The budget tablet market is heating up, and the Motorola Tab G20 and Lenovo Tab M9 are two strong contenders. Both offer a compelling blend of affordability and features, but which one truly delivers the best experience? Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Lenovo Tab M9 edges out the Motorola Tab G20 thanks to its superior processor, slightly better display, and more modern design. While both are budget-friendly, the M9 offers a more polished and responsive experience overall, justifying its slightly higher price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 30 | 2022, December 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 02 | Available. Released 2023, March 14 |
| 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) | 215.4 x 136.8 x 8 mm (8.48 x 5.39 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 305 g (10.76 oz) | 344 g (12.13 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) | 800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~173 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~76.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 9.0 inches, 230.0 cm2 (~78.1% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| 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 |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Platinum Grey | Arctic Grey, Frost Blue |
| Models | - | TB310FU |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 180 EUR |
Motorola Tab G20
- Affordable price
- Decent battery life
- Lightweight design
- Clean Android experience
- Underpowered processor
- Mediocre display
- Slow charging
- Basic camera
Lenovo Tab M9
- Faster processor (Helio G80)
- Improved display quality
- More modern design
- Better multitasking performance
- Slightly higher price
- 10W charging (slow)
- Camera still basic
Display Comparison
The Lenovo Tab M9 boasts a 2.5D curved glass display, offering a more premium feel and potentially better viewing angles compared to the Tab G20's standard display. Both have similar resolutions (around 1200x800), but the M9's slightly brighter panel and improved color accuracy give it a visual edge. The Tab G20's display is perfectly adequate for basic use, but the M9 is noticeably better.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department, as is typical for budget devices. Both feature modest rear cameras suitable for casual snapshots. Image quality is generally acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The M9 might offer slightly better image processing, but the difference is minimal.
Performance
Here's where the Lenovo Tab M9 truly shines. Its Helio G80 chipset is significantly faster than the Tab G20's Helio P22T. This translates to smoother multitasking, quicker app loading times, and a more enjoyable gaming experience. The M9 handles demanding apps and games with greater ease, while the G20 can feel sluggish at times.
Battery Life
Both tablets offer similar battery life, typically lasting a full day of moderate use. The Tab G20's slightly larger battery capacity (5000mAh vs 5100mAh) doesn't translate to a significant difference in real-world usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W, which is relatively slow by modern standards.
Buying Guide
The Motorola Tab G20 is ideal for users primarily seeking a basic tablet for media consumption and light browsing on a tight budget. The Lenovo Tab M9 is a better choice for those who want a more responsive tablet for gaming, multitasking, and general productivity, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What Android version do these tablets run?
Both tablets ship with Android 12, though Lenovo promises an upgrade to Android 13 for the Tab M9. Motorola's update policy for the G20 is less clear.
❓ Are these tablets good for gaming?
The Lenovo Tab M9 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor. The Motorola Tab G20 can handle basic games, but struggles with more demanding titles.
