The tablet market caters to diverse needs, from demanding professionals requiring rugged durability to families seeking an affordable entertainment hub. This comparison pits the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active Pro, built for harsh environments, against the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen), a mainstream option prioritizing value and everyday usability. We’ll dissect their core components to determine which tablet best suits your requirements.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing durability and reliability in challenging conditions, the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active Pro is the clear winner. However, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) offers a more compelling value proposition for general use, boasting a more efficient chipset and faster charging for a lower price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 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, 13, 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 | 2019, September. Released 2019, October | 2022, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 243.5 x 170.2 x 9.9 mm (9.59 x 6.70 x 0.39 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 | 653 g (1.44 lb) | 465 g (1.03 lb) |
| | Stylus
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | Stylus support |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~220 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.61 inches, 320.4 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | LCD, 550 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver) | 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 | Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 (10 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) - LTE model Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) - Wi-Fi only model |
| GPU | Adreno 616 | Adreno 610 - LTE model Mali-G52 MC2 - Wi-Fi only model |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMCP/uMCP |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | FM Radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 | 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 | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, gyro |
| | Samsung DeX | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 20W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7600 mAh, removable | Li-Po 7700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Storm Grey, Frost Blue |
| Models | SM-T540, SM-T547 | - |
| Price | About 600 EUR | About 260 EUR |
Samsung Galaxy Tab Active Pro
- Exceptional durability and ruggedness
- Designed for harsh environments
- Reliable for field work and demanding tasks
- Older, less efficient Snapdragon 670 chipset
- Slower 15W charging
- Likely less refined display technology
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)
- More efficient Snapdragon 680 (or Helio G80) chipset
- Faster 20W charging
- Better value for everyday use
- Less durable construction
- Not suitable for harsh environments
- Wi-Fi only model uses less efficient Helio G80
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. Details regarding panel type (IPS, TFT) and resolution are missing, but the focus isn't on visual fidelity. The key difference lies in the underlying architecture impacting power draw. The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus’s display is likely optimized for efficiency given the Snapdragon 680’s focus on power management. The Active Pro, while durable, doesn’t prioritize display technology, suggesting a more basic panel.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are likely equipped with basic camera setups geared towards video calls and occasional snapshots. Details are lacking, but given the target markets, image quality will be secondary to functionality. The Active Pro’s ruggedized design may offer some protection to the camera module, but neither device is positioned as a photography powerhouse.
Performance
The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) has a significant architectural advantage with the Snapdragon 680 (6nm) versus the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active Pro’s Snapdragon 670 (10nm). The 6nm process allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, translating to better sustained performance and less heat generation. While the M10 Plus’s CPU configuration (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) appears faster on paper, the real-world difference will be noticeable in multi-tasking and demanding applications. The Wi-Fi only variant of the M10 Plus uses the Mediatek Helio G80 (12nm), which is less efficient than the Snapdragon 680, but still likely outperforms the Snapdragon 670 due to the newer architecture.
Battery Life
The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) benefits from 20W wired charging, a noticeable improvement over the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active Pro’s 15W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the more efficient Snapdragon 680 in the M10 Plus will likely deliver comparable or better battery life despite potentially having a smaller capacity. The faster charging will also reduce downtime, making the M10 Plus more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active Pro if you need a tablet capable of withstanding drops, dust, and water exposure, making it ideal for field workers, construction, or anyone in a demanding profession. Buy the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) if you prefer a lightweight, affordable tablet for media consumption, casual gaming, and everyday tasks, particularly if you prioritize faster charging and a more modern chipset.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 680 in the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 680 is a capable chipset for mid-range gaming. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it should handle PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. The Helio G80 variant will offer slightly lower performance.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active Pro truly waterproof, or just water-resistant?
The Tab Active Pro is IP68 rated, meaning it's dust-tight and can withstand immersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. However, it's not entirely waterproof and prolonged exposure or saltwater can still cause damage.
❓ Does the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) support expandable storage via microSD card?
Yes, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) includes a microSD card slot, allowing you to expand the internal storage for additional files, photos, and videos. This is a significant advantage for users who plan to store a large media library.
❓ How does the 10nm process of the Snapdragon 670 affect the battery life of the Samsung Tab Active Pro?
The 10nm process is less efficient than the 6nm process used in the Snapdragon 680. This means the Snapdragon 670 consumes more power for the same level of performance, resulting in potentially shorter battery life compared to the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen).
