The Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 10 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) represent different approaches to the budget tablet market. The Yoga Tab 3 10, released earlier, focuses on affordability and a unique form factor, while the Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) aims to deliver a more modern experience with a more powerful processor. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which tablet best fits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) is the clear winner. Its Exynos 7904 chipset offers a substantial leap in processing power over the Lenovo’s Snapdragon 210, enabling smoother multitasking and a better overall user experience. However, the Yoga Tab 3 10 remains a viable option for basic tasks and users on a very tight budget.
| 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(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 38, 40 - EMEA | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016. Released 2016 | 2019, February 15. Released 2019, April |
| 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) | 245.2 x 149.4 x 7.5 mm (9.65 x 5.88 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 655 g (Wi-Fi)/ 665 g (3G/LTE) (1.40 lb) | 469 g (1.03 lb) |
| | Built-in 3-stage kickstand
Splash and dust resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~63.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 (28 nm) - 3G/LTE modelQualcomm APQ8009 (28 nm) - Wi-Fi model | Exynos 7904 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 304 | Mali-G71 MP2 |
| OS | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | Rotating main camera module | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 8400 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 6150 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Gold, Silver |
| Models | YT3-X50M, YT3-X50F | SM-T515, SM-T510 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 220 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.36 W/kg (body) |
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 10
- Highly affordable price point
- Potentially longer battery life for basic tasks
- Unique built-in kickstand for versatile viewing
- Significantly slower performance
- Outdated processor architecture
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019)
- Much faster and more responsive performance
- More efficient processor for better thermal management
- Smoother multitasking and app experience
- Higher price compared to the Lenovo
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load
- Camera quality is still basic
Display Comparison
While both tablets feature 10.1-inch displays, the underlying technology and performance likely differ. The Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 10, given its age and market positioning, likely utilizes a standard IPS LCD panel. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019), while also IPS LCD, benefits from Samsung’s display expertise, potentially offering slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles. Neither spec sheet details resolution, but both are likely 1920x1200. The key differentiator will be brightness; Samsung typically excels here, offering a more visible screen outdoors.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for most buyers in this segment. Both tablets likely feature basic camera setups. The Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 10’s camera specs are not readily available, but it’s safe to assume they are modest. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) also doesn’t boast impressive camera hardware. Focusing on the processor difference, the Exynos 7904’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) will likely deliver slightly better image processing, resulting in marginally improved photos, particularly in good lighting conditions. Any 2MP macro camera on either device should be considered a marketing gimmick rather than a functional feature.
Performance
The performance gap between these two tablets is significant. The Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 10’s Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 (or APQ8009 for Wi-Fi models) with a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU is a decidedly entry-level chipset built on a 28nm process. This translates to sluggish performance with even moderate multitasking. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) boasts an Exynos 7904, an octa-core processor (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) fabricated on a more efficient 14nm node. The Cortex-A73 cores provide a substantial performance boost, making the Samsung far more capable of handling demanding apps and games. The 14nm process also contributes to better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
Battery life is a complex equation. While the Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 10’s battery capacity isn’t specified, its less powerful processor and older technology suggest it might offer comparable, or even slightly better, battery life for *basic* tasks compared to the Samsung. However, the Samsung’s more efficient 14nm Exynos 7904 will consume less power under load. The Samsung’s charging wattage is also likely higher, enabling faster charging times. The Samsung’s ability to complete tasks more quickly also means less time spent with the screen on, potentially offsetting the larger power draw of the more powerful processor.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 10 if you need a highly portable, extremely affordable tablet primarily for basic media consumption and light tasks like reading ebooks or browsing the web. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) if you prioritize a responsive user experience, smoother multitasking, and the ability to handle more demanding applications, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Exynos 7904 in the Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Exynos 7904, built on a 14nm process, is relatively efficient. While it *can* get warm during prolonged gaming, it's unlikely to experience significant throttling like the Snapdragon 210 in the Yoga Tab 3 10, which is more prone to overheating due to its older architecture and 28nm process. The Samsung will maintain a more consistent frame rate for longer periods.
❓ Is the Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 10 suitable for video conferencing and online classes?
The Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 10 can handle basic video conferencing, but its limited processing power may result in occasional lag or stuttering, especially with multiple apps running simultaneously. The smaller screen size might also be a drawback for extended use. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) offers a smoother and more reliable experience for video calls and online learning due to its more powerful processor.
❓ Can either tablet be used for light photo editing?
Light photo editing, such as cropping and applying basic filters, is possible on both tablets. However, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) will handle these tasks much more efficiently and with less lag due to its superior processing power. The Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 10 may struggle with even simple edits.
