Lenovo Tab M9 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab A8: A Detailed Tablet Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 edges out the Lenovo Tab M9 thanks to its slightly faster charging, more established brand reputation, and generally smoother software experience. However, the Tab M9 offers competitive performance at a potentially lower price point, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious buyers.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Lenovo Tab M9 | Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) |
| 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 |
| 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, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, December 20 | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 14 | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 215.4 x 136.8 x 8 mm (8.48 x 5.39 x 0.31 in) | 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 344 g (12.13 oz) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~173 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 9.0 inches, 230.0 cm2 (~78.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | TFT LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| 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, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| 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 | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Arctic Grey, Frost Blue | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | TB310FU | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
Lenovo Tab M9
- Potentially lower price
- Slightly better raw performance (Helio G80)
- Decent display for the price
- Lightweight design
- Slower charging (10W)
- Less polished software
- Lower screen brightness
- Camera quality is average
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Faster charging (15W)
- More established brand reputation
- Smoother software experience (One UI)
- Slightly better display quality
- Longer battery life
- Potentially higher price
- Performance not significantly better than Tab M9
- Camera quality is average
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature a 10.1-inch display, but the Tab A8 typically boasts slightly better color accuracy and brightness. The Tab M9's display is adequate but may not offer the same visual pop. Resolution is similar, providing a decent viewing experience for both.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in camera quality. The Tab A8 generally produces slightly better images in well-lit conditions, but both cameras are primarily suited for video calls rather than serious photography. Expect grainy images in low light.
Performance
The Lenovo Tab M9's Helio G80 chipset offers a slight edge in raw processing power compared to the Tab A8's Tiger T618. However, Samsung's One UI optimization often results in a smoother and more responsive user experience overall. Gaming performance is acceptable on both, but don't expect high-end gaming capabilities.
Battery Life
The Tab A8 has a larger battery capacity (7040 mAh vs 5100 mAh in the Tab M9) and faster charging (15W vs 10W). This translates to longer battery life and quicker top-ups for the Samsung tablet.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Lenovo Tab M9? Users seeking a budget-friendly tablet for basic tasks like browsing, streaming, and light gaming. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)? Those prioritizing a reliable brand, slightly better performance, and a more polished software experience, even if it means spending a bit more.