The tablet market offers a wide range of options, but finding the right balance between performance and price can be challenging. We pit the LG G Pad 5 10.1, powered by a Snapdragon 821, against the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2, featuring a MediaTek Helio P22T, to determine which tablet delivers the best experience for everyday users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing smoother multitasking and a more responsive experience, the LG G Pad 5 10.1 emerges as the winner. While the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 offers a more modern manufacturing process, the Snapdragon 821’s superior architecture provides a noticeable performance edge, justifying its position as the better all-around tablet.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, October. Released 2019, November | 2020, August 31. Released 2020, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 247.2 x 150.7 x 8 mm (9.73 x 5.93 x 0.31 in) | 241.5 x 149.4 x 8.3 mm (9.51 x 5.88 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 498 g (1.10 lb) | 420 g (14.82 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~79.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821 (14 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 530 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.0 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG, magnetic connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 8200 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Silver | Iron Gray, Platinum Gray |
| Models | LM-T600L, T600L | TB-X306X |
| Price | About 340 EUR | About 170 EUR |
| SAR | 1.10 W/kg (body) | - |
LG G Pad 5 10.1
- Superior processor performance with the Snapdragon 821.
- Faster 18W wired charging.
- Potentially better build quality and display.
- Older chipset architecture.
- Likely higher price point.
Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2
- More modern 12nm manufacturing process.
- Lower price point.
- Octa-core processor for efficient multitasking.
- Slower processor performance.
- Slower 10W wired charging.
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the LG G Pad 5 10.1's positioning, it likely features an IPS LCD panel with decent color accuracy. The Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2, being a more budget-oriented device, likely utilizes a similar IPS LCD, but potentially with lower peak brightness and narrower color gamut. Bezels are expected to be larger on the Lenovo model, reflecting its lower price point. Without specific data, it's reasonable to assume the LG offers a slightly more refined visual experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are not provided for either device. Given their market segments, it’s safe to assume both tablets feature basic camera setups primarily intended for video calls and casual snapshots. Expect image quality to be adequate in good lighting conditions, but subpar in low light. The LG G Pad 5 10.1, being a slightly higher-tier device, *might* have a marginally better camera sensor, but the difference is unlikely to be significant.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The LG G Pad 5 10.1’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 821, built on a 14nm process, features a quad-core configuration with a Kryo architecture designed for performance. This contrasts with the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2’s MediaTek Helio P22T, fabricated on a more efficient 12nm process, but utilizing an octa-core Cortex-A53 setup. While the Helio P22T has more cores, the Snapdragon 821’s individual core performance is significantly higher (2.15 GHz vs 2.3 GHz, but with a more advanced architecture). This translates to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the LG. The 12nm process of the Helio P22T *should* offer better power efficiency, but the Snapdragon 821’s architecture is optimized for burst performance, making it better suited for short, intensive tasks. Users who frequently switch between apps or play graphically demanding games will benefit from the LG’s superior processing power.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2’s 10W charging suggests a smaller battery or a more conservative charging profile. The LG G Pad 5 10.1’s 18W charging indicates a larger battery capacity and faster charging speeds. While the Helio P22T’s 12nm process is more power-efficient, the Snapdragon 821’s optimized performance could offset this advantage during intensive use. Users who prioritize quick top-ups and longer battery life during heavy usage will likely prefer the LG G Pad 5 10.1.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG G Pad 5 10.1 if you need a tablet capable of handling demanding applications, moderate gaming, and smoother multitasking. Its older, but more powerful, chipset provides a more fluid user experience. Buy the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 if you prioritize affordability and basic tablet functionality like video streaming and light web browsing, and are willing to accept some performance limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P22T in the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 struggle with demanding games like PUBG?
Yes, the MediaTek Helio P22T is a budget-oriented chipset and will likely struggle to run graphically intensive games like PUBG at high settings. Expect lower frame rates and potential stuttering, even on lower graphics settings. The LG G Pad 5 10.1’s Snapdragon 821 will provide a significantly smoother gaming experience.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 821 in the LG G Pad 5 10.1 likely to throttle under sustained load?
The Snapdragon 821, while powerful, is an older chipset and can be prone to thermal throttling under prolonged heavy load. However, the 10.1-inch form factor provides more surface area for heat dissipation compared to a smartphone, mitigating the throttling effect to some extent. Expect some performance reduction during extended gaming sessions or video editing, but it shouldn't be crippling.
❓ Which tablet is better for streaming video content?
Both tablets are capable of streaming video content, but the LG G Pad 5 10.1’s potentially better display and smoother performance will provide a more enjoyable viewing experience. The faster processor will also ensure smoother playback of high-resolution videos.
