Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 vs Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen): The Ultimate Tablet Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) generally edges out the Galaxy Tab A8 thanks to its more powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset (LTE model) and faster charging. However, the Tab A8 offers a more refined Samsung experience and potentially better software support.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) | Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) |
| 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, 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, December 15 | 2022, May |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 17 | Available. Released 2022, May |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 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 | 508 g (1.12 lb) | 465 g (1.03 lb) |
| - | Stylus support | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~220 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 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 |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T618 (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 MP2 | Adreno 610 - LTE model Mali-G52 MC2 - Wi-Fi only model |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 | Android 12 |
| 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 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| - | eMCP/uMCP | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 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) |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only | 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, gyro |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 20W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7040 mAh | Li-Po 7700 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold | Storm Grey, Frost Blue |
| Models | SM-X200, SM-X205 | - |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 260 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.92 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Smooth Samsung UI
- Good build quality
- Decent display
- Wide availability
- Underpowered chipset
- Slow charging (15W)
- Mediocre camera
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)
- More powerful chipset (Snapdragon 680 LTE model)
- Faster charging (20W)
- Slightly better camera (rear)
- Often more affordable
- Lenovo UI can be less polished
- Wi-Fi only model has weaker performance
- Build quality slightly less premium
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature a 10.5-inch display with a 2000x1200 resolution. The Tab M10 Plus often has slightly better color accuracy and brightness, though both are perfectly adequate for media consumption. The Tab A8's display is generally considered slightly more consistent in color reproduction.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department. The Tab A8 has an 8MP front and rear camera, while the Tab M10 Plus has an 8MP front and a 13MP rear camera. Image quality is decent for video calls and casual snapshots, but don't expect flagship-level results. The Lenovo's rear camera offers slightly better detail.
Performance
The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (LTE model with Snapdragon 680) boasts a significant performance advantage over the Galaxy Tab A8's Unisoc Tiger T618. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Lenovo. The Wi-Fi only model of the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus with the Helio G80 is a closer competitor, but still generally faster.
Battery Life
The Tab A8 has a 7,040 mAh battery, while the Tab M10 Plus has a 5,000 mAh battery. Despite the smaller capacity, the Lenovo's more efficient chipset often results in comparable or slightly better battery life in real-world usage. The Tab A8's slower 15W charging is a disadvantage compared to the Lenovo's 20W charging.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 is ideal for casual users, students, and those who prioritize a smooth, familiar Samsung interface. The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) is a better choice for users who need more processing power for gaming or multitasking, and appreciate faster charging.