Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) vs. Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen): A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) is the clear winner. Its octa-core processor and improved performance offer a noticeably smoother experience compared to the HD model's quad-core chip. While both are budget tablets, the 3rd Gen provides better value for the money.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) | Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) |
| 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, 38, 40 | 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, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2019, September. Released 2019, October | 2021, June 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, February |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | 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) | 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 | 305 g (10.76 oz) | 305 g (10.76 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~76.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~76.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TDDI IPS LCD, 350 nits (typ) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 11 (Go edition) - 2 GB RAM versionAndroid 11 - 3 GB RAM version |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 5 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 |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - 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, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Iron Grey, Platinum Grey | Iron Grey, Platinum Grey |
| Models | TB-8505X, TB-8505F, TB-8505FS | - |
| Price | About 140 EUR | - |
Lenovo Tab M8 (HD)
- Very affordable
- Compact and portable
- Decent for basic tasks
- Slow performance
- Limited storage
- Basic camera quality
Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen)
- Improved performance
- Better multitasking
- Slightly more modern design
- Generally better value
- Still a budget tablet
- Camera quality remains basic
- May lack expandable storage depending on variant
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature an 8-inch HD (1280 x 800) IPS display. While the resolution is the same, the 3rd Gen might offer slightly improved color accuracy and brightness due to potential panel upgrades, though this is not always guaranteed. Viewing angles are generally good on both.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet boasts impressive cameras. Both typically feature a 2MP front and 2MP rear camera. Image quality is adequate for video calls but not suitable for serious photography. Expect similar performance from both.
Performance
This is where the 3rd Gen shines. The MT8768T Helio P22T octa-core processor is significantly faster than the MT6761 Helio A22 quad-core in the HD model. Expect smoother app loading, quicker multitasking, and better overall responsiveness on the 3rd Gen. The HD model can feel sluggish at times, especially with multiple apps open.
Battery Life
Both tablets generally offer around 5100mAh battery capacity. Real-world battery life will depend on usage, but the 3rd Gen's more efficient processor may provide slightly longer battery life under similar conditions. Expect 8-10 hours of mixed use on both.
Buying Guide
The Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) is a good choice for users on a very tight budget who primarily need a tablet for basic tasks like web browsing and video playback. The Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) is ideal for those who want a slightly more responsive experience for multitasking, light gaming, and general use, without breaking the bank.