The Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) and Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite are both popular budget tablets vying for your attention. Both offer a decent entertainment experience at an affordable price, but significant differences exist under the hood. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you choose the right one.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite edges out the Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) thanks to its superior performance, slightly better display, and faster charging. While the Lenovo is a budget-friendly option, the A7 Lite provides a more well-rounded experience for everyday use and media consumption.
| 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 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 38, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 66 |
| 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 | 2019, September. Released 2019, October | 2021, May 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, June 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame, plastic ends |
| Dimensions | 199.1 x 121.8 x 8.2 mm (7.84 x 4.80 x 0.32 in) | 212.5 x 124.7 x 8 mm (8.37 x 4.91 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 305 g (10.76 oz) | 366 g (Wi-Fi), 371 g (LTE) (12.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) | 800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~179 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~76.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.7 inches, 214.9 cm2 (~81.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| 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, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| 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, proximity | Accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Iron Grey, Platinum Grey | Gray, Silver |
| Models | TB-8505X, TB-8505F, TB-8505FS | SM-T225, SM-T220, SM-T225N, SM-T227U |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.68 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.64 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Lenovo Tab M8 (HD)
- Very affordable
- Compact and portable
- Decent for basic tasks
- Underpowered processor
- Mediocre display
- Slow charging
- Limited storage
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
- Better performance
- Slightly larger and better display
- Faster charging
- More storage options
- Samsung brand reputation
- Slightly more expensive
- Camera quality is still basic
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite boasts an 8.7-inch display compared to the Tab M8's 8-inch screen. Both are HD, but the A7 Lite's slightly larger size and generally better color reproduction give it a slight edge. Viewing angles are acceptable on both, but the A7 Lite's panel tends to be a bit brighter.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department. Both feature basic rear and front-facing cameras suitable for video calls and occasional snapshots. Image quality is generally mediocre in both, especially in low light. Don't expect to use these tablets for serious photography.
Performance
Here's where the A7 Lite truly shines. Its Octa-core Helio P22T chipset significantly outperforms the Tab M8's Quad-core Helio A22. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive overall experience on the A7 Lite. Gaming performance will also be noticeably better.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite has a larger battery capacity (5100 mAh) compared to the Tab M8 (HD) (4000 mAh). Coupled with its more efficient processor, the A7 Lite generally offers slightly longer battery life, especially during demanding tasks. The A7 Lite also supports 15W fast charging, a feature absent on the Tab M8.
Buying Guide
The Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) is ideal for users on a very tight budget who primarily need a tablet for basic tasks like web browsing and light media consumption. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is a better choice for those who want a smoother experience, a slightly larger screen, and faster charging, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which tablet is better for streaming videos?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is better for streaming due to its more powerful processor and slightly better display, resulting in smoother playback and a more enjoyable viewing experience.
❓ Can I play games on these tablets?
Both tablets can handle casual games, but the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite's more powerful processor makes it a better choice for more demanding games.
