Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) vs Lenovo Tab M9: A Head-to-Head Tablet Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Lenovo Tab M9 emerges as the clear winner, offering a more powerful processor, slightly better display, and faster charging. While the M8 is a budget-friendly option, the M9's performance improvements justify its slightly higher price for most users.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) | Lenovo Tab M9 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 19, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China | - | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 28 | 2022, December 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February | Available. Released 2023, March 14 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 199.1 x 121.8 x 8.2 mm (7.84 x 4.80 x 0.32 in) | 215.4 x 136.8 x 8 mm (8.48 x 5.39 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 305 g (10.76 oz) | 344 g (12.13 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) | 800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~173 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~76.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 9.0 inches, 230.0 cm2 (~78.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TDDI IPS LCD, 350 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) - 2 GB RAM versionAndroid 11 - 3 GB RAM version | Android 12 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p | 1080p |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 720p | 720p |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Iron Grey, Platinum Grey | Arctic Grey, Frost Blue |
| Models | - | TB310FU |
| Price | - | About 180 EUR |
Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen)
- Very affordable
- Compact and portable
- Decent for basic tasks
- Lightweight design
- Underpowered processor
- Limited storage options
- Basic camera quality
- Slow charging
Lenovo Tab M9
- Faster processor for smoother performance
- Larger and slightly better display
- Faster charging (10W)
- More responsive user experience
- Slightly more expensive than the M8
- Camera quality remains basic
- Still a budget tablet – don't expect premium features
Display Comparison
The Tab M9 boasts a slightly larger 2.5D curved display (8.6 inches) compared to the M8's 8-inch screen. Both feature HD resolutions, but the M9's slightly larger size and curved edges offer a marginally more immersive viewing experience. Brightness and color accuracy are generally comparable, leaning towards acceptable for the price range.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department. Both feature basic 8MP rear cameras and 5MP front cameras, suitable for occasional video calls and basic snapshots. Image quality is adequate in good lighting conditions but struggles in low light. Don't expect flagship-level photography from either device.
Performance
Here's where the M9 truly shines. Its Helio G80 chipset is significantly faster than the M8's Helio P22T. Expect smoother multitasking, quicker app loading times, and better performance in games. The M9's Cortex-A75 cores provide a noticeable boost in responsiveness.
Battery Life
The Tab M9 has a larger battery capacity (5100 mAh) compared to the M8 (5000 mAh). While the difference isn't massive, the M9's more efficient processor and 10W charging contribute to slightly better battery life and faster charging times.
Buying Guide
The Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) is ideal for casual users, students, or those on a tight budget who primarily need a tablet for browsing, light gaming, and media consumption. The Lenovo Tab M9 is better suited for users who want a smoother experience, more responsive performance for gaming and multitasking, and a slightly more premium feel.