TCL Tab 10L Gen 3 vs. Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen): Which Budget Tablet Reigns Supreme?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) with the Snapdragon 680 chipset is the better choice. Its more efficient 6nm process and superior CPU architecture translate to a smoother user experience, especially with multitasking and demanding apps. The 20W charging is a significant advantage over the TCL's 10W.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | TCL Tab 10L Gen 3 | 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, 13, 17, 20, 26, 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 | 2024, July | 2022, May |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, August | Available. Released 2022, May |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 241.2 x 156.6 x 8 mm (9.50 x 6.17 x 0.31 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 | 472 g (1.04 lb) | 465 g (1.03 lb) |
| - | Stylus support | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~220 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~78.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.61 inches, 320.4 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 350 nits | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core | 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 | Mediatek MT8768V/CX | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) - LTE model Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) - Wi-Fi only model |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 - LTE model Mali-G52 MC2 - Wi-Fi only model |
| OS | Android 14 | 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 | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, 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 (accessories only) | Accelerometer, proximity, gyro |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 20W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 7700 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Gray | Storm Grey, Frost Blue |
| Models | 8493A | - |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 260 EUR |
TCL Tab 10L Gen 3
- Lower upfront cost
- Simple and streamlined user experience
- Adequate for basic tasks
- Slower processor
- Slow 10W charging
- Less efficient chipset
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)
- Faster Snapdragon 680 (LTE model) or Helio G80 (Wi-Fi model)
- Faster 20W charging
- Potential for 4G LTE connectivity (LTE model)
- Generally higher price
- Performance varies significantly between LTE and Wi-Fi models
- May require careful model selection
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Lenovo provide detailed display specifications beyond screen size. However, the display is likely to be an IPS LCD panel on both devices, typical for this price range. The absence of information regarding peak brightness, color gamut coverage, or refresh rate suggests both tablets prioritize cost savings over display quality. Bezels are expected to be relatively thick on both models. The lack of high-resolution panels means color accuracy will likely be average on both.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both devices likely feature basic camera setups geared towards video calls rather than photography. Detailed camera specs are unavailable, but given the price point, image quality will be limited, especially in low-light conditions. Focusing on megapixel counts would be misleading without knowing sensor size and lens quality.
Performance
The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) offers a significant performance advantage, *depending on the model*. The LTE version boasts the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm), featuring a Kryo CPU architecture with 4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold and 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver cores. This 6nm process provides superior power efficiency compared to the Mediatek MT8768V/CX (12nm) in the TCL Tab 10L Gen 3. The Wi-Fi only version of the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus uses the Mediatek Helio G80, which is still a step up from the MT8768V, though less efficient than the Snapdragon. The Snapdragon 680’s architecture is designed for sustained performance, benefiting users who engage in multitasking or light gaming. The TCL’s Mediatek chipset, while adequate for basic tasks, will likely exhibit more noticeable slowdowns under heavier loads.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) gains a crucial advantage with its 20W wired charging. This significantly reduces charging times compared to the TCL Tab 10L Gen 3’s slow 10W charging. Even with a similar battery capacity, the Lenovo will offer a more convenient user experience, allowing for quicker top-ups. The Snapdragon 680’s 6nm efficiency also contributes to potentially longer battery life during typical usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL Tab 10L Gen 3 if you prioritize simplicity and a lower upfront cost, and your tablet usage is limited to basic tasks like web browsing and light video consumption. Buy the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) if you value performance, faster charging, and the potential for 4G connectivity (LTE model), making it a more versatile and future-proof option.