The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Umidigi G9 Tab 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 respective chipsets and the implications for everyday tasks, media consumption, and overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and faster charging, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) with the Snapdragon 680 (or Helio G80) is the better choice. While the Umidigi G9 Tab offers a competitive price, the Lenovo’s more efficient processor and 20W charging provide a smoother, more responsive experience.
| 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, 13, 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 | 2024, September | 2022, May |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, September | Available. Released 2022, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 257.3 x 168.8 x 9.1 mm (10.13 x 6.65 x 0.36 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 | 522 g (1.15 lb) | 465 g (1.03 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~137 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~220 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~80.8% 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 14 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMCP/uMCP |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (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 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 | Accelerometer, proximity (accessories only), compass | Accelerometer, proximity, gyro |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 20W wired |
| Type | 7200 mAh | Li-Po 7700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glacier Blue, Lake Green, Nebula Purple, Space Grey | Storm Grey, Frost Blue |
| Price | - | About 260 EUR |
Umidigi G9 Tab
- Lower price point makes it highly accessible.
- Acceptable performance for basic tasks.
- Potentially lighter weight due to simpler components.
- Unisoc T606 chipset is less powerful and efficient.
- Slower 18W charging.
- Likely less responsive UI experience.
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)
- More powerful Snapdragon 680 (or Helio G80) chipset.
- Faster 20W charging.
- Potentially LTE connectivity (depending on model).
- Generally more expensive than the Umidigi G9 Tab.
- May not offer significantly improved display quality.
- Software updates may be less frequent.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. Specifications are missing regarding panel type (IPS, TFT) and resolution, but both likely target a 1080p resolution given the market segment. The key difference lies in processing power impacting UI smoothness. Display quality will likely be similar, but the Lenovo’s more powerful chipset will contribute to a more fluid visual experience when scrolling and navigating the interface. Bezels are expected to be comparable on both devices, typical for this price range.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Details regarding sensor size and image processing are absent, but both tablets likely feature basic camera setups geared towards video calls and casual snapshots. Focusing on the main sensor, the Lenovo likely has a slight edge due to the more powerful ISP within the Snapdragon 680, potentially resulting in better image quality in favorable lighting conditions. Any 2MP macro or depth sensors on either device should be considered largely inconsequential.
Performance
The core differentiator is the chipset. The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) offers two variants: one with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) and another with the MediaTek Helio G80 (12nm). The Snapdragon 680, built on a 6nm process, provides a significant efficiency advantage over the Umidigi G9 Tab’s Unisoc T606 (12nm). This translates to better thermal management and sustained performance under load. The Snapdragon 680’s CPU configuration (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) also offers a performance edge over the Unisoc T606’s (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55). Users engaging in more demanding tasks like gaming or video editing will notice a substantial difference in responsiveness with the Lenovo.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, making a direct comparison difficult. However, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) benefits from 20W wired charging, compared to the Umidigi G9 Tab’s 18W. This faster charging speed will significantly reduce the time required to replenish the battery, offering a more convenient user experience. The Snapdragon 680’s superior power efficiency also contributes to potentially longer battery life during typical usage scenarios, offsetting any potential capacity differences.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi G9 Tab if you need a highly affordable tablet primarily for basic tasks like reading ebooks, light web browsing, and occasional video playback, and are willing to accept some performance limitations. Buy the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) if you prefer a more responsive experience for multitasking, streaming, and light gaming, and value faster charging speeds and potentially LTE connectivity depending on the model.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T606 in the Umidigi G9 Tab struggle with multitasking or running multiple apps simultaneously?
Yes, the Unisoc T606 is a relatively modest chipset. While it can handle basic multitasking, running several demanding apps concurrently may result in noticeable lag and slowdowns. The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) with the Snapdragon 680 will provide a significantly smoother multitasking experience.
❓ Does the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) support expandable storage via microSD card?
While not explicitly stated in the provided specifications, Lenovo tablets in this series typically include a microSD card slot for expandable storage. This is a valuable feature for users who plan to store a large number of files, photos, or videos on their tablet.
❓ What kind of gaming performance can I expect from the Umidigi G9 Tab?
The Umidigi G9 Tab is suitable for casual gaming with less demanding titles. However, graphically intensive games will likely require reduced settings and may still experience frame rate drops. The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) offers a more capable gaming experience, particularly with the Snapdragon 680 variant.
❓ Is the difference between the Snapdragon 680 and Helio G80 versions of the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) significant?
Yes, the Snapdragon 680 is generally more efficient and offers slightly better performance than the Helio G80. While both are capable chipsets, the Snapdragon 680 provides a smoother experience, especially during prolonged use and demanding tasks.
