Looking for an affordable tablet for browsing, streaming, and light tasks? The Lenovo Tab M7 (3rd Gen) and Tab V7 are popular contenders in the budget space. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Lenovo Tab V7 edges out the M7 (3rd Gen) thanks to its more efficient Snapdragon 450 chipset and slightly better battery life. While the M7 offers a Wi-Fi only version, the V7's overall performance and longevity make it the stronger 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 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 28 | 2019, February. Released 2019, April |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 31 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | 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) | 177.9 x 86.5 x 7.9 mm (7.00 x 3.41 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 237 g (8.36 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 600 x 1024 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~170 ppi density) | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~350 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 137.9 cm2 (~76.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.95 inches, 122.5 cm2 (~79.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TDDI IPS LCD, 350 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8166 - Wi-Fi versionMediatek MT8766 - LTE version | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 506 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 2 MP | 13 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS - cellular model only | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 3750 mAh | Li-Ion 5180 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Iron Grey | Black |
| Models | ZA8C0027US, TB-7306X | PB-6505M, PB-6505MC |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 250 EUR |
Lenovo Tab M7 (3rd Gen)
- Very affordable
- Compact and portable
- Wi-Fi only option available
- Slow performance
- Limited storage
- Low-resolution display
- Short battery life
Lenovo Tab V7
- Better performance than M7
- Longer battery life
- LTE connectivity option
- Slightly better display quality
- Still a budget device with limitations
- Camera quality is basic
- Can feel slow with demanding apps
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature a 7-inch HD (1024 x 600) display. While the resolution is similar, the Tab V7's panel might offer slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles due to the Snapdragon 450's generally better integrated graphics. Expect adequate, but not exceptional, visual quality on both.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet boasts impressive cameras. Both feature a front-facing camera suitable for basic video calls. Image quality in both is expected to be low, especially in low-light conditions. Don't expect to use these for serious photography.
Performance
Here's where the Tab V7 shines. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 is generally more efficient and provides smoother performance than the Mediatek MT8166/MT8766 in the M7. Expect quicker app loading times and a more responsive user interface on the V7. The M7 can feel sluggish, especially with multiple apps open.
Battery Life
The Lenovo Tab V7 typically offers slightly better battery life, often lasting around 8-10 hours of moderate use, compared to the M7's 6-8 hours. This is largely due to the Snapdragon 450's power efficiency.
Buying Guide
The Lenovo Tab M7 (3rd Gen) is ideal for users primarily needing a basic tablet for casual browsing, reading ebooks, and light media consumption, especially if a Wi-Fi only model is sufficient. The Lenovo Tab V7 is better suited for those who want a slightly more responsive experience, longer battery life, and the option for LTE connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which tablet is better for gaming?
The Lenovo Tab V7 is the better choice for light gaming due to its more powerful processor. However, neither tablet is ideal for demanding games.
❓ Can I expand the storage on either tablet?
Yes, both tablets support microSD card expansion, allowing you to increase storage capacity.
❓ Does the Lenovo Tab M7 (3rd Gen) have cellular connectivity?
No, the Lenovo Tab M7 (3rd Gen) is only available in a Wi-Fi-only version. The Tab V7 has an LTE variant.
