Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 vs. Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen): Which Budget Tablet Wins?

The sub-$200 tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 and Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) are two strong contenders. The Tab A11 leverages a newer Mediatek Helio G99 chipset, while the M10 Plus offers a choice between Snapdragon and Helio silicon. This comparison dives deep into the architectural differences and real-world implications to determine which tablet delivers the best value.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 emerges as the better choice. Its more efficient 6nm Mediatek Helio G99 chipset, coupled with a reported 93:40h endurance, provides a significant advantage in battery life and sustained performance over the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus, despite the latter's slightly faster charging.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - cellular model onlyGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - cellular model onlyHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - cellular model only1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 26, 28, 28, 38, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA, LTE - cellular model onlyHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat13 390/75 Mbps - cellular model only
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2025, September 122022, May
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, SeptemberAvailable. Released 2022, May
Body
Dimensions211 x 124.7 x 8 mm (8.31 x 4.91 x 0.31 in)251.2 x 158.8 x 7.5 mm (9.89 x 6.25 x 0.30 in)
SIMNano-SIM (cellular model only)Nano-SIM (cellular model only)
Weight335 g or 337 g (11.82 oz)465 g (1.03 lb)
 -Stylus support
Display
ProtectionMohs level 5-
Resolution800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~179 ppi density)1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~220 ppi density)
Size8.7 inches, 214.9 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio)10.61 inches, 320.4 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT LCD, 90HzIPS LCD, 400 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 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
ChipsetMediatek Helio G99 (6 nm)Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) - LTE model Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) - Wi-Fi only model
GPUMali-G57 MC2Adreno 610 - LTE model Mali-G52 MC2 - Wi-Fi only model
OSAndroid 15, upgradable to Android 16, One UI 8, up to 7 major Android upgradesAndroid 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
 -eMCP/uMCP
Main Camera
Single8 MP, AF8 MP, AF
Video1080p@30fps1080p
Selfie camera
Single5 MP8 MP
VideoYes-
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers (with Dolby Atmos)Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model onlyGPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only
RadioNoFM Radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximity, compassAccelerometer, proximity, gyro
Battery
Charging15W wired20W wired
Type5100 mAhLi-Po 7700 mAh
Misc
ColorsGray, SilverStorm Grey, Frost Blue
ModelsSM-X133, SM-X135, SM-X135F-
PriceAbout 180 EURAbout 260 EUR
SAR0.60 W/kg (head)     1.37 W/kg (body)-
SAR EU0.29 W/kg (body)-
EU LABEL
Battery93:40h endurance, 1200 cycles-
EnergyClass D-
Free fallClass C (104 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Samsung Galaxy Tab A11

  • Superior battery life (93:40h endurance)
  • More efficient Mediatek Helio G99 chipset
  • Longer battery lifespan (1200 charge cycles)

  • Slower charging (15W)
  • Display specs are unknown

Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)

  • Faster charging (20W)
  • LTE connectivity option (Snapdragon variant)
  • Potentially larger display size

  • Shorter battery life
  • Less efficient chipset (especially Helio G80 variant)
  • Potential for thermal throttling

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature IPS LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, detailed specs like resolution and peak brightness are missing. The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus’s display size is generally larger, which may be preferable for media consumption. Without specific data, it’s difficult to assess color accuracy or viewing angles, but we can assume both will be adequate for casual use.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are expected to feature basic camera setups. Details are lacking, but it’s safe to assume image quality will be sufficient for casual snapshots and video calls. Focusing on sensor size or aperture is futile without specific data; these cameras are primarily functional, not photographic powerhouses.

Performance

The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Samsung Tab A11’s Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) utilizes a more modern CPU architecture – Cortex-A76 cores – compared to the Lenovo’s Snapdragon 680 (6nm) or Helio G80 (12nm). The G99’s 6nm process node also contributes to better power efficiency. While the Snapdragon 680 boasts higher clock speeds (2.4 GHz vs 2.2 GHz on the A76), the architectural improvements in the G99, combined with the smaller node, likely translate to superior sustained performance and reduced thermal throttling. The Wi-Fi only M10 Plus variant with the Helio G80 (12nm) will be noticeably slower and less efficient than either of the other two options.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A11’s reported 93:40h endurance is a major advantage. While the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus offers 20W charging compared to the A11’s 15W, the A11’s superior battery life and chipset efficiency mean it will likely spend less time plugged in. The faster charging on the M10 Plus is beneficial, but it’s less impactful if the battery drains more quickly. The A11 also boasts a reported 1200 charge cycles, suggesting greater long-term battery health.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 if you prioritize long battery life for extended streaming, reading, or productivity on the go. Its modern chipset offers a smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming. Buy the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) if you specifically need LTE connectivity (on the Snapdragon variant) and value the slightly faster 20W charging, understanding that you may experience shorter battery life and potentially more thermal throttling during demanding tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Helio G99 in the Tab A11 get hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Helio G99's 6nm process and efficient architecture are designed to minimize thermal throttling. While it will get warm during prolonged gaming, it's likely to maintain higher sustained performance than the Snapdragon 680 or Helio G80 in the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus, which are more prone to throttling under load.
❓ Is the LTE connectivity on the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (Snapdragon variant) worth the extra cost?
If you frequently need internet access in areas without Wi-Fi, the LTE connectivity is a valuable feature. However, consider your usage patterns. If you primarily use the tablet at home or in locations with Wi-Fi, the Wi-Fi-only model will save you money and offer comparable performance.
❓ How does the 1200 charge cycle claim on the Tab A11 translate to real-world battery health?
The 1200 charge cycle claim suggests the Tab A11's battery is designed to retain a significant portion of its capacity even after multiple years of use. This means you'll likely experience less noticeable battery degradation over time compared to tablets with lower-rated battery lifespans.