
- Extremely portable
- Very affordable
- Decent for basic tasks
- Slow performance
- Small screen
- Limited storage
- Basic camera
Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen)
- Better performance
- Larger display
- Improved multitasking
- Slightly better battery life
- Slightly more expensive
- Still a budget tablet
- Basic camera
Display Comparison
The Tab M8 (3rd Gen) boasts a larger 8-inch display compared to the M7's 7-inch screen, offering more screen real estate for viewing content. Both have HD resolutions, but the slightly larger size of the M8 makes images and text appear a bit sharper. Expect similar color accuracy on both.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department. Both feature basic rear and front-facing cameras suitable for occasional video calls or quick snapshots. Image quality is generally acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The M8 might have a slight edge due to potentially slightly better processing.
Performance
The M8 (3rd Gen)'s Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T chipset is a substantial upgrade over the M7's MT8166/MT8766. The P22T's octa-core architecture with a higher clock speed and more efficient 12nm process translates to noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better overall responsiveness. The M7 will feel sluggish by comparison.
Battery Life
While both tablets offer all-day battery life for moderate usage, the M8 (3rd Gen) generally provides slightly longer runtime due to its more efficient chipset and potentially a slightly larger battery capacity (though official capacity figures are often not readily available). Expect around 8-10 hours of mixed use on both.
Buying Guide
The Lenovo Tab M7 (3rd Gen) is ideal for users who prioritize extreme portability and a very tight budget, primarily for basic tasks like web browsing and media consumption. The Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) is better suited for those who want a more responsive tablet for light gaming, multitasking, and extended use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Wi-Fi and LTE versions of the Tab M7?
The LTE version of the Tab M7 includes cellular connectivity, allowing you to connect to mobile data networks. The Wi-Fi version only supports Wi-Fi connectivity.
❓ Can I expand the storage on either tablet?
Yes, both the Tab M7 and Tab M8 support microSD card expansion, allowing you to increase the storage capacity.
