The mid-range Android tablet space is heating up, with the TCL 10 TabMax and Lenovo Tab P11 Plus vying for attention. Both offer a large-screen experience at a relatively affordable price, but they take different approaches to performance and features. This comparison dives deep into the core specifications to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G90T chipset provides a noticeable performance advantage over the TCL 10 TabMax’s older Cortex-A73 cores, making it more responsive for gaming and demanding applications. While the TCL offers a slightly simpler experience, the Lenovo’s extra power justifies the small price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/50 Mbps - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 03. Released 2021, Q1 | 2021, June 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, July 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 247.8 x 157.6 x 7.7 mm (9.76 x 6.20 x 0.30 in) | 258.4 x 163 x 7.5 mm (10.17 x 6.42 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | - | 490 g (1.08 lb) |
| | Stylus support | Stylus support |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~225 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~212 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.36 inches, 305.5 cm2 (~78.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 344.4 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Mali-G76 MC4 |
| OS | Android 10, TCL UI | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, AF | 13 MP, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS - 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, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 20W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 8000 mAh | Li-Po 7700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue | Slate Grey, Platinum Grey, Modernist teal |
| Models | 9295G, 9296G | ZA940124SE |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 300 EUR |
TCL 10 TabMax
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Adequate for basic tasks
- Older, less powerful processor
- Slower charging speed (18W)
- May struggle with demanding applications
Lenovo Tab P11 Plus
- More powerful Mediatek Helio G90T chipset
- Faster 20W wired charging
- Better performance for gaming and multitasking
- Potentially slightly higher price
- May have more bloatware (Lenovo history)
- No significant camera advantages
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Lenovo provide detailed display specifications beyond screen size. However, the performance difference between the chipsets suggests the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus is more likely to support higher refresh rates or more advanced display features if available. The TCL 10 TabMax, relying on an older chipset, may struggle to drive a high-resolution or high-refresh-rate panel smoothly. Without specific nit brightness or color gamut data, it's difficult to definitively declare a winner, but the Lenovo’s more modern chipset gives it the potential for a superior visual experience.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is positioned as a photography powerhouse, and detailed camera specs are lacking. Given the focus on value, it’s safe to assume both feature modest camera setups. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is impossible. However, the Lenovo’s more powerful chipset could potentially enable more sophisticated image processing algorithms, resulting in slightly better image quality. The absence of detailed camera specs suggests neither tablet should be considered a primary camera replacement.
Performance
The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus’s Mediatek Helio G90T (12nm) represents a significant leap in processing power compared to the TCL 10 TabMax’s Octa-core CPU (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53). The G90T utilizes two high-performance Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.05 GHz, alongside six Cortex-A55 cores, offering superior single-core and multi-core performance. The TCL’s A73 cores, while capable, are a generation older and less efficient. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the Lenovo. The 12nm process node of the G90T also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially mitigating thermal throttling during sustained workloads.
Battery Life
While both tablets offer adequate battery life for typical tablet usage, the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus boasts a 20W wired charging capability, compared to the TCL 10 TabMax’s 18W. This faster charging speed translates to quicker top-ups, reducing downtime. Although the actual battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging of the Lenovo is a tangible benefit for users who frequently use their tablet throughout the day. The difference, while not massive, is noticeable in real-world usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 10 TabMax if you prioritize a straightforward tablet experience for basic tasks like web browsing, video conferencing, and light media consumption, and are on a very tight budget. Buy the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus if you want a tablet capable of handling more demanding applications, occasional gaming, and benefit from faster charging, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus handle graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile?
The Mediatek Helio G90T chipset in the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus is specifically designed for gaming. It should be capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with playable frame rates, though sustained performance may vary depending on thermal conditions. The TCL 10 TabMax, with its older processor, will likely struggle with these titles.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between 18W and 20W really noticeable?
While a 2W difference may seem small, the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus’s 20W charging will noticeably reduce charging times. Expect a faster top-up from 0% to 50% compared to the TCL 10 TabMax. This is particularly beneficial for users who need to quickly recharge their tablet during short breaks.
❓ Does the TCL 10 TabMax receive regular software updates?
TCL’s software update track record for tablets is less consistent than Lenovo’s. Users should expect fewer and potentially slower software updates for the TCL 10 TabMax compared to the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus, which benefits from Lenovo’s broader software support infrastructure.
