Lenovo Tab P11 Pro vs. P11 Gen 2: Which Tablet Delivers the Best Value?

Lenovo's Tab P11 series offers compelling Android tablet options, but the Pro and Gen 2 models represent distinct approaches. The P11 Pro, with its older Snapdragon 730G, aims for a balance of features and price, while the Gen 2 leverages the newer, more efficient MediaTek Helio G99. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you determine which tablet best aligns with your usage.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2 emerges as the better choice. Its Helio G99 chipset, built on a 6nm process, provides comparable performance to the Snapdragon 730G while offering improved power efficiency. This translates to longer battery life and potentially less thermal throttling during sustained tasks, making it ideal for everyday use and light gaming.

PHONES
Phone Names Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66
SpeedHSPA, LTE - cellular model onlyHSPA, LTE - cellular model only
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2020, August 31. Released 2020, December 142022, September 01
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2023, January
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back-
Dimensions264.3 x 171.4 x 6.9 mm (10.41 x 6.75 x 0.27 in)269.1 x 169.4 x 7.4 mm (10.59 x 6.67 x 0.29 in)
SIMNano-SIM (cellular model only)Nano-SIM (cellular model only)
Weight485 g (1.07 lb)520 g (1.15 lb)
 Stylus supportStylus support
Display
Resolution1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~263 ppi density)1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~203 ppi density)
Size11.5 inches, 383.5 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio)11.5 inches, 376.4 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 500 nits (typ)IPS LCD, 120Hz, 400 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730G (8 nm)Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 618Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 10Android 12L
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual13 MP, (wide), AF 5 MP, (ultrawide)-
Features-LED flash
Single-13 MP, f/2.4, (wide), AF
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP, (wide) 8 MP, IR TOF 3D, (biometrics sensor only)8 MP, f/2.0
Video-1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoYes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model onlyGPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2USB Type-C 2.0, OTG, magnetic connector
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximityAccelerometer, gyro, proximity
Battery
Charging20W wired-
TypeLi-Po 8600 mAhLi-Po 7700 mAh
Misc
ColorsSlate Grey, Platinum GreyStorm Grey, Sage
ModelsTB-J706FTB350FU
PriceAbout 550 EURAbout 350 EUR

Lenovo Tab P11 Pro

  • Potentially lower price point
  • Established Qualcomm chipset
  • Familiar Android experience

  • Less power-efficient chipset
  • Potential for thermal throttling
  • Older manufacturing process

Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2

  • More efficient MediaTek Helio G99
  • 6nm process for better battery life
  • Potentially improved GPU performance
  • Modern chipset architecture

  • May be slightly more expensive
  • MediaTek chipset may have less brand recognition
  • Software update support may be shorter

Display Comparison

Both tablets likely feature LCD panels, but detailed display specs (resolution, brightness, color gamut) are missing. However, the chipset differences indirectly impact display experience. The more efficient Helio G99 in the Gen 2 allows for potentially longer screen-on time. The P11 Pro's older chipset may require more aggressive power management, potentially impacting brightness levels during prolonged use. Bezels are likely similar across both models, targeting the mid-range segment.

Camera Comparison

Detailed camera specifications are unavailable. Given the tablets' positioning, expect similar camera setups focused on basic photography. The image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio G99 may offer slightly improved image processing capabilities compared to the Snapdragon 730G's ISP, but the difference will likely be minimal. The absence of detailed sensor information makes a definitive comparison impossible, but focusing on the chipset's ISP suggests a slight edge to the Gen 2.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Lenovo Tab P11 Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G (8nm) features a Kryo 470 CPU with a 2+6 core configuration. The P11 Gen 2 utilizes the MediaTek Helio G99 (6nm) with a 2+6 Cortex-A76/A55 configuration. While both CPUs have similar peak clock speeds (2.2 GHz for the performance cores), the Helio G99’s 6nm process offers a significant efficiency advantage. This means the Gen 2 will likely run cooler and sustain performance for longer periods. The 6nm node also allows for a higher transistor density, potentially leading to improved GPU performance for gaming. The P11 Pro's 8nm process is older and less efficient.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is not specified. However, the Helio G99’s 6nm process in the P11 Gen 2 is a major advantage. The increased efficiency translates directly to longer battery life for similar usage patterns. Both tablets support 20W wired charging, meaning charge times will likely be comparable, but the Gen 2 will deliver more usable hours per charge. The P11 Pro's older chipset will consume more power, reducing overall battery endurance.

Buying Guide

Buy the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro if you prioritize a potentially lower price point and are primarily focused on media consumption and light productivity tasks where sustained peak performance isn't critical. Buy the Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2 if you value battery life, efficient performance for everyday tasks, and a more modern chipset architecture that promises better longevity and thermal management, even if it means paying a slight premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Helio G99 in the P11 Gen 2 overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Helio G99's 6nm process and improved thermal design are specifically engineered to mitigate overheating. While sustained gaming will generate heat, the Gen 2 is less prone to significant throttling compared to the P11 Pro's Snapdragon 730G, which operates on a less efficient 8nm process.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 730G in the P11 Pro still offer acceptable performance for multitasking?
The Snapdragon 730G is capable of handling typical multitasking scenarios like browsing, email, and video playback. However, the Helio G99 in the Gen 2 provides a smoother experience with more demanding applications and a higher number of concurrently running apps due to its more efficient architecture.
❓ How much of a real-world battery life difference can I expect between the two tablets?
Expect a noticeable difference in battery life. The P11 Gen 2, thanks to the Helio G99's 6nm process, should provide at least 1-2 hours of additional screen-on time compared to the P11 Pro under similar usage conditions. This is particularly noticeable during video streaming and gaming.