Looking for an affordable Android tablet for browsing, streaming, and light gaming? The TCL Tab 10 HD 4G and Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 are popular contenders in the budget space. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 edges out the TCL Tab 10 HD 4G thanks to its slightly more powerful processor and more efficient 12nm manufacturing process. Both offer decent value, but the Lenovo provides a smoother overall experience, especially for multitasking.
| 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, 13, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 27 | 2020, August 31. Released 2020, November |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 243.2 x 158.2 x 9.2 mm (9.57 x 6.23 x 0.36 in) | 241.5 x 149.4 x 8.3 mm (9.51 x 5.88 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 448 g (15.80 oz) | 420 g (14.82 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~76.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8768E | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22T (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | 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, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5500 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Gray | Iron Gray, Platinum Gray |
| Models | - | TB-X306X |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 170 EUR |
TCL Tab 10 HD 4G
- Larger screen (10.1 inch)
- 4G connectivity
- Affordable price
- Slower processor
- Less efficient chipset
- Mediocre display quality
- Slow charging
Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2
- Slightly faster performance
- More efficient chipset (12nm)
- Better display quality
- More modern design
- Slightly smaller screen (10.1 inch)
- Still a budget device with limitations
- Slow charging
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 10.1-inch HD (1280x800) IPS displays. While the resolution is similar, the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 often exhibits slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles. The TCL Tab 10 HD 4G's display is adequate but can appear a bit washed out in certain lighting conditions. The Lenovo's screen is generally considered a bit more enjoyable for extended viewing.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department. Both feature basic 5MP front and rear cameras suitable for video calls and occasional snapshots. Image quality is generally mediocre, with limited detail and poor low-light performance. Don't expect to use these tablets for serious photography.
Performance
The Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2's Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22T chipset (12nm) provides a noticeable performance boost over the TCL Tab 10 HD 4G's MT8768E. The Helio P22T's slightly higher clock speeds and more modern architecture result in smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better overall responsiveness. While neither tablet is a powerhouse, the Lenovo handles everyday tasks more efficiently.
Battery Life
Both tablets offer similar battery life, typically lasting around 8-10 hours of moderate usage. The Lenovo's more efficient chipset contributes to slightly better battery optimization, but the difference is minimal. Both support 10W wired charging, which is relatively slow compared to modern fast-charging standards.
Buying Guide
The TCL Tab 10 HD 4G is a good choice for users prioritizing 4G connectivity and a larger screen for media consumption on a tight budget. The Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 is better suited for those who want a slightly faster performance and a more modern chipset, even if it means a slightly smaller screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the TCL Tab 10 HD 4G and the Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2?
The Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 has a slightly more powerful processor (Helio P22T) and a more efficient 12nm manufacturing process, resulting in better performance and battery life. The TCL Tab 10 HD 4G offers 4G connectivity and a slightly larger screen.
❓ Are these tablets good for gaming?
Neither tablet is ideal for demanding games. They can handle basic games and lighter titles, but you'll likely experience lag and reduced performance with more graphically intensive games.
