The Android tablet market is heating up, with options ranging from budget-friendly media consumers to high-performance powerhouses. The ZTE nubia Pad 3D II, boasting the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, directly challenges the established Lenovo Tab P12 Pro, powered by the still-capable Snapdragon 870. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and future-proofing, the ZTE nubia Pad 3D II is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset offers a significant leap in processing power and efficiency. However, the Lenovo Tab P12 Pro remains a compelling option for those seeking a refined experience and excellent value.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only |
| Technology | 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, February 28 | 2021, September 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, Q2 | Available. Released 2021, November 19 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back | - |
| Dimensions | - | 285.6 x 184.5 x 5.6 mm (11.24 x 7.26 x 0.22 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | - | 565 g (1.25 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | - |
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~249 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~240 ppi density) |
| Size | 12.1 inches, 424.5 cm2 | 12.6 inches, 460.3 cm2 (~87.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 144Hz | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 740 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), AF
13 MP, (wide), AF | 13 MP, (wide), AF
5 MP, (ultrawide) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama, stereoscopic Al-powered 3D capture | - |
| Video | 1200p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, f.2,2, 105˚ (ultrawide)
8 MP, f.2,2, 105˚ (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | Stereoscopic Al-powered 3D capture | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, (wide)
8 MP, IR TOF 3D, (biometrics sensor only) |
| Video | 1200p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| | - | JBL speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (wireless charging and data transfer only) |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a) | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG, magnetic connector, video output | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity (accessories only) | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired | 45W wired, QC4 |
| Type | 10000 mAh | Li-Po 10200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray | Storm Grey |
| Models | - | TB-Q706Z, TB-Q706F |
| Price | About 1300 EUR | About 520 EUR |
ZTE nubia Pad 3D II
- Significantly faster processor with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- Faster 66W wired charging
- More efficient 4nm process for better battery life
- Potential for higher price
- Software experience may be less refined than Lenovo
Lenovo Tab P12 Pro
- Excellent value proposition
- Well-established Lenovo software experience
- Capable Snapdragon 870 processor for most tasks
- Slower 45W charging
- Less powerful processor compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
Display Comparison
While both tablets likely feature high-quality LCD panels (specific panel details are missing), the core difference lies in the processing power driving them. Display quality will be heavily influenced by calibration, which is currently unknown for both devices. Bezels are a key consideration, and visual inspection would be needed to determine which tablet offers a more immersive experience. Color accuracy is also a critical factor, and independent testing would be required to assess each tablet's performance in this area.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is significantly more advanced than the 870’s, offering improved image processing capabilities, noise reduction, and dynamic range. This suggests the nubia Pad 3D II will likely capture superior photos and videos, even with similar sensor sizes. The absence of detailed sensor information makes a definitive statement impossible, but the chipset advantage is undeniable.
Performance
The ZTE nubia Pad 3D II’s Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) represents a substantial generational leap over the Lenovo Tab P12 Pro’s Snapdragon 870 (7nm). The 8 Gen 2’s Cortex-X3 prime core, clocked at 3.2 GHz, provides significantly higher peak performance compared to the Kryo 585 in the 870. The newer architecture and smaller 4nm process node also translate to improved power efficiency, potentially leading to longer battery life under sustained load and reduced thermal throttling. The nubia Pad 3D II will excel in graphically intensive tasks and multitasking.
Battery Life
The nubia Pad 3D II’s 66W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Lenovo Tab P12 Pro’s 45W charging with Quick Charge 4.0. This faster charging speed will significantly reduce the time required to replenish the battery, offering greater convenience. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the nubia Pad 3D II could offset a potentially smaller battery size, resulting in comparable or even better real-world battery life. The 870, while efficient, is older technology.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE nubia Pad 3D II if you demand the absolute best Android tablet performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, or running complex applications. Buy the Lenovo Tab P12 Pro if you prioritize a well-rounded experience with a focus on media consumption, productivity, and a more established software ecosystem, all at a potentially lower price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the nubia Pad 3D II handle demanding games like Genshin Impact at maximum settings?
Yes, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is designed to handle even the most graphically intensive mobile games at maximum settings with consistently high frame rates. Its Adreno 740 GPU is a significant upgrade over the Adreno 660 in the Snapdragon 870, ensuring a smooth and immersive gaming experience.
❓ Is the 45W charging on the Lenovo Tab P12 Pro sufficient for all-day use, or will I need to top it up frequently?
While 45W charging is respectable, the actual charging time will depend on battery capacity (which is currently unknown). The Snapdragon 870 is relatively efficient, but heavy usage, such as prolonged gaming or video streaming, will likely require a mid-day top-up to ensure all-day battery life. The nubia Pad 3D II's 66W charging offers a faster solution.
❓ Does the nubia Pad 3D II benefit from LPDDR5X RAM, and how does that impact performance?
While not explicitly stated, it's highly probable the nubia Pad 3D II utilizes LPDDR5X RAM given its flagship status and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2's support. LPDDR5X offers significantly faster data transfer rates compared to LPDDR5, resulting in quicker app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved overall system responsiveness.
