The tablet market offers a surprising range of options, even on a budget. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the rugged Ulefone Armor Pad and the more mainstream Lenovo Tab M8 (HD). Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which one comes out on top.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Ulefone Armor Pad wins for durability and battery life, boasting incredible endurance and a rugged design. However, the Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) offers a slightly smoother user experience and potentially better software support. It depends on your priorities: ruggedness vs. refinement.
| 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 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 19, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 22 | 2019, September. Released 2019, October |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 22 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 213 x 128.8 x 14 mm (8.39 x 5.07 x 0.55 in) | 199.1 x 121.8 x 8.2 mm (7.84 x 4.80 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 560 g (1.23 lb) | 305 g (10.76 oz) |
| | IP68/IP69K dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.5m
MIL-STD-810H compliant
Accessory connector (ulefone endoscope, microscope) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 4 | - |
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~67.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~76.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, AF | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 2 MP |
| Video | Yes | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio, RDS, recording | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG, magnetic connector | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W Wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 7650 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Iron Grey, Platinum Grey |
| Models | - | TB-8505X, TB-8505F, TB-8505FS |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 83:38h endurance, 1000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class F | - |
| Free fall | Class A (270 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class C | - |
Ulefone Armor Pad
- Exceptional battery life
- Rugged and durable design
- Better performance than Lenovo Tab M8 (HD)
- Large screen size
- Potentially lower display quality
- Software updates may be limited
- Bulkier and heavier than Lenovo Tab M8 (HD)
Lenovo Tab M8 (HD)
- Compact and lightweight
- Potentially better software support
- More common display technology (better color accuracy)
- Affordable price
- Weaker performance
- Shorter battery life
- Less durable design
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature HD displays, but the Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) likely has slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its more common panel technology. The Armor Pad's display is likely functional but may lack the vibrancy of the Lenovo.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality on budget tablets is generally underwhelming. The Armor Pad likely has a basic camera setup, while the Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) probably offers a marginally better experience, but don't expect high-quality photos from either.
Performance
The Ulefone Armor Pad's Octa-core Helio G25 provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Lenovo Tab M8 (HD)'s Quad-core Helio A22. Expect smoother multitasking and slightly faster app loading on the Armor Pad. However, neither is a powerhouse.
Battery Life
The Ulefone Armor Pad's battery life is its standout feature, boasting an incredible 83:38h endurance and 1000 cycles. This far surpasses the Lenovo Tab M8 (HD)'s battery performance, making the Armor Pad a clear winner for longevity.
Buying Guide
The Ulefone Armor Pad is ideal for those needing a durable tablet for outdoor use, construction, or demanding environments. The Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) is a great choice for casual users, students, or anyone seeking a compact and affordable tablet for media consumption and light tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Ulefone Armor Pad waterproof?
The Ulefone Armor Pad is advertised as waterproof and dustproof, typically with an IP68 or IP69 rating, though specific details should be confirmed on the product page.
❓ What operating system do these tablets use?
Both tablets likely run Android, but the specific version and manufacturer's customizations may differ. The Lenovo Tab M8 (HD) may receive more frequent updates.
