The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the TCL Tab 10L and Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) represent compelling options for users seeking affordable Android experiences. This comparison dives deep into their specifications, focusing on performance differences stemming from their distinct chipsets and how those translate into real-world usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 680 (or Helio G80) chipset delivers significantly better performance than the TCL Tab 10L’s Mediatek MT8167, making it more responsive for multitasking and demanding applications. While the TCL Tab 10L offers a lower entry price, the Lenovo’s improved processing power justifies the slight premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 26, 28, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat13 390/75 Mbps - cellular model only |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 04 | 2022, May |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, Q3 | Available. Released 2022, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 243.2 x 158.2 x 9.2 mm (9.57 x 6.23 x 0.36 in) | 251.2 x 158.8 x 7.5 mm (9.89 x 6.25 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 426 g (15.03 oz) | 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 (~76.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.61 inches, 320.4 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A35 | 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 MT8167 | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) - LTE model Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) - Wi-Fi only model |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | Adreno 610 - LTE model Mali-G52 MC2 - Wi-Fi only model |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMCP/uMCP |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | 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 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity, gyro |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 20W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4080 mAh | Li-Po 7700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Prime Black | Storm Grey, Frost Blue |
| Models | 8491X | - |
| Price | - | About 260 EUR |
TCL Tab 10L
- Lower price point makes it very accessible.
- Suitable for basic tasks like reading and web browsing.
- Lightweight and portable design.
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Lenovo.
- Older chipset may struggle with multitasking.
- Charging speed likely slower than the Lenovo.
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)
- Much faster performance thanks to the Snapdragon 680 or Helio G80.
- 20W fast charging reduces downtime.
- More responsive user interface and smoother multitasking.
- Slightly higher price compared to the TCL Tab 10L.
- Camera quality is still likely to be basic.
- Battery capacity not explicitly stated.
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Lenovo provide detailed display specifications beyond screen size. However, given the price points, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The key difference lies in the processing power driving them. The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus benefits from a more capable GPU, potentially enabling smoother video playback and a more responsive UI. The TCL Tab 10L, with its older chipset, may exhibit slight lag during fast-paced animations. Bezels are expected to be similar on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are positioned as budget devices, and image quality will likely be adequate for basic video calls and casual snapshots. Detailed camera specifications are unavailable, but it’s safe to assume both feature modest sensors. Focusing on the chipset’s image signal processor (ISP) capabilities, the Snapdragon 680 in the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus will likely offer slightly better image processing and noise reduction compared to the TCL Tab 10L’s older chipset.
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’s Mediatek MT8167. 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 boost and improved power efficiency compared to the TCL’s quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A35. The Helio G80, while less efficient, still offers a significant upgrade in CPU and GPU performance. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable overall user experience on the Lenovo.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) gains an advantage with its 20W wired charging support. The TCL Tab 10L’s charging speed is unknown, but is likely slower. This faster charging capability on the Lenovo means less downtime and quicker top-ups, a significant convenience factor for users who rely on their tablets throughout the day. While a larger battery capacity is always preferable, the efficiency gains from the Snapdragon 680 could offset a slightly smaller battery size in the Lenovo.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL Tab 10L if you need a basic tablet for extremely light tasks like reading ebooks, simple web browsing, and occasional video playback, and your budget is the absolute primary concern. Buy the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) if you prioritize smoother performance for multitasking, streaming, light gaming, and appreciate the faster charging capabilities, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the TCL Tab 10L struggle with video streaming services like Netflix or YouTube?
The TCL Tab 10L’s Mediatek MT8167 chipset may exhibit some lag or buffering when streaming high-resolution video, particularly on demanding platforms like Netflix. While it can handle standard definition content, 1080p streaming might be a less smooth experience compared to the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus.
❓ Does the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) support split-screen multitasking effectively?
Yes, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen), especially the Snapdragon 680 variant, handles split-screen multitasking much more effectively than the TCL Tab 10L. The more powerful processor and ample RAM allow for smoother operation when running two apps simultaneously.
❓ Is the difference between the Snapdragon 680 and Helio G80 versions of the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus significant?
Yes, the Snapdragon 680 offers a noticeable performance and efficiency advantage over the Helio G80. The Snapdragon 680’s 6nm process results in better thermal management and longer battery life, while its CPU and GPU provide a smoother experience for demanding tasks.
❓ Can either tablet be used for light gaming?
The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) is better suited for light gaming. The Snapdragon 680 or Helio G80 can handle less demanding titles at moderate settings. The TCL Tab 10L’s MT8167 will struggle with most modern games, even at the lowest settings.
