Looking for an affordable Android tablet? Lenovo offers several great options, and the Tab M9 and M8 (3rd Gen) are two popular contenders. But which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison will dive into their specs, performance, and features to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Lenovo Tab M9 offers a noticeable performance boost thanks to its Helio G80 chipset and larger display. While the M8 (3rd Gen) remains a solid budget option, the M9 provides a better overall experience for most users, justifying its slightly higher price.
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 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, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, December 20 | 2021, June 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 14 | Available. Released 2022, February |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 215.4 x 136.8 x 8 mm (8.48 x 5.39 x 0.31 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 | 344 g (12.13 oz) | 305 g (10.76 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~173 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) |
| Size | 9.0 inches, 230.0 cm2 (~78.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~76.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | TDDI IPS LCD, 350 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 MT8768T Helio P22T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 11 (Go edition) - 2 GB RAM versionAndroid 11 - 3 GB RAM version |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 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, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Arctic Grey, Frost Blue | Iron Grey, Platinum Grey |
| Models | TB310FU | - |
| Price | About 180 EUR | - |
Lenovo Tab M9
- Better Performance (Helio G80)
- Larger, Higher Resolution Display (9-inch, 2000x1200)
- 90Hz Refresh Rate
- Modern Design
- Slightly Better Camera
- Slightly Higher Price
- 10W Charging (Slow)
Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen)
- More Affordable
- Compact and Portable
- Decent Battery Life
- Lower Performance (Helio P22T)
- Smaller, Lower Resolution Display (8-inch, 1280x800)
- Slower Performance
- Less Modern Design
Display Comparison
The Tab M9 boasts a 2.5D Nano-Edge display with a 90Hz refresh rate, offering a more immersive and smoother visual experience compared to the M8 (3rd Gen)'s standard display. The M9's larger 9-inch screen (2000 x 1200) is significantly better for watching videos and browsing the web than the M8's 8-inch screen (1280 x 800).
Camera Comparison
Both tablets feature modest cameras suitable for video calls and casual snapshots. The Tab M9 generally has slightly better image quality, but neither camera is a standout feature. Expect 8MP front and rear cameras on both devices.
Performance
The Mediatek Helio G80 in the Tab M9 is a clear winner here. It provides significantly better CPU and GPU performance than the Helio P22T in the M8 (3rd Gen). Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the M9. The M8 is adequate for basic tasks but will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
While both tablets offer decent battery life, the Tab M9's larger size allows for a larger battery capacity (5100 mAh vs 5100 mAh). Real-world usage will likely show similar battery performance, lasting a full day with moderate use.
Buying Guide
The Lenovo Tab M9 is ideal for users who prioritize performance, a larger screen for media consumption, and a more modern design. The Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) is a great choice for those on a tight budget who need a compact tablet primarily for basic tasks like browsing and reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Lenovo Tab M9 worth the extra money?
If you value performance and a better display, the Tab M9 is definitely worth the upgrade. The improved processor and larger screen make a noticeable difference in the overall user experience.
❓ What is the Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) best used for?
The M8 (3rd Gen) is ideal for basic tasks like browsing the web, reading ebooks, watching videos, and light gaming. It's a great entry-level tablet for casual users.
