The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Motorola Tab G20 and Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) represent compelling options for users seeking affordable Android experiences. However, beneath the similar price points lie significant differences in chipset architecture and charging capabilities, impacting performance and usability. This comparison dissects these key areas to determine which tablet delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) with the Snapdragon 680 offers a noticeably smoother and more responsive experience. Its 6nm process and Kryo cores provide a performance edge over the Tab G20’s Helio P22T, and the 20W charging is a significant convenience. While the G20 is cheaper, the performance trade-offs are substantial.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 26, 28, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat13 390/75 Mbps - cellular model only |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 30 | 2022, May |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 02 | Available. Released 2022, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 199.1 x 121.8 x 8.2 mm (7.84 x 4.80 x 0.32 in) | 251.2 x 158.8 x 7.5 mm (9.89 x 6.25 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 305 g (10.76 oz) | 465 g (1.03 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~220 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~76.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.61 inches, 320.4 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TDDI IPS LCD, 350 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) - LTE model Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Wi-Fi only model |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) - LTE model Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) - Wi-Fi only model |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 - LTE model Mali-G52 MC2 - Wi-Fi only model |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMCP/uMCP |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | FM Radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity, gyro |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 20W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 7700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Platinum Grey | Storm Grey, Frost Blue |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 260 EUR |
Motorola Tab G20
- Lowest possible price point
- Acceptable for basic tasks
- Lightweight and portable
- Outdated chipset architecture
- Slow 10W charging
- Limited performance for demanding apps
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)
- More powerful Snapdragon 680 (LTE model)
- Faster 20W charging
- Smoother user experience
- Higher price than the Motorola Tab G20
- Wi-Fi only model uses less efficient Helio G80
- Display quality is average
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, detailed specs like resolution and peak brightness are missing. The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus benefits from the more modern Snapdragon chipset potentially enabling better display processing. The absence of high refresh rate support on either device is expected, but the impact of the chipset on color accuracy and viewing angles could be noticeable in favor of the Lenovo.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for buyers in this segment. Both tablets likely feature basic camera setups. Detailed sensor information is unavailable, but it’s safe to assume both rely on modest sensors. Focusing on the primary sensor specs would be more relevant than analyzing any potential 2MP macro lenses, which typically offer limited utility. The image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 680 will likely provide slightly better image processing capabilities, but overall image quality will remain modest.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) offers two chipset variants: the Snapdragon 680 (4G LTE model) built on a 6nm process, and the Helio G80 (Wi-Fi only) on a 12nm process. The Snapdragon 680’s Kryo 265 Gold and Silver cores, clocked up to 2.4 GHz, represent a substantial architectural improvement over the Motorola Tab G20’s Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T. The P22T uses older Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and 1.8 GHz. The 6nm process of the Snapdragon 680 also translates to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during sustained workloads. The Wi-Fi only M10 Plus with the Helio G80 will offer a performance boost over the G20, but not to the same extent as the Snapdragon variant.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, making a direct comparison difficult. However, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) has a clear advantage with its 20W wired charging. The Motorola Tab G20 is limited to 10W charging, meaning significantly longer charging times. Even with a similar battery capacity, the faster charging of the Lenovo will provide a more convenient user experience. The more efficient Snapdragon 680 could also contribute to slightly better battery life during typical usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola Tab G20 if you prioritize absolute lowest cost and your usage is limited to very basic tasks like reading ebooks or light web browsing. Buy the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) if you value a more fluid user experience, faster charging, and the potential for more demanding applications like streaming video or casual gaming. The M10 Plus is the better choice for students or anyone needing a reliable tablet for everyday use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 680 in the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus handle multitasking well?
Yes, the Snapdragon 680, with its Kryo 265 cores, is significantly better equipped for multitasking than the Helio P22T in the Motorola Tab G20. You should be able to switch between apps more smoothly and run multiple applications concurrently without significant slowdown.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Motorola Tab G20 with its 10W charger?
Given the 10W charging rate, a full charge from 0% on the Motorola Tab G20 will likely take between 3-5 hours, depending on battery capacity. This is considerably slower than the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus’s 20W charging.
❓ Is the Wi-Fi only version of the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus a good option if I don't need cellular connectivity?
The Wi-Fi only version is a viable option if cellular connectivity isn't a requirement, but be aware that it uses the MediaTek Helio G80 chipset. While still an improvement over the Motorola Tab G20’s Helio P22T, it doesn’t offer the same performance benefits as the Snapdragon 680-equipped LTE model.
❓ Can either of these tablets handle light gaming?
The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) with the Snapdragon 680 is better suited for light gaming. While neither tablet is a gaming powerhouse, the Snapdragon 680’s GPU will provide a smoother experience with less lag in less demanding titles. The Motorola Tab G20 will struggle with even basic games.
