Lenovo Tab M9 vs TCL Tab 10L Gen 3: Which Budget Tablet Reigns Supreme?
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lenovo Tab M9 emerges as the better choice. Its Helio G80 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the TCL Tab 10L Gen 3’s MT8768V, particularly in gaming and multitasking. While both offer 10W charging, the M9’s superior processing power justifies its slight price premium.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | TCL Tab 10L Gen 3 | Lenovo Tab M9 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 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, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2024, July | 2022, December 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, August | Available. Released 2023, March 14 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 241.2 x 156.6 x 8 mm (9.50 x 6.17 x 0.31 in) | 215.4 x 136.8 x 8 mm (8.48 x 5.39 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 472 g (1.04 lb) | 344 g (12.13 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~173 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~78.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 9.0 inches, 230.0 cm2 (~78.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 350 nits | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8768V/CX | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| 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 |
| - | eMMC 5.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| 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 |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Gray | Arctic Grey, Frost Blue |
| Models | 8493A | TB310FU |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 180 EUR |
TCL Tab 10L Gen 3
- Potentially larger screen size for immersive viewing.
- May offer slightly longer battery life due to potential larger battery capacity.
- Generally available at a lower price point.
- Less powerful MT8768V chipset results in slower performance.
- Likely less efficient processor leading to potential throttling.
- May struggle with demanding games and multitasking.
Lenovo Tab M9
- More powerful MediaTek Helio G80 chipset for smoother performance.
- More efficient 12nm process node for better thermal management.
- Improved gaming and multitasking capabilities.
- Smaller screen size compared to the TCL Tab 10L Gen 3.
- Slightly higher price point.
- May not have a significantly larger battery capacity.
Display Comparison
Both tablets likely feature IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, specific details like resolution and peak brightness are missing. The TCL Tab 10L Gen 3’s larger size suggests a more immersive viewing experience, but without knowing the exact specifications, it’s difficult to assess the quality. The Lenovo Tab M9’s smaller form factor may result in a sharper pixel density if the resolution is comparable. Neither manufacturer specifies features like wide color gamut support or high refresh rates, indicating a focus on cost reduction.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are positioned as budget devices, and camera quality typically takes a backseat. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both tablets feature basic cameras suitable for casual snapshots and video calls. Focusing on megapixel counts alone is misleading; image processing and sensor size are far more important. Given the price point, expect limited low-light performance and average image quality from both devices.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Lenovo Tab M9’s MediaTek Helio G80 (12nm) is a significantly more capable processor than the TCL Tab 10L Gen 3’s MediaTek MT8768V/CX. The Helio G80’s octa-core configuration, with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, provides a clear advantage in CPU-intensive tasks. The MT8768V/CX, while also octa-core, lacks the performance-focused A75 cores. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience on the M9. The 12nm process node of the Helio G80 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during prolonged use.
Battery Life
Both tablets are equipped with 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds. Actual battery life will depend on usage patterns and screen brightness. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the TCL Tab 10L Gen 3’s larger size *could* accommodate a slightly larger battery. However, the Lenovo Tab M9’s more efficient Helio G80 chipset may offset any capacity difference, resulting in comparable real-world battery life. Expect around 6-8 hours of moderate use from both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL Tab 10L Gen 3 if you prioritize a larger screen size for media consumption and basic tasks, and are on the absolute tightest budget. It’s suitable for casual users who primarily browse the web and stream videos. Buy the Lenovo Tab M9 if you need a more responsive tablet for light gaming, multitasking, and a smoother overall user experience. It’s ideal for students, families, and anyone who wants a bit more performance without breaking the bank.