Looking for an affordable tablet for browsing, streaming, and light gaming? The Lenovo Tab M9 and M8 (HD) are popular contenders in the budget space. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Lenovo Tab M9 is the clear winner, offering a significantly faster processor, a brighter display, and more RAM. While the Tab M8 (HD) remains a budget-friendly option, the M9's performance boost makes it a worthwhile upgrade 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 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, 38, 40 |
| 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 | 2022, December 20 | 2019, September. Released 2019, October |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 14 | Discontinued |
| 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) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 16GB 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 | microUSB 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/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Arctic Grey, Frost Blue | Iron Grey, Platinum Grey |
| Models | TB310FU | TB-8505X, TB-8505F, TB-8505FS |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 140 EUR |
Lenovo Tab M9
- Significantly faster processor
- Brighter and higher resolution display
- More RAM for smoother multitasking
- Modern design with 2.5D glass
- Slightly better battery life
- 10W charging is slow
- Camera quality is still basic
- Price is higher than the M8 (HD)
Lenovo Tab M8 (HD)
- Very affordable
- Compact and portable
- Decent battery life for basic use
- Slow processor
- Lower resolution display
- Limited RAM
- Outdated design
- Slow charging
Display Comparison
The Lenovo Tab M9 boasts a 2.5D curved glass display, offering a more modern look and feel. It also has a higher resolution (1280 x 800) compared to the Tab M8 (HD)'s 800 x 1280 resolution, resulting in sharper visuals. The M9 also generally has better brightness, making it more usable outdoors.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department, as is typical for budget devices. The M9 generally has slightly better camera specs, but image quality will be adequate for casual snapshots. Don't expect to take professional-quality photos with either device.
Performance
This is where the M9 truly shines. The Helio G80 chipset in the M9 is a substantial upgrade over the Helio A22 in the M8 (HD). Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better performance in games. The M9 also has more RAM (typically 4GB vs 2GB in the M8), further contributing to its improved performance.
Battery Life
Both tablets offer decent battery life for their size and price range. The M9's larger battery (typically 5000mAh vs 4000mAh in the M8) gives it a slight edge in longevity, but real-world usage will vary.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Lenovo Tab M9? Users seeking a smoother experience for multitasking, streaming, and light gaming. Who should buy the Lenovo Tab M8 (HD)? Those on a very tight budget who primarily need a tablet for basic tasks like web browsing and reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Lenovo Tab M9 worth the extra money compared to the Tab M8 (HD)?
Yes, if performance is a priority. The M9's faster processor and more RAM provide a significantly better user experience.
❓ What are the best uses for the Lenovo Tab M8 (HD)?
It's ideal for basic tasks like reading ebooks, browsing the web, and watching videos at lower resolutions. It's a good option for children or users with very limited budgets.
