The tablet market offers a wide spectrum of choices, from premium experiences to budget-friendly options. We're pitting the Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 10, a versatile Android tablet focused on affordability, against the Apple iPad Air 2, a still-relevant device known for its performance and refined ecosystem. This comparison dives deep into their specifications to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and a polished software experience, the Apple iPad Air 2 remains the superior choice. Its Apple A8X chip significantly outperforms the Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 10’s Snapdragon 210, offering smoother multitasking and app responsiveness. However, the Yoga Tab 3 10’s lower price point makes it a viable option for basic tasks and media consumption.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 38, 40 - EMEA | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 38, 39, 40, 41 - A1567 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016. Released 2016 | 2014, October 16. Released 2014, October 24 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 253 x 185 x 9.5 mm (9.96 x 7.28 x 0.37 in) | 240 x 169.5 x 6.1 mm (9.45 x 6.67 x 0.24 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 655 g (Wi-Fi)/ 665 g (3G/LTE) (1.40 lb) | 437 g (Wi-Fi) / 444 g (3G/LTE) (15.41 oz) |
| | Built-in 3-stage kickstand
Splash and dust resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 1536 x 2048 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~264 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~63.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 9.7 inches, 291.4 cm2 (~71.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Triple-core 1.5 GHz Typhoon |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 (28 nm) - 3G/LTE modelQualcomm APQ8009 (28 nm) - Wi-Fi model | Apple A8X (20 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 304 | PowerVR GXA6850 (octa-core graphics) |
| OS | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) | iOS 8.1, upgradable to iPadOS 15.8.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 128GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.4, 31mm (standard), 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps, HDR, stereo sound rec. |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | face detection, HDR, FaceTime over Wi-Fi or Cellular |
| Single | Rotating main camera module | 1.2 MP, f/2.2, 31mm (standard) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP, EDR |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | Lightning, USB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Talk time | - | Up to 10 h (multimedia) |
| Type | Li-Ion 8400 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 7340 mAh, non-removable (27.62 Wh) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Space Gray, Silver, Gold |
| Models | YT3-X50M, YT3-X50F | A1566, A1567, iPad5,3, iPad5,4 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 440 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -93.9dB / Crosstalk -83.9dB |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1048 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 75dB / Noise 70dB / Ring 78dB |
| Performance | - |
Basemark X: 29753 |
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 10
- Significantly lower price point
- Flexible form factor for versatile viewing angles
- Portable and lightweight design
- Weak processor performance
- Limited app ecosystem compared to iPad
- Lower quality display (likely)
Apple iPad Air 2
- Powerful A8X processor for smooth performance
- Refined iOS ecosystem and app availability
- High-quality display with anti-reflective coating
- Higher price point
- Older device, may not receive future software updates
- Less flexible form factor
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature a contrast ratio of 1048:1 (nominal), suggesting similar visual fidelity in terms of black levels and color depth. However, the Yoga Tab 3 10’s display size is 10.1 inches, while the iPad Air 2’s is slightly smaller at 9.7 inches. The lack of detailed display specifications for the Yoga Tab 3 10 (resolution, panel type) makes a direct comparison difficult, but given its price point, it likely utilizes a lower-quality panel than the iPad Air 2. The iPad Air 2’s fully laminated display and anti-reflective coating contribute to a more premium viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Both devices offer photo and video capabilities, but neither is a standout in this area. The context data doesn’t provide specific camera specs for either tablet. However, given the target market, the cameras are likely intended for casual snapshots and video calls rather than high-quality photography. The iPad Air 2 likely benefits from Apple’s image signal processing, offering slightly better image quality than the Yoga Tab 3 10.
Performance
The performance gap between these tablets is substantial. The Apple iPad Air 2’s A8X chip, built on a 20nm process, features a triple-core 1.5 GHz Typhoon CPU. This architecture is significantly more powerful than the Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 10’s quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 processor, fabricated on a 28nm node. The A8X’s superior single-core performance translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The Yoga Tab 3 10, with its Snapdragon 210 or APQ8009, is geared towards basic tasks and will struggle with demanding applications. The 20nm process of the A8X also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
Battery life is difficult to assess without specific mAh ratings. However, the iPad Air 2’s optimized software and efficient A8X chip likely deliver longer real-world battery life than the Yoga Tab 3 10, despite potentially having a smaller battery capacity. The Snapdragon 210 is known for its power efficiency, but the Yoga Tab 3 10’s less optimized Android operating system and potentially lower-quality display could negate some of those gains. Charging speeds are also unknown for both devices, but the iPad Air 2 likely supports faster charging than the Yoga Tab 3 10.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 10 if you need a highly portable, affordable tablet primarily for casual web browsing, video playback, and light productivity tasks. Its flexible form factor and lower price make it ideal for families or users on a tight budget. Buy the Apple iPad Air 2 if you prioritize performance, a refined user experience, and access to Apple’s extensive app ecosystem. It’s the better choice for demanding apps, gaming, and users already invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 210 in the Yoga Tab 3 10 sufficient for playing modern mobile games?
The Snapdragon 210 is a low-end processor and will struggle with most modern, graphically demanding mobile games. You'll likely experience significant lag and low frame rates, even on lower settings. It's best suited for casual games and older titles.
❓ Does the iPad Air 2 still receive software updates from Apple?
While the iPad Air 2 is an older device, it continues to receive security updates from Apple. However, it will not receive major iOS feature updates beyond iOS 9.3.5. This means you'll miss out on newer features and improvements available on more recent iPads.
❓ What are the benefits of the Yoga Tab 3 10's unique kickstand design?
The Yoga Tab 3 10’s built-in kickstand allows for hands-free viewing in multiple orientations, making it ideal for watching videos, video conferencing, or following recipes. It also provides a convenient grip for reading in portrait mode.
❓ Is the iPad Air 2 compatible with the Apple Pencil?
No, the iPad Air 2 is not compatible with the Apple Pencil. This is a feature reserved for newer iPad models. You'll need to rely on third-party styluses if you require pen input.
