The tablet market offers plenty of options, especially in the budget-friendly range. Two popular contenders are the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 and the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2. But which one delivers the best experience for your money? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) edges out the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset, better display, and faster charging. While both are budget tablets, the A8 offers a more polished and capable overall experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 15 | 2020, August 31. Released 2020, November |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 17 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in) | 241.5 x 149.4 x 8.3 mm (9.51 x 5.88 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 508 g (1.12 lb) | 420 g (14.82 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali G52 MP2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 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 |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG, magnetic connector |
| 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, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7040 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold | Iron Gray, Platinum Gray |
| Models | SM-X200, SM-X205 | TB-X306X |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 170 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.92 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Better Performance
- Sharper Display
- Faster Charging (15W)
- More Polished Software Experience
- Slightly Better Camera
- Can be slightly more expensive than the Lenovo Tab M10
Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2
- More Affordable
- Compact Design
- Decent Battery Life
- Good for Basic Tasks
- Slower Performance
- Less Vibrant Display
- Slow Charging (10W)
- Less Powerful Chipset
Display Comparison
The Galaxy Tab A8 boasts a 10.5-inch 2000 x 1200 resolution display, offering a sharper and more vibrant viewing experience compared to the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2's 10.1-inch 1920 x 1200 display. Colors are more accurate on the A8, and the slightly larger screen adds to the immersive feel.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality on both tablets is modest, typical for budget devices. The Galaxy Tab A8 generally captures slightly better images in well-lit conditions, but don't expect exceptional results from either. Both are adequate for occasional video calls.
Performance
The Unisoc Tiger T618 in the Galaxy Tab A8 provides a noticeable performance boost over the Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22T in the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2. Apps launch faster, multitasking is smoother, and even light gaming is more enjoyable on the A8. While neither is a powerhouse, the A8 holds a clear advantage.
Battery Life
Both tablets offer decent battery life for everyday use. However, the Galaxy Tab A8's 15W charging is significantly faster than the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2's 10W charging, allowing for quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) is ideal for users seeking a versatile tablet for media consumption, light gaming, and everyday tasks. The Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 is a good choice for those prioritizing affordability and a compact design for basic browsing and entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which tablet is better for streaming videos?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is better for streaming due to its sharper display and slightly more powerful processor, resulting in a smoother and more enjoyable viewing experience.
❓ Can I play demanding games on either of these tablets?
Neither tablet is ideal for demanding games. The Galaxy Tab A8 handles lighter games better, but both will struggle with graphically intensive titles.
