The sub-$200 Android tablet market is fiercely competitive. The Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6, a long-standing option, faces a strong challenger in the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2. This comparison dissects their key differences, focusing on performance, battery life, and overall usability to determine which tablet delivers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing more than basic functionality, the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio P22T chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6’s quad-core processor, making it better suited for multitasking and modern apps. While the Samsung prioritizes simplicity, the Lenovo offers a more future-proof experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, June. Released 2015, July | 2020, August 31. Released 2020, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 241.9 x 149.5 x 8.5 mm (9.52 x 5.89 x 0.33 in) | 241.5 x 149.4 x 8.3 mm (9.51 x 5.88 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM - cellular model only | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 490 g (Wi-Fi)/ 495 g (3G) (1.08 lb) | 420 g (14.82 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~157 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) |
| Size | 9.6 inches, 267.2 cm2 (~73.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHzQuad-core 1.2 GHz - USA model | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22T (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 4.4 (KitKat) - EU modelAndroid 5.1 (Lollipop), upgradable to 7.0 (Nougat) - USA model | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1.5GB RAM, 16GB 1.5GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.4 | 5 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP; 4.1, A2DP - USA model | 5.0, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG, magnetic connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspotWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot - USA model | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Music play | Up to 95 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 12 h (multimedia) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Pearl White, Metallic Black | Iron Gray, Platinum Gray |
| Models | SM-T560, SM-T561, SM-T560NU | TB-X306X |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 170 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.50 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Established Samsung brand reputation
- Potentially lower price (depending on sales)
- Significantly weaker processor performance
- Likely limited software updates
- May struggle with modern apps
Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2
- Much faster and more efficient processor
- Better multitasking capabilities
- More future-proof for app compatibility
- Lenovo’s software experience can be less polished than Samsung’s
- May have more pre-installed bloatware
- Build quality may not feel as premium as some Samsung devices
Display Comparison
Both tablets likely feature similar 9.6-inch LCD panels, but detailed specifications like resolution and brightness are missing for the Tab E 9.6. The Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2’s display, while not exceptional, benefits from a more modern chipset capable of driving higher refresh rates if supported by the panel (though this isn't confirmed). The Samsung’s older processor may struggle with smoother animations, even at a standard 60Hz. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a key differentiator for either tablet. Both are expected to feature basic cameras suitable for video calls and occasional snapshots. Detailed sensor information is unavailable, but given the price point, image quality will likely be limited, especially in low-light conditions. Focusing on camera specs is not a priority for these devices.
Performance
The Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2’s Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22T is the defining advantage here. Its octa-core configuration (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6’s quad-core processor, which clocks in at either 1.3 GHz or 1.2 GHz depending on the region. The Helio P22T’s 12nm process node also offers improved power efficiency compared to the likely older process used in the Tab E 9.6. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the Lenovo.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2’s more efficient Mediatek Helio P22T chipset will likely result in longer battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6. The Lenovo also supports 10W wired charging, which, while not fast, is a standard offering in this price range. The Samsung’s charging speed is unknown, but likely comparable.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6 if you need a supremely simple tablet for very basic tasks like reading ebooks, light web browsing, and video calls, and prioritize brand familiarity. Buy the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 if you prefer a tablet capable of handling more demanding apps, multitasking, and offering a smoother overall experience, even if it means navigating a slightly more complex interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio P22T isn't a gaming powerhouse, it's capable of running PUBG Mobile at lower settings. Expect frame rate drops during intense action, but it's a playable experience, unlike the Samsung Tab E 9.6 which would likely struggle significantly.
❓ How long can I expect the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 to receive software updates?
Lenovo’s update track record is not as strong as Samsung’s. Expect at least one major Android version update, but don’t rely on consistent security patches for an extended period. The Samsung Tab E 9.6 is also likely to have limited update support due to its age.
❓ Is the difference in processor speed noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and email?
Yes, the difference is very noticeable. The Lenovo’s octa-core processor will result in significantly faster web page loading, smoother scrolling, and quicker app switching compared to the Samsung’s quad-core processor. This improved responsiveness enhances the overall user experience.
