The budget tablet market is heating up, and the Lenovo Tab M9 and Realme Pad Mini are two strong contenders. Both offer compelling features at affordable prices, but which one truly comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme Pad Mini edges out the Lenovo Tab M9 thanks to its faster charging, slightly better performance, and reverse charging capability. While the Tab M9 has a slightly larger screen, the Pad Mini's overall package provides a more polished and convenient experience for the 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 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, December 20 | 2022, April 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 14 | Available. Released 2022, April 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 215.4 x 136.8 x 8 mm (8.48 x 5.39 x 0.31 in) | 211.8 x 124.5 x 7.6 mm (8.34 x 4.90 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 344 g (12.13 oz) | 372 g (13.12 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~173 ppi density) | 800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~179 ppi density) |
| Size | 9.0 inches, 230.0 cm2 (~78.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.7 inches, 214.9 cm2 (~81.5% 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) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| 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, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| 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/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | 6400 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Arctic Grey, Frost Blue | Gray, Blue |
| Models | TB310FU | RMP2105, RMP2106 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 180 EUR |
Lenovo Tab M9
- Larger Display
- Slightly better performance (Helio G80)
- Good value for money
- Slower Charging (10W)
- Lower resolution display compared to some competitors
- No reverse charging
Realme Pad Mini
- Faster Charging (18W)
- Reverse Wired Charging
- More compact and easier to hold
- Generally smoother performance
- Smaller Display
- Lower resolution display
- Unisoc chipset may not be as powerful as Helio G80 in some scenarios
Display Comparison
The Lenovo Tab M9 boasts a 2.5D design and a slightly larger 9-inch display (2000 x 1200 resolution) compared to the Realme Pad Mini's 8.7-inch display (1300 x 800 resolution). While both are LCD panels, the Tab M9's higher resolution offers a sharper image, especially noticeable when viewing text or detailed graphics. However, the Pad Mini's smaller size makes it more comfortable to hold for extended periods.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality on budget tablets is rarely a highlight. The Lenovo Tab M9 typically features an 8MP main rear camera and a front-facing camera, while the Realme Pad Mini also has an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. Image quality is adequate for casual snapshots, but don't expect exceptional results. Video recording capabilities are similarly basic on both devices.
Performance
The Lenovo Tab M9 utilizes a Mediatek Helio G80 chipset, generally offering a slight performance advantage over the Realme Pad Mini's Unisoc Tiger T616. Both feature an octa-core CPU with Cortex-A75 cores, but the G80's GPU is typically more powerful. In real-world usage, both tablets are capable of handling everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and streaming, but the Tab M9 might handle more demanding games or multitasking slightly better.
Battery Life
The Realme Pad Mini shines in this category. It offers 18W wired charging, significantly faster than the Tab M9's 10W charging. The Pad Mini also includes 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices. Both tablets have similar battery capacities (around 5000mAh), but the faster charging and reverse charging give the Pad Mini a clear advantage.
Buying Guide
The Lenovo Tab M9 is ideal for users prioritizing a larger display for media consumption and basic tasks. The Realme Pad Mini is a better choice for those who value faster charging, a more responsive experience, and the added convenience of reverse charging for accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which tablet is better for gaming?
The Lenovo Tab M9 likely offers slightly better gaming performance due to its Helio G80 chipset, but both tablets are best suited for casual games rather than demanding titles.
❓ Can I use the Realme Pad Mini to charge my phone?
Yes, the Realme Pad Mini supports 5W reverse wired charging, allowing you to use it as a power bank for your phone or other devices.
❓ Is the Lenovo Tab M9 good for reading?
Yes, the larger display of the Lenovo Tab M9 makes it a decent option for reading ebooks and articles, although the lower resolution compared to some competitors might be noticeable.
