The sub-$200 Android tablet market is fiercely competitive. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.4 (2020) has been a mainstay, but the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) arrives with a newer chipset and faster charging. This comparison dives deep into the architectural differences and real-world implications to determine which tablet offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 680 (or Helio G80) offers a noticeable performance uplift over the Exynos 7904, especially in sustained workloads, and the 20W charging is a significant convenience. While the Tab A 8.4 remains a capable device, the M10 Plus delivers more future-proofing.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 13, 20, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 26, 28, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat13 390/75 Mbps - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, March 25. Released 2020, March 25 | 2022, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 202 x 125.2 x 7.1 mm (7.95 x 4.93 x 0.28 in) | 251.2 x 158.8 x 7.5 mm (9.89 x 6.25 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 309 g (10.90 oz) | 465 g (1.03 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~220 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.4 inches, 204.6 cm2 (~80.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.61 inches, 320.4 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6x1.6 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 | Exynos 7904 (14 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) - LTE model Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) - Wi-Fi only model |
| GPU | Mali-G71 MP2 | Adreno 610 - LTE model Mali-G52 MC2 - Wi-Fi only model |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.1 | 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 | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | 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 | No | FM Radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 | Accelerometer, proximity, gyro |
| | ANT+ | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wired | 20W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 7700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mocha | Storm Grey, Frost Blue |
| Models | SM-T307U | - |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 260 EUR |
| SAR | 1.35 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.4 (2020)
- Compact and lightweight design
- Established Samsung brand reputation
- Potentially slightly lower price (depending on sales)
- Older Exynos 7904 chipset
- Slower charging speeds
- Less efficient processor
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)
- More powerful Snapdragon 680 (LTE) or Helio G80 (Wi-Fi) chipset
- Faster 20W charging
- More efficient processor architecture
- Lenovo brand may not have the same recognition as Samsung
- Slightly larger form factor
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 8-inch displays, but detailed panel specifications are scarce. The Tab A 8.4's display is likely a standard IPS LCD. The M10 Plus, however, benefits from a more modern manufacturing process in its chipset, potentially allowing for more efficient display driving. While neither is expected to reach flagship-level brightness, the M10 Plus's newer processor could offer slightly better color accuracy and contrast. Bezels are comparable on both devices, typical for this price point.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both feature modest camera setups. The Tab A 8.4's camera specs are not readily available, but it's safe to assume a similar level of quality to the M10 Plus's 8MP rear and 5MP front cameras. Image processing will likely be basic on both, and low-light performance will be limited. Any 2MP macro or depth sensors on either device are largely marketing filler and offer minimal practical benefit.
Performance
This is where the M10 Plus pulls ahead. The Snapdragon 680 (6nm) found in the LTE model is a significant upgrade over the Exynos 7904 (14nm) in the Tab A 8.4. The 6nm process node translates to better power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling. The Snapdragon's Kryo 265 Gold cores (2.4 GHz) are architecturally superior to the Cortex-A73 cores (1.8 GHz) in the Exynos, resulting in faster single-core performance. The Wi-Fi only M10 Plus uses the Helio G80 (12nm), which is still a step up from the Exynos, though less efficient than the Snapdragon. The Exynos 7904 will handle basic tasks, but the M10 Plus will provide a smoother experience with multitasking and demanding apps.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not explicitly stated for either device, but both likely fall in the 5000-6000 mAh range. The M10 Plus gains a clear advantage with its 20W wired charging, significantly reducing charge times compared to the Tab A 8.4's standard wired charging. While the Exynos 7904 is more power-efficient at idle, the Snapdragon 680's efficiency gains under load, combined with faster charging, make the M10 Plus the more convenient option for all-day use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.4 (2020) if you prioritize brand recognition and a slightly more compact form factor for single-handed use. Buy the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) if you value performance, faster charging, and a more modern chipset architecture for smoother multitasking and gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 7904 in the Samsung Tab A 8.4 overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Exynos 7904 is prone to thermal throttling under sustained load. While it can handle casual gaming, demanding titles will likely experience frame drops and reduced performance after a short period. The 14nm process node generates more heat than the 6nm Snapdragon 680.
❓ Which model of the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) – Wi-Fi or LTE – offers the best performance?
The LTE model, equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680, provides the best performance. The Snapdragon 680's 6nm process and more powerful CPU cores offer a noticeable advantage over the MediaTek Helio G80 found in the Wi-Fi-only version.
❓ Is the 20W charging on the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus a significant improvement over the Samsung Tab A 8.4's charging speed?
Yes, it is. The Samsung Tab A 8.4 uses standard wired charging, which is considerably slower. The 20W charging on the M10 Plus can significantly reduce the time it takes to fully charge the device, making it more convenient for users who rely on their tablet throughout the day.
