Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) vs TCL Tab 10L Gen2: A Detailed Comparison

The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the TCL Tab 10L Gen2 and Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) represent compelling options for users seeking affordable Android experiences. However, significant differences in chipset architecture and charging capabilities separate these two devices, impacting performance and usability. This comparison dives deep into these distinctions to help you choose the right tablet for your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 680 (or Helio G80) chipset delivers substantially better performance than the TCL Tab 10L Gen2’s Mediatek MT8766B, and the 20W charging significantly reduces downtime. While the TCL offers a lower entry price, the Lenovo’s improved experience justifies the cost.

PHONES
Phone Names TCL Tab 10L Gen2 Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 26, 28, 28, 38, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA, LTE - cellular model onlyHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat13 390/75 Mbps - cellular model only
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2023, August 292022, May
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, SeptemberAvailable. Released 2022, May
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum frame-
Dimensions241.2 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)
SIMNano-SIM (cellular model only)Nano-SIM (cellular model only)
Weight472 g (1.04 lb)465 g (1.03 lb)
 -Stylus support
Display
Resolution800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density)1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~220 ppi density)
Size10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~78.3% screen-to-body ratio)10.61 inches, 320.4 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 350 nitsIPS LCD, 400 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUQuad-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)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
ChipsetMediatek MT8766BQualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) - LTE model Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) - Wi-Fi only model
GPUPowerVR GE8300Adreno 610 - LTE model Mali-G52 MC2 - Wi-Fi only model
OSAndroid 13Android 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 3GB RAM32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
 -eMCP/uMCP
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash-
Single2 MP8 MP, AF
VideoYes1080p
Selfie camera
Single2 MP8 MP
VideoYes-
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with dual speakersYes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS - cellular model onlyGPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only
RadioUnspecifiedFM Radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsAccelerometerAccelerometer, proximity, gyro
Battery
Charging10W wired20W wired
TypeLi-Po 6000 mAhLi-Po 7700 mAh
Misc
ColorsSpace BlackStorm Grey, Frost Blue
Models8192A, 8492A-
PriceAbout 110 EURAbout 260 EUR

TCL Tab 10L Gen2

  • Lower price point makes it highly accessible.
  • Sufficient for basic tasks like web browsing and video playback.
  • Lightweight and portable design.

  • Significantly weaker performance compared to the Lenovo.
  • Slow 10W charging.
  • Limited multitasking capabilities.

Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)

  • Faster and more responsive performance thanks to the Snapdragon 680 or Helio G80.
  • 20W fast charging reduces downtime.
  • Better suited for multitasking and demanding applications.

  • Higher price compared to the TCL Tab 10L Gen2.
  • May not offer a dramatically improved display experience.
  • Software updates may be less frequent than higher-end tablets.

Display Comparison

Neither TCL nor Lenovo provide detailed display specifications beyond screen size. However, the choice of chipset hints at potential display differences. The Lenovo, with its more powerful processor, is more likely to support a higher resolution panel and potentially a higher refresh rate, though this isn't confirmed. Both tablets likely utilize IPS LCD technology, common in this price bracket. Bezels are expected to be similar, prioritizing cost-effectiveness over premium aesthetics.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are expected to feature basic camera setups geared towards video calls rather than photography. Detailed camera specs are unavailable, but given the price point, image quality will likely be similar – adequate for casual use but not competitive with smartphones. Focusing on the chipset's image signal processor (ISP) capabilities, the Snapdragon 680 in the Lenovo will likely offer slightly better image processing and noise reduction.

Performance

The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) offers two chipset options: the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) in LTE models and the MediaTek Helio G80 (12nm) in Wi-Fi only models. Both are vastly superior to the TCL Tab 10L Gen2’s Mediatek MT8766B. The Snapdragon 680’s octa-core configuration (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) and 6nm process provide a substantial performance and efficiency advantage over the TCL’s quad-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) and older architecture. The Helio G80, while less efficient, still offers a significant performance uplift over the MT8766B. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience on the Lenovo.

Battery Life

While battery capacity isn't specified, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) gains a significant advantage with its 20W wired charging. This is double the 10W charging speed of the TCL Tab 10L Gen2. Faster charging dramatically reduces downtime, allowing users to quickly top up their battery and resume usage. Even if the TCL has a slightly larger battery capacity, the Lenovo’s faster charging will likely result in a more convenient user experience.

Buying Guide

Buy the TCL Tab 10L Gen2 if you prioritize absolute affordability and only need a tablet for very basic tasks like web browsing and light video consumption. Its Mediatek chipset is sufficient for these workloads, and the lower price point makes it attractive for budget-conscious buyers. Buy the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) if you value performance, faster charging, and a more responsive user experience. The Snapdragon 680 (or Helio G80) provides a noticeable boost in speed, making it better suited for multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the TCL Tab 10L Gen2 struggle with multiple apps open simultaneously?
Yes, the TCL Tab 10L Gen2’s Mediatek MT8766B chipset and limited RAM are likely to result in noticeable slowdowns and app reloading when multitasking. It’s best suited for running one app at a time.
❓ Does the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) support streaming services like Netflix and YouTube in HD?
Yes, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen), particularly the Snapdragon 680 variant, is capable of streaming Netflix and YouTube content in HD resolution. The more powerful processor ensures smooth playback without buffering.
❓ Is the difference between the Snapdragon 680 and Helio G80 versions of the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) significant?
Yes, the Snapdragon 680 offers a noticeable performance and efficiency advantage over the Helio G80. While both are capable, the Snapdragon 680 provides a smoother experience for demanding tasks and longer battery life.
❓ Can either tablet be used for light gaming?
The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) is better suited for light gaming due to its more powerful chipset. The TCL Tab 10L Gen2 may struggle with graphically intensive games, experiencing low frame rates and lag.