The tablet market offers a wide range of options, but finding the right balance between performance and price can be challenging. We pit the vivo Pad5e, powered by the high-end Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, against the more affordable Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen), featuring either a Snapdragon 680 or Helio G80, to determine which tablet delivers the best experience for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the vivo Pad5e is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset offers significantly faster processing and graphics capabilities. However, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) provides a compelling value proposition for casual users who prioritize affordability and basic functionality.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 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 | 2025, October 13 | 2022, May |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, October 17 | Available. Released 2022, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 266.4 x 192 x 6.6 mm (10.49 x 7.56 x 0.26 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 | 584 g or 591 g (1.29 lb) | 465 g (1.03 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1968 x 2800 pixels (~283 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~220 ppi density) |
| Size | 12.1 inches, 444.4 cm2 (~86.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.61 inches, 320.4 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10, 900 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A720 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A520) | 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 | Qualcomm SM8635 Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) - LTE model Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) - Wi-Fi only model |
| GPU | Adreno 735 | Adreno 610 - LTE model Mali-G52 MC2 - Wi-Fi only model |
| OS | Android 15, OriginOS 5 HD | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMCP/uMCP |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | Unspecified | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | FM Radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2, OTG, magnetic connector | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity (accessories only), gyro | Accelerometer, proximity, gyro |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 44W wired, PD
5W reverse wired | 20W wired |
| Type | 10000 mAh | Li-Po 7700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue, Purple, Green, Gray, Silver | Storm Grey, Frost Blue |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 260 EUR |
vivo Pad5e
- Significantly faster processor (Snapdragon 8s Gen 3)
- Faster 44W charging with PD
- Potentially better display quality
- Likely higher price point
- May require more frequent charging if used heavily
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)
- More affordable price
- Decent performance for basic tasks
- LTE connectivity option available
- Slower processor (Snapdragon 680 or Helio G80)
- Slower 20W charging
- Less future-proof
Display Comparison
While both tablets likely feature IPS LCD panels (specific panel details are unavailable), the performance disparity begins here. The vivo Pad5e, benefiting from its higher-end positioning, is expected to have a higher peak brightness and potentially better color accuracy. The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) will likely offer a more standard viewing experience. The absence of LTPO technology in either device suggests neither will offer adaptive refresh rates for power saving.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a primary focus for either tablet, but the vivo Pad5e likely benefits from a more sophisticated image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. While specific sensor details are missing, the vivo Pad5e is expected to produce more detailed and vibrant images. The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) will likely offer adequate image quality for casual snapshots and video calls, but won’t compete in low-light conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The vivo Pad5e’s Qualcomm SM8635 Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4nm) is a significant leap ahead of the Lenovo’s options. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3’s Cortex-X4 prime core clocked at 3.0 GHz, coupled with its advanced GPU, will deliver substantially faster performance in both single-core and multi-core tasks. The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) offers either the Snapdragon 680 (6nm) or the Mediatek Helio G80 (12nm). The Snapdragon 680, while efficient, is geared towards everyday tasks, while the Helio G80 is a step down, particularly in graphics performance. The 4nm process of the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 also translates to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended use. The vivo Pad5e likely utilizes faster LPDDR5x RAM, further enhancing responsiveness.
Battery Life
The vivo Pad5e’s 44W wired charging with PD support is a significant advantage over the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen)’s 20W charging. This means the vivo Pad5e will charge much faster, minimizing downtime. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the more efficient Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 in the vivo Pad5e could potentially offset a slightly smaller battery capacity, offering comparable or even better real-world battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Pad5e if you need a tablet capable of handling demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, or multitasking. Its superior chipset and faster charging will significantly enhance your productivity and entertainment. Buy the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) if you prefer a budget-friendly tablet for basic tasks like web browsing, streaming videos, and light productivity. It’s ideal for families or users who don’t require high-end performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 680 in the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) struggle with multitasking?
The Snapdragon 680 is designed for everyday tasks. While it can handle some multitasking, running multiple demanding apps simultaneously may result in noticeable slowdowns and lag. The vivo Pad5e’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 offers a far smoother multitasking experience.
❓ Does the vivo Pad5e support high refresh rate gaming?
While the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is capable of driving high refresh rate displays, neither device is confirmed to have a display exceeding 60Hz. However, the 8s Gen 3’s powerful GPU will deliver significantly higher frame rates in games compared to the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen), even at 60Hz.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between 44W and 20W noticeable in real-world use?
Absolutely. 44W charging will significantly reduce the time it takes to fully charge the vivo Pad5e. You can expect a much faster top-up, making it more convenient for users who are frequently on the go. The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) will take considerably longer to reach a full charge.
❓ Which tablet is better for students taking notes and reading e-books?
Both tablets are suitable for these tasks, but the vivo Pad5e’s faster processor and potentially brighter display could offer a more comfortable and responsive experience, especially when using stylus-based note-taking apps. However, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) provides a more affordable option for basic student needs.
