Looking for an affordable tablet for browsing, streaming, and light gaming? The Lenovo Tab M7 (3rd Gen) and Tab M8 (HD) are popular contenders in the budget tablet space. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) generally edges out the M7 (3rd Gen) thanks to its slightly better chipset, larger screen, and more modern design. While the M7 is cheaper, the M8 provides a more enjoyable overall experience for a 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 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 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) | 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) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8166 - Wi-Fi versionMediatek MT8766 - LTE version | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 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 | microUSB 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/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 3750 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Iron Grey | Iron Grey, Platinum Grey |
| Models | ZA8C0027US, TB-7306X | TB-8505X, TB-8505F, TB-8505FS |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 140 EUR |
Lenovo Tab M7 (3rd Gen)
- Most affordable option
- Compact and portable
- Decent for basic tasks
- Lower performance
- Smaller screen
- Older design
- Limited storage
Lenovo Tab M8 (HD)
- Larger and sharper display
- Better performance
- More modern design
- Slightly better battery life
- Slightly more expensive
- Still a budget tablet with limitations
Display Comparison
The Tab M8 (HD) boasts an 8-inch HD display (1280 x 800), offering a noticeably larger and sharper viewing experience compared to the Tab M7's 7-inch display (1024 x 800). This difference is particularly noticeable when watching videos or browsing the web. The Tab M8's larger screen also makes it more comfortable to use for extended periods.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department. Both feature basic front and rear cameras suitable for video calls but not for high-quality photography. Expect grainy images and limited low-light performance from both devices. The Tab M8's slightly newer chipset might offer marginally better image processing, but the difference is minimal.
Performance
The Tab M8 (HD) utilizes a Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 chipset with a quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, fabricated on a more efficient 12nm process. The Tab M7 (3rd Gen) has either a Mediatek MT8166 or MT8766 chipset with an octa-core 2.0 GHz CPU. While both have similar clock speeds, the M8's more modern and efficient chipset generally translates to smoother performance and better multitasking capabilities. The M8's 12nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
Battery life is comparable between the two tablets, typically offering around 8-10 hours of mixed usage. The Tab M8's slightly more efficient chipset could give it a slight edge in battery endurance, but real-world usage will vary depending on screen brightness and app usage.
Buying Guide
The Lenovo Tab M7 (3rd Gen) is ideal for users on a very tight budget who primarily need a basic tablet for simple tasks like reading ebooks and browsing the web. The Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) is a better choice for those who want a slightly more responsive experience, a larger screen for media consumption, and a more modern design, without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference in storage between the Tab M7 and Tab M8?
Both tablets typically offer configurations with 32GB of storage, expandable via microSD card. However, some M7 models may have a 16GB option.
❓ Which tablet is better for watching videos?
The Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) is better for watching videos due to its larger and higher-resolution display.
