Lenovo’s Tab P11 series offers a compelling blend of features and affordability in the Android tablet space. The P11 Plus, a mainstay for value-conscious buyers, now faces a stronger competitor in the P11 Pro Gen 2, which boasts a significantly upgraded chipset. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two tablets, focusing on performance, efficiency, and ultimately, which one delivers the best experience for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 is the superior choice. Its Kompanio 1300T chipset, built on a 6nm process, delivers a substantial performance uplift over the P11 Plus’s Helio G90T, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While both charge at 20W, the Pro Gen 2’s QC3 support offers faster real-world charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 28 | 2022, September 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 29 | Available. Released 2022, September 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 258.4 x 163 x 7.5 mm (10.17 x 6.42 x 0.30 in) | 263.7 x 166.7 x 6.8 mm (10.38 x 6.56 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 490 g (1.08 lb) | 480 g (1.06 lb) |
| | Stylus support | Stylus support (magnetic) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~212 ppi density) | 1536 x 2560 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.0 inches, 344.4 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.2 inches, 357.0 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | OLED, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 120Hz, 420 nits (typ), 600 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90T (12 nm) | Mediatek MT8797 Kompanio 1300T (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G77 MC9 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide), AF | 13 MP, f/2.4, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| | - | Tuned by JBL |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.0, OTG, magnetic connector, video output |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 20W wired | 20W wired, QC3 |
| Type | Li-Po 7700 mAh | Li-Po 8200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Slate Grey, Platinum Grey, Modernist teal | Storm Grey, Oat |
| Models | ZA940124SE | ZAB50194GB, ZAB50043SE |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 500 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 616573 (v9)
GeekBench: 2827 (v5.1) |
Lenovo Tab P11 Plus
- More affordable price point
- Sufficient for basic tasks
- Decent performance for casual use
- Older, less efficient chipset
- Potential for performance throttling
- Slower charging speeds (no QC3)
Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2
- Significantly faster and more efficient chipset
- QC3 support for faster charging
- Improved multitasking and gaming performance
- Higher price tag
- May be overkill for basic users
- Similar charging wattage to P11 Plus
Display Comparison
While both tablets likely feature LCD panels (data not provided), the core difference lies in the processing power driving them. The P11 Pro Gen 2’s Kompanio 1300T will handle graphically intensive tasks more efficiently, resulting in smoother animations and a more fluid visual experience. The P11 Plus, with its older Helio G90T, may exhibit slight stuttering during demanding scenarios. Without specific display specs like resolution or brightness, it’s difficult to assess visual fidelity, but the chipset difference will impact perceived smoothness.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, it’s reasonable to assume the P11 Pro Gen 2 benefits from the increased processing power of the Kompanio 1300T for image signal processing (ISP). This could translate to better noise reduction, dynamic range, and overall image quality, even with similar sensor hardware. The P11 Plus’s Helio G90T, while capable, will likely struggle to match the Pro Gen 2’s image processing capabilities.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The P11 Pro Gen 2’s Kompanio 1300T, featuring four Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.6 GHz, represents a substantial architectural upgrade over the P11 Plus’s Helio G90T. The A78 cores are significantly more efficient and powerful than the G90T’s Cortex-A76 cores. Furthermore, the Kompanio 1300T is fabricated on a 6nm process, compared to the G90T’s 12nm process, leading to improved thermal efficiency and sustained performance. This means less throttling during prolonged gaming or video editing. The P11 Pro Gen 2 will excel in multitasking and demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both tablets feature 20W wired charging, but the P11 Pro Gen 2 adds Quick Charge 3.0 (QC3) support. QC3 allows for faster charging speeds with compatible chargers, potentially reducing 0-100% charge times compared to the P11 Plus. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Kompanio 1300T’s 6nm process contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting any capacity differences and resulting in comparable real-world battery life despite the increased performance.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus if you prioritize extreme affordability and primarily need a tablet for basic tasks like web browsing, video playback, and light productivity. It’s a solid option for casual users on a tight budget. Buy the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 if you demand a more responsive and future-proof experience, especially if you plan on multitasking, gaming, or using demanding applications. The improved chipset and faster charging justify the price premium for power users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Kompanio 1300T in the P11 Pro Gen 2 handle demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The Kompanio 1300T is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G90T and should provide a much smoother gaming experience. While it won't match the performance of flagship smartphone chipsets, it should be capable of running Genshin Impact at medium settings with acceptable frame rates. Expect better sustained performance due to the 6nm process and improved thermal management.
❓ Does the P11 Pro Gen 2 support external displays or accessories for productivity?
While Lenovo doesn't explicitly advertise extensive accessory support, the P11 Pro Gen 2’s USB-C port supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode), allowing connection to external monitors. This, combined with the more powerful chipset, makes it a viable option for basic productivity tasks like document editing and presentations. Check compatibility with specific accessories before purchasing.
❓ Is the 20W charging speed on both tablets slow compared to other tablets?
20W is relatively standard for tablets in this price range. However, the P11 Pro Gen 2’s inclusion of Quick Charge 3.0 (QC3) allows it to leverage compatible chargers for faster charging speeds than the P11 Plus, which lacks QC3 support. Using a QC3-compatible charger with the P11 Pro Gen 2 will noticeably reduce charging times.
