The tablet market offers diverse options, from budget-friendly everyday devices to powerful gaming machines. Today, we pit the Lenovo Tab M9, a solid mid-range contender, against the Lenovo Legion Y700, a dedicated gaming tablet. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which one comes out on top.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Lenovo Legion Y700 is the clear winner for performance and gaming, boasting a Snapdragon 870 and significantly faster charging. However, the Tab M9 offers excellent value for casual users prioritizing affordability and portability. It's a battle of needs versus power.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, December 20 | 2022, March 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 14 | Available. Released 2022, March 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 215.4 x 136.8 x 8 mm (8.48 x 5.39 x 0.31 in) | 207.1 x 128.1 x 7.9 mm (8.15 x 5.04 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 344 g (12.13 oz) | 375 g (13.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~173 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~343 ppi density) |
| Size | 9.0 inches, 230.0 cm2 (~78.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.8 inches, 224.5 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12, ZUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 13 MP |
| Video | 1080p | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | Tuned by JBL |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO - cellular model only | No |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.1 Gen2 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 45W wired, 100% in 45 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 6550 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Arctic Grey, Frost Blue | Gray |
| Models | TB310FU | TB-9707F |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 360 EUR |
Lenovo Tab M9
- Affordable
- Portable
- Good for everyday tasks
- Decent display
- Longer battery life for general use
- Limited performance for gaming
- Slower charging
- Less premium build quality
- Lower refresh rate display
Lenovo Legion Y700
- Exceptional performance
- High refresh rate display
- Fast charging
- Premium build quality
- Dedicated gaming features (triggers, cooling)
- More expensive
- Shorter battery life under heavy load
- Larger and heavier
- Less suitable for casual users
Display Comparison
The Lenovo Legion Y700 typically features a higher refresh rate display (144Hz) compared to the Tab M9 (likely 60Hz or 90Hz), resulting in smoother visuals, especially noticeable in fast-paced games. Both offer vibrant colors and good resolution, but the Y700's higher refresh rate gives it a distinct edge for gaming and media consumption. The Tab M9 prioritizes battery life over refresh rate.
Camera Comparison
While neither tablet is a photography powerhouse, the Legion Y700 often features slightly better camera hardware. However, tablet cameras are rarely a primary concern, and both devices offer acceptable image quality for casual snapshots. Expect similar performance in well-lit conditions.
Performance
This is where the Legion Y700 truly shines. The Snapdragon 870 is a powerhouse, easily handling demanding games and applications. The Tab M9's Helio G80 is adequate for everyday tasks but will struggle with graphically intensive games. Expect significantly faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the Y700.
Battery Life
The Tab M9 likely has a larger battery capacity, potentially offering longer overall battery life for general use. However, the Legion Y700's 45W fast charging dramatically reduces charging times, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when needed. The Y700's power-hungry processor will impact battery life under heavy load.
Buying Guide
The Lenovo Tab M9 is ideal for students, casual users, and those on a budget who need a reliable tablet for browsing, streaming, and light productivity. The Lenovo Legion Y700 is the go-to choice for mobile gamers, content creators, and anyone demanding top-tier performance and a premium gaming experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Lenovo Legion Y700 worth the extra cost?
If you're a serious mobile gamer or content creator, the Y700's performance and features justify the higher price. For casual users, the Tab M9 offers excellent value.
❓ Can the Lenovo Tab M9 handle demanding games?
The Tab M9 can handle some games, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings for smoother gameplay. It's not designed for high-end gaming.
