Looking for an affordable Android tablet? The Lenovo Tab M9 and M10 HD Gen 2 are popular contenders in the budget space. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison will dive deep into their features, performance, and overall user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Lenovo Tab M9 edges out the M10 HD Gen 2 thanks to its significantly faster Helio G80 chipset, resulting in smoother performance for everyday tasks and gaming. While both offer decent value, the M9's processing power makes it the better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, December 20 | 2020, August 31. Released 2020, November |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 14 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 215.4 x 136.8 x 8 mm (8.48 x 5.39 x 0.31 in) | 241.5 x 149.4 x 8.3 mm (9.51 x 5.88 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 344 g (12.13 oz) | 420 g (14.82 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~173 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) |
| Size | 9.0 inches, 230.0 cm2 (~78.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG, magnetic connector |
| 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, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Arctic Grey, Frost Blue | Iron Gray, Platinum Gray |
| Models | TB310FU | TB-X306X |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Lenovo Tab M9
- Faster Processor (Helio G80)
- More Portable Size
- Slightly Better Camera
- Modern Design
- Smaller Screen
- 10W Charging (Slow)
- Limited Storage Options
Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2
- Larger Screen (10.1 inch)
- Good Value for Money
- Decent for Basic Tasks
- Slower Processor (Helio P22T)
- Older Design
- Can Struggle with Demanding Apps
Display Comparison
The Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 boasts a 10.1-inch display, slightly larger than the M9's 8.6-inch screen. Both offer HD resolution, but the M10's larger size provides a more immersive viewing experience for videos and games. The M9's smaller size makes it more portable, however.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department. Both feature modest rear and front-facing cameras suitable for video calls and occasional snapshots. Image quality is generally acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The M9's camera is marginally better, but the difference is minimal.
Performance
This is where the M9 truly shines. Its Helio G80 chipset is considerably more powerful than the M10 HD Gen 2's Helio P22T. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the M9. The M10 HD Gen 2 can handle basic tasks, but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both tablets offer similar battery life, typically lasting around 8-10 hours of moderate usage. The larger screen of the M10 HD Gen 2 might slightly impact battery life compared to the M9, but the difference is unlikely to be significant.
Buying Guide
The Lenovo Tab M9 is ideal for students, casual users, and those who enjoy light gaming. The M10 HD Gen 2 is a good option for basic media consumption and web browsing, especially if you prioritize a slightly larger screen and are on a tighter budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which tablet is better for gaming?
The Lenovo Tab M9 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor. It can handle more demanding games with smoother performance.
❓ Is the larger screen of the M10 HD Gen 2 worth the trade-off in performance?
It depends on your priorities. If you primarily use your tablet for watching videos and browsing the web, the larger screen might be beneficial. However, if you value performance and responsiveness, the M9 is the better choice.
❓ Do both tablets support expandable storage?
Yes, both the Lenovo Tab M9 and M10 HD Gen 2 support expandable storage via a microSD card slot.
