The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, offering a range of options for users seeking entertainment and productivity on the go. We pit the Umidigi G5 Tab, powered by a Unisoc T606, against the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen), available with either a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 or MediaTek Helio G80, to determine which delivers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and faster charging, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) with the Snapdragon 680 is the better choice. Its more efficient 6nm process and faster CPU cores translate to a smoother experience, despite the Umidigi G5 Tab offering a competitive price point.
| 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, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 26, 28, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat13 390/75 Mbps - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023 | 2022, May |
| Status | Available. Released 2023 | Available. Released 2022, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 239.3 x 158.1 x 8.2 mm (9.42 x 6.22 x 0.32 in) | 251.2 x 158.8 x 7.5 mm (9.89 x 6.25 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 465 g (1.03 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 (~78.2% 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 | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | 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 | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) - LTE model Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) - Wi-Fi only model |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 610 - LTE model Mali-G52 MC2 - Wi-Fi only model |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMCP/uMCP |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | FM Radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity (accessories only), compass | Accelerometer, proximity, gyro |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 20W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 7700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Grey | Storm Grey, Frost Blue |
| Price | - | About 260 EUR |
Umidigi G5 Tab
- More affordable price point
- Acceptable for basic tasks
- Lightweight and portable
- Slower processor and graphics
- Slower 10W charging
- Less efficient chipset
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)
- Faster Snapdragon 680 (in some models) offers superior performance
- 20W fast charging for quicker top-ups
- Potential for 4G LTE connectivity (Snapdragon variant)
- Higher price compared to Umidigi G5 Tab
- Helio G80 variant is less powerful than Snapdragon 680
- May not be significantly better for extremely light tasks
Display Comparison
Neither tablet boasts a particularly standout display. While specific display specs like brightness and color accuracy are unavailable, the focus here is on basic usability. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus’s slightly larger screen size (typically 10.61 inches vs. the Umidigi’s 10.1 inches) offers a more immersive viewing experience. Bezels are expected to be similar on both, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are equipped with basic camera setups primarily intended for video calls. Detailed sensor information is lacking, but it’s safe to assume both feature modest resolution main sensors. Focusing on image processing is unlikely to be a priority at this price point, so image quality will be heavily reliant on lighting conditions. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device further limits their photographic capabilities.
Performance
The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) offers a significant performance advantage, *depending on the variant*. The Snapdragon 680 (6nm) model features Kryo 265 Gold cores clocked at 2.4 GHz, a substantial leap over the Unisoc T606’s 1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 cores. The 6nm process of the Snapdragon also provides superior power efficiency, reducing thermal throttling during sustained workloads. The Wi-Fi only variant with the Helio G80 (12nm) is still a step up from the Unisoc T606, but the Snapdragon version is the clear winner. The Unisoc T606 in the Umidigi G5 Tab is adequate for basic tasks, but will struggle with demanding applications or multitasking.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While specific battery capacities are not provided, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) benefits from the more efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset, potentially extending runtime. Crucially, the Lenovo supports 20W wired charging, significantly faster than the Umidigi G5 Tab’s 10W charging. This translates to a much quicker 0-100% charge time, a significant convenience factor for users who rely on their tablet throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi G5 Tab if you need a highly affordable tablet for basic tasks like reading ebooks, light web browsing, and occasional video playback, and are willing to accept slower performance. Buy the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) if you prioritize a more responsive user experience, faster charging, and the potential for 4G connectivity (Snapdragon variant), making it ideal for streaming and on-the-go productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 680 in the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus handle multitasking well?
Yes, the Snapdragon 680, with its Kryo 265 Gold cores and efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeably smoother multitasking experience compared to the Unisoc T606. You can comfortably switch between several apps without significant slowdowns, making it suitable for students or users who frequently juggle multiple tasks.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Umidigi G5 Tab a significant drawback?
Yes, the 10W charging is a considerable limitation. Expect a much longer charging time – potentially several hours – to fully replenish the battery. This is particularly inconvenient if you rely on your tablet throughout the day and need quick top-ups.
❓ Which version of the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) should I buy – the Snapdragon or Helio G80 model?
If your budget allows, the Snapdragon 680 variant is highly recommended. The performance difference is substantial, offering a smoother and more responsive experience. The Helio G80 model is still an improvement over the Umidigi G5 Tab, but the Snapdragon version provides the best value for performance.
❓ Can either of these tablets be used for light gaming?
Both tablets can handle light gaming, but don't expect high frame rates or demanding graphics settings. The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) with the Snapdragon 680 will offer a better gaming experience, capable of running less intensive titles at playable frame rates. The Umidigi G5 Tab will struggle with more demanding games.
