Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) vs Huawei MatePad T8: Which Budget Tablet Reigns Supreme?

The sub-$150 tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) and Huawei MatePad T8 are two key contenders. Both aim to deliver a functional Android experience at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dives deep into their core components to determine which tablet offers the best value for everyday tasks.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Huawei MatePad T8 offers a more compelling experience. Its octa-core processor provides a noticeable performance boost over the Lenovo Tab M8 (HD)'s quad-core chip, making it better suited for multitasking and slightly more demanding applications. While neither is a powerhouse, the MatePad T8’s extra cores give it an edge.

PHONES
Phone Names Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) Huawei MatePad T8
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - Kobe2-L03
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 38, 401, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Kobe2-L09
SpeedHSPA, LTE - cellular model onlyHSPA, LTE - cellular model only
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 40, 66 - Kobe2-L03
Launch
Announced2019, September. Released 2019, October2020, May 07. Released 2020, May 19
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame-
Dimensions199.1 x 121.8 x 8.2 mm (7.84 x 4.80 x 0.32 in)199.7 x 121.1 x 8.6 mm (7.86 x 4.77 x 0.34 in)
SIMNano-SIM (cellular model only)Nano-SIM (cellular model only)
Weight305 g (10.76 oz)310 g (10.93 oz)
Display
Resolution800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density)800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density)
Size8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~76.5% screen-to-body ratio)8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~76.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUQuad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.50 GHz Cortex A53)
ChipsetMediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)Mediatek MT8768
GPUPowerVR GE8320PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie)Android 10, EMUI 10, no Google Play Services
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC
Internal16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
Single5 MP, AF5 MP, f/2.2
Video1080p1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single2 MP2 MP, f/2.4
Video720p-
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model onlyGPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only
RadioFM radioNo
USBmicroUSB 2.0, OTGmicroUSB 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximityAccelerometer
Battery
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 5100 mAh
Misc
ColorsIron Grey, Platinum GreyDeepsea Blue
ModelsTB-8505X, TB-8505F, TB-8505FSKobe2-L09, Kobe2-L03, KOB2-L09, KOB2-W09
PriceAbout 140 EURAbout 100 EUR

Lenovo Tab M8 (HD)

  • Potentially more portable due to smaller size (speculative)
  • Lower price point (likely)
  • Simple and straightforward Android experience

  • Quad-core processor limits multitasking capabilities
  • Less responsive user interface
  • May struggle with demanding applications

Huawei MatePad T8

  • Octa-core processor offers better performance
  • Smoother multitasking and app switching
  • More responsive user interface

  • Potentially slightly higher price
  • May have slightly shorter battery life under heavy load
  • Larger size may be less convenient for some users

Display Comparison

Neither tablet boasts a particularly impressive display. Both are likely to feature 7-8 inch HD (1280x800) panels, typical for this price range. However, detailed panel technology specs are unavailable. Given Huawei’s history, the MatePad T8 *may* have slightly better color calibration, but this is speculative. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within their compact form factors. Without specific brightness data, it’s difficult to assess outdoor visibility, but both will likely struggle in direct sunlight.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both will likely feature basic rear and front-facing cameras, probably around 5MP or 8MP. Image quality will be adequate for casual snapshots and video calls, but don’t expect flagship-level results. Given the price point, image processing will be minimal, and low-light performance will be poor. Focusing on sensor size or aperture is irrelevant given the overall camera capabilities of these devices.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipset. The Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) utilizes the Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22, a quad-core processor clocked at 2.0 GHz using Cortex-A53 cores. The Huawei MatePad T8, however, features the Mediatek MT8768, an octa-core processor with a heterogeneous configuration: four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.0 GHz and four at 1.5 GHz. This octa-core setup provides a significant advantage in multitasking and handling more complex applications. While both use Cortex-A53 cores, the MatePad T8’s additional cores allow it to distribute the workload more efficiently, resulting in a smoother user experience. The Helio A22 is geared towards basic functionality, while the MT8768 offers a step up in responsiveness.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is not specified, but both tablets likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range, typical for 7-8 inch tablets. Charging wattage is also unknown. The MatePad T8’s more efficient octa-core processor *could* translate to slightly better battery life under moderate use, despite potentially having a similar capacity battery. However, real-world battery life will heavily depend on usage patterns – streaming video, gaming, and brightness levels will all impact longevity. Without specific charging wattage data, it’s impossible to compare charging speeds.

Buying Guide

Buy the Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) if you prioritize extreme portability and a minimal footprint for basic tasks like e-reading or simple video playback. It’s a good choice for users who need a secondary device for very light use. Buy the Huawei MatePad T8 if you want a tablet capable of handling a bit more – light gaming, smoother web browsing, and running multiple apps simultaneously. It’s the better option for those seeking a more versatile, everyday tablet experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Huawei MatePad T8 handle basic games like Candy Crush or Angry Birds?
Yes, the MatePad T8’s octa-core processor should handle casual games like Candy Crush and Angry Birds without significant issues. While it won’t run graphically intensive titles smoothly, it’s more than capable of providing a playable experience for less demanding games.
❓ Is the Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) suitable for reading e-books?
The Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) is a decent option for e-reading due to its compact size and likely lower weight. However, the display quality may not be ideal for extended reading sessions, and the quad-core processor won’t be beneficial for this task. Consider a dedicated e-reader if reading is your primary use case.
❓ Can either tablet be used for video conferencing?
Both tablets can be used for video conferencing via apps like Zoom or Google Meet. However, the camera quality on both is basic, so expect a somewhat grainy image. The MatePad T8’s slightly better processor might provide a smoother video call experience.
❓ Do either of these tablets support expandable storage via microSD card?
While not explicitly stated in the provided specs, tablets in this price range *often* include a microSD card slot for expandable storage. Checking the product listing or official specifications is crucial to confirm this feature.