The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme Pad and Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) are two strong contenders. Both aim to deliver a capable Android experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving that goal. This comparison dives deep into their specifications and performance to determine which tablet offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) with the Snapdragon 680 chipset offers a more refined experience. Its 6nm process provides better efficiency and potential for sustained performance compared to the Realme Pad’s Helio G80. However, the Realme Pad remains 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 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 26, 28, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat13 390/75 Mbps - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 09 | 2022, May |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 16 | Available. Released 2022, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back | - |
| Dimensions | 246.1 x 155.9 x 6.9 mm (9.69 x 6.14 x 0.27 in) | 251.2 x 158.8 x 7.5 mm (9.89 x 6.25 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 440 g (15.52 oz) | 465 g (1.03 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~220 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.61 inches, 320.4 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 360 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | 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 MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) - LTE model Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) - Wi-Fi only model |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 610 - LTE model Mali-G52 MC2 - Wi-Fi only model |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMCP/uMCP |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, 105˚ (ultrawide) | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | 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, gyro, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity, gyro |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 20W wired |
| Type | 7100 mAh | Li-Po 7700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Gold | Storm Grey, Frost Blue |
| Models | RMP2102, RMP2103 | - |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 260 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1554:1 (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
-22.4 LUFS (Excellent)
| - |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 187913 (v8), 226474 (v9)
GeekBench: 1236 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 8.5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Realme Pad
- Slightly brighter display (455 nits)
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Competitive price point
- Less efficient Helio G80 chipset
- Slower charging speed (18W)
- Limited performance headroom for demanding tasks
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)
- More efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset (LTE model)
- Faster charging speed (20W)
- Potential for LTE connectivity (depending on model)
- Wi-Fi only model uses the same Helio G80 as the Realme Pad
- Display brightness is likely comparable to the Realme Pad
- No reverse charging
Display Comparison
Both tablets offer adequate displays for their price point, but the Realme Pad boasts a measured peak brightness of 455 nits, providing a slightly more visible experience in bright environments. While both have a nominal 1554:1 contrast ratio, real-world viewing angles and color accuracy are likely similar given their LCD panel technology. Neither device specifies advanced features like LTPO or high refresh rates, focusing instead on affordability. Bezels are comparable, typical of tablets in this segment.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department, and detailed camera specs are limited. Focusing on practical use, the cameras are primarily suited for video calls and occasional snapshots. Detailed analysis is hampered by the lack of information on sensor size and image processing capabilities. Expect similar image quality from both devices, adequate for basic needs but not competitive with smartphone cameras.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) offers a choice: the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) in LTE models, or the Mediatek Helio G80 (12nm) in Wi-Fi only models. The Snapdragon 680, built on a more efficient 6nm process, generally delivers superior performance and thermal management compared to the Helio G80. The Snapdragon’s Kryo 265 Gold cores (2.4 GHz) are clocked higher than the Cortex-A75 cores (2.0 GHz) in the Helio G80, resulting in faster application loading and smoother multitasking. Even the Wi-Fi only M10 Plus with the Helio G80 matches the Realme Pad’s CPU configuration, but the 6nm process still provides an edge in efficiency.
Battery Life
The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) features 20W wired charging, a noticeable improvement over the Realme Pad’s 18W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the faster charging speed on the Lenovo tablet translates to quicker top-ups. The Snapdragon 680’s 6nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially extending battery life during typical usage scenarios. The Realme Pad also offers 5W reverse wired charging, a niche feature for topping up accessories, absent on the Lenovo model.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Pad if you prioritize a simple, streamlined experience for casual media consumption and light tasks, and are on a very tight budget. Buy the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) if you need a tablet capable of handling more demanding applications, benefit from faster charging, and potentially require LTE connectivity (depending on the model).
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Helio G80 in either tablet struggle with multitasking or demanding apps?
The Helio G80 is a capable processor for basic tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and light gaming. However, it may exhibit slowdowns when running multiple demanding applications simultaneously. The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) with the Snapdragon 680 will handle multitasking and more intensive apps significantly better.
❓ Is the 20W charging on the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) a significant improvement over the Realme Pad's 18W charging?
Yes, while the difference may not seem substantial, 20W charging will noticeably reduce the time it takes to fully charge the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen). This is particularly beneficial for users who rely on their tablet throughout the day and need quick top-ups.
❓ Which tablet is better suited for streaming video content?
Both tablets are adequate for streaming, but the Realme Pad's slightly brighter display (455 nits) may provide a marginally better viewing experience in brightly lit environments. However, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)'s more efficient processor could translate to longer battery life during extended streaming sessions.
❓ Does the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) support expandable storage via microSD card?
While not explicitly stated in the provided data, Lenovo tablets in this series typically support microSD card expansion. This allows users to increase storage capacity for media files and applications, a valuable feature for budget-conscious users.
