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

The Lenovo Tab P11 established itself as a strong contender in the affordable Android tablet space. Now, the P11 Gen 2 arrives with a new chipset aiming to improve performance and efficiency. This comparison dissects the key differences between these two tablets, focusing on the impact of their respective processors on real-world usage.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2 is the superior choice. The Mediatek Helio G99, built on a more efficient 6nm process, delivers a noticeable performance uplift over the Snapdragon 662 in the original P11, without sacrificing battery life. While the P11 remains a viable option at a lower price point, the Gen 2 offers better future-proofing.

PHONES
Phone Names Lenovo Tab P11 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, 19, 20, 28, 38, 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
Announced2021, January 072022, September 01
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, February 10Available. Released 2023, January
Body
Dimensions258.4 x 163 x 7.5 mm (10.17 x 6.42 x 0.30 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)
Weight490 g (1.08 lb)520 g (1.15 lb)
 Stylus supportStylus support
Display
Resolution1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~212 ppi density)1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~203 ppi density)
Size11.0 inches, 344.4 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio)11.5 inches, 376.4 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 400 nits (typ)IPS LCD, 120Hz, 400 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm)Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 610Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 10Android 12L
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashLED flash
Single13 MP, (wide), AF13 MP, f/2.4, (wide), AF
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP, (wide)8 MP, f/2.0
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoYes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model onlyGPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG, magnetic connector
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, gyro, proximityAccelerometer, gyro, proximity
Battery
Charging20W wired-
TypeLi-Po 7700 mAhLi-Po 7700 mAh
Misc
ColorsSlate Grey, Platinum GreyStorm Grey, Sage
ModelsTB-J606FTB350FU
PriceAbout 200 EURAbout 350 EUR

Lenovo Tab P11

  • Lower price point makes it accessible.
  • Sufficient for basic tablet tasks.
  • Established reliability within the Lenovo Tab P11 series.

  • Older Snapdragon 662 chipset is less efficient.
  • Performance may struggle with demanding apps.
  • Less future-proof compared to the Gen 2.

Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2

  • More efficient Mediatek Helio G99 chipset.
  • Improved performance for multitasking and gaming.
  • Better long-term responsiveness and future-proofing.

  • Higher price compared to the original P11.
  • May not offer a dramatically different experience for very basic users.
  • Camera performance likely remains similar.

Display Comparison

Both tablets share a similar 11-inch LCD display, but detailed specifications like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are not provided. However, the focus here is on the internal hardware impacting performance. The display quality is likely comparable, making the chipset the primary differentiator.

Camera Comparison

Neither tablet is positioned as a photography powerhouse. Detailed camera specifications are unavailable, but the focus remains on the core functionality of these devices. Any improvements in image processing capabilities in the Gen 2 are likely marginal and won't be a deciding factor for most buyers.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipset. The Lenovo Tab P11 utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, a 11nm chip with an octa-core CPU configuration (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver). The P11 Gen 2 upgrades to the Mediatek Helio G99, fabricated on a more efficient 6nm process, featuring an octa-core CPU (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55). The 6nm node of the Helio G99 translates to improved power efficiency and thermal management, allowing for sustained performance under load. The Cortex-A76 cores in the G99 also represent a significant architectural improvement over the Kryo 260 Gold cores in the Snapdragon 662, resulting in faster single-core and multi-core performance. This benefits app launch times, multitasking, and gaming.

Battery Life

Both tablets support 20W wired charging. While battery capacity isn't specified, the more efficient 6nm Helio G99 in the P11 Gen 2 will likely result in longer battery life for a given usage pattern. The improved efficiency means less power is consumed during everyday tasks, extending the time between charges. The 20W charging speed should provide reasonable 0-100% times on both devices, but the Gen 2's efficiency could lead to slightly faster overall charging due to less heat generation.

Buying Guide

Buy the Lenovo Tab P11 if you prioritize the lowest possible price and your tablet usage is limited to basic tasks like web browsing, video playback, and light social media. Buy the Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2 if you demand smoother multitasking, improved gaming performance, and a tablet that will remain responsive for longer, even with demanding applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Mediatek Helio G99 in the P11 Gen 2 overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Helio G99's 6nm process and improved thermal management design significantly reduce the risk of overheating compared to the Snapdragon 662. While sustained, high-intensity gaming will generate heat, the Gen 2 is better equipped to handle it without significant performance throttling.
❓ Is the performance increase from the Snapdragon 662 to the Helio G99 noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and video streaming?
Yes, the performance increase is noticeable, though not dramatic for basic tasks. App launch times will be quicker, and multitasking will feel smoother. The Gen 2 will handle multiple apps running simultaneously with less lag, providing a more responsive user experience.
❓ Does the Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2 support faster charging than the original P11?
Both tablets support 20W wired charging. However, the Gen 2's more efficient chipset may allow it to reach full charge slightly faster due to reduced heat generation during the charging process.